Part 31 

The broadcasting station was crowded with numerous reporters.

Yoon Seowoo’s comeback, the rising star actor Ki Sung-hyun, and even the drama by Director Choi Hoon-soo and writer Cho Young-eun were gaining attention.

The atmosphere at the drama promotion was incredibly enthusiastic.

“According to rumors, Mr. Ki Sung-hyun personally approached Writer Cho to express his strong desire to participate in this drama. Many people seem curious if this is true.”

The host directed the question to Sung-hyun. Sung-hyun picked up the microphone in front of him and smiled gracefully.

“I’m not sure where the rumors originated, but it is indeed true.”

“Well, since it’s true, then can I ask you what it’s like to play the part yourself?”

Sung-hyun glanced at Seowoo and smiled subtly.

Instantly, flashes erupted from all directions. Journalists diligently snapped photos as the two looked at each other.

“While the project itself was intriguing, personally, I’ve always wanted to act alongside Sunbae Yoon Seowoo. I’ve been interviewed before and mentioned she was actually my ideal type. But unfortunately, she retired, so I never had the chance to work with her. When I heard she was making a comeback, I went straight to the writer that day and asked for the opportunity.”

“Did Writer Cho immediately agree?”

“No, she didn’t. He said he’d have to talk to Director Choi first.”

Sung-hyun’s cheerful answer caused a chuckle to ring out in the room, and a small smile spread across Seowoo’s previously tense face.

“I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity.”

“Then let’s ask Ms. Yoon Seowoo some questions.”

The host flipped through the cue cards and adjusted her glasses. Sung-hyun handed the microphone in front of her and placed it in Seowoo’s small hands.

“This is your first official schedule since your divorce, how does it feel to be back?”

Did they really have to mention the “divorce”? 

No matter what question she received, she couldn’t afford to be flustered. She had to handle it gracefully. That’s what she had been telling herself all along.

It’s something she would have to experience at some point if she continues acting in the future.

Still, even though she knew it was bound to come up eventually, it didn’t sit well with her when she heard it with her own ears.

“I’d appreciate it if you only asked questions related to the project.”

Seeing Seowoo’s expression stiffen, Sung-hyun immediately intervened, mediating the situation. Seowoo then reached out and gently grabbed Sung-hyun’s arm, smiling lightly as if to reassure him that she was okay.

“As for my comeback… I’m actually very happy to be able to act again. I had a lot of concerns about returning after several years, but thanks to Mr. Sung-hyun’s help, I’ve been able to shoot without any difficulty.”

“There must have been a reason why you chose this project for your comeback.”

Seowoo took a moment to compose herself before forcing a bitter smile.

“As many of you may know, I had a painful experience around the time of my marriage. It feels like my daughter would have been the same age as Haewon now. I could relate to the emotional journey between the two protagonists who are going through a divorce. There are multiple reasons, but I also thought a lot about my daughter, who passed away… After filming the drama, maybe I could let go of some painful memories. I wanted to feel a bit more at ease now, so I made this choice.”

At her answer, the atmosphere in the room sank to a low pitch.

Although she responded calmly, Seowoo’s voice didn’t sound quite right. Sung-hyun looked at her with eyes full of concern.

“So, there was a reason for that. I wonder if you felt uncomfortable while filming.”

“The atmosphere on set is really good. It’s thanks to my partner Sung-hyun and the cute Haewon. Of course, the writer has been very considerate of me, and the director is cheerful.”

“Thank you for your answer.”

The discussion continued about the work, an interview with the director, and promotion of the drama.

Contrary to her fears, the two-hour drama promotion ended successfully.

***

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Walking side by side towards the parking lot, Sung-hyun extended his gratitude.

“The same to you. Sung-hyun, make sure to rest well when you get home. You worked really hard today.”

Seowoo’s face finally showed a hint of relief. She had wanted to focus solely on filming her work, but these formal schedules were unavoidable tasks.

