ch-12

Chapter 12: Unveiling Aspirations

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As the summer of 1997 rolled on, the air in Kim Jihoon's home buzzed with a mix of excitement and curiosity. Jihoon's parents had always known about their son's love for literature and history, but the revelation that he wanted to become a scriptwriter—particularly for dramas—came as a surprise.

One evening, after Jihoon had announced his intention to pursue writing, his mother, Kim Eun-hee, turned to her husband, Kim Seok-jin, with a furrowed brow. "I always thought he would follow a more traditional path, perhaps something in science or business," she admitted, her voice tinged with concern. "But a scriptwriter? That's such an unconventional choice."

Seok-jin nodded thoughtfully. "I know, but he's always had a vivid imagination. Maybe he sees something in storytelling that we don't. It could be a passion that helps him express himself."

Eun-hee sighed, glancing toward Jihoon's room where he could be heard scribbling away. "I just hope he understands how competitive the industry is. It's not easy to succeed as a writer, especially in something as subjective as drama."

"I understand your concern," Seok-jin replied gently. "But look at how dedicated he is. It might be wise to encourage him to explore this interest. If it brings him joy and fulfillment, we should support him."

Meanwhile, Jihoon was blissfully unaware of his parents' discussion. He was fully engrossed in writing his own version of a famous Korean drama titled "Crash Landing on You." The concept was familiar to him, and he had loved the dynamics and character arcs from the series in his previous life. As he sat at his desk, the late evening light streaming through his window, he juggled his studies and his scriptwriting, his mind racing with ideas and possibilities.

Each character he penned came to life in his imagination, their personalities vibrant and multifaceted. He found joy in crafting their journeys, drawing from the rich tapestry of human experience he had studied in his literature classes. While he carefully wove in cultural elements, he was also mindful of making the story relatable for the audience.

"Jihoon!" his mother called from the kitchen. "Dinner is ready!"

He glanced at the clock and realized how much time had passed. Reluctantly, he set his pen down and made his way to the dining room. As he joined his parents at the table, he felt a mix of pride and apprehension. Would they understand the depth of his passion?

During dinner, the conversation flowed easily, as it always did in their household. They discussed the weather, the neighborhood, and even Kim Soo-hyun's upcoming transition to middle school. Yet, Jihoon could sense an undercurrent of curiosity in his parents' glances.

"Jihoon," Eun-hee began cautiously, "I've been thinking about what you said the other day. This scriptwriting… it's a big commitment, isn't it?"

"Yeah, it is," Jihoon replied, keeping his tone casual. "But I really enjoy it. It feels like I'm creating something meaningful."

"Creating something meaningful," Seok-jin echoed, smiling at his son. "That's wonderful. Just remember, it's important to balance your studies with your passion. Education comes first."

"Of course, Dad. I promise I'll manage," Jihoon reassured him, though inside, he felt the weight of expectations settle on his shoulders.

After dinner, he returned to his room, the thoughts of his parents lingering in his mind. He felt an obligation to prove that he could succeed as a writer, even if it meant juggling academics and creativity.

As he sat back down at his desk, he flipped open his notebook and resumed writing. The characters in his script began to unfold, their lives intertwining with themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery.

But even as he poured his heart into the story, Jihoon couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty. Would he be able to carve out a place for himself in a world so saturated with talent? The fear of not being good enough loomed over him, but the desire to tell stories—the urge to connect with others through his words—was even stronger.

As the night deepened, Jihoon lost track of time, the outside world fading away as he immersed himself in his writing. He was no longer just a boy with a dream; he was a storyteller, shaping the lives of characters and exploring their worlds, hoping that someday, he would share that passion with others.

The clock struck midnight before he finally set down his pen. Exhausted but exhilarated, he knew that this journey was just beginning. As long as he had his stories to tell, he felt hopeful for the future—a future he was determined to create on his own terms.