Chapter 91

The new way of promotion that had not been seen before was quite impressive.

Even though the name value of the actors appearing in the drama had suddenly skyrocketed.

In the end, what remains in people’s memories is the acting.

Only the impact shown by the actors in the TV remains memorable to the viewers beyond the screen.

What’s important is how one will be remembered.

What will leave an impression in people’s memories?

“I lived happily ever after. It’s a classic line, but there’s a reason it’s classic.”

Jin Kyu-seong said this while preparing for the final shoot of [The Moonlight Split by Clouds].

He urged not to overlook the elements that have been loved since the concept of storytelling first appeared.

There’s always a reason why something is beloved.

A conclusion that leads to ultimate happiness.

It is referred to as the most correct ending among countless finales.

The ending that until now existed only in the textual form of the original novel had to be presented anew in the form of acting.

“Happiness….”

Jiji in [The Man Next Door] had no idea about that concept.

Han Yu-hwa in [You from the Stars] grasped it for a moment, but ultimately could not hold onto it.

This was the first time Ha Eun performed acting depicting complete happiness.

It was a performance that inevitably felt unfamiliar.

However, because it was unfamiliar.

“The concubine who wishes to stay by my side. Does it seem like it has now been fulfilled?”

“…Yes.”

The feeling of happiness that was unfamiliar to Yeom Wol could be vividly expressed.

Yeom Wol’s appearance, which treated everything around her with care while renewing it, created a fresh atmosphere.

Slowly, two shadows began to walk in sync.

The two voices exchanged without interruption formed calm yet sweet currents.

“I think it would be good for the concubine to greet His Majesty together from tomorrow. What do you think, concubine?”

“I shall do as Your Highness wishes. However… I worry that His Majesty may be displeased with me.”

“Do not worry about that. I will surely keep my promise to protect you.”

Eventually, they arrived at a quaint garden.

As Yeom Wol began to walk cautiously among the array of beautiful flowers, a quiet smile bloomed on her face.

“If I had known you liked flowers this much, I would have brought you here sooner.”

“It is good to see them with you, Your Highness. What is not to like about flowers seen with my lord?”

A voice as calm as usual.

Yet, the pure joy resting beneath it was not hidden.

Yeom Wol’s pace, which had slowly begun to slow down, came to a complete stop shortly after.

“…Your Highness. May I ask you one thing?”

The gaze still directed at the flowerbed and not at Lee Hyun.

Her voice carried a hint of nervousness for some reason.

With a slightly puzzled expression, Lee Hyun asked what was on her mind.

Not long after, the question she conveyed was.

“When did you start thinking of me as a woman?”

“I believe I have already answered that question.”

“Then… why did you come to hold feelings for me?”

It was the remnants of anxiety deep within Yeom Wol’s heart.

In Yeom Wol’s view, the image Lee Hyun had seen of her until now was devoid of even a grain of charm as a woman.

She knew intellectually that Lee Hyun loved her, yet felt an unfounded anxiety and wanted reassurance again.

What ensued was a brief silence.

And then.

– Step.

The sound of footsteps slowly approaching began.

The calm voice familiar to her was also drawing near.

“The first person to become mine.”

– Step.

“The one who remained mine until the end.”

– Step.

“I have already borrowed my life several times. How could I not cherish you?”

Thus, after walking right up to Yeom Wol, Lee Hyun gently yet firmly embraced her.

In that moment when Yeom Wol’s ear met his chest, the sound of a large heartbeat echoed.

As time passed in the warmth of being quietly cradled in Lee Hyun’s arms, the rhythm quickened.

“…Would this be enough of an answer?”

Finally, Yeom Wol’s face, which had slowly been lifted, was surely more flushed than at any other time, a sign that it was not merely a momentary illusion.

Thus, it became evident that the composure she had desperately tried to maintain had completely shattered.

Immediately after, there was the embarrassed look of the woman gazing without knowing what words to say.

It was after that moment that the faces of the two, each showing contrasting expressions, intersected within the same frame.

Not long after, the scene and location depicted on the screen began to change gradually.

The expansive view of a grand palace appeared next.

Lee Hyun, dressed not in the blue royal robe of the prince but in the red robe of the king.

As various scenes that had rapidly flowed by continued, only when the entire sky was dyed in the red glow of sunset did the flow of time momentarily revert to its original state.

What was captured on screen was not the formal attire of the prince and princess but that of an ordinary man and woman, Lee Hyun and Yeom Wol.

