Chapter 33
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 33
Chapter Title: The Empty Stage
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Oof.
I climbed the steps from the audience seats up onto the empty stage.
It was the grand hall of the Gwanghwamun Cultural Center, where RUNs performance was about to begin.
For some reason, today the view from the stage down to the seats felt fresh and new.
Standing alone in the space lit by soft lighting, with no one else around, I gazed up at the vacant audience area.
The seats stretched all the way up to the third tier, and even from here, their grandeur was impressive.
It was the day before the first show, so wed wrapped up the final rehearsal early, and everyone had gone home, leaving the theater empty.
Staring out at the empty seats, I drew in a deep breath and slowly let it out.
December 23rd, with the end of the year already approaching.
Even indoors, the smell of the air had changed.
Not the biting, lonely winter scent of the ten years Id spent trapped in the tower.
This was a winter smell still holding onto some warmth.
The grand hall with its three tiers reminded me of the Globe Theatre, where Id first seen Richard III as Noah.
Tomorrow, Id be the one standing here.
Lost in sentiment by myself, a low voice came from behind me.
Arent you going home, Siu?
I turned around to see my grandmother.
It was actress Noh Yeonghui.
She hadnt gone home yet, apparently.
I grinned and replied.
Im so excited to get on stage that Im shaking already.
Noh Yeonghuis eyes widened in surprise at my answer.
She stared at me silently for a moment before speaking.
Youre braver than me, and Im over sixty. I still get nervous and shaky before going on stage.
Her eyes burned with passion as she said it.
Age doesnt matter when it comes to chasing dreams.
I feel that deeply whenever I act opposite her.
Granny.
Yeah?
Im here, you know.
I did something I dont usually do and tightly gripped her hand.
Seeing my eye smile, actress Noh Yeonghui smiled warmly back.
Yeah, its better when youre not alone.
The two of us stood there in silence, gazing at the empty seats.
Tomorrow, this place would be filled with people.
A play soaked in the sweat and tears of over a hundred people these past few months.
Finally, it was time for the curtain to rise.
December 24th.
Christmas Eve dawned.
Merry Chrismas!
I flung open the dressing room door and shouted at the top of my lungs.
This is how people greet each other in Korea on Christmas.
Back in my time in England, Christmas wasnt allowed.
What a great greeting.
Oh! Sius full of energy this morning. Did you sleep well?
Merry Christmas to you too, Siu.
Noh Yeonghui and the staff sharing the dressing room smiled brightly and returned the greeting.
Uung. I slept super well, no dreams or anything.
I set down the bright yellow bag Id brought on the sofa and chattered away.
For RUNs premiere today, my parents had come with me and were waiting outside right now.
Dad had made a big decision and left the chicken shop in his employees hands for the day.
Siu, time to change and get your makeup done?
Yessir!
I answered briskly and hurried over to the staff.
They handed me the costume for my grandson role, the same one Id worn for the final rehearsal and press call.
Since Im only five, theyd tried to help me change at first.
Of course, I jumped back.
I cant let some stranger lady see me in my underwear!
Only Moms seen me naked!
I can dress myself. I got it.
I said it with total determination.
The costume staff blinked in surprise before handing me the clothes with an Okay.
Um, Siu. Hurry and come out once youre changed...?
Even after giving me the clothes, she said it again, still worried.
She mustve been concerned Id be too slow.
But I showed off my skills, changing super fast and coming out in no time, making their worries unfounded.
I even dress myself at home nowthis was nothing.
Stage costumes can be trickier than regular clothes, but luckily, my grandson character Jonathans outfit wasnt too bad.
A checkered shirt with bright blue suspenders.
Phew, all changed.
Today, like always, Id dressed myself and hopped up onto the makeup chair as the staff directed.
My hair was a mess from rushing to change alone.
Since Im still little, they dont do heavy makeup.
They just lightly blow-dry my fine hair a few times and apply a tiny bit of product to hold it in place.
That was it.
Aww, putting powder on Siu would probably ruin him.
Right? His cheeks are so plump and pale, how?
The staff said the usual lines they always do when doing my makeup.
My naturally white chubby cheeks were a bit flushed from running around.
And the primary-colored checkered shirt went perfectly with the blue suspenders.
Hm, perfect.
I was checking myself in the mirror when the staff added their touches.
They fixed the shirt collar and cuffs last, and my makeup was done in a flash.
Siu finishes so fastwhyd you come so early?
Meanwhile, Noh Yeonghui, still getting her stage makeup done with her eyes closed, asked.
Shed started before me, but she still had a ways to go.
To look like an old woman from afar, she had to do base makeup first, then layer on elderly makeup over it.
It was ironicshe naturally looks younger than her age, so she needed extra makeup to look her real age.
Uung, its boring being alone, Granny.
I plopped down on the chair next to her and swung my legs.
So cute...
If I had a son like that, Id have no regrets in life.
Right? Have you seen Sius mom? I get it nowwhere he gets his looks.
Yeah, I saw her from afar once. She should debut.
The staff nearby went wild with excitement.
Oh ho.
So thats what they think?
I decided to tell Mom when I got home.
See, I was right.
My mom and dad are total beauties.
I was chattering excitedly while watching Grannys makeup when someone knocked.
