All About Eve 'Uncut' -- English Style

by AAEfanatic

 

Episode 4B

 

Act 1. 1

SCENE: Seoul, outside the Paradise Club, night 1

SCENE: Seoul, Woo-Jin's studio, night 2

SCENE: London, in Hyung-Chul's apartment, afternoon. 4

SCENE: Seoul, Young-Mi's apartment, night 5

SCENE: London, corridor outside Hyung-Chul's apartment, afternoon. 7

SCENE: Seoul, inside Young-Mi's studio, night 7

SCENE: London, on a bus, afternoon. 8

SCENE: Seoul, inside Young-Mi's studio, night 9

SCENE: London, Thames River, night 9

SCENE: London pub, night 16

SPLIT SCENES: London, Sun-Mi's room, night / Seoul, Cho-Jeh's home, morning. 17

SCENE: Cambridge, Darwin campus, afternoon. 18

SCENE: Cambridge, outdoor cafe, evening. 18

SCENE: London, Arirang restaurant, evening. 20

SCENE: Cambridge, outdoor cafe, evening. 21

 

 

 

Act 1

 

 

SCENE: Seoul, outside the Paradise Club, night

 

 

 

At the club entrance, Young-Mi is arguing with a drunken patron...

 

Young-Mi.......... Let go! Let go!

 

Man................. I said I'd pay you.

 

Young-Mi.......... No, I'm not going for a second round.

 

Man................. What kind of woman won't go for seconds?

 

He puts his arms around Young-Mi. She tries to fight him off.

 

Young-Mi.......... So find another woman!

 

Young-Mi knocks the man to the ground.

 

The man gets up and slaps Young-Mi's face.

 

 

SCENE: Seoul, Woo-Jin's studio, night

 

Young-Mi, still in her bar clothes and wig, comes into the studio where Woo-Jin is working late.

 

Seeing her stagger in, drunk, he is alarmed...

 

Woo-Jin............ What happened? What's the matter?

 

 

She stares into his face.

 

Young-Mi.......... Look at me. This is who I am.

 

Woo-Jin............ Young-Mi.

 

Young-Mi.......... Now...

 

 

Jin-Suk enters the studio.

 

Jin-Suk............. I told you not to pull an all-nighter...

 

She stops short when she sees he is with a woman she doesn't recognize.

 

Woo-Jin............ Mom.

 

Jin-Suk............. Who is it?

 

Young-Mi turns to face her.

 

Young-Mi.......... (to Jin-Suk) Good evening.

 

 

Jin-Suk is shocked at Young-Mi's appearance.

 

Jin-Suk............. My goodness... It's a shame to see you like this! Are you an escort at a bar?

 

Woo-Jin............ Mom.

 

Jin-Suk............. Don't you have eyes? Is this what a college student wears?

 

She shoves Young-Mi around, ranting on...

 

Jin-Suk............. No, it's what a hooker wears!

....................... Mr. Jin doesn't know this and thinks you only study and try hard.

....................... He says we should help you no matter what. He's always praising you...

....................... Hey, hey, hey, has he seen you like this?

 

Young-Mi.......... (to Jin-Suk) I'm sorry.

 

 

She staggers away from Jin-Suk, leaving through the door to go up to her own apartment.

 

Woo-Jin............ Young-Mi...

 

He starts after her, but his mother stops him.

 

Jin-Suk............. A wig doesn't make you a pretty woman. Ugh, the smell of alcohol.

 

Woo-Jin............ Women these days all wear wigs.

 

Jin-Suk............. Sun-Mi doesn't have a wig.

 

Woo-Jin............ Sun-Mi's different.

 

Jin-Suk............. Different? There's nothing different about her. She also grew up without a mother.

....................... Everything is what you make of it.

 

 

From the corridor, Young-Mi can overhear them arguing...

 

 

Woo-Jin............ Stop it.

 

Jin-Suk............. Hey, where are you going? When you said you were working late, were you with her?

 

Woo-Jin............ Mom!

 

Jin-Suk............. Who are you yelling at?!

 

 

Woo-Jin looks away, ashamed.

 

Woo-Jin............ I'm sorry...

