All About Eve 'Uncut' -- English Style
by AAEfanatic
Episode 3A
SCENE: London Heathrow airport Immigration, afternoon.
SCENE: London Heathrow airport Arrival Hall, afternoon.
SERIES OF SCENES: London, street locations, afternoon
SCENE: London snooker hall, afternoon
SCENE: London, Sun-Mi's aunt's kitchen, afternoon
SCENE: London street, afternoon
SCENE: London, Sun-Mi's aunt's kitchen, afternoon
SCENE: London, Arirang Restaurant dining room, night
SCENE: London, Arirang Restaurant kitchen, night
SCENE: London, Arirang Restaurant dining room, night
SCENE: London, Arirang Restaurant kitchen, night
SCENE: London, Arirang Restaurant dining room, night
SCENE: London, Hyung-Chul's living room, night
Act 1
SCENE: London, Airport runway, afternoon
Sun-Mi's flight lands at London Heathrow Airport...
SCENE: London Heathrow airport Immigration, afternoon
(Dialog is in English except as noted)
As Sun-Mi waits in the queue to pass through Immigration, she is thinking back to Young-Mi's scheming...
|
FLASHBACK� [Scene from Episode 2]
Sun-Mi is eavesdropping on Young-Mi and Woo-Jin outside the photography studio building.
Young-Mi.......... Ouch... Something got in my eye... Woo-Jin............ Let me see... How is it? Young-Mi.......... It's OK. It's out now... much better.
|
The Immigration official waves Sun-Mi forward...
Official............. Next!
Sun-Mi, engrossed in her thoughts, is oblivious to the call.
Official............. (louder) Miss? ... You're next!
This time Sun-Mi hears him.
Nervous to be speaking in English, she remembers Woo-Jin's last minute advice at the airport...
... be very courteous of the officials, and always smile ...
She bows respectfully as she apologizes...
Sun-Mi.............. Sorry!
Official............. Come up!. Quickly, now...
Sun-Mi.............. Oh... (smiles) Yes ... (bows respectfully again as she apologizes again) Sorry!
Under the official's impatient glare, she steps forward and hands him her passport and entry papers.
Sun-Mi.............. (smiles) Here, Sir.
The official inspects the papers, checking the passport photograph against her face for a match.
Official............. What is your purpose for visiting the UK?
... be careful what you say, any wrong answer and they can deny entry ... and always smile ...
Sun-Mi.............. (smiles) I gonna to study... (smiles) at the Cambridge University.
Official............. Where are you staying?
Sun-Mi.............. (smiles) I staying at... er... (smiles) at my Auntie's house, in London City.
Official............. And what does your aunt do?
Sun-Mi.............. (smiles proudly) Auntie owns the best Korean restaurant... Arirang Restaurant, in London City.
This being a red flag, the official scrutinizes Sun-Mi closely as he probes further...
Official............. (gruffly) Do you intend to work while you're in the UK?
She recalls Woo-Jin's warnings ... never say you want to work ...
Sun-Mi.............. (smiles) No need work. I have the money... umm... (smiles) Daddy says I must study, a lot.
Official............. And what subject are you studying?
Thinking it should be obvious, Sun-Mi is annoyed at the question, then recalls...
... don't be impatient, hold your temper back ...
Sun-Mi.............. (smiles tensely) I gonna take the English class...
....................... (repeats slowly so he is sure to understand) Eeen-glishh
Official............. How long will you study for?
Sun-Mi.............. (smiles) My class is...
She mentally calculates from the dates...
Sun-Mi.............. (smiles apologetically for the delay) six week, three day.
Official............. (warily) After you finish studying, what are you going to do then?
She recalls Woo-Jin's advice again ... especially don't let them think you want to stay ...
Sun-Mi.............. (smiles) I go back Korea. I have nice boyfriend.
....................... (smiles) We're gonna to marry -- er -- after I graduate?
Satisfied, the official stamps her passport and hands the papers back to Sun-Mi.
Official............. Very well, you can go now. Enjoy your visit.
Sun-Mi grumbles quietly to herself...
Sun-Mi.............. (in Korean) So troublesome... so many questions!
