All About Eve 'Uncut' -- A Spring Apart
by AAEfanatic
Episode 18A
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's villa apartment, late night
SCENE: Sun-Mi's bedroom, late night
SCENE: Sun-Mi's bedroom, morning
SCENE: Exterior of Young-Mi's apartment building, morning
SCENE: Young-Mi's studio apartment, morning
SCENE: Sun-Mi's rooftop pool, morning
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's villa, morning
SCENE: Hospital exterior, morning
SCENE: Sun-Mi's apartment balcony, morning
SCENE: Exterior of Hyung-Chul's villa, morning
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's villa door, morning
Act 4 - Part 3a
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's villa apartment, late night
Arriving unexpectedly, Su-Jin confronts Hyung-Chul in the entry of his villa.
Su-Jin............... So tell me, what is your answer ...?
Looking into Hyung-Chul's uncomprehending eyes, she repeats the question ...
Su-Jin............... What were you going to tell me ... before I sent you off?
Hyung-Chul thinks back to their last interaction in Jeju ...
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FLASHBACK [ Scene from Episode 17 ]
Su-Jin............... Before you tell me your answer, I have something to tell you ...
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Hyung-Chul....... Why do you ask?
Su-Jin............... Because circumstances have changed since then.
....................... Jin Sun-Mi is with another man.
....................... Now, it's me who needs you, more than she does.
He steps past Su-Jin and closes the entry door.
Hyung-Chul....... You must be cold. Dry off and warm up first, then we'll talk.
But she doesn't move, turning to face him.
Su-Jin............... Haven't we talked enough? What more is there to say?
Hyung-Chul stares at Su-Jin, wondering if it is just coincidence, or Fate, that she has appeared at this moment.
Su-Jin steps closer, placing her palms on the warm skin of his muscular chest.
Hyung-Chul does not embrace her, but neither does he push her away.
Her wet, clinging gown flaunts every sultry feminine curve to his fixated eyes.
Intoxicating aromas from her perfume excite his olfactory receptors.
He feels the same urges she had aroused in Jeju returning, the electric sensations of having her in his arms ...
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FLASHBACK [ Scene from Episode 17 ]
Su-Jin............... If only this moment could go on forever ...
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Tilting her head back, Su-Jin gazes deeply into his dark eyes.
Her full, crimson lips part slightly, beckoning him to taste their pleasures.
For a long, pregnant moment, Hyung-Chul hesitates, debating whether to keep his promise or take the plunge ...
Instead of waiting, Su-Jin seizes the initiative, Su-Jin making the decision for him.
Placing her lips over Hyung-Chul's, she breaches the last constraint holding him back.
His repressed passions, kept in check over the years, swirl out in a sudden storm.
Encircling Su-Jin's waist, he draws her closer ...
She yields, giving him full rein to take her as he pleases.
Pressing himself on her, Hyung-Chul ardently plunders Su-Jin's pliant mouth.
But while physically immersed in their prolonged, probing kiss, his mind is focused on another ...
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FLASHBACK [ Scene from this Episode ]
Young-Mi.......... (V.O.) Sun-Mi has finally found "True Love" after all ...
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Hyung-Chul....... (V.O.) Knowing that you're happy, without me, now I can let you go.
....................... Be happy, Jin Sun-Mi. You have to be happy.
SCENE: Sun-Mi's bedroom, late night
Sun-Mi is lying in her bed, nestled under the covers.
[ three light taps on the bedroom door ]
Ki-Young's voice is muffled through the closed door.
Ki-Young........... (O.S.) Sun-Mi?
She turns her head to look.
Sun-Mi.............. It's okay. You can come in.
Ki-Young enters the room and walks over, standing by the bed.
Ki-Young........... Are you comfortable?
Sun-Mi.............. Yes. Because of you ...
She pats the bed, next to her.
He sits down, folding one leg under him, so he can face Sun-Mi.
Sun-Mi.............. Thanks for taking care of me. I know I've been a burden to you, again.
Ki-Young........... Don't say that. It was no trouble.
Sun-Mi.............. Still, I feel shameless. Taking but never giving back.
