01x05 - The Caveats of Perfection

[bunniefuu]

[lounge piano music playing]

[chuckles softly]

So catch me up.
What's new since we last saw each other?

I graduated,

and my friends and I opened our own firm.

Ooh.

[chuckles softly] How about kumdo?
Do you still practice?

[chuckles softly]
Not since you crushed me that one day.

[laughs]

[sighs, clicks tongue]
I was brutal, I guess.[giggles]

[chuckles]

[Mi-rae chuckles]

I was worried
when you dropped out like that.

I dropped out?

Without any warning.

[Mi-rae] Oh, so that's my backstory?

Oh, I had a…

[sighs]

Things were a little complicated.

I wish you'd kept in touch at least.

So do I.

[Eun-h* chuckles softly]

And you? What have you been up to?

Well,

I've been a webtoon producer
for a while now.

[piano music fades]

SEO MI-RAE
WEBTOON PD

A business card?

[buoyant music playing]

At a company called 'Naemo,”
near Hapjeong.

NAEMO

[Eun-h*] Webtoons, huh?

That's really cool.

You want one? It's my card.

This is very… impressive.

[Mi-rae] For the first time,

I'm the same person here
as I am in the real world.

[chuckles]

Thanks.

And I'm pretty sure we both know…
I'm no architect. [chuckles]

[chuckles]

This is it.

Our office.

ES ARCHITECTS STUDIO

Hmm. You even have
your own building and everything.

-[Eun-h*] Mm.
-[music fades]

We can see each other again, right?

Yes.

Do you want me to walk you home?

[chuckles] That's very sweet,
But I'm sure you still have work to do.

-It's after dark. You sure?
-[soft chuckle]

After dark is when the fun starts.

That's when I drink
at the pochas by myself.

[laughs] You always were able to
drink us under the table, weren't you?

[chuckles]

It's good to see you again.

-And next time, dinner's on me.
-Mm.

-[chuckles]
-[romantic music playing]

[giggles]

[chuckles softly]

[device pings]

[music fades]

-[chuckles softly]
-[gentle music playing]

-[chuckles softly]
-[phone buzzing]

Who's this?

Hello?

[Eun-h*] Hi.

Who is this?

Are you home yet?

I wanted to make sure
you made it back okay.

[gasps]

Eun-h*?

How could you be calling for real?

-Everything all right?
-Oh, yeah.

I just… Hold on a second!

[gasps]

What the heck?

[automated voice] All subscribers
with a basic plan or higher

can exchange calls and text messages

with their Boyfriend on Demand
male characters, even after logging out.

[gasps] Holy crap.

[Eun-h*] Hello?
Mi-rae, are you still there?

Yes, sorry, I'm here.

What are you doing?
I don't wanna keep you up.

Actually, I'm kind of wired.

Well, then, how about we talk
till one of us falls asleep?

Sounds good.

Ooh, you're the first person
I haven't stumped with that one.

Then you haven't met true horror fans.

It's way more interesting
when the main character's a local.

No kidding. My biggest peeve

is when the protagonist is someone
who just moved into town.

-[both chuckle]
-Glad we agree.

So, maybe we could catch a movie together?

-Together?
-Mm-hmm.

I'll come and meet you.
Outside your office, okay?

Huh?

Unless that makes you uncomfortable?

[chuckles] No, it's not that.

[Eun-h*] If you're free tomorrow,

I can meet you after work
and we'll see what's playing.

[Mi-rae] This realism's kinda freaky.

Sounds good.

Great.

It's a date then.

[chuckles softly]

EP05
THE CAVEATS OF PERFECTION

[music fades]

[knocking on door]

[Mi-rae breathing heavily]

Sorry for being late.

Let me just grab a quick coffee.

I got you one.
It's cold, though, since you're late.

[chuckles] That was nice of you.

I lost track of time
reviewing a new submission.

-[woman] Mm.
-I'm good to go though.

[sighs] I didn't like this piece.

It just felt like a rehash
of ideas we've seen before.

Mm. Unoriginal. [chuckles]

Can we have a complete original
these days?

I also think the overall look
is amateurish and sloppy.

With the right guidance,
we can fix all that.

[scoffs] But the ridiculously silly plot
is not fixable, and you know that.

We see silly plots top the charts
all the time. People love them.