Official............. (sternly) What was that, Miss?
Sun-Mi.............. (smiles) Nothing... er ... (dips her head) Thank you, Sir.
As Sun-Mi walks away, the official wave the next person in queue forward...
Official............. Next!
SCENE: London Heathrow airport Arrival Hall, afternoon
Sun-Mi is pushing her luggage cart into the London Heathrow Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall when her aunt spies her.
Gwi-Sun............ (waving) Sun-Mi!
Sun-Mi������������� (excitedly) Auntie!
Sun-Mi waves back and pushes the cart faster as her aunt runs up to give her a hug.
Gwi-Sun............ How was the flight? It's been a long time. You've grown prettier.
Sun-Mi.............. (smiles) Not really.
Gwi-Sun............ You are prettier. My car is parked outside. You must be hungry. Let's go.
SERIES OF SCENES: London, street locations, afternoon
Sun-Mi's aunt gives her a driving tour of central London...
Trafalgar Square ...
The National Gallery ...
Church of Saint Martin of the Fields ...
Tower Bridge ...
SCENE: London snooker hall, afternoon
(Dialog is in English except as noted)
Hyung-Chul chalks his cue as he lines up his next shot.
With a confident stroke, he pots one of two remaining red balls into a middle pocket...
The cue ball, rebounding across the table, sets up his final shot with the remaining red ball as intended.
John................. (unhappily) That's 50 points this break... with this ball the frame is yours... and the match.
Hyung-Chul....... (cocky) You know I won't miss this one... Still feel confident?
John considers the situation for a moment, studying the table, as the corner of his mouth lifts slightly.
John................. You can't be lucky with every shot. Why not go for doubles?
Hyung-Chul returns a self-assured grin.
Hyung-Chul....... Okay, my friend, you're on! Doubles it is!
Hyung-Chul lines up the shot, and is just starting his stroke as John times his next words precisely...
John................. Whatever happened with Su-Jin?
Hyung-Chul twitches involuntarily just as the cue stick strikes.
The cue ball veers right, tapping the red into the bumper, wide of the pocket.
Hyung-Chul....... (glaring) Hey, you set me up!
John gives him a smug grin. He quickly lines up his shot and pots the last ball.
John................. Frame and match. That's two points, not one, I collect. You're buying again, my friend.
Hyung-Chul shakes his head, resigned to the unexpected loss.
Hyung-Chul....... Okay, you got by this time. But� Don't ever mention that name to me again!
John................. That bad, huh? Exactly what went on between you two?
Hyung-Chul....... It's complicated, and as you're not Korean, you wouldn't understand.
John................. Try me, over dinner. I'm famished.
Hyung-Chul smiles slyly.
Hyung-Chul....... Okay, I'll talk� but only if you buy.
John considers for a moment, and decides it is a good bargain. He claps Hyung-Chul on the shoulder.
John................. It's a deal! But I'm expecting a long, juicy story. Where are we going?
Hyung-Chul....... How about Korean? There's a good place not far from here...
John................. (reluctantly) I'm not really into Asian food, except carryout Chinese.
Hyung-Chul....... This is different. And because you're with me, you'll get the authentic stuff.
John................. As long as it's not too spicy...
Hyung-Chul....... Why not give it a try, first? I'm sure you'll be glad you did.
SCENE: London, Sun-Mi's aunt's kitchen, afternoon
Sun-Mi and her aunt Jin Gwi-Sun are chatting over tea in her kitchen.
Gwi-Sun ........... Your father's so over-protective; how'd you convince him to let you come?
Sun-Mi gives her aunt a plaintive, doe-eyed expression.
Gwi-Sun laughs loudly.
Sun-Mi.............. (pouting) Daddy still sees me as a little girl, even though I'm in university now...
....................... I'm even old enough to marry if I want!
Gwi-Sun tilts her head inquisitively.
Gwi-Sun............ Marry? So young?
The sparkle in Sun-Mi's eyes amplifies her energetic smile as she quickly clarifies...
Sun-Mi.............. Not right away! First I want to become famous, like Announcer Yoo Joo-Hee on MBS! That's my dream!