Ki-Young........... Let's talk about it later. You need to sleep now, so I'll go.
Sun-Mi.............. It's late. Stay. You can leave in the morning.
He looks at her with repressed longing in his eyes.
Ki-Young........... Given the circumstances, I think it's better if I didn't.
Sun-Mi reaches out and grasps his hand.
Sun-Mi.............. Please? I need someone to be with me.
....................... Couldn't you wait for just a little while? Until after I fall asleep?
Ki-Young........... Sure, but then I'll go.
Sun-Mi smiles in gratitude.
Releasing his hand, she draws her arm under the duvet.
Sun-Mi.............. Good night, Ki-Young.
Ki-Young........... Good night, Sun-Mi. Sweet dreams.
Sun-Mi closes her eyes, and in seconds is fast sleep.
Minutes pass, but Ki-Young remains sitting on the bed, staying on to watch Sun-Mi.
He gazes down, transfixed by her angelic face, as she slumbers in peace.
Dwelling on the night's events, Ki-Young recalls his surprise, and satisfaction, at receiving her exuberant kiss ...
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FLASHBACK [ Scene from this Episode ]
Ki-Young........... Make it look believable ...
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He speaks softly, to not disturb Sun-Mi.
Ki-Young........... Jin Sun-Mi, did you know? By the time you ended that kiss, you had ME believing.
He sighs.
Ki-Young........... What will it take, to truly win your heart?
SCENE: Sun-Mi's bedroom, morning
Sun-Mi moves about restlessly in bed, gradually awakening.
Brilliant daylight streams into the room through the windows, shining directly in her eyes.
Outside, the sky is bright blue, the air cleansed by the heavy rainstorm.
Closing her eyes again to block out the light, she massages her temple with the palm of her hand.
Sun-Mi.............. Uhhh ... How much did I drink?
[ light snoring ]
Wondering at the sound, Sun-Mi rolls over to look.
To her astonishment, she sees the back of Ki-Young's head, resting on the pillow next to her!
Inhaling with a sharp, horrified gasp, she immediately checks under the covers ...
What she finds only makes her suspect the worst.
Sun-Mi.............. Ohmigod?! ... Did we ...?
Dropping the duvet, she hurriedly sits up, hoping to escape the scene before he wakes up.
But before she can get out of the bed, Ki-Young rolls onto his back to look at her.
Ki-Young........... Did we what?
Startled, Sun-Mi pulls the duvet up to cover herself.
Sun-Mi.............. Don't look!
He sits up with a jaunty expression.
Ki-Young........... What's the point of locking the barn door, after the horse has run off?
Sun-Mi.............. (irritated) Very funny! Since when were you awake?
Ki-Young........... Just now.
She glares at him accusingly.
Sun-Mi.............. What happened last night? Who undressed me? What are you doing in my bed?
Ki-Young........... You honestly don't remember?
Sun-Mi.............. Not much. You met me at the club. Director Yoon and Huh Young-Mi were there, too.
Ki-Young........... Anything else?
Knitting her brow, Sun-Mi searches her patchy memories.
Sun-Mi.............. We danced, and then ... kissed?
Ki-Young........... Twice, in fact. In the middle of the dance floor.
Sun-Mi.............. Yes, I recall now ... But after that?
Ki-Young........... The short story is, after a few more drinks, I accompanied you home and carried you in here.
....................... You woke and asked me to stay while you got ready for bed.
....................... Then you begged me to sit with you until you fell asleep.
....................... Do you remember any of this?
She shakes her head.
Sun-Mi.............. I'll have to take your word for it.
Ki-Young........... After you slept, I fell asleep, too. On this bed.
Sun-Mi.............. That doesn't explain how you ended up under the covers with me!
Ki-Young........... I was just coming to that ...
....................... Sometime later -- a couple of hours, maybe? -- you wakened me.
....................... You wanted me to hold you for five minutes. Then things just happened from there.
Sun-Mi.............. Things? What kind of things?
He grins at her roguishly.
Ki-Young........... I'll just say, for such an 'old-fashioned' person, you're one feisty tigress!
....................... Do you want to hear all the steamy details?
She cringes, her face flushing beet red.
