A Script Unwritten

The Second Encounter

"How is it that he's always in my thoughts even
when l am not thinking?"

A few months had passed since the premiere of Brave Citizen, and life had continued to move forward for both Hae Sun and Jung Hyun. Their paths had diverged once more, each caught up in their respective careers. But despite the passage of time, the memory of their brief and awkward encounter lingered in both their minds.

Hae Sun found herself preparing for yet another film premiere, this time for her latest project, Following. The film had been a challenging endeavor, not only because of its demanding script but also because it was a very different genre from what she was accustomed to. In Following, Hae Sun portrayed an influencer who craved attention-a dark, twisted character who manipulated those around her for her own gain. It was the first time she had taken on the role of a villain, a departure from the more sympathetic characters she had played in the past. At an earlier press conference, she had candidly mentioned that there was nothing good about her character, acknowledging the challenge of portraying someone so deeply flawed.

As the premiere date approached, Hae Sun found herself thinking more about Jung Hyun than about the film itself. The lingering regret from their last meeting weighed heavily on her, and she knew she couldn't let another opportunity slip away.

This time, Hae Sun was determined. She would invite Jung Hyun to the premiere, even though she knew her co-star was his best friend. It was a bold move, one that required her to confront the nerves that had been building inside her. But she knew she had to see him again, to have the conversation they had both been avoiding for so long. As she sent the invitation, her heart pounded with anxiety. She wasn't sure if he would come, but she knew she had to try.

The day of the premiere arrived, and Hae Sun felt a mix of excitement and dread. She was nervous, more so than she had been at any other event. Her plan was simple: she would arrive at the cinema and find a way to see Jung Hyun in private before the screening began. She needed to talk to him, to clear the air, to finally address the unspoken tension that had been lingering between them.

As she arrived at the cinema, the usual flurry of photographers and fans greeted her. She smiled and waved, but her mind was elsewhere, focused entirely on the possibility of seeing Jung Hyun. She knew he was in Korea, having just returned from Japan where he had been attending an international film festival for the promotion of his movie, Secret. The timing couldn't have been better-or worse.

Meanwhile, Jung Hyun was just as nervous. He had been surprised by the invitation from Hae Sun, especially given that her co-star was his best friend. The invitation had caught him off guard, and he couldn't help but wonder what it meant. Had she finally decided to address the tension between them? Or was it just a friendly gesture, nothing more?

His mind raced as he made his way to the cinema. He had barely had time to catch his breath after his trip to Japan, where Secret had been well-received. The film festival had been a success, but all he could think about was seeing Hae Sun again. The memory of their last meeting was still fresh in his mind, and he wasn't sure what to expect this time.

Inside the cinema, the atmosphere was electric. The film industry's elite had gathered for the premiere of Following, and the air was thick with anticipation. But amidst the glitz and glamour, Hae Sun's focus remained singular-she needed to see Jung Hyun. As she made her way through the crowd, she scanned the room for any sign of him, her nerves building with each passing moment.

Finally, she spotted him at the back door near the basement car park, hiding behind a few of her friends, trying to avoid the media and the fans that had gathered for her. It was a sight that made her heart skip a beat. There he was, looking just as nervous and out of place as she felt. The sight of him, trying to stay out of the limelight, made her smile despite her own anxiety.

Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, it felt as if the world had stopped spinning. The noise of the crowd faded into the background as they shared a silent, knowing look. It was a look that spoke volumes, a look that acknowledged the unresolved tension between them, a look that promised something more.

But before they could approach each other, the event organizers called Hae Sun to the stage for the opening remarks. As she stood before the audience, her friends and the rest of the invited guests cheered for her with huge applause. The loud and enthusiastic response made Hae Sun blush with embarrassment, partly because she knew Jung Hyun was among them, watching her every move.

After the screening, amidst the congratulations and well-wishes, Hae Sun found herself surrounded by friends, including many who were also close to Jung Hyun. The group decided to continue the celebration at a nearby restaurant, where they enjoyed good food and lively conversation well into the early morning hours. Despite the festive atmosphere and the long night of laughter and camaraderie, there was still no room for Hae Sun and Jung Hyun to be alone. The chance to speak privately slipped away once again as they remained caught up in the group, unable to break free from the social whirlwind that kept them apart.

By the end of the night, as the clock approached 4 a.m., Hae Sun and Jung Hyun were both left with a familiar sense of regret. Once again, the opportunity to connect had passed them by. They hoped that another opportunity would come, a chance to finally say what had been left unsaid. And as they parted ways with their friends, each with a heavy heart, they both silently promised themselves that the next time they met, things would be different.

"At the end of the day, we only regret the chances we never took."

*****

To be continued