Life is Easier If You're Handsome novel Chapter 92

Lee Jinseok, who like Bong Jinwoo, grew up in an orphanage.

Despite his earlier indifferent tone, as soon as the intermission started, he rushed to the bathroom quicker than anyone.

With only about 20 minutes for the break, he feared he’d be late if he got caught in a line.

Rustle, rustle.

The theater buzzed with noise. From behind the curtain, he could hear something moving.

Were they setting up the stage? Jinseok felt a surge of excitement, wondering what kind of scene would unfold next.

He even thought he might have understood the difference between the King and the Foolish Tree, the Volcano and the Stylish One. After the show, he’d be able to explain it to the others if they didn’t catch on.

His view dimmed again, signaling that all the children were seated, and the next scene was about to begin.

The curtains opened slowly.

The first thing he noticed was a background reminiscent of a desert.

“I feel like I’m about to collapse.”

Standing there in worn-out clothes was the Pilot.

The Pilot gazed at the blowing sands with a sense of helplessness.

There was nothing else he could do. Too weak to move, all he could do was lean against his wrecked plane. His food and water were gone, and he had no energy left.

“If I’d known I’d die like this, I would’ve tried harder back then.”

Regretful memories surfaced.

“Why didn’t I apologize? I could’ve said it more kindly.”

He thought of all the things he could have said gently, but chose not to—harsh words spoken because he was close to someone, or because he’d grown too familiar.

“If someone would just give me one more chance...”

But second chances rarely came. Everything had an end, and usually, he didn’t get to decide when that end would be. The Pilot slowly closed his eyes. Or, he tried to.

“Why are you lying down?”

Startled by the innocent question, his eyes shot open. He immediately answered the voice’s request without thinking.

“Water, please... if you have water...”

“Why do you need water?”

His cracked voice rasped, but he continued to answer, feeling even the words were precious to save. Eager to satisfy this stranger’s wish, he reached out a desperate hand.

“I haven’t eaten or drunk anything in three days... Please, just a little water...”

“If I give you water, what can you give me in return?”

Unable to respond, he found he no longer had the strength to answer. At that moment, the Little Prince tipped water over his head.

Splash, splash.

Gradually, his cracked face regained its color.

Cough, cough.

With moisture restored, he coughed with newfound vitality.

“I must repay my savior in any way I can.”

Once fully alert, the Pilot promised his gratitude.

“You live on such a beautiful star. Why are you full of regrets?”

The Little Prince asked his long-held question.

“Regrets? What regrets?”

“You said you wished you’d done better. Isn’t that a regret?”

“Yes, you’re right. That’s what regret is.”

“I’m curious why.”

“Is that all?”

“What?”

“Is that all you want as repayment for giving me water?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

The Pilot looked up at the Little Prince in surprise. Suddenly, he realized the Prince’s clothes were unlike anything one would wear in the desert. He looked as if he came from another world.

Is this a dream?

The Pilot lightly slapped his cheek. It wasn’t a dream.

“I was showered with so much love when I was young that I thought it was normal.”

Even if it were a dream, it didn’t matter. He was indebted and felt a duty to repay.

So the Pilot began his story.

“So I left home, thinking I’d find kindness wherever I went, that everyone would treat me well.”

“But they didn’t?”

“No, look at me now. Here I am, alone, lying in the barren desert.”

Feeling this might be his last moment, the Pilot recounted his life story.

From his childhood to becoming an adult, then to becoming a pilot, each moment was portrayed by actors on stage.

The Pilot expressed regret for each moment.

“Then why did you say those things?”

The Little Prince continued to ask uncomfortable questions.

For instance, when the Pilot spoke of an argument with his girlfriend, who suddenly burst into tears, the Little Prince asked why he hadn’t comforted her.

“At the time, I thought it was the right thing to do. If I could go back, I wouldn’t have said that.”

“Listening to you, I’m reminded of the things I left behind.”

“The things you left behind?”

“But I don’t know why.”

The Pilot shrugged at the Little Prince’s words.

“You have regrets too, don’t you?”

“Regrets? Me? What could I regret?”

“You’ll have to figure that out yourself. But hey, I’m sorry to ask, do you have any food?”

“I do. It’s a fruit I love, but I’m not sure how others would find it.”

“You have water, food, even a sword—you’re well-prepared.”

“I guess so. I noticed all these things when I left.”

“Someone must’ve cared for you a great deal.”

“....”

“Stay back! Come any closer, and I’ll bite you!”

“Why are you so angry? I haven’t done anything yet.”

“If I waited until you did, it’d be too late! I’m warning you in advance!”

“Look at me! Aren’t I the most beautiful?”

“No, look at me. Hurry and care for me so I won’t feel lonely.”

“...You’re not beautiful at all.”

“Why don’t we realize the value of what’s close to us until we’re far from it?”

“I must go.”

Because he was far away, he finally understood The Story of Stars and Moon.

“Look! It’s the Little Prince! You’re back! How was your journey?”

“Are you hurt? You scared us, leaving like that! Tell us if you’re hurt!”