Ch.64Should I hold your hand like I did back then?

The reason why the ratings suddenly skyrocketed.

It wasn’t simply because of Kim Donghu’s appearance.

There was an even bigger contributor to this success.

ㄴSomehow I thought it was suspicious how they showed Kim Donghu’s face in the next episode preview

ㄴEven reporters were asking “Is Kim Donghu coming back?” It was pretty obvious;

ㄴThey were basically saying “Kim Donghu is definitely returning, so make sure to watch”

It was because they actively promoted that Kim Donghu would appear.

People who already watch dramas will continue watching anyway.

ㄴI stopped watching after Kim Donghu grew up, but I started watching again after seeing that preview

ㄴFor swordsmanship, it has to be Kim Donghu. His acting was intense back then

ㄴAn acquaintance told me Kim Donghu’s swordsmanship is real… he doesn’t even use stunt doubles

The way to increase ratings is to get people who don’t watch the drama to start watching.

The only way to bring back viewers who had already left was through promotion.

By promoting the content outside the work itself,

those living in reality would be drawn into the drama.

And this strategy worked perfectly.

The mention of Kim Donghu mobilized Kim Donghu’s fandom.

“The strategy was brilliant. That suggestion to leak a few filming scenes to fan cafés…!”

“Noise marketing is the most basic tactic.”

On top of that, someone “accidentally” uploaded photos of Kim Donghu filming to a fan café.

Naturally, it caught everyone’s attention.

And the result of putting all their promotional efforts into this?

“I can say it a hundred times without getting tired—32% ratings!”

The show was already in the high 20% range.

They vaguely thought that with some definitive catalyst, it could exceed 30%.

But they never dreamed it would reach 32% because of Kim Donghu.

‘At this point, isn’t he just a ratings-boosting device?’

Like how adding ramen seasoning can fix a failed dish.

Maybe if you want to exceed 30% ratings, you just need to add Kim Donghu.

That was actually the case.

Both dramas Kim Donghu had appeared in so far had exceeded 30%.

‘Usually when someone does projects back-to-back, at least one should fail.’

Whether it was the actor’s touch or just luck.

Kim Donghu hadn’t had a failure since his debut.

Having followed this train of thought, Director Jung Doseon immediately spoke up.

“What did KBC give to actor Kim Donghu when they exceeded 30% ratings last time?”

“The details aren’t public, but they reportedly gave him favorable terms for overseas distribution rights and his next project contract.”

“Really? So they didn’t give him any physical gifts?”

“Pardon? Yes, that’s what I understand.”

It’s a shame not to send something to someone who helped you exceed 30% ratings.

“Get him something for his wrist that’s not too burdensome, but shows sincerity.”

This is how you show appreciation and ask for continued success in future projects.

After finishing his statement, Doseon calmly took out a card from his pocket.

“And today, nobody should think about going home.”

“P-pardon, Director?”

“Do I still look like just a director to you?”

Today I’m your party train conductor, taking you all the way to round five. Let’s go.

At those words, everyone in the conference room cheered.

+++++

Shortly after news broke that Swordsman Baek Dong-soo had exceeded 30%.

“…Wow, what is this?”

A clearly expensive-looking watch arrived addressed to me.

Judging by the letter included with the package, it seemed to be from SKS.

Even though I know nothing about watches,

it gave off the distinct impression of being high quality.

‘Just to be safe, I’d better not wear it for now.’

I’ll send a thank-you note separately.

For now, I carefully put the watch back in its box and placed it in a drawer.

Actually, this wasn’t the time to focus on watches.

>Kim Donghu, you’re crazy! Another 30%? But when did you film that while filming with me?

>I heard you exceeded 30% again. Donghu, you know movies are still better than dramas, right?

>Donghu, I heard you exceeded 30% again, congratulations. And can I ask if you’re planning to extend your school uniform advertisement contract?

>Donghu! I watched it live! It was really fun, deserving of 30%!

>Don’t lie, Kim Minhyeok, you were sleeping then ㅡㅡ; Only Kangsik and I watched it

>Yerim is right.

From close acquaintances to directors and group chats.

I was busy responding to congratulatory messages from various sources.

I expected this after hitting 10 million viewers, but.

With consecutive successes and an expanding circle of acquaintances, the volume was enormous.

My phone even died once because of all the incoming messages.

While sending replies, I glanced at the date and felt how quickly time was passing.

‘It’s already November in the blink of an eye.’

Meanwhile, filming for Eclipse was progressing smoothly.

