Chapter 113: After the Play Ended
TL: Aniea
“Ugh-”
"Don't be such a baby."
"A baby? Do you have any idea how much it hurts to get your foot stomped on by a high heel? I thought my bones were broken."
“So. You’re saying this is my fault now?”
“...No. I’m sorry.”
At Kim Eun-ha’s glare, colder than ever, I quickly bowed my head. I had kissed her deeply without saying a word, after all.
I rubbed my bruised foot and swallowed a bitter smile. It hurt like hell, but fortunately, it didn’t seem like any bone was broken.
‘...It’s probably a relief that it ended with just this much.’
For something that could be brushed off as a simple kiss, our lips had stayed together for at least five seconds.
Still, since there was no exchange of tongues, it was awkward to call it a kiss.
If I had to define it, I’d say it was a form of physical intimacy somewhere between a peck and a kiss.
‘I got caught up in the mood without realizing...’
Of course, I didn’t intend for this from the beginning. As I danced with her on stage, I unknowingly got swept up in the atmosphere.
Most likely, it was because we had just come to understand each other’s true feelings. The lock might have loosened just a bit.
‘...And there was what happened at the department store before, too.’
There was a time when Kim Eun-ha, in an effort to spread a rumor that we were lovers, had placed her finger on my lips for an indirect kiss.
What she said at the time was, “I’m going to raise the rating from general audience to PG-12.”
Back then, we were nothing more than in a perfect contract-based relationship, but even so, my heart fluttered a little.
Even after that, there were times when I’d lose sleep, recalling that seductive smile she had made.
‘...So this is the day I finally got my revenge.’
The truth is, I know it too.
Revenge was just an excuse.
She had dressed beautifully in a gown.
Put more effort into her makeup than usual.
And with her cheeks flushed from an unprecedented passionate performance, Kim Eun-ha looked so unbearably lovely that I lost control for a moment.
‘...Thankfully, the audience response was good.’
No, it was more than just “good”. It went far beyond that. Regardless of gender or age, everyone gave a standing ovation, it was a perfect finale.
Of course, the original kiss scene had received a decent reaction too. But it couldn’t compare to the final scene where the choir’s song, the ending direction, and the surprised expressions of the actors all came together so perfectly.
-This play is. In. Sane.
-Didn't regret a single penny spent.
-They’re really ending this after just one show?
True to this, social media and online communities were flooded with lengthy reviews, most of them overflowing with praise so intense they made you blush just reading them.
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: I won't deny it had its cheesy moments. But we were all children once, and this was a performance that reminded us of that fact.
: I still don’t know what genre this play is. But if we judge it purely on whether it was ‘entertaining’ or ‘not entertaining’, I would gladly choose the former.
: Whose idea was the lightsaber anyway? Even before watching the play, and even now, I hold the same opinion, but the feeling is completely different. I say this with confidence: the lightsaber is the ultimate fantasy of our era.
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The experts Kim Eun-ha had invited in advance responded similarly. They were all leading figures in their fields and provided strong, reliable support.
-Wow. Even Park Dong-jin the critic is full of praise;
-Isn’t that guy usually known for writing one-line reviews?
-He often ends with just one word too. When I first saw him write “boring”, I thought, so even people like this can be critics.
Especially rare compliments from a few critics known for their harsh critiques only heightened public interest further.
And of course, the reporters weren’t going to just sit back and watch. Those who had seen the play themselves began pouring gasoline onto the already blazing fire.
[New Face Emerges! Who is ‘Kang Han-na’?]
[Seo Jun-woo and Kang Woo-ju’s First Collaboration. The Result?]
[Kim Kaelin: ‘A New Horizon Has Opened for Korean Theater’]
There was also considerable buzz about Kang Han-na, who had dominated the early part of the play with her overwhelming presence.
At one point, the story between Seo Jun-woo and me, once painted as rivals, also started spreading everywhere.
Naturally, the luxurious lineup including Kim Kaelin, Kang In-ho, and Jung Ha-rin, who were involved in the production, was brought back into the spotlight. There was no sign of the flames dying down.
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Title: Review after seeing it in person (Proof Included)
: First of all, I’m a theater maniac. I’ve watched literally every play performed in Korea. Let me start with some quick proof.
Ticket photo.jpg
Pamphlets I’ve collected.jpg
VVIP verification from ticketing site.jpg
...
To get to the point, I’d say this ranks in the top few among all the performances I’ve ever seen. The so-called 2.5D style used in live-action plays in Japan.... (omitted)
Above all else, the actors' acting was phenomenal. Everyone was great, but especially actor Kang Woo-ju was just.... I can hardly breathe as I write this.
He was flying all over the place without even using wires. At first, I thought it was obviously a stunt double, but it turned out it wasn’t.
And the way he looked in uniform.... Hehehe. I seriously can’t even describe it in words! He was literally a prince incarnate!?
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Midway through, a famous blogger also jumped in. Sometimes, when critics give too much praise, it backfires and makes the work seem less appealing to the general public.
But the participation of famous influencers helped erase the public's doubts. It wasn’t planned to go this far, but in the end, it turned out really well.
‘...Though there were a lot of comments accusing them of stealth marketing.’
Such opinions quickly faded away. Neither the influencers nor the critics were the kind of people who’d be swayed by a bit of money.
Besides, even though it was just text, you could literally see the excitement rising as the posts went on.
‘Most of all, it was a one-time-only performance.’
This show was both the first and the last. Naturally, there was no reason to spend big money on advertising.
