Original subtitles

I’ll get you a prescription so please take a seat.

Thank you.

Are you okay? Did it hurt?

So bad.

- They smashed it with a hammer. - As if.

I’m serious, it hurts to talk.

Who needs moral support for a wisdom tooth removal?

I guess I’m a baby.

What did they say?

I need to take meds. They’re giving me a prescription.

Soojin, why don’t you get a check up while we’re here?

- No thanks. - Don’t be like that.

You’re scared too, huh?

Am not.

Such a baby...

- Go and tell reception. - I said no.

You wouldn’t make an appointment so I dragged you here on purpose.

A small cavity can cause you a lifetime of pain.

I told you no.

- Miss? - How can I help you?

My daughter has pain from her molars to her temples.

Like a stabbing sensation.

- Could she get that checked out? - Of course, we could see her now.

- Patient’s name? - Kim Soojin.

Relax your neck, please.

You need to bite down hard. Harder.

Please stay still for a moment, keeping your eyes closed.

The dog was here...

It was right here...

I’m telling you, it was here.

The dog was here!

It was really here!

The dog was here... It was here...

It’s there, the dog!

It’s flying up in the sky!

See?

I told you!

It’s true!

There’s a dog in the sky!

You just didn’t see it.

INJU, ARE YOU AT YOUR STUDIO?

I’M AT JUNGHO’S,

WANNA JOIN?

- YOUNGHOON

There’s a dog.

A dog?

Yeah, but you missed it. It’s gone.

Maybe it’s a stray.

A stray dog in this day and age? It’s probably on a walk.

It’s not a sin...

Huh?

But I was careless,

all I had in my purse was a lighter, cigarettes, and my wallet.

Silly, huh?

Your mother must have caught on.

I should have at least had a notepad, how thoughtless.

She never knew?

Probably not.

- Soojin isn’t answering. - Really?

She’s probably asleep.

This early?

She sleeps early these days, must be exhausted.

Tell her to come tomorrow, I’ll bring her a stool.

I will, thanks.

Inju, do you want to come tomorrow?

Shall we call Seonyoung, too?

Tomorrow when?

Evening?

I’m in.

Inju, have you eaten?

Not yet, no.

If we'd known, we would have called you when we were having dinner.

Would you like some cookies?

Where are those cookies Soojin bought us?

It’s okay, I’m not hungry.

“MERELY KNOWN AS SOMETHING ELSE”

Hello?

Hey, you up?

Yeah, I slept early last night. Must have missed your call.

Younghoon came by my studio yesterday...

I guess I was exhausted.

Hello?

I’m here, sorry.

It’s okay.

Do you want to come later?

Today? What time?

Around seven.

Why?

Younghoon’s coming over with the stools,

he’s bringing one for you.

The others are coming, too.

You should have told me sooner.

I’m meeting the publisher for a meeting and then dinner.

Right.

I’m sorry. It just came up yesterday.

I’m sorry, tell them I’m sorry.

Blood, it’s blood! I must have blood.

See?

This is how it is...

Life is repulsive.

I’m sick!

I can’t breathe and my chest aches.

I’m scared, can’t keep food down, and all I see is pitch black.

I tell you this in confidence

but strange things happen within me.

WOOHEE’S DOOR LOCK 388123*

Sand?

Hello!

How have you been?

You happy to see me?

Feels good, huh?

Look at you!

Where are you going?

Hot, isn't it?

You’ve already finished?

How come you’re finished?

Stand clear of the doors.

Sorry?

The biopsy results show a uterine fibroid.

There’s only a slim chance of it being ovarian cancer.

Even though the tumor is benign, it’s safer to remove the left ovary.

The sooner the better so I’ll book you in for surgery now.

- So... - Yes?

I’m not dying?

Dying?

Of course not.

Your right ovary is doing its job so you can even get pregnant.

The wait was a torment, wasn’t it?

Miss!

Why don’t you have that dog on a leash?

It’s obviously a hunter dog.

What if it bites someone?

- Are you talking to me? - Yes, you.

A huge leash-free dog in this day and age.

How can you fucking parade it around in public?

People will be frightened, how could they come near?

That dog isn’t with me.

What?

It’s not mine.

Why are you bitching about it to me?

- It’s not yours? - It’s not!

What crazy fucker is taking around that fucking dog?

Excuse you, you’re the one who needs a leash.

Who are you calling a crazy fucker?

Why, you... Do you have a death wish?

Yeah, I’m just dying to die!

I only have three months to live, anyway.

Don’t you think it’s better that I want to die than not?

Is that... true?

Yes, why?

Look, I’m sorry.

I’m really sorry, miss.

Sorry.

Inju!

Jooyoung?

What are you doing here?

Coming from the office, you?

From the hospital.

Inju, I heard everything.

That man was something, huh?

He’s going to die, too. Why’s he sorry all of a sudden?

It’s not like he’s immortal.

How could this happen?

