Walking the Flower Path
A top star had once said something like that.
"I was so busy that by the time I blinked, a week had passed. I couldn't even remember if I'd slept or eaten—time had just slipped away cleanly."
"Mm... where to?"
It wasn't quite that extreme for Moo-young, but his days were no less packed; twenty-four hours felt woefully short. He rubbed his eyes as he woke from a nap in the car.
"Cheongryong? Didn't we turn that down?"
"We did, but the offer came back. Viewership over 30% must've been the benchmark—they're offering 100 million now."
"Whoa."
Moo-young wiped drool from his mouth and marveled. He'd finally broken the 100-million-won barrier. And not for a drama or film role—for a commercial.
"So the boss wants me to check with you again. What do you think?"
"We've already wrapped the meeting with ROS. Anything left to ask?"
"Ink's not dry on the contract yet. Sorry, but flips like this happen all the time in this industry. Things fall through, then pick back up. At two thousand cars, we'd just go for it, but four thousand? Worth a think."
Go Kyung-min turned the wheel lightly with a grin. Truth be told, the boss had told him to ask, but he already knew Moo-young's answer.
"Nah, pass."
"Figured as much."
He had that quiet resolve. Once he set his path, he charged ahead without looking back, brimming with confidence in his choices. Regret didn't seem to be in his vocabulary—at least, not from what Kyung-min had seen up close.
"Still, good call picking ROS back then."
"Why's that?"
Moo-young flipped through the finale script and glanced at him. Sure, the choice had been swayed by that sparkle of flower pollen. But meeting the staff had sealed it—they seemed like a solid company.
"Cheongryong's throwing 100 million now, so every other offer has to match. They snapped up eight thousand right away, see? Doubt any big agency would've tacked on another 100 million."
"Hmm. You think?"
"Ratings helped, but you needed this kind of leverage to renegotiate."
Kyung-min shot him a sidelong look. The office was in full celebration mode bordering on victory laps—yet Moo-young, the man of the hour, stayed cool as ever. Not that Kyung-min blamed him; that stuff wasn't what mattered to Moo-young.
"What's up?"
"Kinda bittersweet with the wrap party tonight. Feels like it's really ending."
His first drama as the lead, and a massive hit to boot—like waking from a midsummer night's dream.
"Don't sweat it. Next project's gonna keep you slammed anyway."
And there was another reason stirring Moo-young's unease. Scripts were pouring in endlessly, just as Kyung-min said. But nothing grabbed him, and the flower pollen had vanished without a trace.
"Gonna take a few days off after the drama wraps."
"You got it. I'll clear the schedule."
"Thanks."
"Psh, thanks? Boss rants about paddling when the water rises, but you gotta have the strength to paddle first."
Moo-young smiled softly at that. True enough. The road ahead stretched nine thousand miles—he'd take it steady. These days of dizzying happiness had him pondering death now and then.
I'm so happy it's making me anxious. Like an idiot.
Hopes it wouldn't end, fears he'd drop dead tomorrow. Useless thoughts, but they steeled his resolve for the future.
I want to live and die as an actor. Fill my life with performance, make people cry and laugh through my roles, help them find meaning.
"Moo-young?"
"Yeah?"
The manager snapped him from his reverie.
"Fan meeting."
"Oh right. Haha."
His offhand promise: if ratings topped 30%, he'd cross-dress for a fan meet. Cameras caught it, and articles exploded once the numbers hit.
"They're planning it post-wrap on a good date. Anything you wanna do?"
"What's usual?"
"Dancing, singing, highlights reel, Q&A from pre-submitted questions, gift swaps. Pretty free-form."
"I'll do it all then."
"Stamina hold up?"
"Of course. For the fans."
The faint melancholy melted away in an instant. Meeting people who loved him was always a highlight.
"Oh, right. Fan club name?"
"Results by end of the week."
"Can't wait. Haha. Wonder what it'll be. Huh? Hyung!"
Gazing out the window, Moo-young urgently grabbed his arm. Far off loomed the broadcasting station where they needed to be—and atop it, an LED screen flashing his face.
"What's that?"
"Check it out. Oh, Music Thru ad."
"No way. Isn't this on TV too?"
"Yeah? Those boards cycle S Network shows and ads. Guess we made the cut. News to me."
"Insane..."
Moo-young pressed against the window, transfixed. Do-ha beaming with the members, singing huge on that massive screen.
"Overwhelmed?"
"Gonna lose it."
"Hahaha! Hey, you look good? Damn sharp."
Group shots too, but solos as well—and his was chosen. He whipped out his phone to capture it.
Click.
"Good shot?"
"Yeah. It's so big, crystal clear."
To hit that board meant he was S Network's hottest topic right now. Eyes sparkling, he couldn't stop gaping.
"Insane..."
"Alright, almost there—mask and shades on."
The car drew nearer to that giant version of himself. Only inside the parking lot did he snap out of it. Shoot the finale, then straight to the wrap party with everyone.
"Can the editing team make it?"
"Dunno. Gotta ship this week, so probably not long. Dinner at least."
Moo-young popped the trunk as Kyung-min spoke. It brimmed with gifts for staff and cast.
