I Don’t Want to Play Villains Anymore - Chapter 11
What is the ending of that drama?
“Even if we lose the light, we are.”
A youth romance drama aired on Taesweep C, one of the broadcasting departments at Hansah. It was a work that stirred up the drama industry when it was broadcasted.
The background that evokes nostalgia for the 1990s and its unique fresh and pure emotions stood out.
The collaboration between a famous writer and a star director further heightened expectations.
The drama began with the middle-aged female protagonist ‘Yoon Na-rae’ telling her high school daughter about her first love story. As she returned to her youth, her first crush and her youthful days began to unfold.
At the center of the script were two characters.
‘Nam Ji-hyeok’ and ‘Yoon Na-rae.’
Nam Ji-hyeok is a high school student dreaming of being a basketball player. He is popular at school and is a being admired by many for his outstanding looks and skills.
On the other hand, Yoon Na-rae is a girl who diligently practices badminton, contrasting with Nam Ji-hyeok’s quiet nature. She was loud and lively but had a strong will like no other.
As they strive towards their goals, the two characters become aware of each other and grow closer.
The drama excellently depicted their fresh charm, excitement, and how they grow together. Initially bickering, the two gradually felt an attraction to each other, with scenes of them practicing together and overcoming hardships forming the main climax.
Their performances transcended the typical youth romance framework, showcasing their growth through each other and resonating with many viewers.
Capturing the emotions of the 90s it was set in, it brought memories to those who lived through that era and freshness to the younger generation.
But halfway through, the director and the scriptwriter wanted to take the story in drastically different directions, leading to the conclusion…
“I was surprised too…”
Yoon Na-rae ends up marrying another basketball team member, Geum Tae-sik, instead of Nam Ji-hyeok. Nam Ji-hyeok faces a traffic accident, and the drama comes to an end.
This was the most extreme example of what happens when a scriptwriter gets frustrated.
Thus, the drama remained a regrettable piece that could have been ‘ideal’ if the ending had been changed. An opportunity to be part of such a drama arose.
“Changing the ending might be tough, right?”
If Haneul had the influence she had in her past life, maybe it could have been possible, but now Haneul is just a small child.
She’s just a pretty girl who has just begun to build her career.
The entertainment world is a place where one must believe in oneself to achieve great success.
The director and scriptwriter must have a tremendous belief in themselves as usual.
In short, being stubborn and voicing different opinions would be harder than grabbing a star from the sky.
So, the current issue is how to approach the audition…
“Haneul, I heard they’re holding auditions at Taesweep C.”
“Ugh. Where did you hear that…?”
Startled, Haneul’s small body trembled slightly as she devoured the toast prepared for breakfast, covering her mouth with her little hand as she answered.
“Dad knows everything…”
Then she cautiously lifted her cute face to look at Baek Geon-hwan.
Baek Geon-hwan.
He was a man whose looks couldn’t be fully described just as a handsome face.
His hair flowed naturally and shone lightly as it caught the light. A pale but delicate, well-defined face.
There was a deep fatigue etched into that handsome face.
It looked like evidence that he had tasted success at an early age, as subtle but enduring shadows lingered under his eyes.
But what was most striking were his eyes.
Not just simply beautiful, but they contained something deeper.
Those eyes were empty when gazing at food but filled with ‘affection’ when looking at Haneul.
Haneul didn’t know if Geon-hwan was a ‘good person,’ but she was sure he was a ‘good dad.’
“I know someone over there.”
Geon-hwan smiled as he leaned over. Somehow, Haneul felt a little scared by that smile.
“Hey, are you trying too hard to appear good in front of Haneul by making yourself look different?”
Eun-ha, who was making coffee beside them, looked at Geon-hwan with concern. She knew that Geon-hwan was overly caring toward his children.
The warm aroma of black coffee wafted through the room delicately.
Although Eun-ha’s tone was gentle, it carried a clear warning.
Geon-hwan’s actions sometimes felt excessive because he was willing to do anything for Haneul.
Especially given his attitude of unconditional devotion to his children.
Geon-hwan had an almost obsessive instinct to care for and protect anyone related to him.
If that target was Haneul, that instinct intensified.
The last time Haneul said she wanted a ‘diamond hairpin,’ Geon-hwan immediately rushed to get one custom-made.
Haneul knew that.
Her dad’s love was extremely intense.
But she didn’t want to see that as a problem.
In fact, she liked that aspect.
It may be a childish feeling not knowing the harshness of the world, but Haneul appreciated her father just as he was.
More than anything, she had the confidence that he would do whatever it took for her without hesitation.
And that was the most precious and warm feeling for Haneul.
“You don’t need to worry. Haneul.”