- Jooyoung, my test results... - Stop. You don’t need to repeat it.

You’re awesome, you know.

Truly.

Thanks, but I actually...

You look frail. Have you eaten?

Eaten? I have.

I had a huge meal today.

- About earlier... - No.

None of that matters to me, you don’t need to explain a thing.

Really? It doesn’t matter?

Of course not! As long as you’re still fighting,

I’ll be here for you.

Right, thanks.

What about the exhibition? Can you manage it?

All that’s left is the installation.

Whenever you need me, you just give me a call. Okay?

Thanks.

But Jooyoung, I’ll be fine after my operation.

Everything will be fine so don’t worry.

You’re so inspirational.

I need to take this.

Hello.

Yes, hello.

I haven’t seen the dog lately.

Sorry?

Oh, right...

I’m worried it’s been in an accident,

or hurt by someone, somewhere.

Maybe it went elsewhere?

Maybe.

I hope it returns.

That’s quite alright. As long as it’s doing okay.

Why didn’t you pick up?

I was only three minutes late.

I asked why you didn’t pick up.

You didn’t call.

- Seriously? - Honestly, you didn’t call.

Oh wait, you did. Sorry, I was running here.

Maybe it’s a stray.

Stray?

That dog.

Dog?

Never mind, you missed it.

I’ll go with you tomorrow. I’m sorry.

Why do you bother making promises?

Honestly, I want to come tomorrow.

I like cats, too.

What’s its name again?

Sand.

You’re asking me the name of your sister’s cat?

I’ll buy it some treats tomorrow.

Don’t bother. Woohee will be back in two days.

Take me with you tomorrow.

I need to feed her cat once before she gets back.

That way, she’ll look after our future kids so we can vacation.

I’m not marrying you. You can’t even grow a plant.

What is it?

You forgot to water it again?

I will when I get home.

Weren't you at home until now?

I was sleeping. Filming finished at dawn.

The crew live far away so I gave them lifts

and I had to return equipment.

That was two nights ago. Yesterday you went out drinking.

Well, what I mean is... I’ve been exhausted...

I guess our last one will wither away, too.

A wise man once said that irrigation is a power struggle with trees.

You leave them to get thirsty so they become independent.

We’re not at war. Why am I always the one who cares?

Yoojung, you also took part in the power struggle.

- We’re comrades. - I want them to grow well.

Don’t let those things faze you, my love.

If it dies, it dies. If it’s lovely, it’s lovely.

You smooth talker.

You know, maybe it’s our house.

I saved Woohee’s lavender today.

She grows lavender?

Yeah.

Maybe we should buy a plant?

Shall I grow lavender, too?

No, not for us. For Sangmin’s housewarming party.

Let’s get him a plant. Is lavender low maintenance?

You’re coming tonight, right?

No, I’m meeting Jungeun.

You said you’d come.

There’ll be a lot of people.

Plus I have an audition tomorrow.

Yoojung.

Why do you dislike my friends?

I don’t, I just get uncomfortable if there’s too many people.

I know you do...

But they’re my friends.

Don’t you think it’s rude? You avoiding my friends.

I avoid your friends?

I can sense it, you dislike them.

I don’t.

That’s not it. I’m just uncomfortable.

Why exactly? Because they’re my friends?

I said that’s not it.

You need to tell me, you can’t simply dislike them.

They’re all filmmakers, how could I be comfortable?

I might meet them at an audition.

Why are you so inconsiderate?

Do you even care how my audition went today?

Have you received the draft cover?

No, not yet.

They told me they’d send it today.

People in design always say they’ll deliver today.

I hope it’s a good fit.

It’s your artwork, it’ll be a great fit.

If I had more time, I could have made more options.

You’ve done more than enough.

I can’t wait.

You know when the publisher first showed me that painting?

- My painting? - Yes.

I’d never met you but it felt like I knew you.

Me?

Yes, from your painting.

How?

I’m not sure how, but...

What did you think of me?

Through writing or painting, artists reveal a part of themselves.

But I couldn’t see anything in your painting.

It felt like the artist was trying to detach themselves on purpose.

This is my subjective impression so I might be wrong, though.

When I write,

I try to explore the pitiful parts of me.

I imagined maybe, just maybe,

you’d be like me in a way.

You’re saying I try to hide something?

I didn’t say hide, more like detach.

I don’t intentionally try to detach myself,

I’m just dishonest.

I have so much fear that I cast those parts aside.

Or maybe it’s the opposite

and it’s your way of being honest.

That’s a rosy way of looking at it.

If I think about what I want to draw

my thoughts get all tangled.

That's why I can’t draw these days.

Am I making excuses?

No.

It’s hard to explain with words.

If it’s hard, don’t explain yourself to others.

Your watch.

The second hand’s stopped.

You’re right.

Didn’t you know?

I didn’t.

It’s stopped entirely, how did you not know?

I wonder when it stopped.

