Names, businesses, places, and incidents mentioned herein are fictional
Opportunities lost become regrets.
If there are no more opportunities for me to lose,
I can just create them on my own.
I'll be the one in an unrequited love this time.
Just as you liked me...
No. Much longer than that.
I'll like you much more.
I'll act like you now.
You act like me.
Then, just as I liked you,
like me back.
If this is our cycle,
I'll wait.
You are still as arrogant.
You're always so confident
and do as you wish.
I'm confident for you too.
I have to be confident
so that I can catch you.
Don't catch me.
I said, don't catch me.
I didn't say what I just said
so I could go to you. I said it to let you know I can't go back.
It's already too late.
You'll only give me a headache if you shake me up.
I'll get going.
What should I do?
Someone who's late has no right.
It's nothing much.
It's nothing.
Why do I keep crying?
The phone is turned off.
Please leave a message after the tone.
Kyung Woo-yeon
You wouldn't pick up your phone.
I turned it off.
It's okay.
How could you be okay about something like this?
Because you're Kyung Woo-yeon.
If you're angry, get mad at me. If you're upset, say so.
You should show your emotions.
I feel more sorry when you act like this.
You'll get used to feeling sorry and thankful.
When those feelings get dull,
maybe other feelings will become clearer after that.
I'll try even harder.
How could you do better than now?
What are you looking for at this hour?
I couldn't sleep, so I'm trying to make some tea.
Sit down. I'll make you some.
-I can do it. -Sit down
and don't make trouble.
What is it?
Does it look like something happened?
You said you can't sleep.
You're drinking tea in the middle of the night,
so I assume something's troubling you.
-Mom. -Yes?
Will everything become okay
with time?
Will everything work out if I put in the effort?
Do you mean with your work?
Work and heart, both.
Anything.
Efforts don't betray you.
Minus for a few exceptions.
Episode 9: The Function of Efforts
What are you thinking?
I Pray
"They're so good. I'm so jealous. I envy them."
Something one-dimensional.
Soon enough, someone else will be standing at your spot
in front of your work.
That's something really distant for me at the moment.
It won't be that far away.
Eunyu Publishing is really good at making books.
They sell well too.
They're number one in the industry.
I'm hungry. Let's go to eat.
I love the weather today.
Then I'll be the weather today.
I'm sorry.
Are you okay?
Do you have a lot of work these days?
No. Why?
You look a little tired.
You look pale.
Could it be your liver?
Do I? Should I take some medicine?
My friend works at an amazing pharmaceutical company.
This has boxthorn, oriental raisin, East Asian stripe maple,
gardenia seeds, turmeric, kudzu, and mugwort among others.
It has everything that's good for the liver...
-Forget it. -Why?
I feel like I'm trying to sell something to you.
It's okay. You probably brought it since it's good.
No, forget what I said.
I don't want to be mistaken by the person I like.
The book is nearing its completion.
-Already? -I've been working on and off,
so I just have to work on the last shooting.
When I say I did it on and off, I don't mean I did it half-heartedly.
I worked really hard, so my wrist is hurting.
Look. I can't even hold up a fork.
I should let our insurance cover your treatment.
Have you decided on the title?
Right.
I just realized we forgot to come up with one.
Take your time.
I'm not the type of person who rushes someone who hurt themselves while working.
Woo-yeon
What should we call the book?
You're reading. Is it a book that you like?
Let's only talk about work.
Sure.
The final photos.
What about the title? Did you think about it?
What about you?
"Seoul Becomes a Vacation"
I want to say that Seoul,
which is familiar, can become a place for a trip.
Seoul is too pretty to walk past and not notice
Yes. Too pretty.
That's why I can't leave.
What about you?
Did you think of some titles?
"A Daily Occurrence For You, a Trip For Me."
Seoul may be a daily thing for you,
but it was a trip for me.
I like that.
I'm thinking of adding something like that in the text.
"The moment when the familiar seems new."
"A place where that newness feels good. Seoul."
Why are you staring at me?
Why are you totally fine?
Do you want to be friends?
-What? -Or
should I ask you to go out with me although I don't like you
just because you like me?
Sounds familiar, right?
Feels even worse hearing it said to you, right?
It does hurt, but I feel fine.
What can I do? I'm the one who said it.
I told you to act like me.
Do you want to be friends?
Or should I be someone you kill time with?
It's an essay question, not multiple choice.
You can hit me. You can curse at me.
I'll do whatever you say.
Why are you forcing your emotions on me?
Do whatever you want.
That's how this happened.
Because everything I did to you was the wrong answer.
That's why I'm asking you.
What should I do?
What are you doing?
