Chapter 7: The First Promise
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The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the playground as Kim Jihoon and Song Joong-ki swung lazily on the creaky metal swings. It was their favorite spot after school, a small corner of the world where they could talk about anything and everything without the interruption of teachers or parents.
"Joong-ki," Jihoon started, his gaze fixed on the sky. "Have you ever thought about what you want to be when you grow up?"
Song Joong-ki kicked the ground gently, making his swing move in small arcs. "Hmm… I don't know. I like playing outside and running around, but I haven't really thought about it. Why do you ask?"
Jihoon was silent for a moment, then he turned to look at his friend. "I've been thinking a lot about stories, you know? How amazing it would be to bring the characters I see in my head to life, and make people feel something through them."
Joong-ki's brow furrowed in confusion. "Like… in a book?"
"Not just in books," Jihoon replied earnestly. "I want to show these stories to people—to let them see the characters, hear their voices, and feel their emotions. I want to create movies, or maybe even dramas, just like the ones on TV."
Joong-ki's eyes widened slightly, as if he was beginning to understand. "You mean like acting?"
"Yes, exactly!" Jihoon's voice was filled with enthusiasm. "Acting is what makes stories come alive. And I was thinking… if I ever make a movie or drama someday, would you act in it?"
Joong-ki tilted his head, considering the request. He didn't completely understand what Jihoon meant by acting or making movies, but the excitement in his friend's voice was infectious. He smiled brightly and nodded. "Of course! I'll act in your story, Jihoon-ah. It sounds like fun!"
Jihoon's face lit up with a grin. "Really? Promise?"
"Promise!" Joong-ki laughed, holding out his pinky finger again, just like when they had first become friends.
They linked their pinkies together, sealing the promise with a sense of sincerity only children possess. It was an innocent vow, one made without truly comprehending its significance or the weight it might carry in the future.
As they continued to talk and laugh, the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the playground. Soon, it was time for them to head home. Joong-ki waved goodbye to Jihoon and jogged back to his house, his heart feeling light and happy.
He stepped into the living room, where his father was seated on the couch, his eyes glued to the small TV set. Joong-ki's father, Song Min-jae, was a tall man with a stern face that softened whenever he smiled. He turned his head as his son entered, his brow arching slightly.
"You're home early today, Joong-ki-ah," Min-jae noted, setting the remote down. "Did you have a good time with Jihoon?"
"Yes, Appa!" Joong-ki exclaimed as he climbed onto the couch beside his father. He glanced at the TV screen, where a black-and-white movie was playing. "Appa, what is acting?"
Min-jae looked down at his son, surprised by the sudden question. "Acting?" he repeated, his tone curious. "Why are you asking about acting all of a sudden?"
Joong-ki shifted excitedly. "Jihoon said he wants to make stories for people to see. Like the ones we watch on TV. And he asked if I wanted to act in them. I said yes, but I don't really know what acting is."
Min-jae's expression softened as he listened to his son's words. He glanced back at the TV screen, where the actor's face was filled with emotion as he delivered his lines. He took a deep breath and turned to Joong-ki with a gentle smile.
"Acting is when you pretend to be someone else," Min-jae explained. "It's when you show people a character's feelings, thoughts, and experiences as if they were your own. You make the audience believe that you are that character, even if it's just for a little while."
Joong-ki's eyes sparkled with fascination. "So it's like playing pretend?"
"Kind of," Min-jae agreed with a chuckle. "But it's also about telling a story. A good actor can make people laugh, cry, or feel inspired. They can bring the words on a script to life in a way that touches the hearts of everyone watching."
Joong-ki looked thoughtful for a moment, then grinned up at his father. "I want to try acting, Appa! I want to tell Jihoon's stories and make people happy!"
Min-jae's heart swelled with pride as he ruffled his son's hair. "Is that so? Well, it sounds like you have a wonderful friend who believes in you. But remember, Joong-ki-ah, acting is not as easy as it seems. It takes a lot of hard work, patience, and dedication."
"I'll work hard!" Joong-ki declared with determination, his small fists clenched. "I want to be in Jihoon's story and show everyone how amazing his ideas are."
Min-jae's gaze softened as he looked at his son's earnest face. He knew that, at this age, it was impossible for Joong-ki to truly grasp what it meant to be an actor. But seeing his son's passion and his eagerness to support his friend's dream filled him with hope. Maybe it was just childish talk now, but someday, when Joong-ki grew up, he would remember this moment. And maybe, just maybe, he would become the great actor he was destined to be.
"Alright, then," Min-jae said softly. "If that's what you want, I'll support you, Joong-ki-ah."
"Really, Appa?" Joong-ki's face lit up with excitement.
"Yes," Min-jae nodded. "But for now, just focus on enjoying your time with Jihoon. Play, have fun, and learn about the world around you. When you're older, we can talk more about acting."
Joong-ki nodded eagerly, his heart brimming with happiness. "I will, Appa! Thank you!"
As Min-jae watched his son's exuberant expression, he couldn't help but smile. He leaned back on the couch, glancing at the TV screen once more. Who would have thought that a simple conversation between two young boys could plant the seed of a dream that might shape their futures?
Min-jae sighed softly, shaking his head. Perhaps it really was just childish talk, but there was something about the way Joong-ki had spoken—something about the conviction in his voice—that made Min-jae believe in his son's potential.
"Jihoon and Joong-ki, huh?" Min-jae murmured to himself. "Maybe those two will really create something amazing one day."
With that thought lingering in his mind, Min-jae turned off the TV and placed his hand gently on his son's shoulder. He knew that time would tell if Joong-ki's promise would become a reality. But for now, he would cherish these moments and support his son in whatever path he chose.
After all, dreams have a funny way of coming true when the heart is pure and the friendship is strong.