- Add some accessories... - And you’ll dress like that?

- Here she is. - Sorry I’m late!

- Welcome! Jooyoung’s here, too. - It’s good to see you.

Here.

- I have a wish. - What?

- Seeing you arrive before me. - Cut me a break.

I really, really tried to get here on time.

I wanted to get here early and buy a bottle of wine

but you know me, I’m useless with maps.

It’s a mystery how you’re always getting lost.

Tell me about it.

- Where’s Jungho? - Buying coffee.

Really? I didn’t see him. You should have asked me.

I was craving coffee.

- Jooyoung, it’s been so long. - It has, how have you been?

I’ve been good. You work in film production, right?

- Yes, I do. - I have so many questions.

- What questions? - I’ll ask them later.

Okay... But I don’t know much.

I don’t know anyone who works in film.

How come you two met today?

I stumbled into Inju near work.

- Said I’d tag along. - So you’ve kept in touch.

And we’re celebrating Inju’s exhibition today?

- Yup. - No, not at all.

It’s just been a while since we’ve all caught up.

That’s why I’m here, I missed you all.

Congratulations, Inju. I’m proud of you.

- Thank you. - Congratulations, Inju.

Thank you.

Is Jungho moving?

No, he’s just wrapped up for the exhibition.

And where’s Soojin?

Meeting publisher people.

Publisher?

Soojin’s art is going to be on the cover of some novel.

How do you know everything?

That’s my forte.

Novel? Who’s the author?

What’s his name... Choi Hoonsung?

- Really? - Why?

Isn’t he a poet? He wrote a novel? I’m a huge fan.

Choi Hoonsung...

I heard it was a novel but maybe it’s a book of poetry?

Or maybe he’s a novelist who just has the same name.

Could be.

- Hello. - Hello.

Milk tea for me.

No coffee?

I’ve had too much caffeine, and I’m working tomorrow.

One milk tea and a hot black coffee, please.

Sure. Do you collect our stamps?

One second... Do you have a card here?

Yeah, I do. One moment.

It’s Jungho’s handwriting.

I’ve never seen him here, he probably just has the same name.

It’s his writing.

You’re working tomorrow? On a Sunday?

I just have a brief meeting.

And you? Don’t you have an audition?

Yeah.

But you’re meeting me? You’re a hermit before an audition.

I’ve changed.

Can you have coffee this late?

I sleep fine even if I drink coffee.

Really? Maybe it’s because you’re always on high alert.

You know it. I’m always alert, always aware.

You should be wary of being too alert.

Too alert?

All humans have a basic capacity for emotions.

But how alert we are affects how our emotions manifest.

Everyone’s alert on different levels.

Some people are on high alert, others are on low.

If someone is on too high alert,

they’re less responsive to external stimulation.

So they’re at a greater risk of emotional anxiety.

Same goes for those on low alert,

their bodies don’t release enough dopamine.

We humans all wish to live according to our emotions.

Everyday we feel emotions like joy, sorrow, rage, and fear,

so in other words, we’re never immune to stimulation.

What makes us humans unfortunate

is our constant awareness of our own stimulation.

Put simply, being aware makes us unfortunate...

Hey, what were we discussing?

I think I might have ADHD.

- What do you read these days? - Me?

- Books on psychology? - Yeah.

- How are you so transparent? - I’m simple.

- You’re funny. - I think so, too.

If I read science fiction, I dream about going to the moon.

Does that mean you’re on low alert?

I guess so.

Then... when do you feel anxious?

Me?

When I’m alone.

Hey, why the sudden waterworks?

I’m not crying, just a little queasy.

Queasy?

You shouldn’t drink coffee at night, drink tea like me.

Jungeun.

When you look back on today, will you remember me being queasy from coffee?

Probably, yeah.

So to you, I’m now a person who shouldn’t have caffeine at night?

That might be the truth.

The wooden stool is from a resort in Switzerland

and the red one's sold exclusively in Germany, a limited edition piece.

- Must be expensive. - Probably is.

But I got it for free.

How come?

- Don’t you know Dongju? - Dongju in the Netherlands?

Yeah, he got them for free and sent me a few.

Can I ask where he got them from?

Dongju’s a college friend who’s making music in Amsterdam.

There’s this elderly Dutch man who lives in his neighborhood,

who would sit by his window and smoke every day at dawn.

Dongju would get home at around this time

after working on his music through the night.

But the man thought he was out doing hard labor all day.

Every day, they would silently greet each other through his window.

One morning, the old man called out to Dongju

so Dongju said hi back.

The man asked him to come up and have a cup of tea.

When he stepped into the man’s home, he saw all this designer furniture.

This man, who lives alone in this huge home,

was probably amused when Dongju asked questions about his furniture.

Turns out the man was an architect and he built his own house, too.

He asked Dongju whether he likes furniture,

he saw Dongju as this diligent young kid.

