Chapter 15: Confession
.
My mom went silent.
.
"It's something that I had been thinking for more than a day or two. I like acting, but that doesn't mean it has to be my job."
.
"The more I act, the more I think that acting is not suitable as something to do full-time. I still like acting, but maybe it's better as something to do on the side."
.
"I'm also thinking of doing other things. I want to go to college and learn something different."
.
My mom nodded and smiled, "Alright, if that is what you want to do."
.
.
"You're growing up Ha-na."
.
.
Those words struck a chord at me, it made me a bit uncomfortable for some reason.
.
...
...
...
.
We have finally aired the 120th episode. Everything in the drama became more chaotic, not a single trace of its romantic and comedic origins.
.
Even Yeon-gyeong was caught in the dramatic crossfire, she got into a car accident caused by 'you know who is definitely behind it' when she was planning to return home.
.
Yeon-woo was going crazy to say the least. Sang-woo's family was causing trouble with her job and now that her sister is heavily injured she couldn't take it anymore.
.
.
It gave me a little déjà vu, that car crash scene.
.
.
People's reactions were not that good. The ratings began to drop back to the 30s and people began to get tired of the main couple.
.
.
'At that point just break up. Seriously I switch channels everytime I see them.'
.
'I guess daily dramas has always been like that.'
.
'They put so much main couple scenes, I want to see the second lead couple and the school kids.'
.
'Whenever I see those scenes, I laugh because I know my life would never be that stressful.'
.
.
.
.
The production teams is racking their brains to recover their ratings. Writer Kim decided to reduce the stressful family affair scenes and add more scenes to second and third leads.
.
.
.
And now I'm also here to make a smooth recovery and film some peaceful scenes to soothe the viewers.
.
Ohh...Of course don't forget about that confession scene.
.
.
Goodness, I guess Writer Kim has to play all his cards in this dire situation.
...
...
...
.
Rereading the newly modified script while lying on the hospital bed, I try to run through the scenes in my mind.
.
.
.
My role is quite straightforward. Lie down sickly, wake up in the middle of confession, and then sleep again.
.
.
.
"Everyone let's try our best to do this quickly!"
.
Director Jung will working on this scene today. It was quite rare for me to see his face.
.
.
I took a comfortable pose on the hospital bed and prepared for the scene.
.
.
In the corner of my eye, I saw a tired Jang Hye-jin seonbae-nim and a weirdly nervous Tae-hyeon.
.
I waited for the two to finish their scene in front of the room.
.
.
.
"Lights please!! Start the audio! Cameras set! Action!!!"
.
.
.
Yeon-gyeong is injured from the car crash. She's injured quite badly and was on a temporary coma. A worried Ki-beom visited the hospital, bumping into Yeon-woo who is worried sick.
.
.
.
"Oh, it's you Ki-beom."
.
"Y-yes, is Yeon-gyeong fine?"
.
"Her condition is stable now, but the doctors aren't sure when she would wake up. You want to take a look at her?"
.
Ki-beom agreed and they entered the hospital room. The room had many people occupying it, but it was quite silent.
.
"Cut!"
.
"That's great let's go film the next scene quickly!"
.
.
.
I took my position and waited for my cue.
.
.
Passing by beds that were partitionioned by curtains, the two finally reached their destination. Yeon-woo opened the curtains slightly, revealing a silent and pale Yeon-gyeong.
.
Ki-beom looked dazed seeing a Yeon-gyeong that seemed so different.
.
"Can you accompany her for a while? I haven't eaten since morning, I promise I'll be quick."
.
"Don't worry it about it noona*, take your time."
.
Ki-beom sat on the chair next to the bed, cradling Yeon-gyeong's hand, "I thought I would see you today like usual, there is something I wanted to say to you."
.
"I'm afraid that I wouldn't be able to regain my courage if I just let it go, so forgive my selfishness and I'll just say it to you here."
.
"I-i-i...ugh...I'm sorry everyone!"
.
"Cut! Don't worry about it Tae-hyeon, let's just do it again slowly."
.
.
"Yes! I'm sorry to bother everyone!"
.
Tae-hyeon had another try.
.
"I-i like you!"
.
"Cut! I think that's not quite right Tae-hyeon, let's have another try!"
.
"Yes director-nim!"
.
"Cut!"
.
"Cut!"
.
"Cut!"
.
"Cut!"
.
"Cut!"
.
"Cut!"
.
.
How many takes has it been?
.
.
I cracked an eye open, everyone looked tense, especially because we are running out of time.
.
"Director-nim can I do it instead?"
.
"What exactly do you mean Kim Ha-na?"
.
"Can I confess instead?"
.
.
I discussed the details with the director.
.
Since we are not going anywhere he decided to just give it a try.
.
.
.
"Alright, everyone prepare once again!"
.
.
Kibum looked at the sleeping Yeon-gyeong, "I-i-i...Huh?"
.
.
"Ki-beom-ah..."
.
Yeon-gyeong's voice was weak and hoarse.
.
.
"Yeon-gyeong, wait let me call your sister."
.
Yeon-gyeong grabbed Ki-beom's arm, "There is..something I want..to say..before...you go..."
.
I could feel the cameras closing up on our hands.
.
Ki-beom stood still, confused.
.
"There...is something...I wanted to tell...you...today..."
.
"Before...that...damn..car...crashed...I was...planning to....."
.
.
.
"I'll just...say it...now.."
.
"Like...you."
.
.
"I...like...you."
.
.
.
Ki-beom was surprised at the sudden confession.
.
I think Tae-hyeon was as surprised.
.
"Yeon-gyeong..."
.
"Uhh...my head..."
.
Ki-beom is half out of it but he knew he should at least go and call for a doctor.
.
He rushed out of the room.
.
"Cut!"
.
"Well done everyone!"
.
Everyone looked rejuvenated, the NG streak was finally over.
.
Tae-hyeon went around to apologise for the inconvenience while the crew rained me with praises.
.
...
...
...
.
The hospital scenes were finally done, but it was now approaching night. I was sitting on the benches, waiting for my mom who is going to the restroom.
.
"Kim Ha-na-ssi."
.
I looked up and saw that Tae-hyeon kid again.
.
"Do you have anything to say to me?"
.
.
.
"Yes."
.
"Then say it. I'm tired and I don't want to waste my time."
.
.
He leaned down and whispered, "Just do your job quietly and stop showing off, you ** s******-n****."
.
.
I nearly let my laughter spill out.
.