A glimpse of the future..

April 28, 2021
Seoul, South Korea

Ji Chang Wook sits nervously in his seat as the announcer on stage declares the nominees for the Best Actor in a Movie prize. A spotlight shines on him as his name is announced. A crowd of fans cheer loudly calling out his name and he smiles at the camera and waves at them. 

He's trying not to expect the win too much. After all he's up against some big names including Gong Yoo sunbae-nim. Gong Yoo, who sits a few chairs away, looks at him and nods. The movie Ji Chang Wook is nominated for is his first project since completing his military enlistment. The critics had been generally favorable and ticket sales had been astronomical. Even so, he couldn't help also wanting this win, as an actor.

Chang Wook fiddles with his watch, feeling the tension of the moment rising.

A warm hand squeezes his reassuringly. He smiles, instantly feeling calmer.

That gentle touch reminds him it was just an award.  Win or lose, he'd already done his best for the project. He had an even bigger prize in his hand already. Literally. He lifts that soft hand to his lips and kisses it.

His move is caught on camera, and the crowd goes even wilder. Some of the actors and actresses near them smile; some even clapping. Gong Yoo lifts an amused eyebrow and gives him the thumbs up. He blushes but doesn't let go. He sees her, laughing next to him, trying to cover her own blushing face with her other hand as the cameras zoom even closer.

"Yah... Ji Chang Wook-shi. Why is it even though we haven't announced the winner, you're already too happy?" the host asks, causing the hall to erupt in even more laughter.

Ji Chang Wook only laughs then turns to look at his love. Prize or no prize, he was the biggest winner that night.

The host gets back to business. The orchestra starts up the music and drums roll.

"And, the winner of the Best Actor in a Movie Award is....."

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 A little note on Korean Words/Honorifics

Omma : mom
Omoenim : mother (formal)
Appa : dad
Abounim : father (formal)
Oppa : honorific for older male (used by females)
Hyung : honorific for older male (used by males)
Unnie : honorific for older female (used by females)
Noona : honorific for older female (used by males)
Sunbae : honorific for senior colleague or mentor figure
-shi : polite honorific added after person's name (equivalent to Mr./Mrs./Ms.)
-nim : highest form of honorific denoting high skills, knowledge etc.

In general, it is unusual for Koreans to call another person by name unless they are close friends or the other person is younger. More often than not another person is addressed by their work title or by appending an honorific to their name.

Author's note:

Hello and thank you so much for reading this story. This is my first attempt at FanFic writing, so I apologize for my lacking.

I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who read, commented or subscribed. I cherish every single view and I can't tell you how happy I feel to see your thoughts. Thank you for all your comments: constructive (thanks so much!), good, bad or lukewarm  (though please be kind to a new writer... hahaha >< ). The fact that you care to share your thoughts with me is so appreciated. And the nice comments, wow. Thank you. You really make my day.

Also thank you to Ji Chang Wook and Nam Ji Hyun for giving me lots of inspiration. May they find love (preferably with each other) and have lots of babies.

I also try to jump in once in a while at the Official Soompi JiJi/JiBong couple thread (as genxv) so if there are any fellow readers from there, hello, hello! Thank you for providing lots of news and inspiration.

Why does this feel like an award ceremony acceptance speech?

Let me end this by saying,

Thank you, I hope you enjoy the story

-genxv