 

He looks back at Jin-Suk.

 

Woo-Jin............ But please don't speak to Young-Mi like that.

 

Jin-Suk............. Then how should I talk to her? How should I?

 

 

Woo-Jin can't answer.

 

Jin-Suk starts to leave to go to Young-Mi's apartment, but Woo-Jin grabs his mother's arm.

 

Woo-Jin............ Where are you going?

 

Jin-Suk............. Don't follow me... Stay here, and don't follow me!

 

 

SCENE: London, in Hyung-Chul's apartment, afternoon

 

Surprised by Su-Jin's uninvited kiss, Hyung-Chul pries himself out of her cloying embrace...

 

Hyung-Chul....... What are you doing?

 

Su-Jin............... (gushing) Oppa, I'm sooo happy to see you, I just couldn't control myself!

 

 

Hyung-Chul....... Su-Jin, just calm down.

 

Su-Jin............... It's been so long. Did you miss me? I think about you every day! Why haven't you answered my letters?

 

 

He ignores her patter, intent on information...

 

Hyung-Chul....... Tell me what's going on. When did you arrive in London?

 

Grudgingly, Su-Jin switches to the mundane facts.

 

Su-Jin............... I flew into Heathrow a couple of hours ago.

 

Hyung-Chul....... But, how did you get in here?

 

Su-Jin............... Remember? I still have your key from before.

 

 

He mentally kicks himself for forgetting to collect the key... he was so glad to have her leave...

 

Hyung-Chul....... How long will you be in London?

 

Su-Jin............... About a week. I signed up for a seminar held in Darwin, so we can go together.

 

Hyung-Chul....... What hotel are you staying at? The Thistle Tower?

 

She laughs, smiling...

 

Su-Jin............... You're being funny, right? ... Of course I'm staying with you!

 

Hyung-Chul....... But...

 

Su-Jin............... I've already moved my things into the bedroom and unpacked.

 

She flicks her eyes in a flirtatious tease...

 

Su-Jin............... (purring) I'll have another gift for you in there, you can take off the wrapping later tonight...

 

 

Listening from the entryway, Sun-Mi is shocked.

 

The grocery bag in her hands drops to the floor, scattering its contents with a loud clatter.

 

 

The interruption brings Sun-Mi's presence to the forefront, attracting the couple's attention...

 

Hyung-Chul....... (to Su-Jin) Er... Let's talk about that, later.

 

Looking past him, Su-Jin notices Sun-Mi for the first time.

 

Su-Jin............... What's this? You've hired domestic help in the kitchen now?

 

 

He moves immediately to correct her misunderstanding...

 

Hyung-Chul....... This is my good friend... Jin Sun-Mi.

 

 

Su-Jin scrutinizes the potential rival, sizes her up, then dismisses Sun-Mi as no real threat...

 

Su-Jin............... Miss Jin, I'm Park Su-Jin, Oppa's GIRLfriend... I suppose you didn't know...

 

 

Sun-Mi shoots an icy glance at Hyung-Chul...

 

Sun-Mi.............. (politely cold) My, what a surprise!

 

 

The tension in the air is thick, and Hyung-Chul needs a respite to clear his mind for a resolution...

 

Hyung-Chul....... Er ... while you two get acquainted, I'll go for the rest of the grocery bags. Back in a minute.

 

 

After he leaves the room, Su-Jin confronts Sun-Mi...

 

Su-Jin............... I don't know what you think is 'cooking' between you and Oppa, but forget it...

 

A condescending sneer curls her lips...

 

Su-Jin............... You can't hold a candle to me, if you're thinking about taking me on...

 

Sun-Mi glowers back, surprised by the challenge, not knowing how to respond...

 

Su-Jin............... So spare yourself the humiliation, and slink out now, while you have some face left. It's your choice...

 

 

SCENE: Seoul, Young-Mi's apartment, night

 

Young-Mi sits on her bed, wiping off her lipstick.

 

Jin-Suk comes into the apartment.

 

Young-Mi stands up, unsteadily, to greet her.

 

 

 

Jin-Suk walks over to Young-Mi, to admonish her...

