I Like Happy Endings
I like happy endings. Lee Jae-yi was hugely popular. Just her appearance boosted ratings as a given and brought massive joy to viewers. But.
'She doesn't fit with Hide Dream.' That was poison to Hide Dream at the same time. A youth band story suddenly switching to a classical solo performance? Anyone would find that weird. Plus, this wasn't something KBC could pull off unilaterally. It was a drama co-produced by the actors' agencies and the idol agency. Yet KBC changing the story solo for ratings? Using their own actors and idols as mere props? Who would allow that?
But they couldn't completely ignore Lee Jae-yi's presence either. 'Having only KBC-picked characters as supporting roles goes against fairness anyway.' Writer Lee Min-ha had been wrestling with this issue for a while. Ever since hearing Lee Jae-yi's La Campanella. Could they really confine such a character to a supporting role? Having penned countless drama scripts, Lee Min-ha knew the answer. Her screen time was bound to expand inevitably—like a dead character coming back to life.
'We absolutely can't get swept up by the viewers.' She'd been on the fence at first, but as time passed, her conviction solidified. The story wouldn't change. Hide Dream had to win, and that was the only way to honor the title Hide Dream. 'But we'll make Jae-yi a lead too.' A lead meant a protagonist, the central figure. But what if they reinterpreted that central role differently?
'Just make them both win.' Preserve the existing cast's screen time, boost Jae-yi's, and edit out unnecessary scenes. Filler moments added just to pad runtime. Scenes dragged out to slow the tempo since they couldn't rely on highlights forever. Slot Jae-yi into those spots? It wouldn't be easy.
'But we have to.' To craft a higher-level story. 'I like happy endings.'
Tadadadak. Her keyboard burst into flames.
Lately, Choi Seok-ho had been swamped in a whirlwind of busyness. The days when office dust was his only companion were long gone; now he was powering through packed schedules with his staff.
"You sent Dong-hu the updated script, right?"
"Yes, and I pushed back the meeting date too. Better to do it after the reshoots wrap."
"Good. And he wants to attend the final shoot for Endless Frontline, so clear his schedule that day."
"Got it."
I'd hoped for a breather once Endless Frontline wrapped, but with popularity skyrocketing, gigs poured in nonstop. 'Dong-hu said he only wants to do that one school uniform ad.' Several more lucrative offers came after, but all canceled. With school resuming soon, loosening the schedule made sense. Who knew how it'd clash once the semester started?
'Dong-hu's health and condition come first, no question.'
Clink. Choi Seok-ho grabbed his car keys. Today was a reshoot day for Hide Dream.
The arts high school blanketed in a fresh snowfall, everything pristine white. The reshoot location felt even more nostalgic now. Probably because I'd gotten used to it. Or maybe.
'Because the story changed.'
I glanced at the script in my hand. The first read-through had moved me to tears unconsciously. If it played out like this, even Jae-yi might be satisfied. That's when—
"Kim Dong-hu, you gonna attend here too?"
"Huh?"
Sujin, who'd dropped by the set casually, chimed in.
"This arts high school? Tons of celebs and idol trainees go here. They accommodate attendance like crazy."
"Oh... really?"
I finally took a proper look at the school name. Korea National University of Arts High School. The name alone screamed pride. Come to think of it, Chairman Edward Park had sent over info, but I'd been too slammed to review it properly.
'Gotta check it thoroughly later.' Middle school second year soon, third in a blink, then high school decisions. A school that caters to celebs would suit both them and me.
"Our agency doesn't mind your added scenes either—ratings go up, we all win."
"Yeah?"
"Yep, good vibes. No one's losing screen time or spotlight."
"You know a lot about this, huh?"
Sujin's face flushed beet red at my reply. Chilly wind?
"W-what, you think I looked it up for you? Crazy, Kim Dong-hu. I just passed on the rumors I heard."
"Sure. Anyway, no complaints all around—great."
"Plus, with my mom around, I get the inside scoop."
"Without prying?"
Thwack. Sujin punched my shoulder instead of answering.
"Hey, why'd you hit me?"
"You really that innocent, or just pretending?"
"I know, but that doesn't mean I won't ask."
Thwack. Another hit. What'd I even do?
