He paced the length of the room. Shock written in his handsome face. His normal composure shaken. He ran his hands through his hair, tousling it more. His strides across the room became more frantic as the reality of the situation sunk in. He stopped to look at her.

“How could this happen?! How could you?”

“How could I? How could I?” Her voice rose in disbelief. “Last time I checked, it took two people to make these things happen!” Jae Eun cried. “This is not my fault! You were just as drunk as I was!”

“This is unbelieveable.” He sat down heavily on the plush leather sofa, elbows on his knees, cradling his head. “This was just a business arrangement, nothing else. This should not have happened.” His face reflected myriad of conflicting emotions. They have always had a palpable connection, regardless of how much he tried to deny his feelings for her. He looked at Jae Eun; she has remained standing, fists clenched on her sides, her face crumbling as a rush of tears fell. He understood that very moment what he needed to do. He stood and rushed to her, cupped her face, and lowered his lips to capture hers…

.

.

.. and scene faded to black....title of movie scrolled across the screen. The camera panned to the seated actors to find Hyung Sik.

Thunderous applause shook the theater. The MC’s voice rose to be heard above the clamor, “Please give a round of applause to Park Hyung Sik, Best Actor for his role in “A Business Venture!!!”

Hyung Sik stood, waving and bowing to the crowd. He slowly made his way to the stage amidst cheers and well-wishes of colleagues and fans alike. He stood in front of the podium and faced the audience, holding the well-deserved trophy for Best Actor. He thanked the director and the cast, his voice catching as he looked out to the audience. “I can't believe I’m standing here in front of you, in front of others who are clearly much more deserving of this award and who have been in the industry for so long. I am very touched to be nominated among so many respected actors; to win this award is such a priviledge. Thank you for paving the way for me, for being the actors who I aspire to be. I will continue to work hard to deserve your regard. Kamsahamnida.” His fans in the crowd were ecstatic, and his name can be heard echoing across the theater. He bowed again to show his respect to his fellow colleagues; with face beaming he walked off the stage.

.

.

Hyung Sik sat cross legged in one of the offices’s large conference rooms. He’s busy perusing a list of projects that have been set aside for him to review. Various scripts surround him along with offers for CFs. It has been over 5 years since he made the transition from idol to actor and he has collected strings of kdramas and films under his belt ever since. After his return from enlistment a year ago, he had no trouble re- establishing himself in the industry; thanks to the guidance of his agency, it was as if he never left. He had immediately signed on to do the movie “A Business Venture” which had garnered him the covetous award of Best Actor. His popularity continues to sky rocket and he is already in negotiations to do another TV drama. His name is amongst the top actor billed for either action or romance and as such, offers pour in for various projects on a daily basis. He came to his agency to discuss future plans and projects.

His tall manager walked in, carrying a sheaf of papers. He has been with Hyung Sik since his idol days and has followed him ever since. Hyung Sik valued loyalty and kept on the same handful of people around him, people he would entrust his life without question. He and his managers share almost a familial bond, having been together for almost 10 years.

"Just waiting on a few more people, Hyung Sik-kah. Did you get a chance to read the script concept? I like it; it sound like a good drama."

"Yes, hyung, I did. I like that there's more drama this time not just romance; I was told there will be a few action sequences too. Is PDnim Lee still being attached to the project?"

"Yes. He already signed on, provided he said he gets the casts he wanted. We'll know more details." His manager handed him the sheaf of papers. "Here's the rest of the script summary."

He skimmed through the details.

The story is about a soldier, stationed off shore. His infantry unit scattered after heavy war broke out and they were forced to go in hiding. A family sympathetic to their cause took him in, passing him off as their son in law. Years later sometime after the war ended, during a military routine screening, he found out the marriage papers had been real and was never annulled. His character went in search of the family who helped him only to find they had been left destitute, an unfortunate casualty of war. He met again the daughter, his supposed "wife" who is left caring for her lone surviving parent, her dying father.  Her father begged his favor to care for her, now that their fortunes are reversed. The drama focuses on the budding relationship between the two lead characters who were brought together by unforeseen circumstances, finding love in the unlikeliest situation.

Hyung Sik looked over the rest of the script, "Is there no cast sheet yet?" He asked his manager. "Do we know who else were offered the script?"

"I heard various names rumored but nothing concrete. Pd Lee is said to be talking closely with the writer."

Murmurs of "Annyeong haseyo" were heard as various member of the team filed into the conference room. Mrs. E headed these meetings with a well organized hand.

The meeting started with a review of various projects he has already contracted with and to establish an outline of his schedule for the next several months. He had wanted to do a few fan meetings this year since he has always enjoyed interacting with his fans, but last year's schedule proved to be challenging, filming immediately after his enlistment. He voiced his request again to hold at least one fan meet this year. Talks turned to making room in between filming and projects so he can hold a fan meeting overseas. Hyung Sik's popularity in asian countries has always been dependable and would likely generate sales easily. Mrs. E assigned one of her assistants to head this task. 

After various other odds and ends, the team slowly filed out of the room. Mrs. E turned to him, "Hyung Sik-kie, stay a moment."

"Of course," he nodded, sitting back down.

"I see you have the script for When The Dawn Wind Rises," referring to the script he was reading earlier. "What do you think?"

"I like it better than the rest. I'll do it; it's interesting."

"You were the PD and screenwriter's choice for the lead," she said.

"Really?" he sounded pleased. "Do you have any idea who they're casting opposite?" If there was someone who would have inside scoop, it would be her. Mrs. E has eyes and ears everywhere.

"I've heard a few," she said ticking names off her fingers, "Suzy, Shin Ye, Moon Geun Young..." She paused. "Those were the rumored ones, but  their first choice is Bo Young."

His head snapped up when he heard her name and his eyes met Mrs. E's.

"Is she..." he stopped and cleared his throat, "did she accept?" 

"I have not heard any confirmation yet," was her reply. "Does that make a difference in your decision?"

He didn't answer immediately. "No of course not." He sat looking at his hands, anywhere but at her.

Mrs. E peered at him over her glasses, "Your paths are bound to cross again; you know this. I know this. She is one of the top actresses out there... Is there going to be a problem, Hyung Sik-kie?"  

"No. It was a long time ago."

After a beat he added, "will you let me know if you hear more?" as he stood to leave. 

Mrs. E watched his retreating back; she didn't miss the deep sigh that escaped him as he walked past her.