[tense music playing]

What's wrong?

Uh, nothing. It's just…

I'm wondering
if you meant a specific title?

There's so many of them. As you know.

I do. I'm just curious.

Again with this attitude. What gives?

-I'm gonna go warm up my coffee.
-[music fades]

[Mi-rae sighs]

[scoffs]

[door closes]

-[cell phone buzzing]
-[sighs]

[Eun-h*] We were up a bit late.
Hope you got to work all right.

[chuckles softly]

It's been ages since I had
a guy checking in on me.

Dong-min, wanna grab some lunch?

Sorry, I'm meeting a client.
You two eat together.

-What? He's--
-Your call.

-We have a reservation for two.
-Enjoy your meal.

-Uh…
-[Kyeong-nam] Coming?

Yeah.

Thanks.

[Mi-rae] God, this is so awkward.

Do you like romance?

What?

Since we're both working on it,
I was curious.

[sighs] It's not… my favorite.

Me neither.

[Mi-rae] Do I care?

Uh-huh…

What do you like?

Uh…

Horror.

Why?

Uh, I guess

it's a way to get my heart racing
every once in a while,

and remind me that I still have one.

Horror's also on the top of my list.

[Mi-rae] Who asked you?

Hmm… Cool.

Working on The Man to Know
must drive you completely nuts?

[chuckles] Sometimes. Of course.

And we both know
why I'm the one working on it.

Don't give up.

[chuckles softly]

[upbeat pop music playing]

[Mi-rae] Be there soon.

[Eun-h*] Take your time and mind the gap.

[automated voice] The doors are opening.

[Mi-rae] Eun-h*!

[Mi-rae chuckles]

-[exhales sharply] Did you wait long?
-You're worth it.

-[Mi-rae] Mm!
-If we walk fast enough, we won't be late.

[Mi-rae chuckles]

[music fades]

Die, psycho! [grunts]

-[watchers gasping]
-[woman on movie grunting]

I can't feel my legs! [pained grunt]

[pained groan]

[girl on movie] Let go of my mommy!

[romantic music playing]

[singer vocalizing happily]

[whispering] Popcorn's good here, right?

[Mi-rae] My heart's racing like crazy,
but I don't think it's the movie.

[sighs happily] I like
getting butterflies.

[music fades]

-[gasping]
-Sorry, it's a bit messy.

-It's gorgeous. But why's it so quiet?
-Everyone's out today, so it's just us.

Have a look around.
I'll get us something to drink.

[gasps softly]

[chuckles]

We had fun, didn't we?

[Eun-h*] Every time I look at it,
I realize how young we all were.

But what I didn't realize then…

is no matter how hard I tried,

I could never forget you.

[romantic music playing]

[chuckles softly]

We've got a great rooftop.
Wanna check it out?

[romantic music continues]

[Mi-rae] Hmm?

What is it?

[music building]

Are you gonna walk out of my life again?

Not again.

I like this, so I'm sticking around.

[music fades]

On my way to work. Have a good day.

[chuckles softly]

[chuckles]

[Eun-h*] What are you in the mood to eat?

[Mi-rae] Mm…
everything sounds good right now.

[Eun-h*] The other day,
you said you were craving lasagna.

I'll take you to a great Italian spot.

[woman] I'm not sure
the writer understands that.

I agree with you on the characters,
they're different,

but I'm not sure they're enough
to save the story overall.

-What's going on?
-Hmm?

Why?

No reason.

Please continue.

Oh. Thanks. [chuckles]

[Mi-rae] Eun-h*!

-Been waiting long?
-[chuckles] You're worth it.

[romantic music playing]

[Mi-rae] I finally found
what I've been looking for for so long.

The perfect way to spend
what little free time I have.

With the perfect person.

[music intensifies]

-Look at its mouth.
-Whoa!

Whoa!

[Eun-h*] Wow!

[music fades]

[romantic music playing]

♪ One day, you told me… ♪

[Mi-rae] How can each date be
even more perfect than the last?

[Eun-h* chuckles]

-What a beautiful day.
-[Mi-rae chuckles]

♪ I'm saving our love
In to my memory file ♪

♪ We are happy like floating clouds ♪

♪ I can't feel on my skin… ♪

[Eun-h* chuckles]

[Mi-rae] Time really does fly
when you're having fun.

