Ch.78I’ll Prove That I’m Your Bride

In the end, my father didn’t come to the funeral.

I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly at his stubborn determination to sever ties.

Seeing that he didn’t even make a single call,

I realized we had become less than strangers now.

‘What does any of this mean?’

At that moment, the funeral felt meaningless.

It was exactly like that performance back then.

The person who should come never does.

‘I want to play the piano.’

Standing there in black clothes, I looked pathetic to myself.

My twitching fingers felt like caterpillars.

I wanted to quickly press these caterpillars onto piano keys and kill them.

“Oh my, how pitiful.”

Whether sincere or empty words,

The mourners’ comments began to sound unpleasant.

Starting with “You’ve only suffered in life”

And “I never expected such a meaningless end.”

After never contacting us once,

Their nauseating words seemed designed to advertise how deeply they sympathized.

‘I thought I might finally live normally.’

I had a sweet dream briefly.

I imagined creating a happy remarried family, throwing away the broken vessel,

And making a new one filled with peace.

‘What a waste.’

I regretted the time wasted on useless fantasies.

So I called for pallbearers.

I carried the coffin with complete strangers.

Listening to the sincere condolences of people hired with money,

I watched my mother’s cremation.

‘Are you happy there?’

A question suddenly came to mind, but I received no answer.

Watching the coffin burn brightly,

I realized there was no one left around me.

I didn’t bother calling my friends.

I knew there was no point in showing them this pitiful sight.

Now, when even receiving sympathetic glances feels like mockery,

All I could do was finish the funeral quickly and stand before a piano.

Under a dark world, the only place receiving light,

My narrow, sole sanctuary.

In that moment, I realized.

Ah, this is my coffin.

+++++

“…”

As soon as I finished immersing myself, sadness washed over me.

Normally, the character in the script and “I” should be completely separate.

But this time, I couldn’t maintain that separation.

I too had experienced the pain of losing family.

Though the process was different,

The similar outcome naturally made me empathize.

And because of that,

‘I won’t do it.’

I decided not to film “High Dream 2.”

Partly because the script was sad and I empathized with it, but also…

‘I said I was taking a break, but suddenly receiving a script? This could become a big problem later.’

I wanted to keep my word until the end.

If my break gets interrupted because I received a good script,

It would be like saying all the scripts I rejected before weren’t good enough.

Even if it was a sequel to a project I’d done before,

Doing “High Dream 2” now would be an insult to all the works I’d turned down.

Perhaps that’s why?

<High Dream 2, D>

As soon as I decided not to do it, “High Dream 2’s” rating dropped dramatically.

‘So if I had agreed to do it, it would have been 35%?’

Even if the story centered around Lee J, would there be such a difference?

Seeing how the rating changed instantly depending on my participation,

I could objectively understand the extent of my influence.

‘This is exactly when I should be more careful about choosing projects.’

Of course, it was important to create a fulfilling work with good people.

But more crucial than that was the success of the project itself.

“So, what do you think? Honestly, since you said you’re on break, I’d prefer you rest properly this year, but thoughts can change.”

This conviction was strengthened by Manager Seokho’s words.

‘When it’s time to rest, you should rest.’

There was absolutely no need to be swayed by sentiment and make foolish moves.

“Yes, I’ll just rest for the rest of this year.”

“Alright, I’ll explain it well. And what about taking that overseas trip now?”

“Overseas trip?”

“Yeah, the one you won from Golden Bell. Since you’re resting, it might be good to use it.”

“Ah.”

Come to think of it, that was still available.

‘They said it would focus on places where I could learn about culture and history, so Japan, China, or maybe Europe.’

If I had to choose among them, Europe seemed nice.

I could always upgrade to business class for the flight anyway.

The long journey itself wasn’t a big issue.

Since I’d already learned English using the power of “Sims – Real Life,”

This could be a good opportunity to put it to use.

‘Mom is still pregnant, so she needs to stay home.’

One person can’t go because of this, another can’t because of that.

Eliminating options one by one, there was no one left.

‘Looks like I’ll be traveling abroad alone.’

Well, that wasn’t so bad either.

Taking time leisurely had its own charm.

While I was lost in these thoughts,

Ding! Ding! Ding!