 

Jin-Suk............. You... I don't know how you've lived up to now, but I can't stand this.

....................... If you want your deceased father to rest peacefully, watch your behavior.

....................... Don't hate your parents. If he put you in college then he's done enough.

....................... This is why teaching manners shouldn't be treated so lightly.

 

She sees Young-Mi's wig on the bed...

 

Jin-Suk............. My goodness! You're so hopeless.

 

She picks up the wig.

 

Jin-Suk............. In any case, I never want to see you like this again.

....................... I shouldn't be arguing with my only son because of you. Who do you think you are?

 

 

Young-Mi was looking back at Jin-Suk, both shamed and angry, during the whole tirade.

 

Jin-Suk............. Don't glare at your elders like that. Didn't you learn that?

 

 

Woo-Jin shows up at the door of the apartment, intending to intervene on Young-Mi's behalf...

 

Woo-Jin............ Mom! Mom!

 

He walks over beside Young-Mi, and Jin-Suk turns her wrath on him...

 

Jin-Suk............. You! Go back to your room! ... Don't ever step into this room again!

 

 

Young-Mi is staring at the floor, ashamed at the abuse he is getting because of her.

 

Jin-Suk............. How can you be interested in such a girl?

 

Woo-Jin takes hold of his mother and tries to drag Jin-Suk out of the room.

 

Jin-Suk............. Hey! Sun-Mi also grew up without a mother. Everything is what you make of it.

 

Woo-Jin pushes her out, through the door.

 

Jin-Suk............. Who the heck does she think she is?

 

 

SCENE: London, corridor outside Hyung-Chul's apartment, afternoon

 

Arms filled with grocery bags, Hyung-Chul pulls open the outside door, and comes to a halt...

 

Sun-Mi is rushing toward him down the corridor, high heels rapping harshly on the hard floor.

 

He quickly steps aside, avoiding a head-on collision and more spilled groceries.

 

 

Her face livid, Sun-Mi brushes past without a word or sign of recognition.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Sun-Mi! ... Wait!

 

 

Sun-Mi stops and turns back on her heel...

 

 

Hyung-Chul....... Why are you leaving? What about our dinner?

 

Sun-Mi.............. I think you have something else more important 'cooking' in there right now.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Just give me a minute, let's talk...

 

Sun-Mi.............. Sorry, I've got to go...

 

 

But he still wants to know what happened...

 

Hyung-Chul....... Call you later, okay?

 

Sun-Mi.............. Don't bother, I'll be busy. I have lots of studying to catch up on... See ya, or not...

 

She turns away and hurries down the steps.

 

Puzzled, he watches her storm off...

 

 

From the corridor behind him, another tapping of heels sounds, slower, and deliberate...

 

Su-Jin walks up and stands beside Hyung-Chul, just as Sun-Mi exits the car park.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Why is Sun-Mi leaving like this? What happened?

 

Su-Jin............... I'm not sure. We had a few words, and she decided suddenly to leave ... Why?

 

Hyung-Chul....... She came over today, to cook dinner and celebrate my birthday.

 

 

Su-Jin smiles, pleased that she has come just in time to thwart Sun-Mi's move...

 

Su-Jin............... That's too bad... Let me cook up something tasty, and then we can celebrate, just the two of us...

 

 

SCENE: Seoul, inside Young-Mi's studio, night

 

After sending his mother home, Woo-Jin comes back to Young-Mi's studio.

 

Coming inside, he finds her on the bed, crying.

 

Young-Mi.......... (tearfully) I've never been so insulted!

 

Woo-Jin............ Sorry. My Mom was just surprised, that's all. She'll get over it.

 

Young-Mi.......... I only did it so I can pay tuition next year. My insurance settlement is almost gone.

 

Woo-Jin............ Why not ask Sun-Mi's father for the money?

 

Young-Mi.......... I'm already so much in Mr. Jin's debt. How can I ask for more?

 

Woo-Jin............ He's a generous man, I'm sure he'd help if he knew you needed it.

 

 

She hangs her head, disconsolate...

 

Young-Mi.......... I can't. Sun-Mi and your mother already see me as trash. They'd look down on me even more!