Dongju told him “I do like furniture but it’s expensive,”

“I can only afford to buy the odd lamp or chair secondhand.”

So the old man gave him his stuff? To a complete stranger?

The man asked if he could give Dongju some of his favorite pieces.

Dongju felt bad about taking it for free

so he asked if he could buy some pieces.

The man refused, saying he didn’t need any money or the furniture.

“I don’t have kids so when I die, it’ll go to strangers, anyway.”

Wow, I’m jealous.

What are the chances?

How much stuff did he get?

More than enough to fill his entire home?

He ran out of space so he sent me some chairs.

I don’t need those stools so they’re for Jungho and Soojin.

Oh, and that man isn’t Dutch, he’s French.

Dongju still goes to his house for tea.

He’s lived alone for 30 years since his wife passed away

but he was recently diagnosed with cancer.

Dongju still drops by every once in a while.

What about me? Give me something.

Not when you’re always late. I’m only kidding,

I hadn’t thought of you, sorry.

I’m so jealous, it’s like an inheritance.

- A once-in-a-lifetime experience. - Right?

Did the man ever find out what Dongju actually does

and why he gets home at dawn?

I don’t know, Dongju probably told him.

Maybe he was being generous to a foreign laborer.

You’re reading into things.

Isn’t it curious why he’d see him as a diligent kid?

It’s not that curious, really.

How come?

Jungho, will you use that chair?

To me, it’s a gift from Younghoon.

Aren’t you being too critical, Inju?

No one knows why he gifted them.

And who cares if we’re curious? We’ll never know.

If he was happy to give, we should receive happily.

Don’t be so critical.

Those were my words, about the man thinking he’s diligent.

I wouldn’t know.

Mr. Choi.

Hello, I’m Yim Jiwon, we spoke on the phone?

Of course, hello.

You’re here early.

I am? I thought I was right on time.

You did. People are normally late.

Would it be okay if I smoked, too?

Of course.

- Thank you. - Don’t mention it.

Have you lived abroad?

Sorry?

You’ve lived abroad, right?

How did you know?

Where did you live?

France, briefly.

How did you know?

You said ‘Don’t mention it.’

You asked with certainty, though.

The odds looked good.

Well, I’m curious.

It’s hard to explain with words.

Shall we talk about your upcoming book of poems?

I was excited to receive an advance copy,

it was a delight.

Your previous works were often clouded by musings of death,

but these new poems are brimming with forms of love

so I personally noticed a clear distinction.

Was this intentional or simply influenced by your personal life?

It’s hard to pinpoint but it’d be closer to the latter.

My personal life and its influences are constantly in motion.

Would it be fair to say those influences shaped these poems?

Honestly, I’m not too sure.

When I’m writing, I become rather skeptical.

I have the luxury of distorting reality

so I can’t really trace my own influences.

It often feels half-hearted to write things exactly as they are.

I tread lightly when I say this,

but I try never to define anything.

How very enigmatic.

Your coffee.

- Thanks for seeing me on a weekend. - It’s alright, I live closeby.

Even at home, I’d be sitting at my computer.

Still, thank you.

Honestly, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it.

Then let me buy you dinner sometime.

You live nearby, too, don’t you?

Yes, I’ll treat you next time.

Sounds lovely.

I’ll just bring my iPad over, we can look at it together.

Please, take your time.

- You can look. - It’s alright.

They’re Mr. Choi’s essays for our literary magazine.

They are?

I have to apologize,

I guess I left my iPad at home.

You’ll have to come over to my desk.

That’s fine, we’ll have a bigger screen.

I’ll call you over once the file’s loaded up.

- Feel free to browse. - Sure.

I couldn’t disappear.

That day, there were no cars or people on that eight-lane road,

and I thought that maybe my dream was in reach.

I pedaled hard, my front wheel facing some unforeseeable goal ahead.

I was dreadful on that bike.

I’d traveled too far too quickly that my legs started to quiver.

Once I reached the bridge I could no longer stand,

and I threw myself into the river.

Maybe I loved you, maybe I love you still.

Or maybe I want to feel death so I just go through the motions.

Maybe my silent suicide attempt only brought me unbearable shame.

I cannot blame my worsening eyesight for my yearning of your scent.

My scar no longer bleeds but it still aches when I get drunk

and reminds me that the healing isn’t over.

My eyes will continue to deteriorate and you will not be there.

Something is greatly awry.

As you can see, the artwork will run onto the spine.

The original image was out of proportion,

and Ms. Yoon liked this version with the artwork around the title.

Looks good.

It does?

Has the author seen the cover?

Mr. Choi? Yes, I sent him the drafts yesterday

but he hasn’t replied so I guess he hasn’t seen them yet.

- You sent them yesterday? - Yes.

Ms. Yoon sent me the draft early yesterday.

I passed them straight on.

But Mr. Choi is busy dating these days.

How would you know that?

He told us when he came by the office last time.

- That he has interesting news. - Interesting news?