♪ A love in beta still feels better ♪

♪ Even though you're a fiction ♪

♪ We are dancing slow ♪

♪ Love's reflection glows
So real tonight ♪

♪ I need one more chance ♪

♪ Your voice drips like warm honey
All through my wires ♪

♪ We are dancing slow ♪

♪ Love's reflection glows
So real tonight ♪

♪ I need one more chance ♪

♪ Your voice drips like warm honey
Over my heart ♪

♪ Da-da-da, da ♪

[Ji-yeon sobbing loudly]

-[sniffles]
-Did you really like him that much?

[Ji-yeon continues sobbing]

Here.

You put this guy behind you,
or you beg him to reconsider.

[Ji-yeon sniffles]

[gasps]

[Ji-yeon gasping]

[sighs] I'll never find him.
It's just marketing.

What is?

The idea of a perfect match
out there for each of us.

I've dated over 30 guys,
and I'm still single.

It's like searching for a unicorn.

[sobs]

So you're gonna stop dating?

Dating is f*cked! [sobbing]

Whoa. Kinda harsh, isn't it?

I've wasted so much time!

Imagine what I could've done
instead of dating losers!

If I'd put more energy into getting
a master's instead of going on dates,

I'd be in love with a doctor.

[scoffs] Don't wallow in that BS.

-You'll find your guy.
-[wails]

It's all over.

I put all my energy on a bunch of tools,

and I'm too exhausted to ever try again.

[chuckles softly] For now.

I should've lived more like you have.

-Like a nun.
-Huh?

You're so focused on your career!

[sobbing]

Whoa.

[cell phone buzzing]

JI-YEON

[Ji-yeon] Hey,
I changed my profile picture.

Does it look like I'm trying too hard?

[chuckles]

It's perfect.

EUN-h*

Hey, what's up?

[Eun-h*] Just checking in.
How's your friend?

-Her boyfriend broke it off.
-Oh.

Breakups are rough.

[Mi-rae] I have a question.

Do you think we all have a soulmate
or perfect match out there?

I'm not sure. Why?

Just curious, I guess.

If you're asking me,
maybe you don't think you've found yours.

[chuckles] I said I was curious.

I want some soup to warm me up.
You hungry?

[Mi-rae] Had I found the prince charming
that Ji-yeon couldn't?

[chuckles softly]

[romantic music playing]

-Eun-h*.
-Hmm?

When we're together like this,

do you actually enjoy it?

After that question on the phone,

I'm getting a little nervous.

The time we spend together,
is it worth it to you?

Is this about your friend?

[Mi-rae sighs]

I wonder if our…

relationship's a good thing.

Or if it's just nice to have someone
to spend some time with.

-Mi-rae.
-Hmm?

I love the time I spend with you.

And when I'm not with you,

all I think about is you.

[romantic music playing]

You want to elaborate?

I love how you look.

[Mi-rae chuckles]

How you smile.

How you talk.

How you walk, even how you eat.

Hmm.

Are we a good thing?

I think we're perfect.

[chuckles] Good to know.

So what are we?

Perfect.

[Eun-h* chuckles softly]

[Mi-rae] Hmm.
I think Ji-yeon has got it all wrong.

[chuckles softly]

We can find our unicorn.

[music fades]

[clicking]

Don't take this the wrong way,
but… why are you here?

Oh. The others really wanted sushi
for lunch.

-And I can't eat anything raw.
-Oh…

Well, you can eat with us every day
if you like.

So the workshop…

-You guys are all going this year?
-[splutters]

-[quirky music playing]
-The workshop?

-Mm-hmm. It's in a few days.
-You wouldn't dare.

Yeah, why not?

It's just a retreat.

[scoffs] He can't make us.

[Dong-min sighs] Really?

Are you gonna say
you're too sick to attend?

-That went well.
-[scoffs]

-[harp arpeggio plays]
-[music fades]

Elevator's leaving. Free lunch, who's in?

-Ooh! Me, me, me!
-Mi-rae, come on, hurry!

-[Hye-bin] Hurry!
-Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, I--

-[jaunty music playing]
-[automated voice] The door's closing.

The door's closing. The door's closing.
The door's closing. The door's closing.

You go ahead.

I'm full.

I think we've determined that
it's too big of a campaign for one person.

