Chapter 224: STaY!
Boom!
Fireworks erupted alongside magnificent music as dazzling lights poured down.
“Welcome to the Oscars!”
The host opened with his trademark wit.
“What's so special about the Academy? It's just the world's most famous movie club!”
Hahaha—
“Don't be nervous. This year's ceremony definitely won't be long. No matter what happens, it'll still be shorter than The Lord of the Rings!”
I'd expected a solemn atmosphere, but it was much livelier than I'd imagined.
Everyone laughed along with the host's jokes.
Beneath the enormous domed ceiling.
I sat quietly in a crimson velvet chair, holding my breath.
“Whew...”
The commotion from the red carpet had disappeared.
The grand and dignified atmosphere of the theater had calmed my wildly racing heart.
The first award presented was for Best Animated Short Film.
The presenter stepped onto the stage and opened the envelope.
The moment the winner's name was announced, cheers erupted throughout the audience.
Faces and names I didn't recognize.
Complete strangers.
Yet amid this unfamiliar scene, I found myself just as excited, cheering as though it were my own achievement.
Joy truly was contagious.
Watching each winner calmly deliver their acceptance speech with overflowing emotion...
Why was I getting emotional too?!
Director Oh Seungju, seated beside me, couldn't stop marveling.
“This is what's so incredible about the Academy.”
“Hm?”
“Somewhere else, they're probably just ordinary people. People who've spent their lives chasing a dream.”
A dream...
“The Academy is where those dreams are acknowledged. In the most prestigious way imaginable, it tells them their hard work wasn't in vain.”
His words carried a strange sense of conviction.
After hearing them.
I found myself looking at the winners' acceptance speeches differently.
Now that I paid attention.
Their faces didn't hold only joy or excitement.
They carried something only those who had finally borne fruit after enduring years of hardship could possess.
That brilliant moment where overwhelming emotion and relief intertwined.
“Wow...”
Sparkle.
Sparkle.
It felt as though everyone standing on that stage was shining.
Before I realized it, I whispered to myself.
“This is really moving.”
Director Oh Seungju turned toward me once more.
“This is that kind of place. It shows dreamers the greatest hope imaginable. At the same time, it lets them experience with every fiber of their being how overwhelming it feels when those dreams come true. Once you've experienced it, you'll never forget it. That's what gives people the strength to stand on another stage.”
Only then did I understand why I'd become emotional too.
I wasn't simply looking at someone holding a trophy.
I was witnessing the story of someone who had devoted their entire life to achieving a dream.
I looked around the theater.
Every face in a tuxedo or evening gown carried its own story.
Perhaps all of those stories together were what made this place shine so brightly.
Clap, clap, clap—
Winner after winner was announced.
Though my applause would never reach them amid the countless others, I congratulated each of them with all my heart.
As the atmosphere gradually reached its peak, the technical awards began.
Best Cinematography.
Best Film Editing.
Best Production Design.
Best Costume Design...
When an Asian film was announced, I instinctively jumped to my feet and applauded with all my strength.
Ah.
So this was the Academy's magic.
Little by little, I was becoming part of its atmosphere.
Then finally.
“Now we come to the category that breathes life into film itself. First...”
The music categories arrived.
The nominees for Best Original Score were introduced.
When my name was announced, a quiet stir spread through the audience.
STaY.
Pronounced with an English accent.
That familiar name echoed endlessly in my ears.
Stay.
Stay.
Stay.
Stay...
Thump.
Thump.
My heart started racing all over again.
The problem was.
I wasn't the only nervous one.
Director Oh Seungju, who had looked calm throughout the ceremony, had gone completely pale.
“...Are you alright?”
“Composer Stay... Hah... What is this feeling? Why am I so nervous?”
“Alright. Follow me. Hoo... Hah...”
Inhale.
Exhale.
As I exaggerated my breathing, Director Oh Seungju finally let out a laugh.
“Hahaha. Hoo... Hah... I actually do feel a little better after copying you.”
“Right? I use this trick sometimes. I'll teach it to you as a special privilege.”
Just then.
The camera turned toward us.
“Huh!”
Forget breathing exercises.
I froze and stared at the giant screen.
My face filled the enormous display.
And beneath it, in bold letters.
STaY.
“Uh...”
Oddly enough.
The moment I saw my own face, my breathing gradually steadied.
I'd once imagined that if my face ever appeared on a giant screen at a stage this big, I'd be too embarrassed to even look.
But that wasn't what happened.
Instead.
My heart grew calm.
And another feeling began to emerge.
This was a place where people with dreams gathered.
So...
Wouldn't it be alright if I allowed myself one ambitious dream too?
Maybe this place existed to invite people to dream.
My breathing settled completely.
“This year's nominees for Best Original Score are...”
Clips from each nominated film and their accompanying scores filled the screen.
A majestic orchestra.
A delicate piano.
Harsh electronic sounds.
Music of entirely different styles echoed throughout the theater.
For that brief moment.
I forgot whose music belonged to whom.
Forgot they were my competitors.
I simply immersed myself in the music.
Finally.
The poster for <Footprints That Became a Star> appeared.
