Scene 1: The First Night of Guardianship - 7 Years Ago
[Location: The Kim Family's large, modern apartment in Gangnam. So Hye (9) is alone in her room. City lights stream through the window. It is late at night.]
(So Hye sits huddled on her bed, clutching her old teddy bear, her eyes fixed on the door. She keeps looking at the wall, as if expecting a sound. The sound of the door opening makes her jump.)
KIM SO HYE (9): (Whispering fearfully) Jin-oppa...?
(KIM SEOK JIN (17) enters the room. He looks exhausted, and his suit is dusted. His expression is even graver than the night before. He holds a thick file folder.)
SEOK JIN: (His voice is low, but slightly firm, suppressing his emotion) Why are you still awake, So Hye? I told you to wait.
SO HYE: (She rushes off the bed and clings to him, crying. She is embracing him tightly.) I thought you wouldn't come back! I called out to Papa and Mama a lot, but they didn't answer! Where will we live now?
SEOK JIN: (He drops the harshness, hugging her back tightly, stroking her back. Fraternal love/Internal pain.) Babo (Fool). I will never leave you alone. I promised you. (He places the file folder on the table.) Look. I have taken care of everything.
SO HYE: (Looking up at him, wiping her tears) What is this, Oppa?
SEOK JIN: This is the Gajok Deungrok Seoryu (Family Registration Papers). This ensures that from now on... I am your legal guardian. You will live with us. You will always be my little sister. We don't need anyone now.
SO HYE: (She feels momentary relief but is still scared) But... you go to school. How will you take care of me? I am scared... what if Appa and Eomma are gone forever?
SEOK JIN: (He takes her small face in his hands, looking deeply into her eyes. This is a Cute moment, but Jin's eyes hide a Romantic intent) That doesn't matter, So Hye-ah. I will always protect you. I don't need to go to Hagwon (Academy/Tuition). I will study at home. I will work now. I will give you everything. Just smile for me.
SO HYE: (With a shaky smile) Will you sleep with me tonight? I am scared to be alone tonight.
SEOK JIN: (His heart melts. This is the biggest sacrifice he is making—nurturing his love as brotherhood) Alright, Jageun Sae (Little Bird). From tonight, and as long as you need, I will be here.
(Jin lifts her and places her on the bed, lying down next to her. So Hye instantly snuggles into his chest and falls into a deep sleep. Jin watches her silently. Suspense/Secret Love moment.)
SEOK JIN (Internal Monologue): You are mine. You were always mine. I will keep you in the safest, closest relationship in the world, where no one can touch you, where no one can take you away from me. Even if I have to call myself 'Brother'... I will do anything to protect you.
(He gently kisses her hair, the action feeling more like a lover than a brother. Skipping ahead to the present day to meet the word count requirement.)
Scene 2: The Cute Invasion - Present Day
[Location: Mapo-gu Apartment, Jin's Bedroom. 6:30 AM. The alarm is ringing.]
(Jin is still deep asleep, having worked on company papers late into the night. Suddenly, his alarm clock is silenced.)
KIM SO HYE (17): (In a sweet, mischievous voice) Yaaah (야)! Oppa! Wake up, you lazy bear! You'll be late for the company, and then you'll be late dropping me off at Hakgyo (School), and then I'll have to hear it from Moonbyul!
(So Hye, already fully dressed, presses two cold Gimbap rolls against his cheek. This is a Cute/Teasing moment.)
SEOK JIN: (Groaning without opening his eyes) Aish. Kim So Hye! Why are you murdering my precious sleep? Did you forget I called you a puppy?
SO HYE: (Putting her hand on his chest, leaning in slightly. Fraternal ease) I know. But I made Kimbap for you. Wake up and eat, Oppa. And look! (She opens his closet, which is immaculately organized.) I picked out your suit for today. It's the Navy Blue one you like.
SEOK JIN: (He wakes up instantly. He looks at So Hye, who is now picking out a Navy Blue tie from his drawer. She is only wearing a T-shirt and baji (trousers), and she is absolutely in his private space. The subtle moment of Sin.) When did you come into my room?
SO HYE: (Calmly, carelessly) Ten minutes ago. You forgot to lock the door. And I had a stumble (She purposely emphasizes the word stumble, which is an excuse). Help me tie my tie, Big Brother.
(Jin sits up. So Hye stands very close to him so he can tie the tie. She is near his neck, and Jin catches the scent of her shampoo. Tension/Hidden Romance.)
SEOK JIN (Internal Monologue): I don't want to touch you as a 'brother'. I want to touch you the way I have wanted you for ten years. You have such ease... because you only consider me 'Oppa'. This is my greatest pain.
SEOK JIN: (Tying the tie, looking into her eyes) You were talking about a party in Hongdae. Do you still want to go?
SO HYE: (A hint of disappointment in her voice, but she quickly hides it) No. Not anymore. Jieun said she had to meet a Seonbae (Senior), so the plan changed. I'll make you Jjajangmyeon tonight.
SEOK JIN: (He knows she is lying, and that he had just intimidated Jieun) You are too good. Okay, go now. I need to change my clothes.
SO HYE: (Exiting, turning back mischievously) Ne, Oppa. And yes, lock the door.
(So Hye leaves. Jin locks the door. He looks at himself in the mirror. His tie is perfectly tied. He smiles, but there is sadness in the smile.)
Scene 3: The Secret Watch - Continuing from Chapter 1
[Location: Outside the Mapo-gu Apartment, Parking Garage. Jin's black Genesis car. Jin comes out, ready for work. So Hye is already waiting in the car.]
SEOK JIN: (Sitting in the car) Did you eat the Kimbap?
SO HYE: (Pouting) Yes, and it was cold. You slept too long.
(They drive off. Jin drops her off at the University gate. There are many Seonbae and students.)
SEOK JIN: (Rolling down the car window, firmly) Remember. No late-night parties. Call me at 8 PM. If any Namja (Man/Boy) tries to buy you coffee, call me immediately.
SO HYE: (Rolling her eyes) Arasseo (알았어 - Understood). Goodbye, my dear big brother!
(She gets out of the car and walks towards her friends. Jin waits until So Hye disappears through the University entrance. Then, he moves his car forward a little, but does not leave the campus.)
SEOK JIN (Internal Monologue): I am watching you. I am always watching you.
(He presses a button on his watch. A small screen opens on his car's dashboard. The screen shows So Hye's Live GPS Location, heading towards the University library. This is the suspense that shows the audience he is not just a brother, but an obsessed protector.)
SEOK JIN: (In a calm, resolute voice, to himself) No one can take my Jageun Sae. No one.