 

Woo-Jin............ My Mom and Sun-Mi don't understand, that's all.

 

Young-Mi.......... (sobbing) Why did I come here? I'd be better off dead...

 

Woo-Jin............ Don't talk like that. I'll take care of you.

 

 

She looks up at him doubtfully...

 

Young-Mi.......... Why would you side with me, against your Mom and Sun-Mi?

 

 

He gazes tenderly at her...

 

Woo-Jin............ Because... Young-Mi... I love you...

 

 

SCENE: London, on a bus, afternoon

 

Taking the bus away from Hyung-Chul's apartment, Sun-Mi replays the scene with Su-Jin in her mind...

 

 

FLASHBACK [Previous scene from Episode 4]

 

 

Hyung-Chul...... This is my good friend, Jin Sun-Mi.

Su-Jin.............. Miss Jin, I'm Park Su-Jin, Oppa's GIRLfriend... I suppose you didn't know...

Sun-Mi............. My, what a surprise!

 

Su-Jin.............. I don't know what you think is 'cooking' between you and Oppa, but forget it.

...................... You can't hold a candle to me, if you're thinking about taking me on.

...................... So spare yourself the humiliation, and link out now, while you have some face left. It's your choice...

 

 

 

Sun-Mi.............. Why did I get so upset? ... She's his girlfriend, so of course she'd be jealous.

 

 

SCENE: Seoul, inside Young-Mi's studio, night

 

Young-Mi glares at Woo-Jin...

 

Young-Mi.......... (scoffing) You love me? Be serious!

 

Woo-Jin............ I am serious!

 

Young-Mi.......... You can't even stand up to your mother and Sun-Mi. They run your life, telling you what to do.

 

Woo-Jin............ You're wrong... I'm my own person! I'll prove it to you!

 

Young-Mi.......... Words are cheap!

 

Woo-Jin............ Then, how about this?

 

He takes Young-Mi into his arms, and kisses her...

 

 

SCENE: London, Thames River, night

 

LATER THAT NIGHT ...

 

Sun-Mi strolls along the south bank of the Thames, near Hay's Galleria.

 

 

 

The beauty of the lighted cityscape is lost on her as she ponders her situation.

 

Stopping to lean on the railing, she gazes out over the river, thinking back over the past weeks...

 

 

FLASHBACK [Previous scenes from Episode 3]

 

 

 

 

 

Hyung-Chul...... Don't they say, three times is charm?

Sun-Mi............. Why would someone like you be interested in someone like me?

Hyung-Chul...... Let's get to know each other better... just friends, of course.

 

 

 

 

 

FLASHBACK [Previous scenes from Episode 3]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sun-Mi............. Maybe it's true that three times is charm. I feel lucky we met. Perhaps it's not a coincidence after all...

Hyung-Chul...... You're happy tonight, aren't you?

 

Sun-Mi............. You still haven't told me what you like, Senior.

Hyung-Chul...... Most of all, I like to see your beautiful smile...

 

 

 

Hyung-Chul...... Let's go together to Cambridge every day. It's not just for you. I'll enjoy the company, too.

 

Sun-Mi............. He's handsome, rich, smart, and talented. He can't really like me ... 'Cinderella' doesn't happen in real life...

 

 

 

 

 

FLASHBACK [Previous scene from Episode 4]

 

 

Sun-Mi............. Huh! ... What makes you think I'd want to date you?

Hyung-Chul...... Does that mean you're turning me down as a boyfriend?

 

Sun-Mi............. Even if I wanted to, my heart isn't ready for that yet...

Hyung-Chul...... So instead of dating, why don't we go back to where we started?

Sun-Mi............. Friends?

 

 

 

 

 

FLASHBACK [Previous scenes from Episode 4]

 

Hyung-Chul...... This Saturday, I'm planning a day trip to Dover, on the Channel. Can you come?

 

 

 

Sun-Mi............. Wish something really big, something that you want with all your heart...

 

 

 

Sun-Mi............. It's his birthday... We counted falling stars... until I fell asleep, that is. I hope I didn't disappoint him.