Unrequited love.
Thoughtfully.
I refuse it all.
Your thoughtfulness
and your promise to do whatever I say.
I don't want to be like you.
I like the title. Let's go with that.
We're done, so I'm out.
You won't take my calls, right?
Right.
You won't see me if I go to you, right?
I'll call the cops.
What about coincidences?
Are coincidences okay?
Since coincidences are by coincidence.
I don't care enough about you to complain about coincidences.
I won't need a coincidence.
"The Harmless Person" A Novel by Choi Eun-young
Are you okay?
It's awkward.
Not that. About being dumped.
I didn't know what I felt. It happens.
I'm the jerk.
Hey!
How could you just end it because you want to?
I won't be a jerk anymore,
so can't you give me a chance?
How...
How could an unrequited love change?
You freak.
It's your dad. I'm hanging up.
No wonder. I was surprised that she picked up.
Were you dumped?
I wouldn't go out with you either.
Why not?
I thought he had multiple personalities.
He got mad, then begged,
then suddenly tried to persuade me with reason...
Dad.
Is that why you came?
No.
I wanted to eat all together before you left.
I wanted to say something too.
-I'm not going. -You're not?
Why not? Because of her?
Not you too.
What did you want to say?
You get mad every time you see us, right?
Then get mad every time you see us.
As you said, it may be in the past, but it did happen.
The wounds from back then, the rage you still have inside...
Let them all go.
It wasn't that big a sin.
I know.
We're the ones who sinned. Why are you the one paying for it?
I'm sorry
for just leaving you alone back then.
What has gotten into you?
I'm worried that you'll hurt others as you were hurt.
I'm worried that you'll act cold and mean
in order to hide your scars.
I want our son to be happy.
You should get mad and curse at me
whenever you see me.
What?
Dump everything that's festering inside
on me.
What has gotten into you?
I don't want you to grow old being mean to hide your scars.
I did a lot of wrong things to you.
Resent me and curse at me.
Can't you do this little thing?
Am I stupid? Must you say it like that?
How should I say it then?
Must I do worry about every little thing like this?
You used to tell me not to lift a finger.
-Why are you getting annoyed? -Because I'm annoyed!
What if you do that too?
What?
Boyfriends who ran to the pharmacy if their girlfriends got a little cut
turn into husbands who always get annoyed.
Do you think I'd do that?
No one is like that from the start.
Marriage starts off as a fairy tale but turns into a story
about someone you know.
What's wrong with that?
Someone I know
peels his wife's shrimp for her even when they're fighting.
The wife curses him out and says she hates him,
but she picks out his clothes.
That's how they live.
I like that story.
I hope we end up the same.
I love you, Kim Young-hee.
How much?
As much as a house costs in Seoul.
That's way too much pressure.
I'm the only one desperate for you.
You don't care for me.
It's rare for the one you like to like you back.
She cut hurt him without lifting a finger.
I didn't know what it meant to love a person.
I lack the confidence and courage...
I opened the book to learn more about you
and only discovered my wrongdoings.
Feelings I want to keep
Like how feelings you overlooked suddenly show up...
Daily life to you...
Sang-hyeok
You're invited to a new menu tasting session on Wednesday.
Jin-ju, Young-hee, Hyun-jae
I'm busy.
Office workers don't make plans on weekdays.
I'll go if Young-hee goes.
Why doesn't anyone want to come?
Woo-yeon
I'll go if I can.
This is a coincidence.
She said coincidences are okay.
Mom
Shouldn't you be at work?
I stepped out for a moment.
What time are you coming home?
I'm going to be late today. Why?
No reason. I was just wondering when you might come.
Do you have something to say?
Of course not.
All right. Don't be too late.
Okay.
-Gosh. -What are all these?
This has boxthorn, oriental raisin, East Asian stripe maple,
gardenia seeds, turmeric, kudzu, and mugwort among others.
They're nutritional supplements good for the liver.
What have you been up to these days?
Don't take them then. I was being nice.
Wait, wait. I'll take them.
Was this passed by Food and Drug Safety?
Honey, take them.
-I'm okay. Take them to your mother. -No, you take them.
I have more in the car. Do you want more?
I think that would be nice.
I'll be right back.
What's with her?
-That looks good. -Yes.
Hey. You look cool.
You're looking normal for a change.
Really? Guess where I am.
I'm with my friends.
Did you eat?
Doesn't it smell like something's burning?
Do you mean my heart?
No, your heart's not burning.
Something else is burning.
Hey, the fire!
-Gosh. -Watch out.
-Fire. -What do we do?
-It's burning. -What?
Open. Open the windows.