He says he’s seeing someone who already has a partner.

It didn’t really seem like a secret.

But you never know so please don’t tell anyone.

That’s interesting news?

Those were his words?

He’s a rather humorous guy.

He didn’t mean it like that.

He can be flippant but he’s only being playful.

That’s playful?

Look, I...

Do you even know what you’re talking about?

Please, calm down.

What else did he say?

I think you’ve misunderstood,

Mr. Choi’s close with our boss so we all discuss our love lives.

It’s not what you’re thinking.

Aren’t you embarrassed to be spreading such stories?

Sorry?

Look, I’m sorry I told you. It was a mistake.

But don’t you think your words are crossing a line?

What if I’m that someone?

Still think I crossed a line?

- Finished? - All done.

Really?

I’m fast, huh?

- I knew it. - What?

Why do you always skip the spoons?

Where? Which spoons?

Stop joking around. I really need to go.

They’re too spiky, tedious.

Are you mad?

I was trying to make you smile.

- I’ll do it. - Fine, fine, I’ll do it.

- Leave it, it’s fine. - No, I’ll do it. I will.

- I’ll do it, honestly. - I told you it’s fine!

Yoojung.

Why is it always me?

Look, I was just joking.

Please, stop.

Come on, I...

Thank you.

FROM: CHOI JUNGHO TO: SHIN YOOJUNG

You bought a book?

Yeah.

Why’s it so yellow? Secondhand?

Yeah.

It’s not that yellow.

Is so. Guess they read it often.

Who did?

The former owner.

A book yellows even if you leave it on a shelf.

Then... I guess they didn’t read it enough.

Don’t buy secondhand, I’ll buy you new ones.

New copies cost three times more.

Still. I don’t want someone else’s books in our home.

Why does it matter? It’s the book that counts.

Its history matters, too. What if it’s a dead person’s book?

Who cares? We all die.

If a living person’s belonging

becomes a dead person’s one, why does it matter?

And I bought it from a living person.

How could a dead person sell stuff online?

There are stores that sell pre-owned stuff.

- I don’t care. - Don’t care?

I bought it from a person.

Let me see.

Jungeun?

Do you know a Park Yeonsu?

Who?

The second hand, it’s stopped.

Sorry?

The second hand’s stopped.

It’ll be fine once I change the battery and give it a clean.

Okay.

Come in.

Drink.

What’s this?

Damn, I spilt something again.

Wait.

Don’t touch it.

This... It’s what I ate earlier.

Hey, I told you not to touch it.

- Look, I almost got it out. - You’ve spread it everywhere.

What’s wrong with you?

Hey, you up?

Yeah, I slept early last night.

Younghoon came yesterday, with Inju.

Oh, really? I guess I was exhausted.

Inju came, too. I wanted to introduce you two.

Hello?

I’m here, sorry, just getting ready to head out.

I won’t keep you long.

- Are you busy later? - Today?

Yeah, around seven.

Why?

Younghoon says he’ll bring the stools.

He’s bringing one for you.

The others are coming too, could you make it?

Why didn’t you tell me sooner?

I have a meeting then dinner with the publisher people.

Right, I’m sorry. It just came up yesterday.

It would be nice if you came.

I’m sorry, tell them I’m sorry.

Alright, have a good day.

You too, have fun.

Leave the stool at your studio, I’ll come and pick it up sometime.

Okay, bye.

Blood, it’s blood.

See? This is how it is.

Life is repulsive.

I tell you this in confidence

but strange things happen within me.

When it gets frustrating and I feel overwhelmed,

my vision suddenly fades and I run around the house.

“I must see blood,” I scream.

This is what this life has made of me.

But nobody feels sorry for me,

as if that’s how I’m supposed to act.

Some even sneer at me.

But I’m alive, too.

I want to live!

Please... pity me.

How about work? Are you finished?

It’s the weekend, remember? I only came to water the plants.

Right, it’s a Saturday.

You have plants at your office?

Someone gifted it to us

but it’s high-maintenance so we need to water it daily.

What a nuisance. So you come to work on weekends?

Actually, I swim in the mornings.

I pop in to water them after my swimming class.

The pool’s close by.

Still, must be hard work.

What about you, any plans?

I’m meeting Younghoon later, with Jungho sshi at his studio.

If you’re not busy, why don’t you join us?

- Would that be okay? - Of course.

I’d love to come.

Are you close with Jungho?

Well, I know him through Younghoon.

Why do you call him Jungho sshi?

Isn’t that the honorific for someone younger than you?

Is that so?

If Younghoon is older than you, isn’t Jungho also older?

Some people can be sensitive, you should be careful.

I personally don’t care much.

Jooyoung, you should drop the honorifics, too.

I don’t either, but sensitive people seem to care.

I’ve gotten too used to speaking formally to you.

That’s fine, Jooyoung. Do whatever you fancy.

Will do, thanks.