Gwi-Sun............ My niece is pretty and smart, but isn't that hoping for too much?
....................... Announcer Yoo is a real celebrity. Are you going to try and compete with her?
Sun-Mi.............. My mother wrote in her diary, 'The bigger the dream, the greater the satisfaction'...
....................... I don't want to disappoint her, so I'll try my best.
Gwi-Sun looks at her bubbly niece with wistful affection...
Gwi-Sun............ When I look at you, it's like seeing your mum in her youth. She was always smiling, like you.
Sun-Mi.............. That's what Daddy says, too.
Gwi-Sun............ Your mum was so full of enthusiasm and life, a soul couldn't help but feel happy around her.
....................... She was the kind of person you meet only once in a lifetime. It's a pity she left us so soon.
She gazes off into space as she reminiscences...
Gwi-Sun............ I remember in school, how we shared our dreams... the places we'd go, the things we'd do.
....................... (smiles wistfully) We were going to conquer the world together.
Sun-Mi.............. You were best friends, right?
Gwi-Sun............ Yes. But when my brother proposed, she put aside those dreams we shared, for a new dream.
....................... And so I� I went on to chase those dreams on my own...
Sun-Mi.............. Do you regret that you never married?
Gwi-Sun............ Regret? My only regret was not being there to help your father raise you.
....................... Then maybe he wouldn't have met that widow Song... Aiche! Such a sharp tongue!
Although she is aware of the differences the two women hold, Sun-Mi still frowns, upset...
Sun-Mi.............. But she's like a mother to me... I wish you could both get along...
Gwi-Sun decides it's time to change the subject...
Gwi-Sun............ Now tomorrow morning� I'll go with you. I don't have to be at the restaurant until afternoon.
Sun-Mi rolls her eyes with annoyance.
Sun-Mi.............. I'm a college woman now, Auntie. I can go by myself... It's no big deal!
Gwi-Sun............ But your English...
Sun-Mi.............. Don't worry. I just have to finish registering and buy books. What can go wrong?
SCENE: London street, afternoon
John and Hyung-Chul exit the snooker hall...
Hyung-Chul....... I'll drive.
He points to the silver BMW Z3 M convertible roadster parked at the curb.
John................. Great! I finally get to try out your new ride.
Hyung-Chul....... (jokingly) I hope you're duly impressed.
John................. How does a poor grad student afford something like this?
Hyung-Chul....... It's from my mum.
John................. But I thought you said she passed on last Spring?
Hyung-Chul....... She did. Now I get an annual grant from her estate, so I decided it was time to get rid of the Triumph.
John................. (chuckles) But that car had real character!
Hyung-Chul....... If by 'character' you mean it spent as much time in the repair shop as on the road...
John................. Well, this one is a babe magnet, that's for sure.
Hyung-Chul....... (grumpily) Ha ha, very funny.
John................. Then let me borrow it sometimes, for a date.
Hyung-Chul....... I'm not sure that's a good idea.
John................. Why not?
Hyung-Chul....... (jokily) With a new car instead of that old Cortina, how can you convince the girls it really broke down?
John thinks a moment and laughs...
John................. I guess you're right... I'll stick with what I have.
Hyung-Chul....... And I'll leave the pickups to you... Shall we go now?
SCENE: London, Sun-Mi's aunt's kitchen, afternoon
Gwi-Sun glances at the wall clock and is surprised at the hour...
Gwi-Sun............ Oh... It's late! I'm closing tonight, so I can't cook dinner for you. There's some food in the frig.
....................... Eat something and rest. You must be jetlagged.
Sun-Mi.............. I'm all right. Can't I go to the restaurant with you? I can eat there.
Gwi-Sun............ But what are you going to do in the restaurant all night?
Sun-Mi.............. I can wait tables... I want to work and make money�
Gwi-Sun............ (frowning) Your father didn't give you money? Let me...
Sun-Mi interrupts, pouting stubbornly...
Sun-Mi.............. I want to earn my own money... so I can buy a gift for a friend that I paid for myself.
Gwi-Sun............ (impatiently) We'll discuss this tomorrow, I have to go now.