-Hurry. -What happened?
Gosh, I almost died.
You were acting too frivolous.
No, I wasn't. I was looking cool.
We're tired office workers, but you called us out on a weekday night
and you made us breathe in smoke.
Sorry.
Let it go, honey. I'm sure he had good intentions.
What's the point when the result is this?
-You're a really bad girl. -Don't speak casually to me!
You startled me.
By the way, where did Woo-yeon and Soo go?
I'm at "Tonight".
Sang-hyeok asked us to come and taste his new menu.
Are all of your friends there?
Yes.
I'm on my way to a public reading.
Tonight
I figured I wouldn't be able to contact you for a while,
so I wanted to hear your voice.
I'll pick you up later. See you.
Okay.
Do you have something to say?
I have a lot to say.
But you won't give me the time for it.
Tonight
Yes. I don't think there will be any time today either.
I wondered why I was always the wrong answer for you.
I get it now.
My best efforts are tormenting you.
Just because what happened is in the past doesn't mean it didn't happen.
The bad memories must be clear to you,
but I acted like nothing happened. I'm sorry.
I'm sorry I always joked around and spoke so lightly.
I'm also sorry that all of my efforts
were so selfish.
I just felt like I should tell you,
although doing this might be selfish too.
Can't you just live a good life?
You said you'll do whatever I say, right?
Just live a good life.
Don't be trapped in the past,
and don't try to fix what's been ruined already.
Don't bother clinging onto something that won't work.
I'm going to lead a good life too.
I'll act like I am,
but I can't guarantee it.
I'll regret all the chances I lost.
I have too many regrets.
I'm not sure if I'll be able to act well.
But I'll still try to act like
I'm well and living a good life in front of you,
so just assume that I'm fine
and that I'm living well.
Tonight
Why are you staying outside?
No reason.
Should I lend you an ear, or should I go back in and ignore everything?
Soo says he likes me.
If he said he likes you,
why are you sitting there with a face like that?
What kind of face do I have on?
Like someone who saw the world fall apart.
Because I thought this would never happen.
It's something I desperately wanted for a long time.
And not now?
I like Joon-soo.
Yes.
I'm glad to hear that,
but why does that sound like a spell to me?
"I like Joon-soo." "Please make me like him."
That's what it sounds like to me.
Illnesses and feelings will only grow bigger
if you cover them up.
-I got a discount too. -Really?
-What? What about Soo? -He left.
How can he leave without saying bye?
This is how he is.
He always comes and goes without a word.
He lives as he pleases.
Did something happen?
I'll tell you later.
Can you hear me now?
We're in front of your place.
What are you doing here?
I told you I'd pick you up.
Don't you remember?
No.
I'm glad.
Why?
Because you'd be embarrassed if you remember.
Did I do something?
You snored.
I'm joking.
It's late. Go inside and sleep.
You can snore all you want.
Come on...
You should drive home safely too.
I love you.
I love you, Woo-yeon.
Thank you for today.
-I'm almost there. -You're so selfish until the end.
Back then, and today too.
You were selfish in every moment.
Whether you like me or not...
Whether you're going to wait for me or not...
Whether you live a good life or not...
It's me, Young-hee. She's too drunk right now...
Joon-soo
You're crazy.
Woo-yeon.
Gosh.
Mr. On.
Woo-yeon is a little drunk right now.
Hey, try and get up. Come on.
Lee Soo
I guess you're not confident.
Eunyu Art Museum
When is this exhibition on until?
Until the 17th of this month.
The calligraphy photo collection is scheduled to publish next month, right?
Yes, that's right.
You haven't decided on the publishing event yet, right?
No.
Great.
Thank you.
I hear you're dating these days.
How did you know?
I'll see myself out.
Gosh, how did she find out?
Don't be too harsh on Sang-sik. I asked him.
Good.
I was dying to boast anyway.
Are you not like that anymore?
What do you mean?
Do you still play it safe?
You used to stay a step behind
and waited until something you wanted came to you,
or you just endured it all in order to keep it.
You were like that.
I'm still like that in some ways, but I also changed in other ways.
I'm not sure what the right way is.
It becomes more difficult the more I'm desperate.
I think it's closed.
Is it okay to go in?
Do you know the name of this building?
"Eunyu Art Museum"...
I'm the CEO Eunyu Publishing, remember?
That's amazing.
You suddenly feel so distant.
Don't put it like that.
You should say, "Gosh, my boyfriend is so rich."
"Which bag should I ask him to buy?"
I wish those were the thoughts on your mind.
Then is our next date happening at a department store?
What time should we go to tomorrow?
I was joking.
Why did we come here?