Jooyoung?

What you heard earlier... Could you please keep it a secret?

Of course, don’t worry about it.

I won’t tell anyone, I promise.

Thank you.

I’m serious, I won’t tell a soul.

Thanks.

The owner of that bookshop was strange.

How come?

She talked to me about some dog,

and acted like she knew me right after we walked in.

She did?

You missed it, you were taking a call.

I did?

Yes.

Some people are like that, she was probably being friendly.

It seemed like she knew me.

Maybe she mistook you for someone else.

She told me the dog has disappeared.

The owner’s dog?

I don’t know, some stray dog.

Maybe it chose itself a new owner.

She said that would be a relief.

- A relief? - Yes.

Then what’s she worried about?

In case it didn’t have a choice.

When I see you with other people,

you seem like someone else.

It feels like I don’t really know you, which is scary.

Why would you be scared? I’m just me.

No.

You become someone else around others.

I like it when it’s just us. I feel most comfortable.

I would never leave you.

You don’t need to be scared.

Shall we just go home?

Sure.

Do you feel guilty towards him when I hold your hand in public?

I won’t in public.

Did you see that book?

Which one?

The book of photos.

Yes, I did.

It was so beautiful.

I thought so, too.

I always thought it was half-hearted to portray things as they are,

but not everything we see is the truth.

Jungho, what took you?

I carried these up on my own.

Sorry.

Where’s Soojin?

Not coming.

Why not?

- She has work. - With the publisher?

She’s doing well for herself, huh?

Why did you lay all your paintings out?

To wrap them up.

Isn’t the exhibit a while away?

Inju’s bringing Jooyoung, she bumped into her.

Who’s in the room with me? Are you listening?

Yeah.

You weren’t listening.

Are you okay?

You hungry?

Yeah.

I’ll order you something. What do you fancy?

No, I’m alright.

Jungho.

Try sitting on the stool.

Isn’t it lovely?

I’m gonna go shower, my love.

All good?

I wonder if this is how Jungho felt.

Wooseok is the old me, and I’ve become Jungho.

Don’t say that. You know how much Wooseok loves you.

I’m drowning Wooseok in my guilt

but I’m the one getting drenched.

I keep thinking that I’m the reason Jungho tried to kill himself.

I know that’s arrogant of me.

It’s not your fault.

Nobody knows why he tried to die.

You’re right. But he’s alive and well now,

let’s not dwell.

At times I want to end things with Wooseok.

Hey...

What’s gotten into you?

But then I think of having to move all of my stuff out

and even breaking up seems like a hassle.

Wooseok knows.

What?

About Jungho.

How would he know?

In one of my acting classes,

I shot this scene.

They asked us to recreate our most painful day

and I acted it out...

I think he saw that.

He wouldn’t know it’s about you, though.

It’s truthful...

You can't misread the truth.

CHOI JUNGHO

You know what? I’m happy Inju is doing well.

Seeing her happy and doing well makes me so happy.

She always said she wanted to die, that she’d die before thirty.

- She did? - Yeah, all the time.

She’d say, “Seonyoung, I’m gonna die before I’m thirty.”

I was so worried about you. Thank god you made it to thirty.

How old was she back then?

Twenty two, three?

Right?

Well, I’m still alive.

Min Inju, you’re a total nihilist.

Yeah.

But back then, we were all drunk on youth.

Seonyoung,

don’t you always say “you never know”?

Seonyoung, come with me for a smoke?

Are you mad?

A little.

- Look, I’m sorry. I was joking. - I know.

I’m sorry, Inju.

I know.

Is it okay to smoke inside?

It is a studio...

How will I face Inju?

You didn’t know.

But I was really shocked.

I didn’t know...

Inju’s really calm.

If it were me,

I couldn’t be here, hanging out and drinking.

No wonder she looked so thin.

She’s always been nonchalant, since way back when.

In three months’ time, her exhibition will be closing.

You make it sound like she’s dying. Do you know when her surgery is?

I couldn’t ask, it must be hard to discuss.

You shouldn’t ask her, too.

How could I?

You should go up and talk to her first.

I will.

Is it okay for her to drink?

I tried to stop her earlier

but it’s like she’s given up.

Let’s stop her from drinking.

It’s a secret I told you. She asked me not to tell anyone.

Alright.

- I’ll get a condom. - Okay.

Hyewon, take this.

Careful babe. Eunbi, this is my girlfriend.

- Oh, hi! - This is Eunbi?

- You met Seonyoung last time. - Yeah, we met.

- Thanks for coming. - Happy Birthday.

- I need to go say hi to everyone. - You haven’t even said hi to us!

- You moved work again? - You’re asking now?

- Good to see you, cheers! - Cheers and happy birthday!

- Thanks for coming. - You look great.

- Guys, sorry I’m just saying hi. - Happy birthday.

I need to stay with Hyewon but I’ll be right back.

- Happy birthday. - Your hair, super stylish.

