Chapter 36
The drama “You Who Came From the Stars” is a blend of various genres, such as romantic comedy and historical drama.
The time periods of the scenes also fluctuate without being bound to a single era, traversing from several hundred years in the past to the modern day.
Yet despite this mix, it continuously sets new viewer ratings records every day, thanks to the outstanding acting of the cast, while maintaining the drama’s main storyline.
Regardless of whether the setting is in the past or present, the romance story between Park Do-Joon and Han Yoo-Hwa has continued uninterrupted.
However, it is not possible to wander between the past and present forever.
For the immortal Park Do-Joon, whether in the past or present, he remains the same person, but for the ordinary human Han Yoo-Hwa, she is a different person in each era.
Even if her essence might have stayed the same.
In any case, the central story of “You Who Came From the Stars” will undoubtedly revolve around modern-day Han Yoo-Hwa and Park Do-Joon.
Thus, the tale of past Han Yoo-Hwa and Park Do-Joon must reach a conclusion.
However, the nature of that conclusion is not something one could casually call common.
“Sigh… Why am I nervous about something like this?”
Since the airing of “You Who Came From the Stars” began, PD Hwang Min-Soo has once again found himself anxious, keeping vigil at the station until late at night.
The upcoming 5th episode, which would air in just a few minutes, truly holds multiple meanings.
Of course, he is confident.
While the past episodes have showcased a consistently high level of quality, the highlight of episode 5 undoubtedly features Ha-Eun’s “that performance.”
“Such a performance is not something anyone can achieve.”
Having seen countless actors, PD Hwang Min-Soo was certain.
Ha-Eun’s performance is of a kind that cannot be described with phrases like “I’ve seen that somewhere” or “nothing particularly new.”
Her eyes, clearly reflecting the terror toward the approaching soldiers.
Yet, without retreating, she takes a step forward with unwavering resolve.
In the end, she collapses after taking the arrows shot at Han Yoo-Hwa.
For a brief moment, as she lost the light in her eyes and looked up to the high night sky, she ultimately succumbed, meeting her demise.
Her performance made one realize that the story of Han Yoo-Hwa had come to a complete end.
At the same time, it made one inevitably understand why Park Do-Joon couldn’t forget Han Yoo-Hwa even after 500 long years.
When shooting episode 5, PD Hwang Min-Soo was certain that no performance would be more fitting to wrap up the past narrative.
The subsequent modern-day scene of the young Han Yoo-Hwa and Park Do-Joon’s first meeting was equally satisfying, done in one take.
However, since after episode 5 the Han Yoo-Hwa played by Ha-Eun would be replaced by Yoo Seong-Ah, he couldn’t help but worry.
While it had already been shown in episode 1 that Yu Seong-Ah was acting as Han Yoo-Hwa, he felt anxious about whether the viewers would accept her portrayal.
“I can’t believe I’m worried about Yoo Seong-Ah of all people.”
For viewers who have been deeply immersed in Ha-Eun’s Han Yoo-Hwa, it won’t be easy to transition to Yoo Seong-Ah’s.
Even though Yoo Seong-Ah’s acting is said to be at a top level, she still hasn’t been given a significant scene yet.
The powerful impact of Ha-Eun’s performance, showcasing the death of the main character, could potentially overshadow everything now.
Will the baton handed off from Yoo Seong-Ah in episode 1 to Ha-Eun in episode 2 be returned without a hitch?
Yoo Seong-Ah, who was waiting for episode 5 to air in her penthouse, was well aware of these points.
It was she who initially requested Ha-Eun to showcase a slightly different performance.
Of course, since it was still before the airing of episode 5, worrying about episode 6 felt premature.
Yet, with a serious expression, Yoo Seong-Ah was intently watching the TV in her living room; Ha-Eun’s acting was that impressive.
It was an act that shouldn’t be underestimated, even in the eyes of someone who could easily bear the title of a top star.
“If episode 6 really starts going downhill, then this will be one massive humiliation…”
Coincidentally, after the tense climax of episode 4 aired last Thursday, the tension within the drama was now at its peak.
In other words, it was almost guaranteed that the viewer rating for episode 5 would break the previous record.
Yoo Seong-Ah’s hands searched for wine as she experienced a sense of nerve-wracking tension, something she hadn’t felt in a long time.
At least by drinking some wine, she could ease the tension that was pressing down on her.
Finally, about 10 minutes later, episode 5 of “You Who Came From the Stars” began.
