Chapter 32
Chapter 32
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 32
Chapter Title: Heartwarming Homecoming
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The shoot right before mine had dragged on longer than expected, and by the time it wrapped up, the clear blue sky had turned a deep crimson, like red paper, as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Unfortunately, my scenes got pushed back to the next day.
You couldn't film morning scenes after dark, after all.
'No helping it.'
It was par for the course in acting.
I'd been through it countless times, yet my heart still burned bright red, just like that sunset.
"Haa..."
I let out a deep sigh.
The memories of Lee Jun-seo, the one who'd made my day so frustrating, lingered in my mind.
'This damn body.'
Just suppose.
What if, like those top actors at the peak of their game, I could completely lose myself in the role every time the camera rolled?
Wouldn't I be able to immerse myself so deeply that even painful memories had no room to surface? The thought crossed my mind.
'In that case...'
Lost in thought as I walked, I suddenly realized I'd arrived home.
Our house on the second floor was dark, no lights on.
Had Yu-na made it inside safely?
I'd reminded her a hundred times to go straight home and wait quietly.
And...
I'd told her not to go anywhere with strangers promising snacks.
'Smart Yu-na's probably waiting at home, right?'
Step by step.
Dragging my weary body up the stairs.
Each step felt heavy, like someone was clutching my leg.
Finally reaching the front door.
As I grabbed the handle, I heard small footsteps from inside.
Thud thud thud!
'What was that?'
I swung the door open.
Bright light flooded out, and Yu-na leaped into my arms.
She buried herself against me, grinning up with a beaming smile.
"Daddy!"
"Huh?"
It happened so fast I lost my balance and tumbled to the floor.
"Daddy's tired, Yu-na. Can you get off for a bit?"
Yu-na rubbed her face against my chest, whining.
"Eeeh... No way. I was bored all alone. And scared..."
"Okay. Just like this for a little while."
The entryway light flicked off.
Even in the darkness where I couldn't see a thing.
Yu-na's warmth made it not scary at all. I stroked her tiny back, grateful for the welcome.
"Alright, all done! Shall we head inside?"
"Hee hee hee, yeah!"
"What did my pretty girl do while Daddy was gone?"
"Lying down."
"Ah... I see?"
"Hee hee hee."
Seeing Yu-na's smile made strength well up inside me.
'In my past life, this never happened...'
After a tough day, I'd head straight to my cold, empty room and crash.
That was back in my past life.
But now, everything was different.
I could savor Yu-na's warm body heat and soothe my exhausted heart.
In that sense, Yu-na was an incredible source of strength for me.
"Ah! Right! It's Daddy show time!"
Thud thud thud!
Yu-na wriggled out of my arms and bolted to the living room without looking back.
So adorable.
She fumbled inside, grabbed the remote with her little hands, and turned on the TV.
I chuckled at her stomping her feet as the TV took its sweet time booting up.
"You should eat first."
*-I'll never forgive you this time! Take this!*
The kids' program Yu-na always watched came on, and my words were completely ignored.
'No helping it.'
This was the perfect chance to get picky Yu-na to eat her beans.
I hurried to the fridge, pulled out side dishes, and set them on the folding table.
Now for Yu-na's special bowl and spoon.
I had to hold them for her.
To avoid getting caught.
I was hungry too, but feeding Yu-na came first.
'I get it now, that mother's heart you only see in dramas. It's a real feeling.'
I mixed the beans and rice in the right ratio and brought it to Yu-na's tiny mouth.
"Yu-na, say ahh."
"Ahh."
Nom nom.
"Here, some meat dish too."
"Ahh."
Yu-na focused on the TV and ate everything I fed her.
She finished all the beans.
Seeing the empty bowl filled me with pride.
Now to eat mine?
*-Urgh! To think I'd lose...*
"Ahh! No way!"
I sat quietly next to Yu-na, eating my rice and watching the cartoon.
At first, it felt childish.
But gradually, it drew me in.
Fun plot twists, touching moments.
And a good moral lesson.
I forgot to even change clothes and watched till the end with Yu-na, then jolted upright.
'Oh right. What was I doing?'
I rushed to the bathroom, washed up, and changed into comfy clothes.
Since I couldn't play with Yu-na today, how about a late stroll to the nearby market?
"Yu-na, all done watching? It's late, but wanna go for a walk with Daddy?"
"Yaaay! Yeah!"
Thud thud thud!
Yu-na ran to the balcony and eyed the two electric cars, furrowing her brow.
"Hmm..."
"What're you pondering?"
"Whi...ch...one...to...ri...de..."
Her tiny finger poking at the two electric cars as she chose was too cute; I smiled.
The one-room we lived in now wasn't far from my old place.
Not right next door to the market, but just the right distance for a leisurely walk.
Might as well say hi to the vendor uncles and aunties.
It was late and getting dark, though.
Entering the market, I saw the vendors bustling to close up.