If we divide the tasks,
we'll get the writers to stay on schedule.

-I'm happy to get on board.
-[Byeong-hak] Anything else?

I do have one idea
I'd like to run by you--

-Any other items?
-[Dong-min] Mi-rae.

[Byeong-hak] We're adjourned.

[bell dings]

Eat up! Come on, don't be shy.
It's on me. Whatever you want.

[uneasy music playing]

[chuckles awkwardly] Just so you know,

that stomach virus I had,
it's completely gone--

She's all better.
Let's get her a cake. Sheesh!

They have a new barmaid,
raise your hand if you're thirsty.

Oh, Mi-rae. Fancy seeing you here.

-[chuckles nervously]
-Forgot what she looked like.

First the retreat, then I don't see her
at work. Like she's a ghost.

[Hye-bin] He gave you the cold shoulder
for three weeks.

Director Hwang is
a world-class grudge holder.

You kinda gotta hand it to him.
Skip again, you'll do twice the time.

[groans]

Wait a second.
Didn't you miss that one too?

He let you slide?

Yes. I had a good reason.

So, what is it this year?

You're going, aren't you?

I can… skip it so you're not the only one.

I want to attend.

[Dong-min] You wanna attend
an overnight retreat? With us?

What's gotten into you, huh?
Are you playing?

No.

My parents live near the center,
so I'll get to stop in for a visit.

You shouldn't just stop in though.

It is the weekend,
and family time is sacred.

For all of us.

FLAMING JJAMPPONG

[tense music playing]

-[Mi-rae] Evil little b*stard.
-[music ends]

[Byeong-hak] Wow,
I just love the smell of the wild.

[chuckles] Wake up!
We're here, sleepyheads.

WORKSHOP ALL NIGHT!

-You know, they don't have porters here.
-[upbeat folk-rock music playing]

You're gonna have to go back
and get your bags.

[Eun-h*] Have a great workshop.
I'll miss you.

[pleasant music playing]

[Mi-rae] I miss you already.

[music fades]

[car door opens, closes]

Morning.

Hey.

[sighs]

-[laughter]
-[vocal warm-ups]

[Byeong-hak] Eun-ju!
Take a picture of me with the prizes.

7TH ANNUAL NAEMO ULTIMATE OTAKU CONTEST

Ready? We're about to see
who's ready to win the crown

for the seventh annual Otaku trivia bowl!

-[all cheering]
-[Byeong-hak laughs]

And, of course,
the winner will have first dibs

on any of these fabulous
limited edition treasures

you see before you,

graciously offered
by our one and only Director Hwang!

All up for the challenge, I hope?
Huh? [laughs]

-[cheering]
-It's the same thing every damn retreat.

-You mean the contest?
-Pretty much everything.

[Dong-min] So question number one.

Give me the name of the manga series
the following line is from,

"I talked to a guy for the first time.
Am I… about to get a boyfriend?"

Oh!

-I know it.
-You were fastest. Let's hear it!

I Want to Hold Aono-kun
So Badly I Could Die?

-Correct!
-[gasping]

-She is?!
-[Dong-min] Good start. Good start.

I've got the first one.

[Dong-min] Listen up for question
number two. From the classics.

In which Dragon Ball episode

did Tenshinhan first appear
in a Tenkaichi Budokai?

I know!

Episode 37!

So wrong!

Wait, I got it! Is it 23?

-It is not!
-[sighs]

-[Hye-bin] It's in the thirties.
-[Mi-rae] It's not.

-Dong-min…
-[Dong-min] Yep?

It was 22.

That is… so right!

-[impressed gasping]
-Wow!

[Dong-min] Nice!

-[laughter]
-[Byeong-hak] Point to Kyeong-nam!

How long did Cha Dong-hwan
of Polar Night serve in the air force?

-I know that one!
-Hit it.

-Eight years.
-She gets another one!

Ooh!

In Villain to k*ll, the hotel manager
helps Kwon Yu-ri when she's in danger.

-What's the first thing he says?
-"Good morning." That's what he says.

-[groaning]
-[Dong-min] Ding, ding, ding!

-Bona's child always carries--
-A doll!

-Kongdoli.
-[Dong-min] Her doll!

-In Theme Park of Death, Baek Jin--
-[Mi-rae] I got it!