 

Gwi-Sun........... Hyung-Chul told me he's really glad you went yesterday. I think he likes you ... as more than friends.

 

 

 

 

 

FLASHBACK [Previous scene from Episode 4]

 

 

Cho-Jeh........... I don't understand you... He's Mr. Perfect. Aren't you the least interested?

 

Sun-Mi............. Cho-Jeh, for the last time! He's NOT interested, and we're NOT dating!

 

Cho-Jeh........... Why be so adamant denying it, if it's not true? Be honest with yourself, Sun-Mi...

 

 

 

 

Sun-Mi starts walking again, deliberating that point...

 

Sun-Mi.............. Cho-Jeh's right, why am I so adamant about it? Is it possible that I really like him?

 

She sighs with frustration...

 

Sun-Mi.............. What kind of relationship do I have with Senior? ... What kind do I want?

 

 

SCENE: London pub, night

 

SEVERAL DAYS LATER ...

 

Hyung-Chul and John are sharing a drink at the bar.

 

John................. Are you joking?

 

Astonished, he looks doubtfully at Hyung-Chul, not sure whether to believe what he'd just heard ...

 

John................. Out of the blue, Su-Jin just 'shows up' at your place? For your birthday?

 

 

Hyung-Chul takes a swig from his beer and sets the bottle down on the bar.

 

Hyung-Chul....... It's no joke. She moved in before I came back with Sun-Mi, acting like she owned the place.

 

John chuckles, imagining the scene...

 

John................. How did that go?

 

Hyung-Chul....... What do you expect with Su-Jin?

 

John................. A little jealous?

 

Hyung-Chul....... (laughs) Now, that's an understatement!

 

John................. A cat fight?

 

Hyung-Chul....... I wasn't there to watch the fur fly, but Sun-Mi stormed off in a fury.

 

John................. So, where is Su-Jin now?

 

Hyung-Chul....... I packed her up, put her in a cab, and sent her off to a hotel.

 

John................. So you' re done with her?

 

Hyung-Chul....... Hardly. She's taking a week-long seminar at Darwin, so I'm driving her there and back every day.

 

 

John is puzzled...

 

John................. What about Sun-Mi? Wasn't she riding with you?

 

Hyung-Chul....... (sighs) Not now. She doesn't answer my calls, and I haven't seen her on campus lately.

 

John................. She's avoiding you?

 

Hyung-Chul....... Apparently. But with Su-Jin always tagging along, I can understand. There's not much I can do about it.

 

John................. If you'd like, I could take Su-Jin off your hands.

 

Hyung-Chul....... How will you manage that?

 

John................. You arrange it, and I'll take things from there, and see what happens.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Are you insane?

 

John grins and laughs lightly.

 

John................. Yep... I plead insanity...

 

 

SPLIT SCENES: London, Sun-Mi's room, night / Seoul, Cho-Jeh's home, morning

 

Sun-Mi is in her bedroom, lying on the bed, talking on the phone with Cho-Jeh...

 

Sun-Mi.............. It seems like every time I go to Senior's place, another 'girlfriend' pops up!

 

Cho-Jeh............ Why are you complaining? If I had a Prince interested in me, I'd be happy with any slice of the pie.

 

Sun-Mi.............. (annoyed) Cho-Jeh, you're not helping! This is serious!

 

 

Cho-Jeh ........... Sorry. Go on, tell me about it.

 

Sun-Mi.............. I thought Senior was a thoughtful person. But maybe all men are alike when it comes to girls like that.

 

Cho-Jeh............ Like what?

 

Sun-Mi.............. You know -- gorgeous face, perfect hair, wasp waist, big boobs, mile-long legs... A real-life 'Barbie doll'!

 

Cho-Jeh............ Barbie? You mean, she's all plastic?

 

Sun-Mi.............. (grumbling) Does it matter? ... Like she said, I can't hold a candle to her... and she's right.

 

Cho-Jeh............ I sense a bit of jealousy here.

 

Sun-Mi.............. I'm NOT jealous... Just frustrated. Why am I always the last to know? I feel like an idiot...

 

She sighs...

 

Sun-Mi.............. They say disasters come in threes... First Woo-Jin, then John, and now Senior... I've had enough.