Sun-Mi.............. Er ... There's no need. This is so embarrassing. I must've been totally out of my mind!
Ki-Young........... Are you upset?
Sun-Mi.............. Yes, but not with you. After all, you're a man. It's what I'd expect.
....................... I don't know what to say, except that this isn't what I intended.
Ki-Young........... To be clear, this wasn't my intention either.
Sun-Mi.............. Still, I shouldn't have involved you in my problems, in the first place. I'm sorry.
Ki-Young........... You don't have to be sorry. I willingly went along with the charade, and the aftermath.
Sun-Mi.............. But I don't want you to have the wrong idea about me.
Ki-Young........... I won't. You've made it perfectly clear I should have no expectations.
....................... 'A kiss is just a kiss' and one night sleeping together isn't a relationship.
....................... So we're back to -- "Leave me alone. Don't call or ask to see me again" -- right?
Sun-Mi.............. That's the way it has to be. So this won't ever happen again.
Ki-Young........... I get it, even if I don't like it.
Sun-Mi.............. I wish it could be different. You deserve better than this.
....................... But that's where I am right now ...
SCENE: Exterior of Young-Mi's apartment building, morning
Concerned he had been too harsh with Young-Mi, Woo-Jin comes back to see her.
SCENE: Young-Mi's studio apartment, morning
Woo-Jin enters the apartment.
Woo-Jin............ Young-Mi?
When there is no answer, thinking she might have gone out, he turns to leave.
But he sees a folded piece of paper on the table, with his name in Young-Mi's handwriting.
He picks up the paper and unfolds it to read ...
Young-Mi.......... (V.O.) Oppa -- I can't live with the choices you gave me.
....................... So I'm making my own choice. I'm sorry, for everything -- Young-Mi
Puzzled, he wonders what she meant.
Then he notices the bathroom door is closed.
He walks over and raps on it.
Woo-Jin............ Young-Mi, are you in there? ... Young-Mi?
He listens closely for a response.
[ sound of running water ]
Trying the door, Woo-Jin finds it is unlocked.
He pushes the door open and steps inside to look.
What he sees makes his eyes widen in shock and horror.
Woo-Jin............ (frantically) Young-Mi? ... Young-Mi!
Hurriedly taking out his mobile, he keys '119' for emergency services.
Woo-Jin............ I need an ambulance ...!
SCENE: Sun-Mi's rooftop pool, morning
Sun-Mi is swimming laps when she sees Ki-Young on the pool deck.
She strokes her way to the wall as he saunters over to talk.
Ki-Young........... Do you always have such a strenuous workout? First the gym, now this!
Sun-Mi.............. Only on days off when I have time.
She reaches up to him.
Sun-Mi.............. Give me a hand, will you?
He helps her out of the pool.
Sun-Mi takes a few steps to a nearby deck lounge chair where she'd left her things while swimming.
She sits down to remove her swim cap and goggles.
Taking a towel out from her tote, she pats skin and hair dry while they talk ...
Sun-Mi.............. I thought you'd have gone by now.
Ki-Young........... By now you should know, I'm not that easy to scare away.
....................... I came to tell you that I took the liberty to make breakfast. It'll be ready soon.
She puts down the damp towel.
Sun-Mi.............. You needn't have gone to so much trouble.
Ki-Young........... It's really no trouble. Besides, it's not just for you ...
Sun-Mi slips on her shoes and fastens the ankle straps as he continues.
Ki-Young........... I'm hungry, too. And I wanted to astound you with my superb culinary skills.
She looks at him, askance.
Sun-Mi.............. Really?
Ki-Young........... Actually, I hoped that treating you well might earn me a reprieve.
She laughs.
Sun-Mi.............. Nice try, but I'm on a strict diet. Toast and fruit only.
Ki-Young........... Then you can enjoy watching me feast. Shall we?
She smiles at his persistence.
Sun-Mi.............. Okay, but give me a minute to look presentable.
Sun-Mi rummages through the tote for a small bag.
From the bag she takes out a brush, compact and lipstick.
First she brushes her hair back, smoothing and untangling the damp tresses.