Yu-na and I walked slowly, greeting those who made eye contact.
"Hello."
"Yu-na's dad! Long time no see?"
An auntie carrying fruits and veggies inside rushed over. I paused and smiled back.
"Haha, hello. Auntie, how's that leg injury from before?"
"That was ages ago! Healed right up. See?"
She stomped her left foot emphatically to prove it.
Thud thud thud!
Her vigorous demo drew stares from nearby vendors.
Aunties and uncles spotted us and gathered in a flash.
"Yu-na's dad! Been a while?"
"Got some leftover ferns—want 'em?"
"Some sweet potatoes here too."
"Strawberries as well. Take 'em for you and Yu-na."
"Aww, Yu-na! Cool car again today?"
"Even cuter than in the CF!"
"Hee hee hee. Hello!"
Yu-na waved cheerfully, flashing her bright smile.
Calling her the market mascot wasn't an exaggeration. Shoppers recognized her too and greeted her warmly—it was a heartwarming sight.
'Wait a sec...'
I was watching Yu-na when I snapped to and patted my pockets.
I'd come to shop and say hi, but forgot my wallet at home.
'Oh no...'
It was late; most vendors were prepping to close.
Going back for the wallet meant no shopping. Sure, I could hit a mart, but...
Not for me.
I wanted to support the market vendors' livelihoods, even a little.
They genuinely liked us, never asked for anything back, just kept helping.
"Haa..."
"What's up? Something wrong?"
"Did we bother you?"
I shook my head.
Then answered honestly.
"Forgot my wallet at home."
They froze at my sheepish grin, then burst into hearty laughter and clapped my back hard.
"Haha! Leftovers from sales—no charge!"
"Yu-na's dad, don't worry. Take as much as you want!"
"Daddy! Daddy! Use this!"
Yu-na, primly seated in her ZingZing, tugged my pant leg urgently. In her other hand, a cute pink bunny coin purse.
"Hee hee hee. Here, Daddy. Yu-na has lots of money."
"......"
Even if I was broke right now.
Spending Yu-na's money felt wrong.
Wait, how did she save up so many coins?
That coin purse I'd bought during our short stint of city gigs was bulging like it might burst.
It looked pretty full, like her chubby cheeks...
"Yu-na, it's okay. That's your hard-saved money. We'll use it later."
"But Yu-na's fine with it."
"No, Daddy's even better with it."
"...Okay."
She pouted her lips and stuffed the coin purse back inside.
"Such a sweet sight."
"Yeah, watching you two always gives me energy."
Everyone watched us fondly. Embarrassed, I called Yu-na to leave.
"Let's go before it gets darker."
"Yeah."
"Leaving already?"
"Yu-na's dad! Take this!"
"We'll come say hi again!"
We took just a bit of their gifts and hurried on.
Soon.
Reaching the market's end, full darkness had settled over the sky.
The first day of the lunar month, no moon.
It felt especially black tonight. I worried about Yu-na on the way back.
'Oh yeah, doesn't this remote have lights?'
Forgot the wallet, but I remembered the electric car remote. I fished it from my pocket.
'Found it. This the light?'
Flash!
Whiiiir!
Turning on the ZingZing's lights made a loud noise whenever it moved.
"Daddy! It's louder now!"
Startled, Yu-na whipped her head side to side.
Her bobbed hair swayed.
Through the strands, her plump cheeks peeked out—puffy enough to pop if poked.
"Daddyyy! Something's wrong!"
"Hmm, yeah? Weird."
I played it cool, then turned off the light. The noise quieted.
"Oh? Better now. Hee hee hee."
Click.
Whiiiir!
"Huh? Daddyyy!"
"Heh heh heh."
Fun's over.
I stopped the ZingZing and explained softly to Yu-na.
"It's night now, so the sound amps up. When you ride and move, it makes noise so people see you easily. Safer that way, right?"
Nod nod.
"That's how it lets folks know: Yu-na's here!"
"Ohh! Got it!"
Her awe made me grin.
Limited really knew their stuff.
Great feature.
Soon, sweltering summer.
Hot nights, more families strolling with kids.
Dark out, riding kids could be risky.
Hence this.
'Good call signing with them.'
Kindergarten was off today.
My shoot postponed from yesterday, so I had to bring Yu-na to set.
Director had okayed it, no issue...
I glanced at Yu-na.
She sat beside me, kicking her feet and peering out the window.
If she pulled another stunt here, it'd be a broadcast disaster. Running at me suddenly? Yeah.
Worried already.
"Yu-na, remember our promise from home?"
Her face lit up with a smile.
"Yeah! I remember!"
"Shh! Quiet on the bus."
"But we play on the kindergarten bus and don't get in trouble?"
"That's the kindergarten bus. This is an intercity one. Might bother others."
"Okay."
I gently stroked her head as she whispered back.
If only she'd listen this well on set.