 

Cho-Jeh............ What? Are you giving up on True Love?

 

 

A long silence ensues while Sun-Mi considers that possibility.

 

 

Sun-Mi.............. Let's just say all this has been a knock upside the head... I'm seeing things more realistically now.

 

Cho-Jeh............ So what are you going to do?

 

Sun-Mi.............. What I should have done all along ... forget about men ... and study!

 

 

SCENE: Cambridge, Darwin campus, afternoon

(all dialog is in English)

 

 

When Su-Jin comes out the door of Newnham Grange, she finds John waiting by the bridge to First Island.

 

When he sees Su-Jin, John greets her with a smile...

 

John................. Hi, Su-Jin. It's been a while.

 

Su-Jin............... Why are you here?"

 

John................. Hyung-Chul had something come up last minute, and asked me to send you home.

 

Su-Jin............... Oh? What was that?

 

John................. He didn't say. I suppose he'll tell you later.

 

 

She eyes him suspiciously...

 

Su-Jin............... What's going on?

 

He shrugs, feigning ignorance...

 

John................. Beats me. I'm just the taxi. Do you want to come, or not?

 

Su-Jin............... (grumbling) Do I have a choice?

 

John................. Sure. You can pick the restaurant.

 

Su-Jin............... What?

 

John................. I'm hungry and need to eat. Since we're going together, I thought maybe you'd like to join me.

 

Su-Jin chuckles at his obvious flirting...

 

Su-Jin............... If I didn't know better, I'd think that was a bad pickup line.

 

 

He grins, puts his arm around her shoulders, and they start walking.

 

John................. Just for today, why don't we pretend it is, and that you accepted?

 

 

SCENE: Cambridge, outdoor cafe, evening

 

 

Hyung-Chul is coming back from Lucy Cavendish, crossing Magdalene Bridge over the River Cam.

 

Glancing over at the outdoor cafe seating, he notices a familiar face... and takes a detour to the table.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Mind if I join you, Miss?

 

Sun-Mi looks up from her half-eaten dinner and frowns...

 

Sun-Mi.............. Suit yourself. I'm finished here, Sir.

 

 

She stands to leave, but he puts his hand on her shoulder, to make her pause.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Sun-Mi, we need to talk.

 

Sun-Mi.............. I have nothing to say to you.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Why are you avoiding me? This isn't like you.

 

Sparks fly in her eyes...

 

Sun-Mi.............. How well do you know me, to say that?

 

Hyung-Chul....... Sorry... If this is about Su-Jin, let me explain.

 

Sun-Mi.............. There's no need. I don't think we have that close of a relationship, to talk such personal matters.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Okay, I got it ... But I know something is bothering you. As a friend, I'm concerned.

 

 

She looks at him, wavering...

 

Sun-Mi.............. Do you still consider me a friend?

 

Hyung-Chul....... Of course. I can't know your thoughts, but mine haven't changed. It doesn't matter what happens.

 

Tears spring into her eyes...

 

Sun-Mi.............. I feel so bad... like a real idiot...

 

 

He motions for them to sit down again, and she does

 

Hyung-Chul....... Let me buy you a drink. You talk, and I'll listen...

 

 

SCENE: London, Arirang restaurant, evening

(all dialog is in English)

 

John and Su-Jin are seated at a table, finishing their dinners.

 

John................. This was delicious. What prompted you to suggest we come here?

 

She looks up at him and smiles.

 

Su-Jin............... Maybe I was feeling a little nostalgic... Shall we go?

 

John................. Before we do, I wanted to say... I think you've grown prettier since I last saw you, if that's possible.

 

Su-Jin............... You don't have to flatter me, John.

 

John................. I'm serious. But you're not just the prettiest girl I've had dinner with, you're the most interesting, too.

 

Su-Jin............... Now you're being too much!

 

She picks up her wine glass to take a sip, partially hiding her face, but he can see that her cheeks are flushed.

 

 

John................. I had a really good time tonight, Su-Jin, getting to know you better.

 

Su-Jin............... Thanks for taking me to dinner. It's nice to know you better, too.

