"Actually... I have prepared, a little something" I answer before heading over to the production crew.
Handing me an acoustic guitar, the touch of wood reminds me of my once forgotten dream that was taken away by the cruel face of reality.
Taking a second or two to tune it to my liking.
I head back to the group, that is sitting in a semi-circle formation around a small controlled fire to keep them warm.
Seeing my return with a guitar over my shoulders has made them quite expectant of the show which they are about to see.
As this episode airs on Valentine's day, I was let's just say 'encouraged' by the PD to try and play a love song or anything along those lines to really add to the atmosphere.
"I recently learned how to play the guitar. " I say downplaying how good, "so if you don't mind listening. Here I go. 1 ,2 ,3"
I begin strumming the strings in a peaceful melody that is only accentuated by the sounds of nature behind us.
Everything and everyone around me silent as they awaited with a bated breath for me to showcase my singing.
Was it going to ruin the mood or was I going to surprise them?
That was the look on everyone's expectant faces.
.
....
A few nights later.
Family Outing was broadcast.
The entire 2 day trip was edited down into a measly 3 hours of content.
While countless people were sitting and watching in front of the TV as usual for the Show.
A healthy few not so regular viewers had tuned in for Yoo-ah. While some had tuned in to see the hot Toyota guy's first television appearance. It had promised to be a good day for ratings. And it was.
With the country's citizens all watching. They expected another goofy and fun episode. Which is what they got for most of the time.
They saw Taesuk and Hyo anticts.
The fun random games we took way too seriously and some were even impressed by my cooking.
What was just a very good episode up till now suddenly changed when that song played.
When that sorrowful yet peaceful melody sounded from the television, everyone was stunned agape as they watched me play the guitar and sing onscreen.
.........
After the intro, I open my mouth and in a deeper tone than my usual voice I begin singing an English song.
A song many recognize and perhaps one that will embody the sentiments of youthful love for eternity.
"Wise men say only fools rush in.
"But I can't help falling in love with you.
"Shall I stay?
"Would it be a sin?
"If I can't help falling in love with you?
"Like a river flows surely to the sea
"Darling so it goes
"Some things are meant to be
"Take my hand, take my whole life too
"For I can't help falling in love with you
"For I can't help ....falling in love .....with you
Music is the closest thing to a time machine.
My singing has undoubtedly reminded everyone of their beautiful pasts.
The cameraman focuses on the faces of the staff.
Hyo has tears flooding down her face.
Yoo-ah's eyes too had reddened.
Taesuk had his eyes closed and looked to be thinking of someone in particular as a small smile grew on his face.
Raesung had sniffed and sighed.
While Nongshin and the rest were clearly shocked and immersed in the experience.
....................
Family Outing concludes soon thereafter with a preview of next week.
But a lot of people watching TV could not calm down for the longest time!
Online the response was just as crazy.
There were reposts and shares all over Naver.
It was heavily liked and favorited.
Dylan Park fever had caught fire!
In the impression of many people in the country before the show, Dylan was just a handsome young man.
After the show, they discovered that was in fact more. Like an onion with every layer peeled something new was being discovered.
Not only was he funny and entertaining.
He could cook well and was hardworking.
He even had a soulful voice as good as any singer they've ever head.
'God was not fair'
When that song was sung with such a sorrowful voice.
They all felt that he had a story. There was something more behind that sound.
After he finished singing, many people fell silent. Quite a number teared up over it.
Yes! A song sang on a variety show known for having fun and enjoyment had somehow touched the hearts of millions.
Thousands of comments have been posted underneath a clip of the song that has since gone viral.
Rambo: I was 18, she was 15. She took my hand as I couldn't stop falling in love with her. 47 years later, she still holds my hand and I am still falling in greater love with her. +1023
RubyJane: I grew up with my grandparents and they had a record player and they used to play all the old songs and I remember this one playing as they used to slow dance to this, God I miss them. + 783
JJwangji275: This reminds me of my dad. He taught me how to play guitar and then when he got sick I used to play him this and tried to do the Elvis voice to make him laugh and played also "love me tender". The last song I played him before I went traveling was this one. Then one day I got a phone call from my bro telling me; dad is gone. Stopped my travels got home and while we were sorting his things around after the funeral I saw his his phone (he had one that did not require any password or whatever). And there I have found a recording of me playing him this song with my guitar for the last time +777
RosesAreRosi: This was my parents wedding song. I lost my father when I was pretty young. He loved this song and sang it all the time in the car. I was so embarrassed as a kid. Many many years later I'm learning to play the guitar and have to learn the song. I may never fall in love again but it would be awesome to play and sing it for my mom before she's gone too. Wish me luck! It's hard to listen to it without tears in my eyes. I need all the help I can get! +687
...
"Dylan! Why have you never sung for me?" Hora asks whose sitting next to me on the couch can't help but ask.
She, Yuri-noona, Jaebum and the gang had come over to watch my TV debut.
Hora and I also have dinner plans later.
So killing 2 birds with 1 stone.
" Baechu, you never asked" I shrug
She pouts and looks like a wounded kitten.
Trying to appease her, I speak softly " Don't pout. I'll sing for you whenever you want, okay? No one else has this privilege" Touching her nose softly that get's her to squirm cutely.
She smiles clearly appeased only for the annoying third wheel Jaebum to chirp in "Choo-ssi don't believe him, didn't you see him just flirt with two girls like nothing?"
I give him a glare which he just laughs at.
Immediately I grovel in-front of Her , "It's only the editing baechu. Blame the PD. Wait let me call him and give him a piece of my mind." I motion towards my phone clearly not willing to actually make the call.
"Oh! So you didn't find Yoo-ah unnie or Hyo unnie pretty?" She questions
'How I get past this hurdle is vital'
If this was a dating sim, this would be the part where all players would save file or risk having a bad ending or lose all their progress.
"Obviously I did but..." I pause as I see her raise her to raise her eyebrows, "but not nearly as pretty as my future wife" I say as I lean in and use my fingers pinch her cheeks.
She giggles softyly clearly happy at my response.
'Checkpoint cleared!'
"Who says I'm going to marry you?" She fires back pouting but half smiling.
"So are you just going to take advantage of my body!" I put on a shocked expression, wrapping my arms around my chest, you must take responsibility!"
Proud of my maiden in danger display, she is much more relaxed now.
"Can you please stop these public displays of affection!" Jaebum interrupts once more, clearly annoyed while Yuri-noon and the others seem to nod their head in agreement.
"No! Baechu comes first. Everyone else can just eat sand!" I stick out my tongue to irritate them more.
Thankfully, Hora looks pleased although a bit embarrassed.
Far from the confident young man who was just on screen, I'm reduced to a mere jester in front of this Queen.