Then, using the compact's mirror, she quickly applies lipstick with a practiced hand.
Returning the items to the bag, she places it on the table beside the tote.
She looks up at Ki-Young.
He is watching her, a smirk on his face.
Sun-Mi.............. Why are you staring at me like that?
He shrugs.
Ki-Young........... Er ... Nothing.
Then his face lights up.
Ki-Young........... Actually, if I may say it, you look so ... beautiful.
She rolls her eyes, unimpressed.
Sun-Mi.............. Save your sweet words for someone else. I'm not letting you off that easily!
He chuckles.
Ki-Young........... Well, it was worth a try.
Sun-Mi takes a light wrap out of the tote, and puts the towel and small bag back into it.
Donning the wrap, she secures it at the waist, and pushes the sun hat down onto her head.
Last, she puts on a pair of sunglasses.
Sun-Mi.............. All done. Let's go.
She stands up, casually glancing over at the stuffed tote.
Catching the not-so-subtle hint, Ki-Young picks up the tote.
Sun-Mi takes his hand, and they walk off together.
Sun-Mi.............. Earlier, you were really thinking I'm ridiculous, right?
Ki-Young........... I didn't say that.
Sun-Mi.............. But your face showed it.
Ki-Young........... Okay, I don't get it. We're just going back to your apartment. Why all the fuss?
She shakes her head at his cluelessness.
Sun-Mi.............. Unlike a man, a woman always needs to look her best.
....................... You never know who you'll run into. I have to be careful, even in my own building.
Ki-Young........... Is it really that tough?
Sun-Mi.............. You don't know the half of it. It's even worse, now that I'm something of a celebrity.
....................... There's always a nosey neighbor, or some paparazzi looking for a scoop.
....................... All it takes is one careless moment to start the gossip chain running wild.
Ki-Young........... I never considered it that way.
Sun-Mi.............. It's intimidating to be compared to the top A-list actresses and models.
....................... Honestly, I'm not that pretty. My S-line is nothing to look at, either.
....................... And, I desperately need to lose some weight.
Ki-Young........... From where? You look perfect to me.
Sun-Mi.............. As it is, I can barely fit into my program wardrobe, and Su-Jin's been on my case about it.
....................... The camera sees things differently than the eye. Every little flaw gets magnified.
....................... Lately I've even wondered if I should I get some 'enhancements' done.
....................... Nothing extreme. Just enough to make up for my shortcomings. What do you think?
He chuckles.
Ki-Young........... I think you've been hanging around Su-Jin too long.
....................... You don't need to change, trying to compete. Just be yourself.
Sun-Mi.............. I know you're biased, but thanks for the vote of confidence.
....................... It was only an idea, anyway. I'm not sure I could go through with it.
Ki-Young........... Why is that?
She laughs.
Sun-Mi.............. I get faint just at the thought of needles.
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's villa, morning
[ sizzling sounds ]
Su-Jin............... (O.S.) Smells delicious!
Coming out of the bathroom, she pads into the kitchen in house slippers, hair still damp from the shower.
Hyung-Chul is frying eggs on the cook top.
Su-Jin............... I'm having a clean outfit sent here, to change into later.
....................... In the meantime, I hope you don't mind that I borrowed your robe.
....................... Do you have a hair dryer I can use, too?
Focused on the frying pan, Hyung-Chul doesn't answer.
Hyung-Chul....... Breakfast is almost ready.
She approaches him with an eager smile, hoping for a connection.
Su-Jin............... I'm touched, Oppa. You still remembered I like fried egg for breakfast.
But when Hyung-Chul looks at her, his eyes are distant and his response abrupt.
Hyung-Chul....... There's hangover medicine on the table.
....................... Take it, and you'll feel better. You had too much to drink last night.
Her smile fades.
Su-Jin............... I'd hoped that after last night you'd see me differently, as a woman.
....................... But I'll always be that snotty-nosed brat your mother asked you to watch over in Cambridge, right?
....................... What do I have to say, or do, to convince you otherwise? Is it possible?
Hyung-Chul puts down the metal spatula and turns to face Su-Jin, exasperated.