-[Dong-min] Yes?
-Rolling Z Train.

-Correct!
-Yes! Mi-rae, you know your stuff.

In Transfer Student at Apocalypse High,
what class was Cha Geon-u's friend's…

-I know. It was 25.
-[Dong-min] Correct!

Now for a tough one.

How tall is Oh Seong-chan,
who faints all the time?

Five foot… ten or so?

-[Dong-min] Wrong!
-Taller.

He's six-foot two.

[Dong-min] Another point for you!

-[cheering]
-[groaning]

-The bird!
-His mom!

-Winter!
-Both.

-The badger! Arapara Garatus!
-Arapara Garatus… Your point!

Fantastic, work your magic!

[Dong-min] And that was the final point,
going to Seo Mi-rae!

I don't think we've ever had
such a heated showdown.

Now hold on
as I announce your brand-new champion.

The winner of the Seventh Annual
Naemo Cup Otaku contest…

[suspenseful music building]

-Park Kyeong-nam!
-[cheering, whooping]

[woman] Team 1! Team 1! Team 1!

[music fades]

Mi-rae, if you win the treasure hunt,
what prize do you hope to get?

Oh.

The right to go home.

Holy cow! I'm freezing!

Who hides clues in a river?

Especially when it's not even summer,
and the water's ice-cold?

-Is that a snake?
-[Dong-min yelps]

[Eun-ju screams] Get it!

-My bad. It's only a twig.
-Oh! You dropped your phone!

-[Dong-min] No! Crap! It's floating away!
-Oh no, I can't lose it!

-[Dong-min] What do we do?
-Go get it!

-Go, go!
-[yelps]

[gasps]

[yelling] Dong-min!

[epic music playing]

[inaudible]

Oh!

Oh, it's too cold!

-What? Get in there.
-[Dong-min] Hold on.

-Dong-min, hurry, hurry!
-What in the world?

-[Eun-ju] What're you doing?
-[Hye-bin] This doesn't look good.

Oh?

[adventurous music playing]

[music fades]

Thank you so much.

Aren't you cold?

I think it hit a rock or something.
The screen's cracked.

Oh? Are you kidding me?
I just bought this too.

I guess I'll see you later.
I gotta go change.

Keep racking up the wins, bro.

[Mi-rae scoffs]

That's not good.
You worked hard to get that phone.

-Yeah. It's fine though.
-[sighs]

Like he is.

-Huh?
-So fine.

-Okay, let's capture the toast!
-Mm! Any requests? For songs?

-[all] Cheers!
-No?

-Okay, I'll just choose for you.
-[Eun-ju] Mmm.

It's such a nice surprise
you were able to join us.

I hear you have family near here?
Are your parents farmers too?

I don't know why,

but I'm starting to think
the guy's got it.

[chuckles, scoffs] Are you that drunk?

The way he went in, so calm and cool
while everyone was freaking out,

that was borderline heroic.

Then he just left.

That was a rock-star move.
And chicks dig it.

[Eun-ju giggling]

-[upbeat music playing]
-Yeah.

-Woo-hoo!
-[all] Whoa!

-[Byeong-hak clears throat]
-I'll go get some soju.

-♪ As I turned into the alleyway ♪
-♪ Turned into the alleyway ♪

[Byeong-hak] ♪ My heart was pounding ♪

[all] ♪ Was pounding ♪

♪ I suddenly stand at your window ♪

♪ Over which… ♪

[singing continues in distance]

[gasps]

Mi-rae.

Yeah?

What's wrong?

Is that water?

[comical music playing]

'Course not.

It's soju.

Oh. Sure is.

I can't drink soju.

[Mi-rae] Huh?

I can't drink soju.

Oh, oh, oh-oh! [chuckles]

It's only soju in here.
The water's over there.

Appreciate it.

[Mi-rae chuckles]

Please… such a lightweight. [scoffs]

-Mm-hmm, okay?
-Mm!

[melodic bonging]

[melodic bonging]

[curious music playing]

[sighs] Where did this one's cap go?

-What?
-[Kyeong-nam sighs]

-[Mi-rae] Huh?
-I can't find… the cap for this one.

That bottle's empty,
so no one cares if it's got a cap on it.

I care. A lot.
It's the only one without it.

[gasps] Look.

[chuckles] He's got them
lined up like soldiers.