That 14th-floor studio for the kiss scene—he eased the door open.
"Hey, everyone."
"You're here?"
Last day vibes felt different. He changed while asking,
"No lunch, right?"
"Obviously. Gotta starve for party eats to hit right."
Just Song A and Moo-young's finale scene. Others wrapped, heading to the restaurant after schedules.
Moo-young shook out his wrists, shedding tension.
"How's it feel, last one?"
"Why ask? He's gonna kill it. Ratings smashed, ads piling up."
Staff chatter drew only smiles from Moo-young.
"Kinda bummed, myself."
If not for side-scripting, he could've acted deeper. More prep, and Do-ha would've been flawless.
Staff paused at his words.
"Same here, honestly. Haha."
"Gonna miss seeing you after this. You're gonna be too slammed."
"Nah, hit me up anytime. You promised that restaurant rec last time."
His thoughtful words drew laughs. Set vibe didn't guarantee success, but it shaped the work's soul. Joy in the grind shone through on screen.
"Song A's here."
"Already?"
"Cody! Where you at? Prep the kids!"
"Coming!"
Song A shivered, face chilled. They huddled by the heater, chatting daily life while standby ticked on. Same as always.
"Noona, it sinking in?"
"What? That it's the end?"
She shook her head with a smile. Mi-ran was exploding in popularity too, like Do-ha. Though rookie Moo-young stole more spotlight.
"Feels like a storm blew through. For real."
They barely had time to watch their own drama, so it hadn't hit yet. Moo-young and Song A exchanged blank stares and faint smiles.
"Let's nail the end."
"You too."
"Moo-young! Song A! Let's shoot!"
"Got it!"
At PD Lee Yu-jin's call, they took positions. The new-term tale wrapped with vacation's approach.
They sat at desks. Do-ha slumped, head tilted slyly.
"Like this?"
"Yeah, good. Song A, check front."
"This okay?"
"Perfect. Action—rolling!"
Hands met on the desk.
"Ready! Action!"
Camera lit; Mi-ran whispered softly,
"Sunbae, semester's already over."
Do-ha wordless, fingers fidgeting hers. Song A brimmed with emotion, slumping beside him. Their profiles gleamed like sculpture.
"Just three months, but the deepest mark of my life. All thanks to you."
"I know. You've left yours on me."
Eyes met. Fresh, green love rippled out. Even the humid breeze—warm air from the heater, but June's touch to them.
"Thank you, sunbae."
"Too soon for that."
"Then when?"
Do-ha stared deep. Then leaned in smooth—
"Later. Way, way later."
Mi-ran smiled eyes closed. A tear dropped; lips nearly met—
PD Lee Yu-jin cut.
"Okay! Cut!"
"Great work!"
"Nice one, Moo-young! Song A!"
"You killed it!"
Claps erupted. Moo-young beamed, bowing to staff. Applause boomed back his way.
"Thanks, Moo-young."
"Truly grateful, PD."
He hugged PD Lee Yu-jin fiercely, sharing joy and cheers. Song A dabbed silent tears, lingering reluctance.
"You proved I chose right. Without you, would our Do-ha have come alive? Great work."
Warm, tender words. Moo-young's nose stung. Who'd trusted this nobody? He sniffled, grinning bright.
So happy. Acting birthed happiness—how?
"Moo-young. Here."
"Oh right."
Kyung-min handed a huge envelope.
"Nothing fancy—just small thanks for the staff. For guiding rookie Ha Moo-young, helping craft this gem. Truly grateful."
Winter gloves. Outdoor shoots had stuck with him, staff suffering cold.
He pulled them out one by one, calling names.
"Director Kim Yong-jin."
"What? All different?"
"Of course. Gifts, right? Letters too."
Personalized sizes, designs—his care infused. You Are a Star, I Am a Star engraved elegantly on index fingers.
"Love noona."
"Oh, thanks. Pretty color."
"Gonna hand to no-shows now. Hyung Myeong-seon!"
One by one, gifts and thank-you notes distributed. Earning money tasted like this—pride swelled at their joy.
"Great work, everyone. Save the real cheers for drinks and eats—let's wrap here!"
"Meat overload tonight?"
"Hell yeah! Eat big, party hard!"
PD Lee Yu-jin clutched her gloves, directing cleanup. Meanwhile, Moo-young and Song A headed to the restaurant first.
His car trailed her van tight.
"What? Traffic's nuts."
"Yeah. Not even rush hour."
"Weird. Almost there, but stuck on the road..."
Kyung-min muttered about wasted time—then froze, spotting something. Moo-young peered around cluelessly.
"Hyung, event here or what?"
Reporters, crowds—insane. Kyung-min chuckled, veering to a lot.
"For you, dummy. The people."
"...All this?"
Concert-level heat and masses. Cameras outnumbered even KPOP Center.
"Whoa..."
"Ha Moo-young! Ha Moo-young!"
"There he is!"
"Aaah! Ha Moo-young!"
"Song A! Song Aaa!"
Flash! Flash! Boom!
Blinding flashes made the world swirl with flower pollen. Moo-young walked slow, down the path fanned open before him.
Like treading a flower road.