Simultaneously, the viewership ratings began to be recorded, nearing the highest ratings from episode 4 within just 3 minutes.
And, one more thing.
The reactions from the drama-related community, often dubbed ‘public sentiment’ among the people at the broadcasting station, also started to come in.
– “Look at Ha Yun-Seong’s pale face.”
– “Is he sick or something?”
– “If he escapes in a UFO from here, that would still be pretty interesting.”
– “Since they’re dragging out the chase scene, it looks like he’s caught, huh?”
So far, there were no notable anomalies.
The viewers’ interests were solely focused on the crisis facing Han Yoo-Hwa and Park Do-Joon.
They were solely tuned in to how the two would escape this unprecedented crisis.
There weren’t many people worrying about the possibility of them failing to escape.
This was the same for Min Da-Yeon, who was sitting on the sofa with Ha-Eun, carefully watching the younger Han Yoo-Hwa on TV.
“They said this is the most carefully shot scene. Can you at least give a hint on how she escapes, Lee Ha-Eun?”
“…It’s in the contract that I can’t leak any information.”
“I know that much! Do you think you’re the only one who’s ever acted in a drama?”
“If you know, then don’t ask.”
“I can’t help but be curious!”
“Honestly, you’ll find out as you keep watching anyway.”
Thus, Min Da-Yeon’s attempts at getting a spoiler yielded no results at all.
Meanwhile, with Han Yoo-Hwa and Park Do-Joon trying to escape the brutish soldiers, their steps ultimately halted at that moment.
– Step.
In stark contrast to the people’s predictions of somehow escaping.
Han Yoo-Hwa turned her back on Park Do-Joon and began to approach the soldiers beyond him.
“Wait, no…? That’s not how it’s supposed to go!”
Finally reaching the edge of the reed field, she paused for a moment.
Then, with tears that began to fall, her voice filled with emotion delivered her farewell to Park Do-Joon beyond.
– “Something feels off here…”
– “What’s Park Do-Joon doing? Why isn’t he grabbing Han Yoo-Hwa?”
– “If she’s saying that much, they should be catching her just as she’s about to exit the reed field.”
– “But if they do catch her, will it even change anything?”
Stepping away further from Park Do-Joon, who was vigorously shaking his head in protest.
The little shadow approaching the soldiers beyond revealed herself completely.
– Flip.
“…Honestly, today’s kids are quite terrifying…”
Just a few seconds later, she was helplessly struck by the arrows that rained down upon her.
For an instant, she glanced at the vast night sky, ultimately losing all life and warmth, like a wilting flower.
“P, PD Hwang. Right now, the viewership rating for ‘You Who Came From the Stars’…”
“What about the ratings?”
“Well, um… it’s… 35%.”
“Y, yeah?!”
In an instant, it transformed into a gigantic swamp that swallowed everyone who was captivated by Han Yoo-Hwa.
“Ah… no…!!”
“C, calm down! Breathe! The drama isn’t over yet!”
However, it didn’t just engulf them.
Immediately after Han Yoo-Hwa’s death, time began to flow at an astonishing speed, producing a flower of unfamiliar yet familiar form.
“What’s up? Why are you staring at me like that?”
“Oh, it’s just… you resemble someone I know.”
“Must have been a really beautiful person if you’re comparing me to them.”
The quiet yet lonely breaths had already ceased once.
Yet the connection between Park Do-Joon and Han Yoo-Hwa remained intact.
“She was lovely. So much so that I would regret having captured her in my gaze.”
“Then she must have been too precious for someone like you, a phony.”
“…Perhaps.”
Thus, time flowed on and continued.
The moment Han Yoo-Hwa and Park Do-Joon, now fully grown adults, once again grasped each other’s hands.
“Hey, Park Do-Joon, do you know what the meaning of the Forget-Me-Not flower I gave you earlier is?”
“…Please don’t forget me.”
“Oh? Wait, you knew? I was going to tell you, thinking you didn’t know.”
“I learned it a long time ago. To the point where I can never forget it, no matter when.”
The beloved phantom of young Han Yoo-Hwa, who had never left Park Do-Joon’s side since hundreds of years ago, wore the same gentle smile as always.
“…Just, please remember me, my lord. That’s all the girl needs.”
Thankful that the end of separation was not oblivion but a reunion, she slowly began to drift away.
No lingering feelings existed in that familiar yet dearly missed face.