ch-11

Chapter 11: The Pursuit of Dreams

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As the summer of 1994 drew near, the air was thick with anticipation and dreams. Kim Jihoon and Song Joong-ki had just turned 15, and with each passing day, they were carving out their paths in this world. For Joong-ki, it was the beginning of an exciting journey into the realm of acting, while Jihoon was immersed in a world of creativity and storytelling.

Joong-ki had officially started his acting classes, and each day was filled with new challenges and exhilarating discoveries. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, he learned the intricacies of performance—how to embody a character, convey emotions, and connect with an audience. The studio was a place of magic for him, and he would come home bubbling with excitement, sharing snippets of what he learned. His father was thrilled to see Joong-ki's passion ignite; it seemed that the boy was destined for greatness.

Meanwhile, Jihoon was navigating his own creative landscape. Inspired by the wealth of stories he had accumulated from his previous life, he had set an ambitious short-term goal for himself: to write 20 scripts by the time he turned 18. This was no small feat, especially considering he aimed to create dramas and films that would resonate with Korean audiences. The challenge was not just in writing but also in ensuring he understood the nuances of the Korean entertainment industry—something that had been foreign to him just a few years ago.

He worked diligently, often spending late nights scribbling notes and crafting characters. The stories flowed from his fingertips as if they had always been waiting for him to uncover them. Jihoon decided to keep this endeavor a secret, sharing only that he was working on one script with his parents. He wanted to ensure they didn't view him as a genius or a madman, but rather as a young boy with a budding dream.

"Mom, Dad," he said one evening during dinner, "I'm working on a new script. It's a drama about friendship and ambition. I think it'll be really good."

His parents exchanged glances, pride evident in their eyes. "That's wonderful, Jihoon," his father said, smiling. "You've always had a knack for storytelling. Just remember, take your time and don't rush it."

"I won't, Dad. I really want it to be special," Jihoon replied, his heart swelling with gratitude for their support.

Kim Soo-hyun, meanwhile, was preparing for the transition to middle school. He was both excited and nervous about this new chapter in his life. Jihoon watched his little friend grow, offering encouragement whenever Soo-hyun expressed doubt. "You'll do great, Soo-hyun. Just be yourself, and you'll make friends in no time."

One evening, after dinner, Jihoon sat down with his parents to explain his goals more thoroughly. "I want to write 10 scripts by the time I'm 18," he stated, his eyes sparkling with determination. "I want to copyright them so that when I'm ready, I can present them to the industry properly."

His mother looked thoughtful. "That sounds like a big commitment. Are you sure you can manage that alongside your studies?"

"I've been thinking about it a lot," Jihoon replied earnestly. "I'll make a schedule and balance my time. This is important to me."

His father nodded, impressed by Jihoon's ambition. "If you believe in it, then we support you. Just remember to enjoy the process. It's not only about the end goal; it's about what you learn along the way."

With their encouragement bolstering his spirits, Jihoon set to work. He researched the Korean copyright system, noting how to protect his scripts. He understood that while the stories were influenced by his past, they would have to be uniquely tailored to fit Korean culture and sensibilities.

As the weeks passed, Jihoon poured his heart into his work. He would often sneak glimpses of Joong-ki during acting class, seeing his friend dive into the roles and experiences that Jihoon had always imagined for characters in his scripts. The synergy between their dreams felt palpable; they were two halves of a greater whole, both striving for artistic excellence.

However, Jihoon also knew that with his ambitious goals came a sense of pressure. He had to ensure that he would not disappoint himself or those who believed in him. Thus, he continued to write in secrecy, keeping his progress hidden from everyone, even Joong-ki.

One evening, as Jihoon wrote, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow in his room. He paused, reflecting on his journey thus far. This life was a second chance, and he was determined not to squander it.

In his mind, he envisioned the day he would stand before the world, not just as Kim Jihoon, but as a writer who had poured his heart into creating something beautiful—stories that connected people, much like the dramas he had loved in his previous life.

As he crafted the final lines of his latest script, he felt a sense of fulfillment washing over him. He was on the path he had long dreamed of, and he wouldn't stop until he reached the destination he had envisioned.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new pages to fill, but for tonight, Jihoon allowed himself a moment of pride, knowing that he was finally taking control of his narrative.