A week into Troupe Spark’s formation.
So much had happened in that time.
The biggest change?
"...Donghu, why exactly are we at the Seoul Arts Center?" "Well, apparently Edward Park used his influence, but I don’t really know the details."
The venue had shifted from Daehak-ro to the prestigious Seoul Arts Center. They’d even waived the rental fees and offered shuttle buses for the children attending.
On top of that...
"It’s been ages since we had a documentary ratings competition. If it’s a hit, it’s a bonus; if it flops, it’s cherry pie time!" "Stay focused. Our documentary team must simply... rise above the other networks through sheer skill." "Documentary Task Force, assembling here on this spot! Fully committed to Director Park’s mission! Charge!!!"
Nearby, teams from three major broadcasting stations were preparing to film a documentary, while an endless flow of sponsored items arrived, filling the storage rooms in real time.
This is massive.
This was beyond over the top. Sure, Sims had given him a heads-up through some cryptic messages from the future, but...
-[Troupe Spark Lights Up the World]
-[Good Influence: Troupe Spark Succeeds]
With just these two abstract messages, estimating the scale of this event had been tricky.
But I never imagined it would get this big.
Seeing the way things were going, his biggest concern now was Bong Jinwoo. While the other actors, including himself, had adapted to this scale of events, Bong Jinwoo, who’d directed high school plays, was now...
"Director! It’s the art team! Do you want to add or change anything here?" "Huh? Oh, um, yes... I’d like the tree to be taller and more majestic." "Costumes team here! Do you need any costume confirmations? Please check the designs!" "Make the prince’s outfit the most dazzling! With that face, everyone’s attention will be on him anyway..."
He was frantically juggling everything.
But, as they say, talent shows from a young age. Despite being new to such a scale, he was impressively handling things one by one.
They had about three months until Troupe Spark would debut. By then, the stage and script needed to be ready, with rehearsals polished.
They said the script was almost complete.
That left just the acting and stage prep.
Normally, they’d also need a marketing period. But with “Troupe Spark” constantly trending on search engines, additional promotion was unnecessary.
And anyway, the first show was only for the children. While he was musing on these things...
"Seriously, this is intense. I feel like I’m going to pass out."
Having handled a portion of the day’s schedule, Bong Jinwoo came up to him.
"Whew, I was so busy this morning that I forgot to give you this." "Forgot? Give me what?" "The script... It was finalized early this morning."
Rustle.
The completed script for The Story of Stars and Moon. The previous version was just a rough outline with the Little Prince’s story.
This one must be the real thing.
Time to dive into the whole story.
"Thanks, Jinwoo. I’ll make it great."
With that, he headed to his private dressing room.
Focus.
He immersed himself in the script.
+++++
Meanwhile, Kim Sujin had received the script from her mother.
"Is... is this for real?"
After reading it through, she couldn’t stop her eyes from trembling.
"What? What’s wrong?" "The, the last part... the rose and the Little Prince..." "Huh? What about them?" "T-they k-kiss."
As soon as her daughter said that, Kim Yuryeon quickly flipped to the later parts of the script.
Is there really a scene like that?
Kim Yuryeon had only reviewed her own scenes so far and hadn’t read the sections involving the Rose. She rushed to the later pages.
"Sujin, it’s not really a kiss. It’s just implied."
She thought Sujin’s misunderstanding was rather cute.
"The Little Prince holds the Rose close, feeling her warmth."
To think Sujin had interpreted this as a kiss! Amused, Kim Yuryeon asked her daughter with a mischievous smile.
"Did reading that make you think about a kiss? Sujin, do you want to k—" "N-no! Wh-why are you trying to make me sound like a pervert, Mom!" "Wanting to kiss isn’t perverted. I always want to kiss your dad! Does that make me a pervert?" "Th-that’s because you love each other!"
Kim Yuryeon laughed at her daughter’s reaction.
"And what about those who have a one-sided love?" "Mom!"
"You sure get loud when it’s about this topic. But you’re always so soft-spoken around Donghu." "Th-that’s beside the point...! So, we’re hugging in this scene! Shouldn’t I go on a diet or something?" "What diet? You’re perfect just as you are."
Kim Yuryeon pinched Sujin’s cheeks, marveling at how her adorable daughter had begun to experience love.
Though “how” is hardly the right word when it comes to Donghu.
He had the looks, sure, but he also possessed a rare, good-hearted character. Many found themselves drawn to him, only to stay because of his inner qualities.
Donghu sets the trap with his looks and seals it with his personality.
Knock knock.
He’s just sitting here so casually!
He should’ve come running to find me!
"Oh, you’re here? Have some snacks. They’re good." "S-snacks? You’re eating snacks? After reading the script?" "Isn’t it moving? The way it explains why it’s called The Story of Stars and Moon is so clear." "W-well, yes, it is."
It’s not a kiss...
But still.
Crunch, crunch.
They’d never done it in Ilshik, after all. Not that there had been a moment for it.
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