IF YOU'RE HANDSOME LIFE IS EASIER

067

Lee Jinseok, who like Bong Jinwoo, grew up in an orphanage.
Despite his earlier indifferent tone, as soon as the intermission started, he rushed to the bathroom quicker than anyone.

With only about 20 minutes for the break, he feared he’d be late if he got caught in a line.

Rustle, rustle.

The theater buzzed with noise. From behind the curtain, he could hear something moving.

Were they setting up the stage? Jinseok felt a surge of excitement, wondering what kind of scene would unfold next.
He even thought he might have understood the difference between the King and the Foolish Tree, the Volcano and the Stylish One. After the show, he’d be able to explain it to the others if they didn’t catch on.

His view dimmed again, signaling that all the children were seated, and the next scene was about to begin.
The curtains opened slowly.

The first thing he noticed was a background reminiscent of a desert.

“I feel like I’m about to collapse.”

Standing there in worn-out clothes was the Pilot.

The Pilot gazed at the blowing sands with a sense of helplessness.

There was nothing else he could do. Too weak to move, all he could do was lean against his wrecked plane. His food and water were gone, and he had no energy left.

“If I’d known I’d die like this, I would’ve tried harder back then.”

Regretful memories surfaced.

“Why didn’t I apologize? I could’ve said it more kindly.”

He thought of all the things he could have said gently, but chose not to—harsh words spoken because he was close to someone, or because he’d grown too familiar.

“If someone would just give me one more chance...”

But second chances rarely came. Everything had an end, and usually, he didn’t get to decide when that end would be. The Pilot slowly closed his eyes. Or, he tried to.

“Why are you lying down?”

Startled by the innocent question, his eyes shot open. He immediately answered the voice’s request without thinking.

“Water, please... if you have water...”
“Why do you need water?”

His cracked voice rasped, but he continued to answer, feeling even the words were precious to save. Eager to satisfy this stranger’s wish, he reached out a desperate hand.

“I haven’t eaten or drunk anything in three days... Please, just a little water…”
“If I give you water, what can you give me in return?”

Unable to respond, he found he no longer had the strength to answer. At that moment, the Little Prince tipped water over his head.

Splash, splash.

Gradually, his cracked face regained its color.

Cough, cough.

With moisture restored, he coughed with newfound vitality.

“I must repay my savior in any way I can.”

Once fully alert, the Pilot promised his gratitude.