Of course, there was a need to promote the newly revamped theater, but that goal had already been more than achieved.
-Encore! Encore! Encore!
-I want to see it too!! Aaaaagh-!!
-Don’t worry, guys. Like hell they’re gonna end a performance of this level after one show? They’ll definitely do a re-run, even with premium tickets lol
As interest surged, the demand for a re-run also skyrocketed. Not only TvM broadcasting company, but even Mirae Department Store was flooded with calls to the point that their work was paralyzed.
Even if they planned to broadcast a recording later, once this kind of “hype” builds, people feel compelled to experience it for themselves no matter what.
“Eun-ha ssi. Are you really not going to do a re-run?”
“Why? Planning to pull something sneaky again?”
“No, that’s.... Ouch, ouch!”
“Tsk. I told you not to act like a baby, didn’t I?”
“.......”
Sssk, sssk-
Kim Eun-ha scooped up some unknown ointment she had gotten from somewhere with her index finger and started rubbing it on the bruise on my foot.
I repeatedly said I would do it myself, but she firmly shook her head no.
I was wondering why she was suddenly being so kind, but judging by the stinging pain crawling up my ankle, it seemed this too was just another way to torment me.
‘Well, not that I really mind....’
Even with all that, Kim Eun-ha’s touch was gentle enough.
She even insisted on disinfecting the area properly before applying the ointment, and went so far as to wash my foot herself.
She said she absolutely couldn’t trust me since my showers usually last no more than 10 minutes.
And honestly, I had nothing to argue with. While I just rinse with some random body wash, she uses over three different products.
‘...No wonder it takes so long.’
On top of that, she claimed this was just the bare minimum. Considering she normally spends at least an hour in the shower, it probably wasn’t an exaggeration.
Anyway. Regardless.
Having someone else wash my foot was something I’d never experienced in my entire life.
The sight of her kneeling on one knee in front of me and tending to my foot gave me a strange feeling.
How should I put it.
It felt a bit sensual....
“Aaaaargh-!”
“You were thinking something weird just now, weren’t you?”
I swear I kept a straight face, so I don’t know how she managed to figure it out.
I'd clearly corrected the telltale habit Kang Han-na had tipped me off about before, so was there some other strange habit I didn't know about?
“All done.”
“...Thank you.”
Finally, Kim Eun-ha let go of my foot. She then gave me a cold glare before turning and heading to the bathroom.
A moment later, she returned after washing her hands and sat next to me, slowly beginning to speak.
“As I mentioned before, I have no intention of doing a re-run. I’ve already achieved my intended goal, and I need to focus on my main job too.”
“That’s true. Teacher Kim Kaelin also said she had other schedules, and the project you mentioned before is almost fully cast now.”
“Exactly.”
She was referring to the buddy film she had promised to appear in with Seo Jun-woo before the play began.
A few days ago, the director had called me. He said filming would start soon and asked if I could adjust my schedule.
“Still, I think it’d be possible to do one or two more shows. We’ve practiced enough, and the choir can probably find a substitute conductor.”
“I don’t have the time. Secretary Yoon is doing well, but her dark circles are down to her cheeks now. If I leave her like this, she’ll definitely hand in her resignation.”
“Then maybe someone else can fill in the princess role.”
Saaah-
I cut myself off mid-sentence. An intense murderous aura was radiating right next to me.
As I cautiously turned my gaze, I saw Kim Eun-ha smiling softly like a goddess of mercy had descended upon her.
“What was that you just said?”
“...I mean, including the princess! We could replace leads like the prince or the evil sorcerer too! There’s no need to shelve the whole play!?”
Hmm-
Kim Eun-ha, who had been looking at me with suspicion, rested her chin on her hand and fell into thought. It seemed she found the idea somewhat plausible.
“It’s a good suggestion, but unfortunately, I’m rejecting it.”
“Why?”
“Because there’s no one who can replace us.”
“Ah....”
I immediately understood what she meant. Of course, if it were just about casting roles, replacements wouldn’t be too difficult to find...
“The action scenes are the problem, right?”
“Exactly.”
The flashy lightsaber action scenes added in at the children’s request. Even Seo Jun-woo, of all people, had clicked his tongue at how brutal those choreographed duels were.
A replacement actor would need to handle that level of action and also have strong acting skills. How many such people exist in South Korea?
Sure, they could lower the difficulty of the action scenes, but then it’d surely be seen as a downgrade.
Since this wasn’t a problem money could fix, I accepted Kim Eun-ha’s reasoning.
“It’s a bit disappointing, but it can’t be helped. Then let’s finish the play according to the original plan. I’ll focus on the next project.”
“Right. I’ll also be extremely busy for a while. Cleaning up all the work I’ve put off won’t be doable in just a month or two.... Hmm!? W-Wait a second!”
“Ssshh- hold still.”
Mimicking the tone Kim Eun-ha had used with me earlier, I knelt in front of her.
Without giving her time to hesitate, I took hold of her foot. She flailed in surprise, but couldn’t escape my grip.
“W-W-What are you...!?”
“You washed my foot earlier, right? Think of this as my way of returning the favor. I’ve never learned professionally, but I’ll do my best.”
“I-I’m really fine! Nghh!?”
“Just as I thought. Your gait seemed a little off. You must’ve used muscles you don’t usually use during rehearsals. This area seems tight.”
“It’s not like th- Ngh....”
Despite what she was saying, Kim Eun-ha’s resistance gradually faded. From the middle, she completely relaxed and entrusted her body to me.
Seeing her face loosen up so gently, I quietly held back a smile.
*****
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