Still, she felt like she had crossed a major hurdle, and a decade-long burden seemed to lift from her shoulders.

“We still have two hours until the first broadcast.”

Sung-hyun tapped his left wristwatch lightly as he spoke.

“I wanted to suggest having dinner together and watching the first broadcast. Are you too tired?”

“Yes. Very. Extremely tired.”

“That’s a shame.”

It was a refusal. Sung-hyun smiled with disappointment.

It was a subtle offer, but she turned it down straight away.

Of course, he understood.

He could tell she was nervous about answering the sharp and slightly rude questions that were flying at her.

Still, Seowoo calmly responded to all the questions.

“I’m sorry. I’d love to, but I think I need to rest.”

“I understand. Let’s see each other tomorrow. Go home and rest.”

“You should go and rest too, Sung-hyun. See you tomorrow.”

Sung-hyun nodded and left. Seowoo climbed straight into the van and buried herself in the seat.

“You’re tired, aren’t you? Seriously, some people were downright rude today.”

“It wasn’t too bad. They were weaker than I thought.”

“Weaker? It felt like they were just waiting to pounce on you. It was so annoying.”

Jung-ah poured out her words like a rapper.

For some reason, Seowoo felt like she could sleep well tonight.

Seowoo closed her eyes with a relieved expression.

***

Tap. Tap.

Sitting on the sofa, Jiwook tapped his finger on the tablet.

Ten minutes before the first broadcast.

Normally, Jiwook doesn’t watch TV at all. He only occasionally checks the news on his tablet when he has time. He doesn’t even have a TV at home.

‘Please show a lot of interest as I’m working hard on the shoot.’

After leaving work early for the first time in a while, he watched Seowoo’s drama promotion live. Seeing her back at work stirred up complex emotions he couldn’t put into words.

“Huh.”

Taking a deep breath, he finally unlocked the tablet.

He didn’t usually bother to watch the work she was involved in, but because it was her comeback, he felt a curious urge.

As soon as he opened the app, a familiar voice flowed out. The drama seemed to have just started.

“…”

A close-up of Seowoo’s face with a happy smile appeared.

He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen her smile like this. It had been so long ago that he couldn’t even remember.

‘I wanted to feel a bit more at ease now, so I made this choice.’

Those words Seowoo said lingered in Jiwook’s mind, refusing to fade away.

She says it so casually, but Jiwook knows.

That she still lives in pain.

He recalled the image of Seowoo crying while clutching a dress in front of a tree where they buried their child. Jiwook’s gaze sank low as he watched her smile on the screen.

He had loved her so much when she was dazzling brightly.

The Yoon Seowoo of that time, when she was so bright and fearless.

When he saw her face to face on the screen, it felt like he was transported back to that time, and emotions he had forgotten resurfaced.

[I love you. I love you so much, I do.]

Her eyes were filled with love as she looked at Ki Sung-hyun and confessed.

The void of the past seemed to be filled.

‘…Alright, let’s do it.’

‘I just wanted to say…….’

The confession Seowoo made to him after they reunited.

Seowoo used to express her feelings very occasionally. Jiwook didn’t need her to say it; he could tell just by looking at her face how much she cared for him.

Seowoo had once confessed that she loved him.

“Huh.”

Eventually, Jiwook turned off the tablet without finishing it. Seeing her comfortable demeanor, as if that’s where she really belonged, stirred up complex emotions within him.

Thud.

Jiwook tossed the tablet aside and walked into the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of whiskey and a glass.

Sitting by the large window, he poured himself a glass of whiskey and took a long swig.

‘Do you regret it?’

‘…What if I do?’

Her voice asking echoed in his mind.

“Regret…”

A bitter smile played at the corner of Jiwook’s mouth.

Maybe I’ve already gone too far. It seemed like everything was just my selfish desires.

He had been trying to ignore it, but today he was facing reality. Even looking at his phone, there was still no contact from her.

Jiwook found himself lost in thought as he gazed at the twinkling city lights.