For some reason, NGs on set were gradually decreasing,

which meant completion was happening faster than imagined.

‘Time really flies.’

While thinking these random thoughts and sending replies.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

After a long time, a message from Sims – Real Life arrived.

Considering the circumstances, it seemed to be related to the future.

‘What is it this time?’

Checking the content with anticipation.

There was a video uploaded.

‘A video suddenly?’

Just one video without any explanation.

Without hesitation, I played it immediately.

Then.

-Hurry! We need to get there quickly, this is bad.

Starting with Seokho hyung’s urgent voice.

-The roads are jammed because it’s the end of the year…

-I’ll pay double, no, quadruple!

-But still, this… Oh, it looks like there’s been an accident?

-This is driving me crazy! We need to get there quickly!

The scene showed an argument with a taxi driver.

‘I think I’m there too?’

What’s this all about?

It’s clear this situation happens, but.

I couldn’t immediately figure out why this was happening.

‘Wait, end of the year?’

When he mentioned the end of the year, one thing came to mind.

‘Year-end award ceremonies!’

Am I trying to attend two places at once?

+++++

In the chilly winter winds of December.

As the child actor filming for Eclipse was nearly complete.

Writer Yeo Sujeong, who visited the set, couldn’t help but be amazed.

‘It’s exactly as I drew it.’

How could their acting chemistry be so good, and their faces match so perfectly?

She couldn’t help thinking that she wished they would actually date.

‘Our Donghu really fits in anywhere.’

Put him in a military uniform, he’s a handsome soldier,

Put him in traditional clothes, he’s a handsome prince,

There was something about him that made creative inspiration overflow just by looking at him.

‘Hmm…’

In admiration and joy, Writer Yeo Sujeong stared blankly at Kim Donghu’s acting.

Perhaps because they were nearing the end, the separation of the two child characters was approaching.

‘His acting is really good.’

The helplessness of watching your partner dying.

Fingertips hesitating, afraid to even hold hands.

The fear that someone precious might disappear before your eyes.

All those emotions mixed together, clearly visible in Kim Donghu’s eyes.

“…Your Highness.”

At Kim Sujin’s brief line, everyone silently expressed their admiration.

From the beginning of filming with Kim Donghu, her emotional acting was impressively intense.

When the moment came to truly perform that emotion, she unleashed her potential perfectly.

Like a child who must part with someone they truly love.

How could someone so young act like that?

As faint tears signaled the time for farewell,

“Cut! That’s it!”

Under the director’s satisfied OK signal, everyone began to relax.

“Hic…hic…hic…”

Tears suddenly poured from Kim Sujin’s face, her emotions still not settled.

It was a common occurrence.

Method acting meant throwing oneself into a sea of emotions.

While everyone was hesitating, unsure what to do,

Swoosh.

“It’s okay, take deep breaths slowly.”

Kim Donghu gently embraced Kim Sujin and patted her back.

The moment Kim Donghu hugged her,

“Uh, oh, ah?!”

Kim Sujin was completely immersed in a different kind of emotional sea.

In that moment when she didn’t even know why she was crying.

Suddenly the boy she liked was hugging her?

‘What’s happening, what’s going on?!’

She couldn’t think straight.

Hiccup!

She even started hiccupping.

Kim Sujin didn’t have many options here.

1. Stay in his embrace.

‘That’s absolutely impossible.’

Her heart felt like it would explode, how could she stay in his arms longer?

But he definitely works out, his embrace is broad and warm.

‘No, snap out of it!’

2. Slowly push him away and say she’s fine now, thanking him for his concern.

This was the most ideal approach, so she needed to execute it immediately.

First, slowly pushing away.

Squirm squirm.

‘No, this is actually snuggling closer.’

Kim Sujin quickly came to her senses and hurriedly escaped from Kim Donghu’s embrace.

‘Dangerous guy! Crazy guy!’

How was she supposed to escape when he held her so tenderly!

It was fortunate they were on set; otherwise, she might have burrowed deeper into his arms.

Anyway, she was glad to have escaped.

“Ahem, hmm… I showed an embarrassing side. I’m really sorry.”

A quick apology followed.

People comforted her saying it happens, it’s okay, expressing concern.

“Are you really okay?”

Kim Donghu was the same.

Then, as if he had an amusing thought,

He carefully approached and playfully whispered in her ear.

‘Should I hold your hand like before?’

You didn’t cry then.

To those words full of mischief that anyone could see.

‘…Yes.’

‘Huh?’

Kim Sujin answered before she knew it.