Before choosing a bag, I want you to choose something else.
How long do you think it'll take for you to wrap up the book?
Soon?
There won't be any issues in finishing it for the publishing schedule.
That's good.
This is the best spot at this gallery.
What do you want hanging at this spot next month?
Why are you asking me?
You should start thinking about it
because your work will be hanging here next month.
We'll hold a calligraphy photo exhibition as the publishing event.
From now on, if the path you're taking is too rough,
I'll pave it for you.
If what you want is far away,
I'll bring it in front of you.
You can take it easy in front of me.
Am I Cinderella?
Do you want to be Aladdin instead? I'm your Genie.
I think Genie is much cooler than a foolish prince
who can't even recognize the one he loves.
Yes, Young-hee.
Have you made wedding invitations before?
People often order wedding invitations in a bulk, so I haven't.
I made a lot of postcards and cards before.
Why? Is someone getting married?
Six Months Till Wedding Day Check List
What? No, I'm just curious.
I bet you and your boyfriend had a huge fight.
With Joon-soo?
Why?
Did he not say anything?
You called your boyfriend drunk last night
thinking he's Soo.
What?
Is your boyfriend
considerate or foolish?
How could he not say anything after hearing everything?
I'll call you back later.
Okay.
You should go in.
Don't you have anything to say to me?
No.
Okay. Thank you for driving me home.
Sleep tight.
You too.
I want to like things that you like.
I should match you.
It's okay. Because you're Kyung Woo-yeon.
Don't hold back.
If you ever fall short, I'll make up the difference.
I'm your Genie.
Will everything work out if I put in the effort?
Efforts don't betray you.
Minus for a few exceptions.
Like people's feelings and sudden misfortune
can't be controlled by efforts.
Hello?
Let's meet tomorrow.
I need to tell you something.
Okay.
Are you looking for something in particular?
Well... I want to propose to my boyfriend.
-Really? -Yes.
-May I take a look at this? -Sure.
Efforts don't betray you.
However, there are things for which
effort is unnecessary.
Hapjun University Hospital
It's stomach cancer.
For example, unavoidable misfortune
or people's hearts.
I could've gone to you.
I thought it was only right that I come to you.
I ordered the coffee for you.
There are many reasons to like you.
But even if I recite all those reasons again and again,
it won't turn into love for me.
Is it that you can't do it, or that you can't do it for me?
It hurts very much.
I'm sorry.
It hurts more to admit it.
And it doesn't hurt if you keep it in?
Why do you never say anything?
Why do you always keep it in?
If I called you thinking it was another guy, you should've gotten mad.
You should've resented me.
You should've scolded me.
How could I say that when I feel like you'll leave me?
I knew you didn't love me.
I knew you weren't over him. That's why I tried.
I thought that if I was patient
and kept it in, you'll love me. So I waited.
Couldn't you have been a little considerate of me?
You should've given me time to think.
Time to think about things that were to come.
Why should you think about that?
Why upset yourself about the inevitable?
No matter how hard you try, you're always nervous.
So you just take it again and again.
Eventually, you lose yourself.
That's a bad relationship.
So...
let's break up.
I'm sorry.
The feeling of impotence brought by the realization the efforts were in vain.
That feeling that wrecks a person
is the adverse effect of effort.
Will you just take it again? Although you have the right?
I'll try even harder.
How could you do better than now?
Why? Did Woo-yeon say she likes me again?
Why you...
You get only one punch.
I don't care if she likes you. You can't have her.
Any other guy, but not you.
Who are you to decide that? Who do you think you are?
Because you only made her cry for ten years.
Because you have no idea how precious her feelings are.
I do now.
That's why I'm going to like her from now on!
Excuse me.
What do you think you're doing?
-Woo-yeon. -Woo-yeon.
You're making my tears dry right up.
What are you, kids?
Your lip's all busted.
You said you've been sparring for ten years.
How can you beat someone up like that?
Did a trained fighter hit a person?
This is assault. Maybe aggravated assault.
My dad's a lawyer.
I was wrong.
Hey, I'm hurt too.
I guess your lips are fine.
That's not fair. You should treat us equally.
Have you no shame?
Do you think you and Joon-soo the same?
Do you? Seriously.
That hurts.
I want to stop with the bad relationships.
Relationships in which I always get hurt or hurt the other person are
both harmful to me.
It's too hard. I can't take it.
That's why I can't go out with either of you.
No.
I won't go out with either of you.
You can curse me out if you want.
You can resent me for being selfish.
I told you before, didn't I?
That my pain is my burden to bear.
Whether I cling onto you or find an excuse to see you,
I will go to you.