 

John................. Good! We already agree on something... I'm glad the opportunity popped up by chance.

 

 

Su-Jin............... John...

 

She puts the wine glass down, her voice somber...

 

Su-Jin............... We both know this didn't happen by chance.

 

He feigns innocence.

 

John................. Umm... what do you mean?

 

Su-Jin............... You don't need to keep up pretenses for my sake. Hyung-Chul is with Sun-Mi tonight, right?

 

John................. (guiltily) How did you know?

 

Su-Jin............... How could I NOT know? When he introduced us, his eyes told me she was more than just a friend.

 

John................. I'm sorry, Su-Jin.

 

Su-Jin............... Don't be. I thought, trying harder, I could make love happen. But love either "is" or "isn't", and for me...

 

Picking up her glass again, she downs the contents.

 

Su-Jin............... It "isn't"... which this week was painfully clear... I've never felt so alone while being with someone.

 

 

Tears suddenly fill her eyes and run down her cheeks. She wipes them away sheepishly...

 

Su-Jin............... I'm a pathetic fool, aren't I, babbling on like this? Why would you care?

 

 

He reaches across the table and puts his hand over hers encouragingly.

 

John................. Because friends do. Are you going to be all right?

 

She forces a smile...

 

Su-Jin............... No. But I won't die... I want to go back now, to the hotel, and have a good cry, in private.

 

John................. There's this quiet pub near my place, if you'd like to talk more, instead of facing an empty hotel room.

 

She grasps his hand, to show appreciation for his gesture.

 

Su-Jin............... Thanks, but I have to get up early for my seminar.

 

John................. Let me drive you to Cambridge, then...

 

Su-Jin............... John, you don't have to do that.

 

John................. It's not "have to", but "want to"... I think it's best if you don't go alone.

 

She smiles through her tears...

 

Su-Jin............... Actually, I'd like that...

 

 

SCENE: Cambridge, outdoor cafe, evening

 

 

Sun-Mi is sobbing quietly, covering her face covered with her hands.

 

Hyung-Chul reaches across the table, holding out a handkerchief for her.

 

She looks through her hands at him.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Here, stop crying.

 

She takes the handkerchief from him, even as she shows irritation that he is patronizing her...

 

Sun-Mi.............. Tsst!

 

She sniffs, then starts to wipe the tears from her eyes as she talks...

 

Sun-Mi.............. (sighing) I thought it would be better if I came here instead to avoid that girl.

 

 

Hyung-Chul....... It's best to forget everything...

 

He offers the advice unsolicited...

 

Hyung-Chul....... The way I see it, you seem to want to be on good relations with everybody. That's impossible.

 

 

But Sun-Mi doesn't want to talk any more about Su-Jin, and changes the subject.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Senior, why did you run away?

 

 

Not wanting to get into the complexities of his past, he makes a joke instead...

 

Hyung-Chul....... Since there's so few sunny days in London, even if you cry you don't look bad.

 

 

She frowns, unhappy that he is unwilling to reciprocate her openness, and tries a contrarian tack...

 

Sun-Mi.............. Really? I thought you had no problems. You're handsome and speak English well.

 

Hyung-Chul....... (chuckles) Yeah, I have no worries or problems.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Senior, when you have a son he'll be really hot.

 

Hyung-Chul....... (smiling) I'm not going to have any children.

 

 

His frank admission astonishes her...

 

Sun-Mi.............. Oh wow! You don't want to get married?

 

He reaches over to pat the hair on the side of Sun-Mi's head as he smiles.

 

Hyung-Chul....... That's right.

 

 

Sun-Mi looks away with a sneer.

 

Sun-Mi.............. I told you everything, but you've told me hardly anything.

 

Hyung-Chul....... I just did. I said I'm happy. (speaks in English) I'm a happy man.

 

Sun-Mi laughs.

 

He picks up a beer bottle, and she holds up her glass for him to pour.

 

Hyung-Chul....... Here, it's the last.

 

He pours beer into her glass, then puts down the empty bottle and raises his own glass...

 

 

Hyung-Chul....... Cheers!

 

They touch glasses.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Cheers!

 

 

 

 

To Be Continued...