Single mom Dongbaek opens a small cafe in an unfamiliar neighborhood and strives to settle in.
However, the envy and subtle ostracism from the village women towards the young and pretty Dongbaek make her life difficult.
Then, one late night, Yongsik, who is on patrol, approaches the weary-looking Dongbaek and sincerely cheers her on, telling her she's the best.
Taken aback by the unexpected comfort, Dongbaek is flustered for a moment, but she is soon moved by his sincerity and feels grateful.
Scene Information
Location: In front of Dongbaek's cafe, late at night under the streetlight.
Characters:
- 용식 (Early 30s, police officer at a rural substation)
- 동백 (Early 30s, single mom and cafe owner)
Level: Advanced
Full Script
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동백 씨! 오늘 장사는 괜찮았어요? 마무리하시는 거예요?
Ms. Dongbaek! Was business okay today? Are you closing up?
(Late at night, Dongbaek locks the door of the Camellia store, her shoulders slumped as if tired. Just then, Yongsik, who is on patrol, stops his bicycle, approaches, and speaks cheerfully.)
네, 이제 들어가려고요. 용식씨는 아직 순찰 중이세요?
Oh, Yong-sik. Yes, I’m heading in now. Are you still on patrol?
그럼요! 마을의 평화는 제가 지켜야죠!
Of course! It’s my duty to protect the peace of this town!
(Cheerfully)
근데... 안색이 영 안 좋아 보여요. 혹시 무슨 일 있었어요? 누가 또 이상한 소리 했어요?
But... you don't look very well... Did something happen? Did someone say something strange to you again?
(Looks at Dongbaek's complexion.)
아니에요. 그냥... 좀 지쳐서요. 신경 쓰지 마세요.
No. It's just... I'm a little tired. Please don't worry about it.
(Shakes her head)
동백 씨.
Miss. Dongbaek.
(Looks at Dongbaek for a moment, then, as if having made a decision, takes a step closer)
네?
Yes?
(Looks at Yongsik in surprise)
제가 동백 씨 처음 봤을 때부터 생각한 건데요. 동백 씨는... 진짜 대단한 사람이에요. 혼자서 아들 저렇게 잘 키우고, 가게도 번듯하게 하고... 누가 뭐래도요, 동백 씨가 최고예요. 진짜로요!
You know, from the very first time I saw you, Dongbaek-ssi, I've always thought this. You are... truly an amazing person. Raising your son so well all on your own, and running your shop so successfully... No matter what anyone says, Dongbaek-ssi, you're the best. Seriously!
(Looking straight into her eyes, sincerely)
아... 뭘 또 그렇게까지... 저 그렇게 대단한 사람 아니에요.
Ah... you really don't have to say that... I'm not that great of a person.
(Flustered, avoiding eye contact)
아니에요! 사람들이 하는 말 같은 거 한 귀로 듣고 한 귀로 흘려버려요! 동백씨는요, 웃는 게 백만 불짜리고, 꿋꿋하게 살아가는 거 자체가 그냥... 빛이에요, 빛!
No! Just let what people say go in one ear and out the other! Dongbaek-ssi, your smile is worth a million bucks, and the way you persevere and live your life is just... light! Pure light!
(Cutting her off, more firmly)
...
(Speechless at Yongsik's passionate words)
그러니까... 제 말은... 기죽지 말라고요. 동백 씨는 충분히 사랑받을 자격 있고, 행복해질 자격 차고 넘치는 사람이에요! 제가! 제가 옆에서 맨날 맨날 응원할 거니까, 절대 기죽지 마요! 알았죠?
So... what I'm saying is... don't lose heart. Dongbaek-ssi, you absolutely deserve to be loved, and you more than deserve to be happy! I! I'll be right here cheering for you every single day, so never, ever be discouraged! Got it?
(Slightly embarrassed, scratches his head, but his gaze is firm)
...네. 고마워요, 용식 씨. 정말로요.
...Yes. Thank you, Yongsik-ssi. Really.
(Moved by Yongsik's sincerity, emotions well up.)
헤헤, 그럼 됐어요! 얼른 들어가서 푹 쉬세요! 제가 요 근처 계속 돌고 있을게요!
Hehe, alright then! Hurry inside and get some good rest! I'll keep patrolling around this area!
(Beams broadly at Dongbaek's smile, as if he has the whole world. Yongsik dependably gets back on his bicycle and glances around. Dongbaek watches his back with a warm yet complex smile as she enters her home.)