The Second Melody - Season 1, Episode 12
[SCENE START]
INT. PRACTICE ROOM - NIGHT
Hyun-woo stares at EUN-JIN (30s, SOLOIST), a famous, top-tier idol from his past life. She has a thoughtful, serious look on her face.
EUN-JIN That song… I wrote it. Years ago. It was for my debut album. But it was deemed "too personal" and "too sad" for my image, so it was never released.
Hyun-woo's mind races. He remembers the song. It was a secret, an unreleased B-side, one of the last songs he wrote for his original group. How could she know it?
HYUN-WOO (Stammering) I… I heard it online. On an old demo reel. I liked the melody.
Eun-jin looks at him, her gaze unwavering. She is not convinced.
EUN-JIN The demo reel had no vocals. And it certainly didn't have the lyrics you just sang. Those lyrics... they were the originals. The ones I never let anyone hear.
A cold fear runs down Hyun-woo's spine. He knows this is a pivotal moment. A test.
EUN-JIN (Softening) Hyun-woo… your performance at the showcase. It was real. Authentic. I haven't heard that kind of honesty in years. I want to help you. I want to produce your next song.
Hyun-woo is stunned. This is a path he never expected. He has a mentor, a link to his past who can guide him in the present.
[SCENE END]
[SCENE START]
INT. DANCE STUDIO - DAY
Hyun-woo is practicing with his new group members, Seung-ho and Min-su. They are working on a new song, a high-energy pop track. Min-su is still resentful of Hyun-woo, pushing him to be better.
MIN-SU (Out of breath) Hyun-woo, you're a bit slow. Your moves are good, but you're not putting your heart into it. You're a ghost.
Hyun-woo, with Eun-jin's words echoing in his mind, decides to take Min-su's criticism to heart. He begins to move with more power, more emotion.
MIN-SU (Smiling faintly) There it is. Now you're a person.
[SCENE END]
[SCENE START]
INT. ACADEMY HALLWAY - LATER
Hyun-woo is walking down the hall when he sees Jisoo. She is smiling, looking happy.
JISOO Hey Hyun-woo! I just got the results from my audition! I'm in. I'm going to be a trainee at the same company!
Hyun-woo feels a sense of relief. He's not alone anymore.
HYUN-WOO (Smiling genuinely) Jisoo, that's great news. Congratulations. I knew you could do it.
JISOO (Her eyes sparkling) Thanks. I'm really excited. We'll be able to see each other. Now you'll be able to get a proper meal once in a while.
Hyun-woo laughs. It's the first time he's truly laughed since he came back.
[SCENE END]
[SCENE START]
INT. MUSIC ACADEMY - DAY
Hyun-woo is sitting with Eun-jin, a new song playing on her phone.
EUN-JIN This is the song I want you to perform. It's a ballad, a real tearjerker. It's called "Empty Stage."
Hyun-woo listens to the song, his eyes closed. He knows this song. It was a song he wrote in his past life for a fan who was struggling with mental health. It was a beautiful song, but it was also a painful one.
HYUN-WOO I… I can't. It's too personal.
Eun-jin smiles, her eyes full of wisdom.
EUN-JIN (Smiling) That's exactly why you have to.
[SCENE END]