Gwi-Sun gets up and walks away, but Sun-Mi refuses to give up. She follows her aunt, imploring...
Sun-Mi.............. Auntie... Pleeeease? Give me a chance.
Gwi-Sun............ (smiles indulgently) Such a stubborn girl! All right, but just tonight. Once class starts you have to study.
Ecstatic, Sun-Mi stands and hugs her aunt.
Sun-Mi.............. Thanks, Auntie. I'll work hard; I promise!
Gwi-Sun gives Sun-Mi a look-over, noting her white pants and pink top, both expensive designer pieces.
Gwi-Sun............ You should change first...
Sun-Mi.............. No need; I can wear an apron... Didn't you say you're late already?
Sun-Mi links her arm with her aunt's and drags her forward.
Gwi-Sun............ (laughing) Now I understand your poor father...
SCENE: London, Arirang Restaurant dining room, night
(Dialog is in English except as noted)
Hyung-Chul walks into the Arirang Restaurant, followed by John.
Gwi-Sun hustles to the desk to greet her guests with a proprietor's welcoming smile on her face.
But when she recognizes Hyung-Chul, the formal smile turns warm.
(Although both are Korean, they speak in English because of John.)
Gwi-Sun............ Hyung-Chul, how nice to see you again!
Hyung-Chul....... Auntie, this is my good friend, John White.
She nods politely to John.
Gwi-Sun............ Just two of you?
Hyung-Chul....... Yes.
Gwi-Sun grabs menus and leads them toward a table.
After the two men take seats, she lingers to collect some information...
Gwi-Sun............ How is Announcer Yoo Joo-Hee these days?
Hyung-Chul....... Hard to say, Auntie. We haven't spoken since she left back to Seoul.
Gwi-Sun............ She's very pretty, intelligent, and sophisticated... a good match for you.
Hyung-Chul laughs...
Hyung-Chul....... Auntie, she's just an old friend. We're not dating or anything serious.
She raises an eyebrow in surprise...
Gwi-Sun............ Oh? ... If a woman like Yoo Joo-Hee isn't good enough, then your standards are too high.
Hyung-Chul....... (joking) Actually, they're low.... Someone who makes me happy, with a nice smile, is enough for me.
Gwi-Sun............ (joking) Then I should introduce you to my niece. She's a bit blur and clumsy, but has a nice smile.
Hyung-Chul....... (joking) No need, Auntie... I'm already a happy man...
Gwi-Sun............ (disbelieving) Tssst... So you say.
She hands them the menus.
Gwi-Sun............ Your server will be with you shortly.
After Gwi-Sun leaves, John is curious....
John................. Is she really your aunt?
Hyung-Chul....... It's just an expression Koreans use. When I came here for high school, she sort of adopted me.
....................... (chuckling) And like any duly concerned Auntie, she's always trying to set me up with someone.
John................. Now, tell me, what happened between you and Su-Jin?
Hyung-Chul....... Nothing.
John................. You're kidding. Nothing at all?
Hyung-Chul....... I told you we didn't have a serious relationship.
John................. But she was with you all the time... Su-Jin practically lived at your place last term.
Hyung-Chul....... (shrugs) So? She's not my type. Believe me, it was completely platonic.
John................. What? She's knock-out gorgeous, and her bod... in those tight dresses she always wore...
....................... If it were me, 'platonic' wouldn't have lasted ten minutes!
Hyung-Chul smiles and shakes his head at his friend's naivet�...
Hyung-Chul....... Girls like that are a dime a dozen in Korea, with the best face and body money can buy.
John................. (stubbornly) So? She seemed like a sweet, demure kind of girl anyway. What's not to like?
Hyung-Chul....... Su-Jin only acted shy with you, because her English was so bad.
....................... (grimaces) Believe me, she has one sharp tongue! My ears are still ringing!
John................. If you didn't like her at all, why let her hang with you?
Hyung-Chul....... That's why I said you don't understand. Su-Jin's the daughter of a Director in my family's company.
....................... Because of my mum's insistence, it was my filial duty to look out for Su-Jin while she was studying here.
