LEFT WITH WORDS || KIM TAEHYUNG

Chapter 19: Bonds

Taking short steps, Tae headed to the restaurant.
With every step, fear rose in his chest, making his heart beat faster. 'What if they really kick me out of the company and I never get a job again?'

While clutching the door handle, he looked at his new watch and recollected his past. 'Well, it's not like I ever sustained in a single job for longer than months'

He gulped to clear his fear, and entered in.
Tae spotted everyone sitting around a circular table in the centre, and caught a glimpse of each person; the director, Manager Park, So Ra, Jin, Hobi, Su Ni, and asst. Producer. He bowed to Mr. Park, and glanced at Mr. Bo who still appeared disappointed.

"Come join us, Kim Taehyung" Mr. Park called. Tae took an empty seat beside Hobi and waited for someone to brief him about the situation.

"Now that the main crew of Persona is here, let's begin the toast" Mr. Park announced "Persona was released earlier this week. And people are already swarming the theatres.

Since we're not in Seoul to celebrate with all the members, let's hold a toast among ourselves."

"What about Mr. Cha and Chan Woo?" Tae asked. "Chan Woo left to Seoul. Mr. Cha is in his room right now. He said he doesn't have an appetite" Mr. Bo answered.

Manager Park wanted to cheer up Mr. Cha, and stood up holding his wine glass "I'd like to make a toast to Director Bo for his efforts in making Persona a success" He smiled softly at Bo, and continued.

After speaking few lines, he looked at Hobi "And also, to Jung Hoseok, our main cinematographer"

Hobi flinched in surprise.
"This is his last film. When he said that he got an offer from the US, I didn't know whether to be happy that he got such an opportunity, or feel bad that such a talented employee is leaving this company."

Hobi managed a smile.

"But this is your life, Hoseok. We are proud of your accomplishments so far. And it'll only make us more proud to see a Korean working on English films" He raised his glass towards Hobi, and Hobi bowed. Everyone applauded.

Mr. Bo stood next, and said in a low voice "I'd like to make a toast to Mr. Cha and Chan Woo who are not here presently."

"Mr. Cha contributed a lot to the company for 25 years. He is my friend, and I'm proud that his last film, Persona, has become a grand success. He played a major part in suggesting the plot and writing the script-"

Hobi almost interrupted, but Tae gripped his arm and shook his head, denying him from further action.

After Mr. Bo was done, everyone shouted CHEERS and drank their share.

"I still don't understand why you risked your job for the sake of exposing them" the asst. manager asked Tae.

Hobi said "Even Su Ni and I tried to stop him when he told us about his plan. But he was remained stubborn with his decision"

"Back then it didn't seem like a big deal as I got used to being jobless. But now that I am on this threshold, it does scare me of course" Tae replied, and glanced at Mr. Bo who seemed disinterested in their conversation.

"But you played it really well, Kim Taehyung. You manipulated everything in a way none of us could notice. However you may end up, the company shall remember your sacrifice forever. We're extremely indebted to you"

Tae smiled reluctantly.

Mr. Bo approached Tae after everyone left. "We need a concluding dialogue for the last scene. It should convey the hero's changed feelings and also be very moving" he mentioned in a stern voice and left even before Tae agreed.