16
ch 16**The Importance of Input**
Even with Park Taehyung and Heo Seongman away, the Romantic Theater troupe's practice room remained full of energy.
Actors practiced their vocalization and stretched, while senior members offered advice and praise. The staff also
continued discussing ideas for future productions despite having no immediate work after The Witnesses had closed.
"Hello!"
The practice room door swung open, and Kim Hyunggyu walked in carrying bags full of snacks.
"It's been a while! I missed everyone!"
The room instantly erupted.
"Hyunggyu?!"
"Our superstar is here!"
Kim Hyunggyu, now one of television's hottest rising actors, had started his career with the Romantic Theater troupe.
Once a stage actor, he had shot to fame after playing the main villain in the hit drama Fabricated Dawn. Despite
becoming a star, he still treated the troupe like family, bringing enough snacks that even his manager had to carry
extra bags.
After chatting with everyone, Kim Hyunggyu asked,
"Where's Writer Park Taehyung? I wanted to talk about The Witnesses."
"They're out meeting the winner of our keyword play project."
"The winner?"
"Yeah. Apparently both Writer Park and Director Heo were completely captivated by the script."
That surprised Kim Hyunggyu. He knew how demanding both men were.
"Can I read that winning script too?"
Everyone nodded.
"It's really that good."
Meanwhile, at a nearby café, Park Taehyung and Director Heo Seongman continued praising Yoon Seongjun's play, Message.
Heo admired its bold staging, where text messages themselves would become part of the performance instead of being
spoken aloud.
Park praised its realistic portrayal of school relationships—teacher and student, father and son, friends, and first
love—all connected through text messages and chat apps. Every character felt layered, with seemingly separate
relationships intertwining like a spider's web.
"I've never read such an entertaining play... no, such an entertaining piece of writing."
Heo also complimented the precise stage directions and the author's deep understanding of theater, despite being a
newcomer.
Curious, Heo asked,
"Have you written plays before?"
Yoon Seongjun shook his head.
"No. I've only seen a few plays. The Witnesses was actually the first one I watched properly."
The answer stunned both men.
Normally, first-time writers heavily imitate the work that inspired them. Yet there wasn't the slightest trace of The
Witnesses in Message.
If anything...
"It might even surpass my own work."
Rather than feeling jealous, Park Taehyung felt excited that someone this talented had appeared in the theater world.
Finally, Heo asked,
"Is there anything you'd like from our theater company?"
Yoon Seongjun thought for a moment.
"If possible... I'd like the play to be performed as soon as possible. I don't have any other requests."
"May I ask why?"
"I want my daughter to see it."
The answer brought warm smiles to both of them.
After the meeting ended, Yoon Seongjun left feeling dazed.
Even the writer of The Witnesses had praised his work.
When he messaged Yongsu about it, Yongsu bragged as if it were his own achievement, so Seongjun simply ignored him.
Still, he was relieved.
Both Park Taehyung and Heo Seongman had promised to push for the stage production as quickly as possible.
He couldn't wait to surprise Siwoo with it.
Just then, his phone rang.
It was Siwoo.
"Dad!"
"School's over?"
"Yep! Guess what? Quiz time!"
"What is it?"
"What rank is Only 10 Seconds to Become a Genius Idol on Moon Story's Today's Best list?"
Thinking back, Seongjun guessed,
"Twentieth?"
"Wrong! Your punishment is making sweet potato candy later!"
He laughed.
"So what's the answer?"
Siwoo practically shouted through the phone.
"Dad! It's amazing! It's tenth place!"
"...What?"
Seongjun froze in disbelief.