“Ha….”
A deep sigh escaped between Ina’s lips as she stepped out of the departure gate.
It had been six years since she fled Korea and started a life in the United States.
Although she was back on her homeland after so long, Ina’s expression was more anxious than joyful as she scanned the airport.
“Why? Why are you sighing?”
A bright child’s voice came from her waist.
Ina forced a smile at Chan, who was holding onto her skirt.
“Just… I’m happy to be back in the place where Mom lived after such a long time.”
“Is this the place where Mom and Aunt were born?”
“Yeah.”
“Wow, that’s amazing!”
The five-year-old child, unaware of his mother’s complicated feelings, smiled brightly and began exploring the airport in every direction.
Watching him, Ina’s lips curved into a faint, bitter smile. She silently wished that her little family could always remain this cheerful, especially since the trip to Korea had been such a carefully considered decision.
At that moment, Ina’s phone buzzed briefly in her pocket.
Checking the caller, she looked up at Lee Hye standing in front of her.
“Unni, can I take a quick call?”
Passing Chan to her sister as if entrusting him, Ina nudged him toward Lee Hye.
Chan, accustomed to such situations, approached Lee Hye with arms outstretched—signaling he wanted to be held.
Lee Hye naturally lifted him, pressing her cheek to his and rubbing them together. Chan grinned faintly.
He began to play with the strands of Ina’s long hair draping over Lee Hye’s shoulder.
Watching this, Ina allowed herself a small smile as she lifted the phone to her ear.
“Yes, Sunbae.”
Did you arrive safely?
“Yes, just now.”
You didn’t forget today, right?
“Of course not. That’s actually why I came to Korea.”
You just got off the plane. Are you too tired? Should we meet tomorrow instead?
“Hmm… no. There isn’t much time before the audition. I slept well on the plane, so I’m fine.”
Okay. I’ll send you the company address, so let’s meet later.
“Yes, see you later.”
After ending the call with her senior, Ina checked the time on her phone and turned back to Lee Hye.
Lee Hye tilted her head, confused, and Ina smiled gently.
“Let’s go quickly—to the house where the three of us will live in Korea.”
Six years ago, before leaving for the United States, Ina had majored in musical theater in Korea.
Naturally, she continued her musical studies in the U.S., but as she pursued her education, she became more interested in directing than performing. Having shown talent from a young age, her skills in production quickly became apparent.
Her graduation project, Shine, which she directed and produced, was staged off-Broadway to critical acclaim. From that moment, Ina gradually began to gain recognition in the musical world as a director.
A decision made hastily due to a seemingly trivial matter had unexpectedly changed Ina’s life entirely.
“Hello, I’m here to see the director.”
After finishing her call at the airport, Ina went straight to meet Hwi, greeting the staff at the desk cheerfully.
The employee stared at her face.
Fair skin, eyes shining like stars reflected on a lake, lively red lips, and delicate features gathered on a small face—Ina’s doll-like beauty naturally invited conversation.
“Are you here for an actor’s audition? Today isn’t an audition day.”
Ina gave a small, awkward smile. She was used to this kind of misunderstanding.
“No, not as an actor… I’m a director.”
“Seoina!”
A familiar voice interrupted her from behind.
Turning around, Ina recognized Hwi and let out a soft laugh.
She waved lightly at him, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.
“Sunbae.”
“You arrived earlier than expected? You could’ve taken your time.”
Hwi stepped forward cheerfully and greeted her warmly.
“Wow, it’s been a long time.”
“Indeed. It’s the first time I’ve seen you since going to America, so over six years, I guess?”
Hwi was a senior from the same arts high school as Ina. Even after graduating and attending different universities, they often met with friends to watch musicals together.
When Ina decided to study abroad in the U.S., Hwi was the only person to express regret, urging her to reconsider.
Years later, when Ina made a name for herself as a director in the U.S., Hwi was the first to call and congratulate her.
He also shared his own news—that he had founded a production company and produced several musicals.
“So, Ina, I have a proposal. Could you direct a new musical I’m planning?”
Ina couldn’t immediately accept or refuse Hwi’s sudden request. She remained silent, biting her lip.
Her life in the U.S. was stable, and many people there supported her work.
However, thinking deeply about Chan’s growing up and the sense of identity he might feel, Ina decided it was best to return to Korea.
Additionally, when her sister Lee Hye, a drama writer, cautiously suggested returning to Korea for a new contract, Ina felt it might be her fate to come back this time.
And so, after six years, Ina returned to Korea.
“Wow, when you talked on the phone, I didn’t realize you’d succeeded so much. The company building is huge.”
“You need this size to bring in a director of your caliber.”
Hwi’s playful remark made Ina chuckle. Despite the long separation, the atmosphere was comfortable, and Ina’s initial tension began to ease.
As Ina took a seat in the CEO’s office, a warm cup of coffee was placed in front of her.
She smiled gratefully.
Hwi handed her the project plan and sat across from her.
“As we discussed before, it’s about Rosalyn—a woman’s love and freedom.”
Ina carefully reviewed the plan. She had wanted this project from the moment she first heard about it.
The protagonist, Rosalyn, reminded her so much of herself.
Robbed of power by her younger sibling and forced to flee the duke’s household, Rosalyn seeks refuge in the forest. There, she meets others and faces crucial decisions to protect the people she loves and the new love she finds.
Despite hardships, Rosalyn remains true to her beliefs and ultimately achieves a happy ending. Observing this, Ina felt a flicker of hope—maybe she, too, could do the same.
Putting the plan aside, Ina looked at Hwi.
“It’s wonderful. I’ll make it happen.”
“Looking forward to working with you, Director Seo.”
Ina laughed awkwardly at Hwi’s gratitude, feeling a little embarrassed by his praise.
As she lifted the coffee cup for a sip, Hwi continued.
“By the way, representatives from an overseas production company will visit soon. They want to invest in this project.”
“Really? That’s fantastic.”
“Yes. Since you’re directing, they insisted on collaborating.”
Ina lowered her head slightly, feeling shy at Hwi’s constant compliments.
He handed her a file.
“Profiles of the actors auditioning.”
Ina picked up the profiles after finishing her coffee.
As she flipped through the pages, her gaze froze on a particular actor’s photo.
The gently curved eyes, perfectly shaped lips, and deep, captivating gaze made Ina’s fingers grip the paper tightly.
Although she had anticipated meeting someone from the industry eventually, she hadn’t expected it so soon.
Hwi glanced at the profile and smiled.
“One of the male lead doubles is a sure pick for that role.”
“…Is that so?”
“Good looks, great voice, star quality—he has it all.”
“Maybe… but we won’t know until the audition if he fits the role.”
“Why so hesitant? You can feel it without auditioning.”
Ina’s slightly curt tone made Hwi frown in confusion.
She pressed her lips together and turned the page.
Her eyes fell on the next profile, but memories from the past resurfaced, making her bite her lip.
The summer of her twenty-fourth year had passed. Now, in the summer of her thirtieth year…
It had been exactly six years since she last saw him: Baek Do-hyun.