From his displeased expression, Su-Jin realizes that she won't be getting an affirative answer.
She looks away so he won't see the hurt in her eyes.
Hyung-Chul....... About that, I want to say ...
Su-Jin............... I know. We were both drunk, so what happened is meaningless.
....................... As soon as my clothes come, I'll be on my way.
....................... I don't expect you to send me home, or have anything to do with me again.
Hyung-Chul....... Su-Jin, that's not what ...
[ mobile ringtone ]
Interrupted, Hyung-Chul picks up his phone from the kitchen table and flips it open.
After checking the caller ID, he puts it to his ear.
Hyung-Chul....... Yes? ... Why? ... Sure, I'll be there ASAP.
He turns to Su-Jin.
Hyung-Chul....... I have to go now. Enjoy your breakfast.
Su-Jin............... What is it? What happened?
Hyung-Chul....... Last night, Announcer Huh Young-Mi attempted suicide ...
SCENE: Hospital exterior, morning
Hyung-Chul, Sun-Dal, and Woo-Jin stand beside Young-Mi's hospital bed.
She is unconscious with an IV drip.
Sun-Dal............ The doctor expects Young-Mi should recover completely.
Hyung-Chul....... How could this happen?
Woo-Jin............ After the Gala, I went to Young-Mi's apartment to wait for her to return.
....................... I heard everything you said, about her sabotaging the dress to hurt Sun-Mi.
Sun-Dal looks at Woo-Jin, surprised.
Sun-Dal............ Sabotage?
He turns to Hyung-Chul.
Sun-Dal............ What haven't you told me?
Hyung-Chul....... Later. It's not important now. Let him finish.
Woo-Jin............ We argued and I demanded she resign, or I'd expose everything.
....................... I left her to think things over, and went home.
....................... Early this morning, I came back to talk it over with her again.
....................... That's when I found Young-Mi unconscious, in the bathtub.
....................... She'd taken an entire bottle of sleeping pills, and turned on the water.
....................... Only because her face was barely above the tub overflow, she didn't drown.
Sun-Dal............ Still, she was fortunate you arrived when you did.
Hyung-Chul....... You're staying here with her?
Woo-Jin............ Yes. Of course. Why?
Hyung-Chul....... Manager Kim and I have important business matters to attend to, and need to take our leave.
....................... Announcer Huh's actions have ramifications beyond her personal condition.
Woo-Jin............ I understand.
Sun-Dal............ Keep us informed of any changes in Young-Mi's condition, okay?
Woo-Jin............ I will.
SCENE: Sun-Mi's apartment balcony, morning
Sun-Mi is reading through her Art Club script.
Ki-Young........... (O.S.) Another cup of delicious tea has arrived! Sorry I kept you waiting.
She looks up as he comes out onto the apartment balcony, where she is sitting at a bistro table with two chairs.
Sun-Mi.............. Thanks.
Ki-Young places the cup on the table, and sits down across from her.
Sun-Mi puts down the script, picks up the cup and inhales the aroma, then takes a sip.
Sun-Mi.............. Mmm!
Ki-Young........... I hoped you'd like it.
Sun-Mi.............. It's great! The best cup of tea is one that someone makes specially for you.
She rewards him with a smile.
Sun-Mi.............. First you make breakfast, and then do the dishes. And now this. I'm feeling pampered.
Ki-Young........... That's my plan. I'm hoping you'll commute my sentence, and give me another chance.
She laughs.
Sun-Mi.............. Hmmm ... I'll have to consider that.
Ki-Young........... What's this?
Sun-Mi.............. Huh?
He points at the papers.
Sun-Mi.............. Oh, it's my script for this week's program.
....................... Our focus is on Chinese art, from ancient through contemporary.
....................... We're highlighting the National Palace Museum in Taipei.
Ki-Young........... Is that why you're in this gown?
While Ki-Young was cleaning up after breakfast, Sun-Mi had changed into a Chinese qipao.
The form-fitting dress encases Sun-Mi's trim figure like a second skin.
Sun-Mi.............. Dressing in the program wardrobe helps me get into character.
....................... I'll also be wearing traditional Ming, Song, and Tang Hanfu as I touch on each era's ...
