Shall I Hold Your Hand Like Back Then?
That whisper from back then—Shall I hold your hand like that time? The reason the ratings suddenly shot through the roof wasn't just because of Kim Donghu's appearance.
There was an even bigger number one contributor.
They'd promoted it hard, straight-up announcing that Kim Donghu was appearing right away. Drama fans just watch anyway, but...
To boost ratings, you have to get non-viewers to tune in. The only way to reel back those who'd already dropped was aggressive promotion. Advertise outside the show itself, and real-world folks would dive into the drama. And the strategy worked like a charm—Kim Donghu's fandom mobilized at the mere mention of his name.
"The strategy was spot on too. That bit about leaking a few behind-the-scenes shots to the fan cafe...!"
"Noise marketing is Marketing 101."
On top of that, someone "accidentally" posted Kim Donghu's shooting photos to the fan cafe. Of course it drew eyes.
And the result of pouring everything into promotion?
"No matter how much I talk it up, my mouth doesn't hurt one bit—ratings at 32%!"
The show had been hovering in the high 20s anyway, so they'd vaguely thought a solid hook could push it over 30. But they never dreamed it'd hit 32% thanks to Kim Donghu.
At this point, isn't he just a ratings booster device?
Like how dumping ramen seasoning into ruined food fixes it. If you want to break 30%, just toss in Kim Donghu. And it was literally true—both dramas he'd appeared in had topped 30%.
Usually, cranking out projects back-to-back means at least one flops.
Whether it was instinct or luck, Kim Donghu hadn't bombed since debuting.
Once his thoughts reached that point, the station head spoke up immediately.
"Last time KBC broke 30%, didn't they give Kim Donghu something?"
"Details aren't public, but word is they hooked him up big with overseas rights and future project deals."
"Yeah? So no actual gifts or anything?"
"Pardon? Uh, yeah, that's the word."
You don't send nothing to the golden boy who pushed you over 30%.
"Something not too burdensome, but that shows sincerity—get him a watch."
That's how you show intent for his next project too.
The station head wrapped it up there, calmly pulling a card from his pocket.
"And today, no one's going home."
"E-excuse me? Station head?"
"Do I still look like your station head?"
I'm your after-party train all the way to the fifth round—let's roll!
The conference room erupted in cheers.
+++++
Not long after news broke that Geomgeom Baek Dongsu had topped 30%...
"...Whoa, what's this?"
A watch that screamed luxury arrived in my name. The enclosed letter in the package looked like it was from SKS. Even I, who knows zilch about watches, could tell it was top-shelf.
Better not wear it just in case.
I'd send thanks separately. For now, I tucked the watch back in its box and into a drawer.
Right now wasn't the time to fuss over a watch anyway.
From acquaintances to directors to group chats—congrats poured in from everywhere. I'd braced for this since Yeokjeok's ten million milestone, but back-to-back hits and growing connections meant a flood. My phone even died once from all the notifications.
As I replied, I glanced at the date and realized time was flying.
November already in the blink of an eye.
Meanwhile, Ilsik filming was going smoothly. NG rates were dropping mysteriously, speeding things up beyond expectations.
Time sure flies.
Mid-reply, my phone chimed.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
A text from Sims - The Real Life after ages. Given the timing, probably future-related.
Wonder what's up this time?
I checked eagerly. A single video, no explanation.
A video out of nowhere?
I hit play without hesitation. It started with a frantic Choi Seokho.
"Hurry! We gotta go— this is bad!"
"End-of-year traffic jam..."
"Double—no, quadruple the fare!"
"Even so..."
"Oh, looks like an accident up ahead?"
"This is driving me nuts! We need to get there ASAP!"
The scene showed him arguing with a cabbie.
Is that me next to him?
What could cause this? It was definitely happening, but no clear reason popped up.
Wait—end of year?
One thing hit me.
Year-end awards!
Was I trying to hit two ceremonies?
+++++
December, with its biting winter winds. Ilsik child actor shoots were wrapping up.
Visiting writer Yeo Sujung couldn't stop marveling.
It's exactly as I drew it.
How could their acting chemistry and face match be this perfect? She even secretly wished they were really dating.
Our Donghu fits anywhere.
Soldier uniform? Hunky soldier. Hanbok? Prince charming. Just looking sparked endless creative urges.
Hmm...
Amid awe and joy, Yeo Sujung stared blankly at Kim Donghu's performance.
With the end in sight, the child actors' farewell loomed.
His acting is incredible.
Helplessness watching his dying companion. Hesitant fingertips afraid even to hold hands. Terror of losing someone precious right before his eyes. Every emotion poured raw into Kim Donghu's gaze.
"...Your Highness."
Kim Sujin's short line drew silent gasps from everyone. She'd nailed emotional acting from the start with him, but in the real moment, she exploded with potential.
Like a kid forced to bid farewell to his true love. How does a child pull that off?
A single tear fell, signaling the parting. "Cut! That's it!"
Under the satisfied director's OK, tension released—
"Hic... sniff... heup..."
Kim Sujin burst into tears, emotions still raw. Common in method acting—you dive into the emotional sea.
Everyone froze, unsure. Then—
Swish.
"It's okay. Breathe slow."
Kim Donghu gently pulled her into a soft hug, patting her back.
The moment he did—
"Wha—huh?!"
Kim Sujin plunged into a different emotional sea. She'd been crying without knowing why, but suddenly her crush hugs her out of nowhere?
What the—how is this happening?!
Her mind blanked. Hic! Even hiccups hit.
Options weren't many:
1. Stay hugged.
No way in hell.
Her heart was exploding—how could she lean in more? Though damn, athlete's build made for a broad, warm embrace.
No, snap out of it!
2. Gently push away, say she's fine now, thanks for worrying.
Ideal move—do it. Push first.
Squirm squirm.
Wait, that's burrowing deeper!
She snapped to, shoving out of Kim Donghu's arms.
Dangerous guy! Madman!
Hug that tenderly—how's anyone supposed to escape?! Lucky it was a set, or she'd have melted in.
Anyway, out and safe.
"Ahem... Sorry you saw that embarrassing side. My apologies."
Quick apology. Folks reassured her—happens, all good, even worried for her.
"You really okay?"
Kim Donghu too. Then, like a fun idea struck, he leaned close and whispered playfully in her ear.
Shall I hold your hand like back then?
You wouldn't have cried then. Pure mischief, obvious to all.
...Yeah.
Huh?
Kim Sujin replied before she knew it.