Geon-hwan spoke again with a gentle smile. That smile was warm like the sunshine blooming on a nice day, but it might feel like a poisonous thorn to someone.
“I’ll do anything I can as your father. Just say anything.”
“…Okay.”
Haneul found her happiness in that seemingly careless remark from Geon-hwan. That gaze was something only Eun-ha and Haneul could see.
And Eun-ha knew that too. That’s why she didn’t scold or complain to Geon-hwan but just showed her mixed worry.
“Dad, are you planning to include me in the audition?”
“Of course. Just say anything you want.”
His words flowed consistently and languidly as if nothing in this world could attract his attention.
Geon-hwan deeply embraced Haneul in his arms and said,
“Haneul, whether you want a hairpin or a diamond ring… I will do anything to make you smile.”
Haneul was the exception.
.
.
.
.
Should I say it’s a relief? Dad’s strength didn’t come into play after all. Because Director Jung Hee-chang had recommended me to Director Yoon Seok-won in advance.
“Haneul! There are so many people here!”
Under somewhat harsh lighting, the rest of the area except the central stage was shrouded in shadows. The floor was made of shiny wooden boards, and the cool air falling from the high ceiling lightly brushed against us.
A strong, shining spotlight illuminated the center of the stage. In stark contrast to the edges, it seemed like a trap designed to pull in all attention.
“This feels serious.”
Today, it was Mom who brought me to the audition venue. Dad was busy with work, and Mom also wanted to see the performance, so this was a mutual decision.
“Oh my, is that kid from abroad? Both mother and daughter are visuals…”
“Hmph. Is beauty all that a drama needs? If we go by that, our Dabin is… badly enough.”
“But it seems there’s no talent there. Hmm. I wonder if it’s Juhasan…”
The surrounding people’s whispers briefly gathered around us.
“Yeah. Mom, let’s lower our voices.”
“…Okay.”
I was already entirely lacking in any talent enough to be suspected of being a ‘not suitable participant.’ It wasn’t going to help that there were any whispers while receiving already bad treatment.
“How could my daughter be looked at like this… I’m a bit angry.”
“Hang in there…”
Being told I was not suitable was really uncomfortable to hear.
But there’s no help for it. By this life alone, I was probably one of the newest participants in this audition.
I tried to distance myself from the surrounding whispers and held Mom’s hand tightly as I moved forward. Mom seemed a bit anxious, glancing around nervously.
“Haneul, are you okay?”
“Um… a bit. But I’m fine. It feels like a dream to be here.”
At those words, Mom quietly smiled at me. She usually only took care of me at home, but today, she seemed adorably lost somewhere.
“But if it gets too difficult, let me know. I’ll take you home right away.”
“Yes. But don’t worry, Mom. I’m fine.”
Yet, even as I said this, my little hand was trembling slightly. This was my second audition in this life.
I’ve come to realize once again that auditions are a much more overwhelming experience than ordinary performances.
“We can’t lose! We have to win!”
“Let’s not take it lightly, okay?!”
“We will win.”
There were also children of similar ages around, but their parents were zealously pushing them.
No one here was willing to back down.
“Alright, next number!”
“Eek!”
“Mom, there’s still a long way to go.”
“That startled me. I was surprised too…”
It should have felt familiar, yet my heart sank.
However, at the same time, I could feel that pleasant fluttering right before stepping onto the stage.
“Right. Stepping on stage is always nerve-wracking yet exciting.”
I slowly lifted my head and glanced around the audition room. Large lights and cameras, and a few figures seated in the judging seats caught my eye.
Among them…
“Did you ever get pointed out for not performing well while playing games on a kindergarten playground? I really wonder how you got here. Next.”
“Waaaaaah!!!”
Cold glances and crossed legs.
A person wearing luxury glasses adjusted them nervously.
The one seated at the center hurling sharp critiques was likely Director Yoon Seok-won. Known in the media as ‘the eye of a craftsman’, he is one of the best drama directors of this time with sharp and keen insights.
I quietly closed my eyes and began to regulate my breathing.
“If I fail here, there might not be another chance.”
If I fail to secure a role in this audition, I might sever ties with the huge broadcasting department Taesweep C. Moreover, given that I was still new to acting, the opportunity to stand on such a significant stage was truly a rare moment.
The role I would be playing was Yoon Na-rae’s childhood.
A naive child who knew nothing except badminton.
I had never played such a role before, and nobody expected this kind of performance from me.
I might fail at this audition.
But more than not trying and running away…
I hate things like that.
“Next. Waiting number 85!”
“Haneul, let’s go!”
Mom held my hand tightly and took a step further.
I’ve always been an actor, whether in my past life or this one.