She stops mid-thought, noting that Ki-Young's eyes are focused appreciatively on her.
With her rise in popularity, Sun-Mi had become accustomed to heads turning her way and awkward stares.
But in light of the previous night, his concupiscent attention rubs her the wrong way.
Sun-Mi.............. (snaps) What is it now? Why are you looking at me like that?
Ki-Young........... (jokingly) Sorry. But that dress is so tight, how can you even breathe?
Sun-Mi.............. Hah! ... Now you see what I was talking about earlier?
Ki-Young........... Okay, I get it. But I still think you look perfect.
Sun-Mi.............. Still, I don't need you ogling me while I work.
Ki-Young........... I thought this was your day off.
Sun-Mi.............. A 'day off' just means I don't have to go into the office. I still have plenty on my plate.
....................... And I'm sure you have better things to do than just sitting here.
Ki-Young........... Actually, I don't have anything going on today, but I get the hint.
....................... Before I go, I have something to confess ... about those 'steamy' details from last night?
Sun-Mi.............. I told you, I don't want to go there. And I've already apologized.
Ki-Young........... But you don't need to apologize, because what happened was ... nothing.
Sun-Mi.............. What was that 'feisty tigress' talk about then? How I was 'coming on' to you?
Ki-Young........... You were. But then you called me "Senior" and said "I love you and always will."
....................... That's when I realized that you didn't know what you were doing at all.
....................... So I stopped before things went too far. Your virtue is still intact, if just barely.
....................... And that was it. You rolled over and went back to sleep.
More than by what she had done, Sun-Mi is shocked by what she had said.
Sun-Mi.............. I called you 'Senior'?
Ki-Young........... I assume he's that Director Yoon at the club, your former boyfriend?
Sun-Mi.............. Yes. I'm sorry you had to hear that.
Ki-Young........... I'm not, because it clears up a lot.
He leans forward, speaking seriously to Sun-Mi ...
Ki-Young........... This is not in my interest, But I'm telling you this as a friend.
....................... It's time you stopped playing games like last night at the club.
....................... Go to Director Yoon, and tell him what you said, how you really feel.
....................... Speak from the heart, and let things work out from there.
She sighs and looks down into her cup as she swirls the tea.
Sun-Mi.............. I did that once before and got badly burned. What if it happens again?
....................... I'm not sure my heart is strong enough to take that kind of shock a second time.
He reaches across the table and pats her hand encouragingly.
Ki-Young........... It's not easy to risk being rejected. But isn't it harder to live with regrets at what might've been?
....................... You owe it to yourself. Don't delay any longer ...
After Hyung-Chul and Sun-Dal leave, Young-Mi wakes up.
Woo-Jin............ What were you thinking?
Young-Mi.......... I wanted to die rather than resign and lose to Sun-Mi.
He sighs in frustration.
Woo-Jin............ Does everything have to be about Sun-Mi?
She frowns, grumbling ...
Young-Mi.......... When I look at her, I'm so envious I lose control!
She gives his hand a squeeze of gratitude.
Young-Mi.......... That's why I need you, to protect me from myself, like you did today.
....................... Regardless of what terrible things I say, or do, you can never leave me ...
SCENE: Exterior of Hyung-Chul's villa, morning
Traffic passes on the street outside Hyung-Chul's villa.
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's villa door, morning
Su-Jin sits on the living room love seat, still wearing Hyung-Chul's borrowed robe.
She sips from her cup of coffee, engrossed in reading an article in of The Economist.
[ door bell chime ]
Su-Jin............... (grumbling to herself) Ah! It's about time ... service these days ...
[ door bell chime ]
Placing the magazine and cup on the coffee table, she gets up and walks over to the entry.
Su-Jin opens the door, expecting to find the delivery person with her clothes.
But instead, Sun-Mi is waiting outside.
Surprised, the two women appraise each other warily.
Sun-Mi.............. Park Su-Jin! Wha -- what are you doing here?
Su-Jin smirks at Sun-Mi's consternation.
Su-Jin............... I was about to ask the same thing myself. What are YOU doing here?
To Be Continued ...