Then the OST I'd composed filled the entire theater.
Thump.
Something deep inside my heart trembled.
The simplest.
Most certain way to have a dream acknowledged.
Winning.
I wanted to feel the weight of that recognition in my own hands.
Soon.
Last year's Academy Award winner for Best Original Score stepped onto the stage as the presenter.
Gentle applause filled the theater.
The presenter calmly began speaking.
“Music is the invisible protagonist of every film. Sometimes it delivers emotion before an actor's eyes can. Sometimes it leaves a stronger memory than dialogue itself. This year's nominees have proven that once again.”
“One score elevated despair. Another sang of hope.”
After glancing around the audience, he continued.
“A composer is like an unseen actor. Their delicate yet powerful melodies resonate far beyond the screen and remain deep within our hearts. To the countless nights spent alone, tirelessly creating music beyond the spotlight... we offer our deepest applause.”
His gaze shifted toward the audience.
For a long moment, his eyes alternated between me and Director Oh Seungju beside me.
“And now... it is my honor to announce the creator of this year's most moving melody.”
Rip—
The sound of the envelope being opened echoed unusually loudly.
“And the Oscar Goes to...”
Gulp.
The entire theater fell silent.
“...<Footprints That Became a Star>, <StarDust>. STaY!”
My OST echoed through the theater once more.
At that same moment.
Jin Eunha and Seo Dongyoon were sitting in front of the television, sharing in the glorious moment of their son...
Their younger brother.
After the Best Original Score nominees were introduced once again.
Taeyoon's face filled the screen.
“Oh...”
Seo Dongyoon stared in amazement.
“Woooooow!”
Jin Eunha gasped.
The youngest son in the world.
The son she thought was the most wonderful.
Was on television.
At the Academy Awards.
Jin Eunha spoke.
“Dongyoon... Why am I already starting to cry?”
Without taking his eyes off the television, Seo Dongyoon answered.
“Because you're sitting too close to such a big TV. Move back a little. I can't see.”
He always acted annoyed whenever his younger brother was around.
But even Seo Dongyoon's grin stretched from ear to ear.
He felt warm.
Proud.
Happy.
What older brother wouldn't rejoice in his younger brother's success?
Even so.
In front of their mother, he tried his best to remain composed.
A dependable eldest son.
An adorable youngest son.
That was exactly how their mother wanted to see them.
Of course.
Despite acting calm, Seo Dongyoon himself was sitting just as close to the television as Jin Eunha.
Music is the invisible protagonist of every film.
The subtitle appeared alongside the presenter's words.
Jin Eunha sighed in admiration.
“What a beautiful thing to say. Music is the invisible protagonist...”
Seo Dongyoon couldn't agree more.
Neither could everyone else watching the ceremony.
[ This is my first time watching the Academy Awards, and it's actually pretty good? Especially the music category. I didn't think anyone paid attention to this, but it's surprisingly moving. ]
↳ Yeah. Every line they say sounds amazing.
↳ Is Stay actually going to win this thing?
↳ Forget that. Just show Stay's face more.ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
↳ I can't focus because of Stay's face...
↳ The presenter keeps looking toward Stay. At this point... don't tell me he's actually winning?
↳↳ They haven't even opened the envelope yet. I think it's more like... I hope you win. That kind of acknowledgment.
↳ Why is the speech so long? Just announce it already! Stay!
↳↳ LOL. I hope so too;;; But I don't know. The other nominees are incredibly strong.
That wasn't all.
Social media.
Online communities.
Even Jin Eunha's phone was about to explode.
Everyone who recognized Taeyoon kept sending her messages nonstop.
Buzz.
Buzz.
Just reading the previews made Jin Eunha unable to hide her happiness.
[ Eunha! Isn't that your younger son? ]
[ Taeyoon's on TV! What's going on?! Eunha, answer me! ]
[ I SAW TAEYOON ON TELEVISION!!! ]
The most excited of all was her younger sister.
[ Sis!!! What's going on?! Why is Taeyoon at the Academy Awards!!! ]
[ Oh my goodness! Sis, answer me!!!! ]
But Jin Eunha didn't reply.
She couldn't spend such an important moment looking at her phone.
Without hesitation, she switched it to silent mode.
The screen kept lighting up.
Eventually, people even started calling.
[ Why aren't you answering your phone!!! ]
It didn't matter.
She wanted to devote this moment entirely to watching her youngest son with her eldest son.
“Are they announcing it now?”
A brief silence filled the room.
The presenter opened the golden envelope.
And the Oscar Goes to...
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump—
Jin Eunha clasped both hands together.
Before she realized it, Seo Dongyoon had placed his large hand over hers and was quietly chanting.
“Please be Stay.
Please be Stay.
Please be Stay...”
Pfft.
She'd been so tense.
But Dongyoon's whisper made Jin Eunha laugh.
This moment felt like a dream.
Holding hands with her eldest son while praying for her youngest son to win an Academy Award.
How many mothers in the world could ever experience something so extraordinary?
Just as that thought crossed her mind.
Finally.
...<Footprints That Became a Star>, <StarDust>. STaY!