"And you saying 'you too' means you're coming here, Sujin?"
"Yeah, Mom says it's the best. You'll probably end up here too."
"...Why?"
"'Cause your mom and mine are close?"
Mom? Odd honorific. Whatever, not worth dwelling on.
'Sounds like a good fit if I do.' With that, I headed to the set. No piano today—just a few simple added scenes. Wild how these snippets elevated her from supporting to lead.
'Alright, let's go.' To find Jae-yi's happiness.
Unlike last week when the viewer boards were on fire, Hide Dream's ratings steadily climbed with Jae-yi's expanded role. Not a massive surge, but just enough to quench the thirst. Conversations with the chairman and principal, highlighting his painful family backstory—Jae-yi felt more fleshed out.
And that was plenty.
"So Jay's twisted personality had reasons after all."
Even that much let Kim Dong-hu's acting convey everything. In a way, reshoots like this were only possible because of him. Packing emotion and story into fleeting moments. Every watch drew gasps, and his handsome face never got old.
Fan cafe membership grew noticeably daily. Ji Eun-bi prepped for episode 12 while clicking over.
She used to savor episodes solo, but now sharing reactions on the boards was a blast. Especially today—'Miri-nae stage day.' Episode 12 featured Jae-yi's piano redux. Festival time; had to celebrate together.
The first stage: Hide Dream overcoming trials to reach Miri-nae.
"Hide Dream! Spread your dreams! Sing your youth, and if you never give up through hardship, you'll see the light!" A hopeful anthem. Ji Eun-bi bobbed her head unconsciously.
Viewers didn't know, but it shone thanks to the band's bloody practice. Fate would've had them slacking, but Kim Dong-hu ignited real passion.
Hide Dream's stage ends, Jae-yi's follows instantly. Piano rings out—La Campanella, shaking the world beyond the TV. Could Hide Dream beat that? Their song wasn't bad, but judging band vs. classical equally was silly. Viewers saw Jae-yi dominating absolutely. The principal and chairman's entranced faces made sense. Who wouldn't be moved?
Everyone soul-snatched, watching the solo. La Campanella. The eternal virtuoso etude ends; reality snaps back.
"...What do we do."
Ji Eun-bi voiced her worry unwittingly. Post-performance, Jae-yi bows lightly and retreats. Vivid flashbacks: parents absent from her stage, feeling utterly unwanted, writhing in bitter loneliness, tears flowing.
Normally it'd end there—but the backstage door opens, light floods in.
"Everyone loves you tons—how you gonna cry alone like this?"
Someone approaches the huddled Jae-yi. Hide Dream's leader and vocalist, Song Cheol-su, extends a hand.
"Encore call—they're all asking for you. One more song."
Jae-yi looks up: "How can you not hate me? After I was such a bitch."
This kindness at the last second—where did it come from? The unfamiliar warmth stuns Jae-yi. Awkward, tear-streaked face, yet eyes drinking in long-sought gentleness. Song Cheol-su gazes down calmly.
"Dunno? That's just friends, right?"
"We were friends?"
"Anyone who's shared a stage is a friend—what, you haggling?"
Friend. Jae-yi's expression melts. Tears she'd vowed back spill anyway. Genius or not, just seventeen—still a kid needing care. The child who'd whipped herself, insisting no one mattered, panics at unconditional kindness but grabs it.
"...Thanks."
Song Cheol-su yanks her up. Then, casually:
"Oh yeah, our band's short a keyboardist—wanna join?"
The words he'd always wanted to say.
"Sure."
Jae-yi beams innocently. How long since she smiled like that? On stage, no winners or losers—this moment, this feeling: 'Not bad.' Utter bliss, really. That day, the flower grown on hatred became a kkakjji.
The drama department head's office quakes. Cherry pie surges in like waves. Energy surges through his body. Rebirth, maybe?
"Zuhahahahaha! Hear ye now—I proclaim!"
Munch munch munch. More pie vanishes. Clap clap clap clap.
PD Kim Young-mo sheds moved tears, awaiting Kim Cheol-do's next line.
"Henceforth, the era of KBC dramas begins!"
Zuhahahaha! 23% ratings. History in the making.