ch-13

Chapter 13: The Seeds of Ambition

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As the summer of 1998 unfolded, the camaraderie between Kim Jihoon, Song Joong-ki, and Kim Soo-hyun deepened. The trio was inseparable, spending countless hours discussing their dreams and ambitions. While Joong-ki honed his acting skills, Jihoon was consumed with writing his latest script, inspired by the compelling themes of "Descendants of the Sun."

Jihoon's dedication to his craft was matched only by the support he received from his parents. Recognizing their son's unwavering commitment, Eun-hee and Seok-jin encouraged him to pursue his passion for writing. They often checked in on his progress, offering a listening ear and advice when needed.

One evening, as Jihoon sat at the dining table surrounded by stacks of papers filled with his handwritten notes, his father walked in, holding a folder. "Hey, Jihoon," Seok-jin said with a smile. "I wanted to show you something."

Curious, Jihoon looked up from his work. "What is it, Dad?"

"I spoke with a friend at the local copyright office," Seok-jin explained, sitting down across from him. "He helped me secure copyright for all the scripts you've completed so far. You're officially protected now."

Jihoon's eyes widened in disbelief. "Really? You did that for me?"

"Of course!" Eun-hee chimed in, joining them at the table. "We believe in you, Jihoon. This is an important step in making your dreams a reality."

Gratitude swelled in Jihoon's heart. "Thank you so much! This means a lot to me." He felt a renewed sense of motivation wash over him. With his scripts now protected, he could focus wholeheartedly on writing without the looming worry of losing his ideas.

In the following weeks, Jihoon immersed himself in the world of "Descendants of the Sun." He wanted to create a narrative that explored love, duty, and sacrifice against the backdrop of both personal and national challenges. The characters began to take shape in his mind, each one more vivid than the last.

As he developed the plot, Jihoon often sought feedback from Joong-ki and Soo-hyun. They would gather in Jihoon's room after school, brainstorming ideas and acting out scenes. Joong-ki, with his growing acting prowess, would embody the characters Jihoon had created, bringing them to life with infectious energy.

One afternoon, as they sat together, Jihoon leaned back in his chair, surveying his friends. "What do you guys think makes a story truly resonate with people?" he asked, eager for their insights.

Joong-ki, still catching his breath after a dramatic scene, paused to consider. "I think it's all about relatability. People need to see a piece of themselves in the characters."

"Exactly," Jihoon nodded, encouraged by Joong-ki's response. "That's why I'm focusing on the struggles the characters face. I want their emotions to feel real."

Soo-hyun chimed in, his youthful enthusiasm shining through. "And don't forget the twists! Those unexpected moments keep the audience engaged."

As the boys continued to discuss their ideas, Jihoon felt a sense of belonging swell within him. He was no longer just an orphan; he was part of a creative community—a brotherhood bonded by shared dreams and aspirations.

With each passing day, Jihoon made significant strides in his writing. He drafted scenes, revised dialogues, and explored the intricacies of character development. Whenever he felt stuck, he would step outside, allowing the bustling streets of Seoul to inspire him. The vibrant city was alive with stories of its own, and Jihoon found himself absorbing the atmosphere.

As they approached the end of summer, Jihoon decided it was time to present his finished script to his parents. He wanted to share his hard work and reveal his aspirations. The thought both excited and terrified him.

One evening, with the scent of dinner wafting through the air, Jihoon gathered the courage to speak. "Mom, Dad," he began, his voice steady yet laced with anticipation. "I finished my script for 'Descendants of the Sun.' I'd love for you to read it."

Eun-hee and Seok-jin exchanged glances, pride illuminating their expressions. "Of course, Jihoon. We'd love to," his mother replied, her tone warm.

Jihoon handed them the neatly printed pages, his heart racing. As they began reading, silence filled the room, broken only by the sound of rustling paper. Jihoon watched their faces closely, trying to gauge their reactions.

After what felt like an eternity, Seok-jin looked up, his eyes reflecting admiration. "This is incredible, Jihoon. You've captured the essence of what it means to love and sacrifice."

Eun-hee nodded in agreement, her voice filled with emotion. "I can feel the characters' struggles. You've done a remarkable job."

Relief flooded Jihoon, and a smile broke across his face. "Thank you! I really wanted to convey those themes."

Seok-jin placed a hand on Jihoon's shoulder. "We believe in you, son. You have a gift, and we're excited to see where it takes you."

The warmth of their approval wrapped around Jihoon like a comforting embrace. In that moment, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. With the support of his family and friends, he was more determined than ever to carve his path in the world of storytelling.

As summer faded into autumn, Jihoon continued to work on his writing, motivated by the love and encouragement surrounding him. He knew the journey ahead would be filled with challenges, but with each word he wrote, he felt more connected to his dreams. He was on his way to becoming not just a scriptwriter, but a voice that could touch the hearts of many.