Knock knock
Huh? Whos that?
We still have tons of rehearsal time left?
The staff muttered curiously.
Noh Yeonghui opened her eyes and replied.
Come in.
I wondered if something had gone wrong and looked toward the door too.
It couldnt be an accident already on premiere day.
Huh?
Gasp, no way...?
Whoa!
The staff all looked shocked when the tall man entered.
He wore a black long coat over neat slacks and a shirt, holding two huge bouquets.
Even with huge sunglasses covering most of his small face and a mask, I knew right away.
Heesung Uncle!
Sunglasses or not, it was so obvious.
That long frame, that tiny face.
Did he think sunglasses would hide it?
The second I recognized him, I jumped off the chair and ran over.
I clung to one of his legs, and he took off his sunglasses to look down at me.
It was Moon Heesung, sure enough.
Siu, Merry Christmas.
Uung. You already said that.
Though I hadnt replied.
Truth was, Id been too sleepy earlier, and right when I woke up, I was only thinking about the show today, so I forgot to text back.
Still, I played it off casually.
I knew Heesung Uncle would get it.
Sure enough, even with my attitude, he just smiled and said.
Ive never said it in person before. Youre already done with makeup?
Yup. Doesnt take me long.
I nodded and answered.
Aigoo, my neck.
We always sit and talk, but standing like this, my necks gonna break.
Why is this guy so tall?
Moon Heesung noticed my head craned back and quickly stepped closer.
Hello, Sunbaenim.
What brings you here, Heesung-ssi...?
You have your big premiere today. I came to congratulate you. Im not intruding, am I?
He was addressing Noh Yeonghui in the makeup chair.
She smiled faintly as he offered the red bouquet.
I see you and Siu are close? Did you meet through theater?
Yes. I went to see his debut play, and we got friendly then. I made the first move.
Oh my. Lucky you. Id love to see Sius first work too.
They greeted each other pretty warmly for a first meeting.
They mustve crossed paths acting before.
I butted in between them at Grannys words.
Granny, want me to bring you the video?
Haha, yeah yeah. Ill hold you to that next time.
Hearing her, I decided to nag Kim Sangcheol about it.
Good luck with todays show, Sunbaenim. Ill enjoy watching.
Thanks. This means a lotyou coming all the way here.
No, no. And this is for Siu.
Wooow.
Moon Heesung hadnt forgotten and handed me the yellow bouquet from his other hand.
I buried my face in the huge bunch and sniffed deeply.
Wow, no matter how good perfume is, it cant beat fresh flowers.
I got lost in the long-missed floral fragrance.
Suits you. Siu, Ill be cheering from the seats. See you later. Do great, fighting!
Uung! See ya, Uncle.
I waved frantically at Moon Heesung as he gave his encouragement.
Once I confirmed hed left the dressing room with a smile, I turned back around.
Wondering where to put the bouquet in the room before taking it home.
But then
Siu! You know Moon Heesung?!
How do you know him? You guys look so close!
I couldnt even get to the sofa before the staffs questions stopped me in my tracks.
Theyd been frozen stiff while he was here, but now that he was gone, they snapped out of it.
Even I was overwhelmed by their energy and hesitated.
Uh, um... Our theater owner and Uncle are friends.
Uncle, he says Uncle.
Wow... He really is Uncle to Siu. Still, calling Moon Heesung like some neighborhood guy.
The staff spent the next while chorusing how jealous they were.
The Gwanghwamun Cultural Center lobby was gorgeously decorated.
With Christmas the next day, a towering tree reached almost to the ceiling in the center.
Bright lights around the tree and colorful decorations on the walls everywhere.
The year-end vibe was thick in the packed grand hall lobby.
Soft carols played from the counters, and the audience faces glowed with anticipation.
Life-size standees of Noh Yeonghui and Han Siu in makeup lined the corridors.
People snapped photos in front of the standees and posters everywhere.
A huge crowd meant they opened the seats thirty minutes early.
Maybe because it was year-end, families and couples dominated.
Everyone was buzzing with excitement for RUNs first show.
Gentle, warm house music overlaid the murmurs.
It was the main theme from RUN, rearranged with a carol feel.
It kept the originals cozy vibe, calming listeners hearts.
Since Christmas Eve was premiere night, the theater inside was decked out festively too.
Red and green balloons with the RUN logo on the auditorium walls, and stage and tickets featured characters from Rainbow Pictures original animation.
As an anime adaptation, there were more kids than usual for such a long show.
Mommy, can we go in now?
Yeah. They say a kid Ji-seoks size is in it today.
No way. On this huge stage?
Thats what they say. Wanna check it out together?
And overhearing all this chatter was a certain man and woman.
Phew. Why am I so nervous?
Our little Siu standing on that huge stage...
It was Han Sius parents, making their lead debut on this stage today.
Unlike the excited crowd entering, their faces were deadly serious.
Anyone would think they were heading to war.
Amid the mix of thrill and tension, showtime approached fast.
The audience settled, and the house lights dimmed to black.
Tweet tweettweet
Soft birdsong echoed through the dark theater.
Everyone held their breath as, with the birdsong, the lights slowly rose.
Swish
Noh Yeonghui stood alone onstage, watering flowers.
The play had begun.