Jungho, you should grow your hair out like her. I’ll be right back.

- Taeyoung, how did you get here? - Motorcycle.

- You? - By taxi with Hyewon.

Why?

Well, I was on my way in a taxi

when it started smelling like farts.

I opened the window because I thought the smell was from outside.

So the windows are down, I have my earphones in, eyes closed.

I suddenly hear someone’s voice so I take my earphones out

and the driver’s calling me, “Miss... Miss...”

I answer “Yes?” and he explains that his stomach hurts so bad.

He looked like he was in crippling pain.

It honestly looked like he was trying to hold it in with all his might.

He ended up parking the taxi at a police station

and went to the bathroom for a really long time.

- With you waiting in the car? - Yeah, I was waiting.

- But he didn’t stop the meter. - Really?

- While you were waiting? - Yeah.

- You found out after? - Yeah!

I don’t know, maybe he did it on purpose?

I almost crashed into a taxi today.

You should stop biking, you only just recovered.

You were in an accident?

She’s overreacting, it was only a bump.

- Are you okay now? - Yeah, good as gold.

Gold, my ass. He says his leg aches when he’s drunk.

While we were working on that exhibition, we met--

- Park Yeo-on, stop talking. - Why?

- What is it? - Nothing.

Remember our exhibition last month?

There was this artist who’s good at reading palms.

- Palms? - Yeah.

- Take a look. - We don’t need to look.

What did they say was bad exactly?

I mean they said it’s bad, but...

Look here, I only have two lines.

Apparently that means I’ll die early or in pain.

Why do you believe in that crap?

I don’t. It’s just on my mind now I’ve heard someone say it.

That means you believe it. Let’s see your other hand.

I mean I’m not certain it’s true.

But when I get hurt or something, I do glance down at my palms.

And it does bother me, because I’m a simple man.

How should I put it...

It’s bothering-- I’m bothered that it bothers me.

What?

- That’s it. - Huh?

Huh?

- That’s all. - Huh? What are you saying?

I’m not good at putting it into words

but what I’m saying is, I feel like I’m becoming a fool.

When I almost crashed today, when I slipped on my bike,

the first thing I thought about was my palm.

You’re too focused on your palm. They change with time, don’t they?

Just keep fucking drawing.

Got it?

I’m simple, so it gets to me.

- Could you please pass the water? - Sure, here.

Thank you.

- Are you Younghoon’s friend? - Yes.

Right, we’re friends of Younghoon’s girlfriend.

- Hello. - Hello.

You know, I can actually read palms.

Really?

I could hear you, so I was listening.

We were quite loud, weren’t we?

I don’t believe in it really, but would you read my palm?

- Shall I? - Me too, please. After him.

Sure.

You do only have two lines but they’re both long and deep.

These lines mean you were born with good health.

- Really? - Yes.

They’re actually called your heart and head lines.

Your palm indicates you’ll make great achievements.

Do you often hear that you’re a jack of all trades?

I do.

You have great palms.

Wow, maybe you win a residency.

- So I have good palms? - Idiots.

Yes, your lines are deep so you actually have great palms.

- And I’ll live long? - Healthily.

Excuse me.

Yes?

Why were you teasing them?

Who are you?

Sorry?

Why do you tease people?

I wasn’t.

I see through you.

- You do? - Yes.

We discussed that octopus documentary for a whole hour.

- You did? - Yeah, it’s good.

You’d like it, too.

- I would? - Yeah, let’s watch it together.

Sure.

- What else did you talk about? - Eunkyung’s wedding.

Is everything going to plan?

They’re having a small wedding so there’s a lot to prepare.

I wish I could help.

But even thinking about marriage makes me nauseous.

I didn’t tell them that, though.

Well done.

- Eunkyung’s handling it well. - Right?

We could never.

Why not? We could if we did.

I couldn’t.

What, marriage or a wedding?

I don’t like weddings and marriage seems so hazy.

Really?

If I get married, it’ll be with you.

You never know.

Nobody knows but that’s just me.

Can you love only me forever?

Yes.

How can you guarantee that?

Because I do right now.

I don’t know, maybe it’s because I’ve never tried it.

I wonder why I don’t trust myself.

Don’t say such things out loud.

Why not?

If you keep saying it, it becomes the truth.

What if it is?

You never know.

Don’t copy me.

Do you want more coffee?

Jungeun?

Hey, do you know Park Yeonsu?

Who?

Park Yeonsu, a painter.

No, I’ve never heard of them. Why?

I was looking for a painting, and... It’s a bit of a long story.

Yeah?

Yoojung.

Are you okay?

It’s been a long day.

Anyways, I was searching for a painting, and...

I saw a painting by Jungho’s new girlfriend.

Right... and?

But it’s of a photo you took.

What?

You know that photo you took of Jungho

when we all went to Naksan Park.

Yeah.

Do you remember the photo?

Yeah, I do.