I'll wait.
If you'll come to me, I'll wait quietly.
Do as you wish.
I don't care anymore.
I care the most about myself.
One month later
Where the past and present can coexist.
We may be displaced, but we still live on.
A daily occurrence for you, a trip for me.
A feeling you want to protect.
Just like feelings that you were unaware of suddenly surface.
Will You Marry Me?
It's so pretty.
You got another one?
My book is being published soon.
So I got this for myself.
Gosh.
Let's succeed.
Let's succeed, Kyung Woo-yeon.
Awesome. This is great.
Aren't you going on dates anymore?
You're always working at home.
No, I'm not.
Did you break up with both of them?
I broke up with one of them,
and I never went out with the other.
I thought that love letter kid said he'd wait. Did he give up already?
It was only a month.
I told him not to wait.
Did you go through my things?
That's why I told you to clean up a little.
Do you want to eat, sleep, and work in that pigsty?
Yes. I'm going to eat, sleep, work, and die there.
The guys need to see her nasty temper so that they can come to their senses.
Don't complain about Woo-yeon.
She's just like you when you were young.
"The Harmless Person"
"The Harmless Person" A Novel by Choi Eun-young
From Soo
"The Harmless Person" A Novel by Choi Eun-young
I thought people disappointed me.
But I had disappointed them.
My emptiness made someone ready to love me leave me.
I'm going to take a short trip.
I won't be going far. Just within Korea.
I can come whenever you call,
but I feel like I'll bug you if I stay near you.
I said I'll wait, so I'll wait quietly.
You can call me if you get drunk.
Even better if you call because you miss me.
It has been a month, but she didn't call once.
It's like it really is over.
I opened the book to learn more about you
and only discovered my wrongdoings.
I've brought the sentences
that you underlined with me as well.
Sir. I've notified the photographer and calligrapher
of the schedule for the photo book.
We gave the calligraphy a lot of attention as well...
so that it isn't overshadowed by the photos as instructed.
What are you so unhappy with?
I don't want to work with a foolish boss.
Bring me your resignation. I'll process it right away.
Hey, you! Have you no pride?
Do you really want to do all this for an ex-girlfriend?
We didn't break up.
She told you it was over. She won't answer your calls.
You can't even ask how she's doing.
That means you broke up.
When writers get stuck, they stop or start over.
They take a break.
That's what this is.
If you start over, it's not the same thing.
It's the same if the intention is the same.
"A Daily Occurrence For You, a Trip For Me"
Whatever.
Bring this to Woo-yeon.
And bring back news about her?
You can't quit.
-Why not? -You know me too well.
It's so frustrating, I can't breathe.
Mr. On said to bring this to you.
Thank you.
"A Daily Occurrence For You, a Trip For Me"
Did you get the text about the exhibit?
-Yes. -You'll come, won't you?
Will Mr. On be there as well?
That's the point.
You should still come.
I should. It's work.
I'm shameless, aren't I?
As the editor, I appreciate your attitude.
But as Joon-soo's friend, I hate you.
He's a total wreck.
I know I shouldn't blame you. My apologies.
Not at all.
I've done my part, so I'll go now.
I'll see you then.
"A Daily Occurrence For You, a Trip For Me"
Photography Lee Soo, Calligraphy Kyung Woo-yeon
"A Daily Occurrence For You, a Trip For Me"
Seeing them in an exhibit like this, I can see
how well the photos and Ms. Kyung's calligraphy go together.
-They look good. -You have a great eye.
Seongsu-dong
A feeling you want to protect.
You look like you feel awkward. Is it because it has been a month?
A little.
Congratulations on your first exhibit.
Thank you.
It took an entire month to come up with an excuse.
What do you think?
Liberation Town
We may be displaced, but we still live on.
When one cycle ends, another begins.
Abandoned but able to start anew.
Photographer: Ji Soo Calligraphist: Kyung Woo-yeon
Efforts don't betray you.
However,
there are things that require
and don't require effort.
For example,
people's feelings.
-Hello, Mr. Lee. -Thank you for your hard work.
Where will we be once all the vain efforts
come to an end?
Why did you do that?
Pardon? What?
Why did you do that to Woo-yeon?
Oh, that.
You never see things that are too close.
Why did you do that to Woo-yeon?
For example, you can't see if you hold the mirror too close.
So imagine how close you are to yourself.
Why did you do that to Woo-yeon?
I misunderstood myself.
I cleared it up though.
I think the ship has sailed.
If Woo-yeon is a ship that has sailed, I'll swim until it stops for me.
A message for Woo-yeon?
Woo-yeon. You're bound to come back to me.