John................. From how it looked to me, she was more interested in hooking up than studying.
....................... I could get into a girl like that...
Hyung-Chul....... Girls's like Su-Jin are spoiled Princesses. �� Do yourself a favor -- stay as far away as you can.
John puts up his hands to signal surrender.
John................. All right! I admit I'm an idiot when it comes to understanding Korean women.
Hyung-Chul....... (smugly) My friend... those are the first sensible words you've said tonight.
John................. Tell me then, since you know so much... How will you know when it's the right one?
Hyung-Chul....... (jokingly) Actually, it's pretty simple...
....................... Koreans have a saying: Meet a stranger by chance three times, and you're fated to marry.
John................. What? Are you superstitious?
Hyung-Chul....... Me? No way! It's just a saying...
SCENE: London, Arirang Restaurant kitchen, night
Gwi-Sun bustles into the kitchen, where Sun-Mi is tying on an apron.
Gwi-Sun............ Did you eat first?
Sun-Mi.............. Yes... How do I look? Cute?
Sun-Mi does a 360 to show off...
Gwi-Sun............ (laughs) Of course, you're my cutest niece.
Sun-Mi.............. (grumbling) I'm your only niece.... I mean, do I look cute, like this?
Gwi-Sun............ What difference does that make? Just grab a tray, and start clearing dishes from the tables.
Sun-Mi sets her mouth in a frown, and doesn't move.
Gwi-Sun............ What are you waiting for?
Sun-Mi.............. (stubbornly) I want to wait on the customers, so I can earn big tips!
Gwi-Sun now gets Sun-Mi's meaning...
Gwi-Sun............ Half of my customers are English, they won't understand a word you say. Do you want to scare them off?
Sun-Mi.............. (pouting) My English isn't that bad...
Gwi-Sun............ Then why come here to study?
Sun-Mi.............. Because...
Realizing she is about to divulge more than she wants to, she stops and gives in...
Sun-Mi.............. (resigned sigh) All right, I'll clear tables, Auntie...
SCENE: London, Arirang Restaurant dining room, night
(All dialog in this scene is in English except as noted)
Sun-Mi, carrying a tray stacked high with dishes, is hurrying back to the kitchen when a customer calls to her...
Customer.......... (loudly, in Korean) Waitress! More soju!
Instinctively, she turns back quickly to look, sending a stack of banchan dishes toppling off the tray...
Sun-Mi's eyes grow wide as she watches the dishes falling, (shown in slow motion) spilling their contents out...
The plates hit the floor near Sun-Mi's beige and white, cap-toe Chanel high heels with a crash...
Startled from his perusal of the menu, John looks over at the sleeve of his brown leather jacket...
John................. What the...?
After a moment of staring in horror at the mess, Sun-Mi recovers her wits.
Sun-Mi.............. (in Korean) Sorry, Sir ...
John is about to complain with a few choice words, when he looks up and sees Sun-Mi.
Instantly, his face brightens when he sees the person at fault is a young, attractive girl.
She looks back at him contritely...
Sun-Mi.............. (in Korean) I'm such an idiot!!
John looks for help translating, but Hyung-Chul is discreetly hiding behind his menu.
Sun-Mi sets the tray down on the adjacent empty booth and bows politely, blushing self-consciously at her clumsiness...
Sun-Mi.............. I very sorry, Sir ... Your jacket ...
John chuckles at -- what for him -- is an excessive show of apology for a minor spill that should clean up easily...
John................. It's no problem, for me, Miss ... But for you...
He points to Sun-Mi's pants legs...
She looks down and stares at her formerly pristine white pants... now stained by the spilled sauces.
Bits of leftover banchan -- baechu kimchi, gaji namul, and mu saengchae, among others -- cling to the fabric.
Sun-Mi.............. (in Korean) Oh my god!! My pants, they're ruined!
John's shrug of not understanding only makes Sun-Mi feel more foolish that she can't express herself in English...
Sheepishly, she smiles apologetically... her prettiest smile... hoping to ameliorate the situation.
Sun-Mi.............. Really sorry... I pay for clean...
He waves her off nonchalantly...
John................. I said it's no big deal. Forget it.