The name they'd been waiting for was announced.
“Kyaaaaaaa! Oh my goodness, Taeyoon!”
Jin Eunha screamed as she leaped to her feet.
“Wow! Wow! He really won! He actually won!”
Seo Dongyoon couldn't hold back anymore either.
He shot to his feet.
Their youngest son's name echoed throughout the Academy Awards theater.
The two of them embraced and spun around the living room.
Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!
Amid thunderous applause, the screen flashed and showed Taeyoon's face.
Every cheer in the theater was directed toward him.
On the screen, Taeyoon's eyes widened in surprise.
“Looks like Taeyoon wasn't expecting it.”
“He never thought he'd actually win!”
“Doesn't he have to give an acceptance speech now?”
“CEO Kim Minsoo probably prepared everything for him.”
Their eyes returned to the television.
Onscreen.
Taeyoon walked onto the stage and accepted the Oscar trophy.
Jin Eunha couldn't take her eyes off her son.
Congratulations.
Last year's white-haired winner handed Taeyoon the trophy.
Taeyoon tightly held both the Oscar and the bouquet.
The audience erupted into applause once again.
Please give your acceptance speech.
The host gestured toward the standing microphone.
Taeyoon glanced toward Director Oh Seungju, seated in the distance.
He looked slightly flustered.
After exchanging a brief look with him, he slowly began.
Thank you, I hoped that the music would go beyond the screen and speak directly to people's hearts...
He emphasized every single word.
“Wow.”
“Our son speaks English so well.”
It was a remarkably convincing acceptance speech.
As expected.
He's smart.
He memorized it perfectly.
Thinking that, Seo Dongyoon continued watching.
Then.
Um...
He doubted his own ears.
That...
Was one of Taeyoon's habits.
The little sound he always made whenever he was flustered or couldn't remember something.
He turned toward his mother.
Jin Eunha had noticed it too.
Her mouth hung open.
What are you doing?
At a moment like this?
Completely unaware of what they were thinking.
Taeyoon took a quiet breath.
Then suddenly began speaking in Korean.
Doesn't this trophy kind of look like a metronome?
Only a small handful of people in the audience understood Korean.
I prepared a really long acceptance speech in English... but what should I do? It was so long that I couldn't memorize all of it.
Taeyoon smiled mischievously.
“Aaaah! What's he doing?! You can't do that during an acceptance speech!”
“Wait, Dongyoon. Calm down.”
Jin Eunha stopped her excited eldest son.
He'd expected her to scold Taeyoon too.
Instead.
She remained completely focused on the television.
Puzzled, Seo Dongyoon looked back at the screen.
Hahahaha!
Contrary to his expectations.
The people onscreen were laughing warmly despite not understanding Korean.
It was an endearing greeting.
His honesty had won them over instead.
Perhaps he was admitting he still felt awkward standing there.
Or perhaps he was expressing his own determination.
After straightening his bow tie.
Taeyoon continued.
If life is music, is this moment the intro... or the outro? Probably... the intro. This isn't the end. It's the first beat of the next song. Please keep listening loudly!
No matter how proudly Jin Eunha smiled at the television.
Seo Dongyoon could no longer pretend to stay cool.
“Th-that idiot...”
Taeyoon raised the Oscar trophy high.
I'm happy that I could express my true feelings in my native language. Thank you. ...Sorry, my English is not perfect. But music? That's perfect enough.
To Jin Eunha.
Her son's face shone even brighter than the golden Oscar trophy in his hands.
At least.
That's exactly how it looked to her.
After the Academy Awards ceremony ended.
I headed to the after-party with everyone who had been there with me.
Kimchi stew for 50 dollars.
Grilled pork belly for 30 dollars.
...Is this even right?
Well.
I was the one who'd chosen the restaurant.
After eating nothing but rich food for days, I desperately wanted a spoonful of kimchi stew.
“Cheers!”
The sound of soju glasses clinking was every bit as refreshing as music.
It felt even better because I was surrounded by good people.
Sizzle—
The after-party with perfectly grilled pork belly was heavenly.
Even more than I'd expected.
CEO Kim Minsoo's face was already flushed red as he repeatedly called my name.
“Wow... Seo Taeyoon. Stay. This is insane. My greatest pride...!”
“Why is Composer Taeyoon your pride? He's my pride.”
Back and forth.
CEO Kim Minsoo and Director Oh Seungju had somehow become the best of friends.
A friendship that transcended age.
Not bad at all.
I stepped outside the restaurant for a moment.
The cool air felt wonderful.
I quietly took in the familiar yet unfamiliar atmosphere of LA's Koreatown.
Just as I was about to head back inside.
Someone called out to me.
“Excuse me... it's you, right?”
“Hm?”
When I turned around.
A man who looked very much like a reporter was standing there.
A strange smile rested on his lips.
“You really are Stay, aren't you? Ah... don't look at me so suspiciously. Here, this is who I am.”
I accepted the business card he held out.
[ Daily Ilbo, Reporter Park Gyuseok ]
A reporter who had followed me all the way to the restaurant...
Now that.
Was interesting.