The Real Score

At Every Table I'll Save You a Seat

"Stop fidgeting. You're making me nervous and I'm not even going to face the cameras." Haein's manager called out from the front seat. They were on the way to the venue of the KDS Awards. It was the year's most anticipated awards ceremony, as all the biggest stars, both in the big screen and small screen, will be of attendance. Their drama, Snowdrop, is one of the most nominated series of the evening, and almost all the media outlets are predicting a sweep for the drama.

For the last couple of weeks, Haein was feeling all sorts of things. Anticipation because a reunion of sorts will take place the entire cast will be attending; dread because as much as he looks calm and collected in photos, walking the red carpet is one of his biggest fears; nervousness since he doesn't think he'll win so he didn't prepare a speech but at the same time he might and he didn't prepare a speech; and lastly, he feels butterflies in his stomach because this time, he won't be walking the red carpet alone.

Now, in the backseat, he's trying to calm his nerves.

"Did you check on them? Are they coming already? Will we be on time?" He asked his manager anxiously. Again, he checked his phone for updates from Jisoo, but like mere five minutes ago, it was radio silent. He doesn't want to, but he's worried.

"Maybe you should call her manager just to —-"

"Aigoo! Calm down, Jung Hae In! You're acting like a nervous groom on your wedding day. She won't ditch you. Manager Saerom just messaged me and they're five minutes away from the venue."

"Araso! Araso!" Hae-in exclaimed. Sighing, he looked out the window and wondered why Jisoo still haven't updated him. Weeks ago when he asked her if they should at least coordinate their outfits, Jisoo just laughed at him.

"Oppa! That's so cheesy!"

"But isn't that how it's done?"

"What? No!" Laughing again, Jisoo scrunched up her nose before continuing. "I mean, I still haven't decided on what to wear just yet. If you wait for me, you and your team might encounter delays. And didn't you tell me you've already done fittings?"

"Yeah but.. " but Jisoo gave him a look that says drop it, so he pouted and just let it go.

"Don't worry, Jung. The important thing is, we'll do it together."

Their wardrobe choices isn't the only thing that worried Haein. Since this is Jisoo's first red carpet and first award ceremony, he wondered what the fans will think if he shares the spotlight with her.

"But oppa, I asked you, didn't I? I want you to be there with me. End of discussion." She said, smiling. "Unless you wanna ditch me?"

"What? Ditch you? I would do no such thing!" Haein said, suddenly flustered.

"Then it's settled. I'll see you in two weeks."

The cheers from the crowd shook Haein away from his thoughts. They were now inching towards the red carpet, and as if on cue, his phone vibrated to signal a text message. "We're behind your car. See you in a bit." Read the message from Jisoo.

His stomach can't help but do backflips. This is such a momentous time that he can't help but panic. "Breathe, Haein. Tell me when you're ready. I'm going out."

The noise from the crowd hit him hard when his manager stepped out of the front seat and on to the red carpet. In his head, he went through what will happen again.

First, he'll step out of the car to pose for photos until Jisoo's car rolls in. Once they've parked, Haein will step aside to allow her bodyguard to open the car for her. She steps out, poses for the paps, and then Haein will offer his arm to Jisoo so they can walk down the carpet together.