Relieved that he isn't upset or pressing for damages, Sun-Mi beams another appreciative smile back at him.
Sun-Mi.............. Thanks, you very nice.
The same customer calls to Sun-Mi again...
Customer.......... (loudly, insistently, in Korean) Waitress!? Over here!
Sun-Mi bows quickly to John...
Sun-Mi.............. Sorry, I gotta go, Sir.
She crouches down, picks up the plates, and makes a cursory wipe of the floor, calling back to the customer...
Sun-Mi.............. (in Korean) Please wait a moment, Sir. I'll get the waitress...
Grabbing her tray, she hustles off, making a beeline for the kitchen.
Then John notices Hyung-Chul, who had avoided involvement the entire incident.
Pretending to be reading his menu, he is secretively watching Sun-Mi with interest...
SCENE: London, Arirang Restaurant kitchen, night
When Sun-Mi enters the kitchen, she finds her Aunt waiting with crossed arms and a disapproving frown...
Gwi-Sun............ (harshly) Only a few minutes, and already you caused a disaster!
Sun-Mi lowers her eyes and stares at her shoes submissively...
Sun-Mi.............. Sorry... I didn't mean to...
Gwi-Sun............ (harshly) Just look at your clothes... such a mess! (sighs) I should have known better...
Sun-Mi fights back tears... and fails... as big tears run down her cheeks.
Sun-Mi.............. (whimpering) Don't scold me, Auntie... I already feel so bad... these are my favorite best pants...
Seeing her niece's tears softens Gwi-Sun's harsh attitude...
Gwi-Sun............ Actually, it's not too bad. I'll see if my friend at the drycleaner can fix them.
Sun-Mi looks up and wipes the tears from her cheeks.
Sun-Mi.............. (hopefully) Do you think so? ...
She bites down on her lower lip and sighs...
Sun-Mi.............. Really, I'm sorry I caused so much trouble. I'm such a clumsy idiot...
Gwi-Sun pats Sun-Mi's arm sympathetically...
Gwi-Sun............ It's okay... This was just your first time. Anyone can make a mistake.
Sun-Mi.............. (slyly) Then... are you going to give me another chance?
Gwi-Sun realizes that she's being played by an expert...
Gwi-Sun............ (firmly) I'll give you money for a taxi, that's what! ... You're going back home, right now!
Stubbornly, Sun-Mi pouts...
Sun-Mi.............. But, Auntie!
Gwi-Sun............ No more arguments! Anyway, you need a good rest before tomorrow.
Sun-Mi knows her aunt is right, and capitulates...
Sun-Mi.............. (grumbling) Okay... I'll go back now...
Gwi-Sun............ And I'll go out and give that man a free meal...
She gives Sun-Mi a stern look...
Gwi-Sun............ Docked from your salary, of course. You can pay me back, working for free tomorrow night.
Sun-Mi's mouth gapes as the implication hits. Then she gives her aunt an excited hug...
Sun-Mi.............. (smiling happily) Auntie, you're the best!
SCENE: London, Arirang Restaurant dining room, night
(All dialog in this scene is in English except as noted)
Their server returns and Hyung-Chul hands his menu to her.
Hyung-Chul....... (in Korean) I'll have soju, and bulgogi.
Server.............. (in Korean) Yes...
The server turns to John.
Server.............. And for you, Sir?
John................. I'll have the same.
Server.............. Very good, Sir.
She takes John's menu and walks off.
John................. (looking worried) What did I just order?
Hyung-Chul....... Bulgogi is a type of barbecue, grilled right at our table.
....................... Don't worry, I think you'll find that you like Korean once you've tried it.
With the business of ordering their meal done, John returns to his main topic of interest...
John................. Tell me honestly, now, what kind of girl are you looking for?
Hyung-Chul....... That wasn't part of our deal.
John................. (mock irritation) Hey! I deserve something for treating you... it was doubles, remember?
Hyung-Chul....... (sighs) All right... Like I said, I'm not interested in any woman.
John recalls Hyung-Chul's efforts to hide an apparent interest in Sun-Mi...
John................. What about that girl bussing tables? She's cute, and has a nice smile.