-[Judging significant gap between character in script and current talent]

-[Proceeding with procedure to match level]

-[Downloading application ‘Amadeus’]

“Sims – Real Life” asserted its presence,

And seeing this, I immediately understood why this script’s success depended on me.

‘You’ve set the standard too high?’

Lee J’s existing piano talent was already at an incredible level,

But the script demanded something on a completely different dimension.

A story that could only succeed with me had been created.

‘Even I can’t do it with my current skills and need Sims’ help.’

A story no one but me could do.

A script created with only me as the lead in mind.

‘I made the right decision to refuse.’

Just as I concluded that this year I should only do advertisements,

A KakaoTalk message arrived as if on cue.

>Donghu, I’ve confirmed my debut.

>Could you… come see my first music show?

Seeing Jaerin’s message, I thought this was perfect timing.

<If I’m allowed to come, I’d love to. I’ll definitely be there.

>Really? Then I’ll arrange a seat for you.

>Thank you for agreeing to come

Since I had plenty of time anyway,

It was right to make sure I attended these kinds of events whenever possible.

++++++

In 2012, while Kim Donghu was taking a break,

Starting with “Eclipse” hitting a final viewership rating of 43%,

Blockbuster dramas began pouring out as if they’d been waiting.

“A Gentleman’s Dignity,” “You Who Rolled In Unexpectedly,” “Hahoetal,” and others.

Amid this feast of masterpieces, one drama was preparing to create a new syndrome:

“Reply 1997.”

With a nostalgic time setting and solid historical accuracy,

It maintained its presence among formidable works.

An array of works that marked an era.

Among these, which would remain longest in people’s memories?

In such debates, “Eclipse” was receiving overwhelming support.

Regardless of ratings, Kim Donghu’s acting remained etched in people’s minds.

Especially the scene where he wails after losing his partner had become symbolic of Kim Donghu’s acting,

Making people feel his absence even more keenly.

Normally, one would ride the wave when the tide is high,

But Kim Donghu had no significant activities.

Even for a break period, this seemed extreme,

How could there barely be any signs of his existence?

As the situation unfolded this way, the fan cafe members grew anxious.

ㄴWhat’s Kim Donghu doing these days?

ㄴSeems like he’s filming commercials… but mostly just extensions;

ㄴBrilliant and Hatbap… but neither of these two have fan meetings ㅠ.ㅠ

ㄴOfficially he’s resting, so I thought, okay he’s busy so he needs rest but;

ㄴWith that face and acting skills, resting? This is really;

ㄴEither distribute one Kim Donghu per household or do some activities

It would be nice if he just filmed one more project.

Amid such regrets, Kim Donghu’s value kept rising.

‘What is this? This isn’t a contract fee you’d give to a child actor?’

Choi Seokho was feeling this in real-time.

Starting with CF advertisements to drama appearance fees and more.

Everything felt on a completely different level than before.

“Seeing this, our Donghu will soon become a building owner… Oh, he already is.”

I’m running my agency as a tenant in his building?

Newly realizing Kim Donghu’s wealth, Choi Seokho scratched his cheek.

‘Since Donghu said he’s resting comfortably, this year should be uneventful, right?’

There were a few advertisements scheduled, but those were minor compared to his previous schedule.

This year only had peaceful days ahead.

‘At most, the end-of-year award ceremonies.’

Nothing else should cause trouble.

With such thoughts, Choi Seokho stretched leisurely.

++++++

The debut date was set.

After years spent as a trainee,

It was finally time to spread my wings properly.

‘How long I’ve waited for this moment.’

Plus, because of something that had been driving me crazy lately,

I wanted to debut as soon as possible.

<Donghu, are you still a one-person agency?

>No, a classmate said she wants to model

>So I think I’ll work with her?

<Friend? Which friend? Is it a girl?

>Yeah, why?

<Nothing.

Again, another girl appeared.

Of course, from the messages, there seemed to be no romantic feelings, but.

‘That doesn’t mean I can let my guard down.’

I could trust Donghu.

He’s my proud (future) husband after all.

But I couldn’t trust the women around Kim Donghu.

That’s why I needed to make it known through this debut song.

I had to clearly declare to everyone.

I wanted to proudly tell Donghu, who came to see my first debut stage:

That he has only one bride – me.

As it was in the past, as it is now, and naturally in the future too.

‘I’ll prove that I am your bride.’

My only love.

So that you too can become my only companion.

I will leave my mark deeply.