The place where they were walking was also a vast flower field near the city, not within the palace.

Before long, a soft sound like something delicate made contact was heard.

And thus, crossing the hands of Lee Hyun and Yeom Wol, the two bracelets they clasped was the last image.

The final broadcast preview of [The Moonlight Split by Clouds] came to an end.

And.

As usual, holding their breath until the very last moment, the KBC drama department that was watching [The Moonlight Split by Clouds] saw.

“…30.2 percent.”

“What… what?!”

“It’s over 30 percent! Our viewership ratings for [Gu Ga Dal]─!!”

It was declared that the three-year stagnation of the KBC drama department was perfectly terminated today.

There was no room for disagreement; it was a grand success.

However, in most cases, the viewership ratings of dramas peak during the final episode.

That meant that the viewership ratings for Episode 16 of [The Moonlight Split by Clouds], which would air tomorrow, would undoubtedly exceed 30.2 percent.

“…Let’s pop the champagne tomorrow.”

Even Jin Kyu-seong, who had maintained a poker face at every moment, confidently smiled, assured that [The Moonlight Split by Clouds] had become a cherished drama until the very end.

***

“Ha Eun. Are you really not involved with Yu Sung-jae at all?”

-Crackle.

“Ah, I know. Even Dad knows it’s not true. I’m just a little anxious. Your gaze yesterday was unmistakably─”

Just then, Ha Eun intentionally slammed her spoon onto the table, causing a sound.

With that, she stood up from her seat.

Shortly after, the sight of Ha Eun cleaning up after the meal was accomplished, as usual.

But for some reason, she approached Na-yeon, who was still eating.

“Mom.”

“Yes?”

“Dad hid beer without your knowledge. It’s behind the kimchi container.”

Ha Eun revealed the secret of Sung Yoon, known only to her, without any hesitation or reluctance.

Perhaps due to the way she whispered, Na-yeon’s face turned to look at both her and Ha Eun.

Sung Yoon, looking back and forth between Na-yeon and Ha Eun, began to turn pale in seconds.

“D-Daughter. This is different from our promise─”

“Dad was the first to break the promise.”

What followed was Na-yeon approaching the kimchi refrigerator, snapping her fingers.

Ha Eun, slyly retreating from Na-yeon, slowly made her way toward the entrance.

“I’m off to musical practice. I’ll be eating with friends until dinner, so don’t worry~.”

And just like that, ring-a-ling.

In an instant, having prepared for her outing, Ha Eun dashed out of the house.

Immediately after, she deliberately ignored the high-pitched scream that escaped through the front door.

However, the moment she stepped into the auditorium on time.

– Glance.

– Glance, glance.

‘…Oh?’

The atmosphere of her classmates, who had treated Ha Eun normally until yesterday, felt odd somehow.

Just in case, she checked her appearance several times, but could not find anything out of the ordinary.

Eventually, the only one who managed to exchange gazes with Ha Eun, Gong Hye-yeon, spoke up afterward.

“Ha Eun. Our costumes… came out. Let’s go change.”

Thus, she followed Gong Hye-yeon and changed into the costume of the Empress for now.

The pure white outfit with small jade beads accented at the hem was even more complete than Ha Eun had envisioned.

However, after completely donning the empress’s cloak and reappearing in the auditorium, her friends’ gazes and atmosphere became even stranger.

It seemed they wanted to say something but were unable to open their mouths and could only glance at Ha Eun.

Finally, Ha Eun, unable to hold back any longer, began to approach them, causing everyone to freeze at once.

It was shortly after that Gong Hye-yeon, who had been watching the scene next to Ha Eun, opened her mouth.

However, the words she heard immediately after were.

“We’re giving speaking rights to the first five who raise their hands─! We’ll begin practice in five minutes, so keep that in mind!”

The words were far from what Ha Eun had been thinking.

“R-Really, did you knock out Yu Sung-jae?”

“Did you almost pass out at the filming site for Yu Sung-jae? Just how intensely did you kiss him!!”

“Ha Eun, can you tie a cherry stem with your tongue too?”

In less than five seconds, a barrage of questions poured forth like a tsunami, causing her rationality to come to a halt.

The faces staring back at her were filled with excitement like never before.

18 years old.

An age thirsty for love.

Ha Eun’s only mistake was underestimating her friends’ immersion in a romance drama like [The Moonlight Split by Clouds].

The impact of the kiss scene in Episode 15, which was different in terms of intensity, was beyond her imagination.

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