Hyung-Chul....... (ruffled) Her? No way! She's one of those 'Summer English Brats' I was talking about.
John................. How do you know that?
Hyung-Chul....... Her English is terrible, and she's clearing tables in expensive designer clothes and high heels...
....................... Clearly she's a Princess who never worked a day in a real job before this...
John................. So you're not interested? ... At all?
Hyung-Chul....... Haven't I made myself clear? Why are you asking?
John................. If you're not interested, I might be. She's not a Su-Jin, but her face and body aren't bad...
....................... Even if she's a Princess, I'm willing to take my chances, for a summer fling.
Hyung-Chul....... But how will you communicate, with her terrible English?
John laughs and winks...
John................. You don't need many words for what I'm thinking of communicating...
Hyung-Chul's face darkens...
Hyung-Chul....... (scoffs) You're a player, John, and that girl is barely out of high school. Just forget it...
But John gazes toward the kitchen doors where Sun-Mi had disappeared, and not come back...
John................. (thoughtfully) You know, maybe your prediction that I'll like Korean has something to it...
SCENE: London, Hyung-Chul's living room, night
LATER THAT NIGHT...
Hyung-Chul is reclining on his living room couch, book in hand...
[sound of telephone ringing]
He puts down the book, reaches for the phone, and puts the handset to his ear...
Hyung-Chul....... Hello?
Joo-Hee............ Hi, it's me.
Hyung-Chul....... (surprised) Joo-Hee? ... It must be 6 AM there.
Joo-Hee............ I can't call when I'm at work, can I? You don't sound very happy to speak with me.
Hyung-Chul....... (grumbles) Sorry, I'm not in a talkative mood right now.
Joo-Hee............ Then let me cheer you up...
Hyung-Chul....... (suspicious) How?
Joo-Hee............ Come back to Seoul this summer and see me.
Hyung-Chul....... I can't. I'm busy...
Expecting his reluctance, Joo-Hee has another reason at the ready...
Joo-Hee............ Your father isn't well lately. You should visit him.
Hyung-Chul....... Do you really think I can forget the past so easily?
Joo-Hee............ But he has a point. Your rightful place is here, continuing your grandfather's, and your mother's, legacy.
Hyung-Chul....... You're taking his side now?
Joo-Hee............ (sighs) I'm not taking sides.
Hyung-Chul....... I don't care about any of that. The family business isn't my fate; I'm my own person.
Not giving up easily, she tries again...
Joo-Hee............ Okay... honestly, I called because I really want to see you.
Hyung-Chul....... Don't get your hopes up. We can't take back the past, Joo-Hee.
Joo-Hee............ Do you really dislike me that much?
Hyung-Chul....... It's not just you... I don't want to deal with any of it.
Joo-Hee............ But I'm not talking about reliving the past. We can start something new...
He decides to put a brake to their discussion...
Hyung-Chul....... (gently) Joo-Hee, stop it. It makes you sound desperate, talking like this...
Joo-Hee............ (adamantly) Don't blame me for trying. I don�t give in easily!
Hyung-Chul....... Then don't blame me for refusing. I won't give in easily, either.
In the face of their impasse, Joo-Hee gives up with a sigh of frustration...
Joo-Hee............ So what are you waiting for, 'Fate' to drop your 'One True Love' right in front of you?
Hyung-Chul....... (joking) If that happens, you'll be the first to hear it from me.
The line is silent for some time, before she speaks again...
Joo-Hee............ And if it doesn't happen, remember, I'm waiting for you. I'll always be waiting...
He doesn't reply...
Joo-Hee............ (irately) All right, I'm hanging up now... Bye...
Hyung-Chul puts down the phone and picks up his book to resume reading...
Grabbing an apple from a bowl on the coffee table, he opens back to the page where he was interrupted.
But his mind can't focus on the text, as he contemplates instead on a surprising turn of thought...
Joo-Hee............ (voiceover) What are you waiting for, 'Fate' to drop your 'One True Love' right in front of you?
John................. (voiceover) What about that girl bussing tables? She's cute, and has a nice smile...
To Be Continued...