She’s having an exhibition next week and she’s drawn your exact photo.

Does Jungho have that photo?

I wouldn’t know.

But how do you know that the painter is his girlfriend?

I heard it somewhere, he’s dating a painter.

This... I’m sure it’s his face.

I see.

How are you so calm?

I’m with Wooseok right now.

Oh...

- Yoojung. - Yeah?

This is a matter of integrity. I’ll get a hold of Jungho’s number.

If you can’t face them, I will. She can’t use this painting.

How can she replicate a photo without permission?

Taken by his ex, no less.

I know his number.

Jungho’s? Don’t you have his old one?

No, I’ll call him.

Thanks for your time today.

Not at all. I’m sorry I’m not a great conversationalist.

No, you did great.

- Thank you. - Don’t mention it.

Do you have plans for dinner?

Dinner?

We’ll be going for drinks once the crew’s wrapped up,

would you care to join?

Why not?

Any preference?

I’m not picky. You?

Me neither.

Soojin.

Can we talk?

How did you know I was here?

Soojin did the artwork for the cover of my anthology.

I see. Hello, I’m Yim Jiwon.

She’s a magazine editor.

Hello. Was the interview okay?

Great, he’s good with his words. Even better at dodging questions.

Do you like him?

Sorry?

Soojin, what are you doing?

Don’t believe him.

Soojin.

I have a boyfriend but I had an affair with him.

Did he tell you that in the interview?

What are you doing?

- Me? - Have you gone completely nuts?

You want to know?

What the hell are you doing?

Is it only okay when you say it?

Please calm down, okay?

I’ll take my leave, let you two talk.

Yes, sorry.

What is it, huh?

How could you be so rude...

I’m stunned.

What are you talking about?

This is me holding back.

What?

You told the publisher.

About what?

What is this, an act?

You recommended my artwork to the publisher, then call it fate?

I heard everything.

You found my painting.

This is how you score a lover?

Soojin, that’s not it. It’s a misunderstanding.

Misunderstanding?

Yes. I know you won’t believe me, but it’s true. I’ll explain.

You can’t misunderstand lies.

Look, I...

Okay, I lied. You’re right.

But it wasn’t all lies. I liked your painting, that was true.

It’s just a different order of events.

Do you find this funny?

Soojin, what did you hear?

I read your essay, the one in the magazine.

That’s not your story, it’s Jungho’s.

It was our story, that I couldn’t tell anyone.

Let’s go somewhere quiet and talk through this calmly.

I can explain everything.

I get why you’re upset, I understand, I do.

But Soojin, that wasn’t my intention.

- Intention? - I wasn’t trying to use you.

How could I think that you weren’t?

It’s the truth, Soojin. Please believe me.

I’ll explain everything.

I’m so embarrassed.

It’s eating me alive, too.

Because I love you.

You know how I feel, I’m helpless.

I think only of you.

Soojin...

Our? Did you say our story?

That’s our story too.

How is that our story? When I’m trying so hard to erase it?

And I’m here waiting, what about me?

Didn’t you think to trust me?

I... I don’t want to hear anymore.

- Soojin, please. - Don’t.

Things just happened in a different order.

It doesn’t change the fact we met, and that my feelings are true.

Let’s talk at home, please?

No.

Let’s go home.

Let’s end things.

What?

Just piss off, please.

Soojin, I...

Soojin...

Soojin-- fuck!

Aren’t you being too hard on me?

That'll be all.

- I’m going to the bathroom. - Go on.

Hey! What the...

Did we see the same movie?

Yeah, I didn’t see you in the theater.

Because it’s dark, dumbass. Fancy seeing you here.

- Where’s Soojin? - I came alone.

- She’s already seen this. You? - Here with the gang.

This is my college friend, Choi Jungho.

And this is Min Inju, I did an exhibition with her once.

- Hello. - Hello.

- Where are the others? - Bathroom.

I need a piss, too.

You wait there, wait for me. I’ll be back in a minute.

Stay there.

Wow, it’s huge.

It is.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen the moon so big.

Me too.

I don’t think I’ll ever see this again.

Sir?

Yes?

It won’t take much longer.

Please stay seated, I still need to clean it.

No, there’s no need.

I just need to clean it.

That’s alright.

- Are you sure you're alright? - Yes, I’m sorry.

Then, I’ll just... give it back to you.

One second.

Thank you.

Goodbye.

IT SPROUTED. WE SAVED IT. - WOOSEOK

I like you.

We’re all headed there

but I’m headed a little faster towards the end.

It doesn’t feel real.

At times I’m relieved that I have time to prepare.

I’m crossing things off, one by one,

but it’s still a blur.

This time...

makes a lot of things feel futile.

At the same time, for many reasons,

I’m overwhelmed by a desire to do.

I’ll probably never see you again

but from afar, I’ll always be okay, as usual.

MIN INJU MERELY KNOWN AS SOMETHING ELSE