-You drank all those? [giggling]
-I really need to put the cap on this one.

Look at that. He's got them all
perfectly lined up over there.

Man, this guy sure acts weird
when he's drunk, huh?

All right, Kyeong-nam.
Let's get you to bed.

You're right. They don't match.

[snickering]

It's around here somewhere.

That boy is just
one surprise after another.

-[Dong-min] All right man, here we are.
-We need to find that cap first, okay?

-You understand?
-[Dong-min] I'll look for it.

If we don't find it,
something bad'll happen.

Go to sleep. It's all good.

-[sighs] I need it.
-[Byeong-hak] Guys, we need a song.

-Who wants it?
-No, thanks! Don't touch it!

Don't touch it. It's a trick.

-Mi-rae? Hey.
-[all cheering] Sing a song! Sing a song!

[Byeong-hak] You have the mic,
you have to get up there.

Uh, I really can't. I…

[singing in Korean]
♪ But after a long time ♪

♪ I was crying by myself ♪

♪ The pain ♪

♪ That I gave you, I received in kind ♪

♪ For… ♪ [goes out of tune]

[Mi-rae] Hmm.

[in English] The end.

[music stops]

-[Byeong-hak] Why stop? Wasn't that bad.
-Oh!

Look who's here!

-It's okay! You should go back to bed!
-I can't.

My ears are bleeding.

-[Dong-min] Snap!
-[Mi-rae gulps]

-[Byeong-hak] And I thought I was mean.
-[snickering]

-[Eun-ju] Your ears…
-I'm done. Your turn.

-[laughter]
-[indistinct chatter]

[sighs]

[sighs]

[sighs]

-[gasps]
-[furtive music playing]

[gasps]

Ugh, office romance never works. [tuts]

[fades]

-[groaning]
-[Byeong-hak] Mi-rae!

Mi-rae, wasn't that fun?

-You must be glad you came, huh?
-Yes, sir!

-You sure know how to host a retreat! Ha!
-[laughs]

-So you'll be at the next one, right?
-Yeah, yeah, of course.

-Hey, guys! I call shotgun!
-Let's bum a ride.

Oh! We can't do that.

There's something I want to talk about
on the bus, but Eun-ju can go.

There's lots of room.

Oh, cool, cool, cool!
We can talk while he drives us, right?

[groans]

-[softly] Read the room.
-What?

-Can we go?
-He wants to go. Get in!

-[door closes]
-I tried.

-You go up front. I'll sit here.
-Huh?

-[curious music playing]
-What?

You in or not?

Oh, uh…

In, I guess.

[muffled gagging]

[Dong-min] Right here is fine.

-I'll go with you, Dong-min. [heaves]
-Uh?

-[Eun-ju heaves]
-Oh God! Don't throw up in here.

Get out, get out, get out!
Hurry, hurry! [groans]

Uh… Thanks for giving us all a ride.

-You're getting off here too?
-Yeah, I'll take the subway.

-I'm fine here.
-I don't mind taking you.

-I'm headed that way.
-Uh…

[Mi-rae gasps]

-Thanks again for the ride. Beats the bus.
-See you tomorrow.

Oh!

[awkward music playing]

I really like the smell
of your air freshener.

[sighs]

Just shut up.

Nearly covers the smell of alcohol
coming out of your pores.

Huh? It is?

I hardly drank.

[softly] Didn't I?

You live over by Yongsan Station,
don't you?

Yeah.

But that's out of the way for you,
isn't it?

-No.
-You live in Seongsu.

I have a work thing with Hwany
in that area.

On a Sunday?

Yes.

Oh… I was under the impression
you didn't work on weekends.

Well, when an author decides to level up,
my work-life balance goes out the window.

I see.

Leveling up, huh?
So I guess you have to… work harder?

How are things going with Ms. Yun?

Sounds like
Director Hwang's a little worried.

Why would he be worried?

Probably 'cause sales dropped.

The numbers for last month
weren't so good.

[scoffs] Which is totally normal
due to the hiatus and the coin thing.

It would be okay
if sales and ratings stayed up.

-But when they tank, he gets nervous.
-[flatly] Yeah… He does.

I'm actually going to meet with Hwany
about the new ad campaign.

He's replacing Ms. Yun this time around.
The advertisers got worried.

-[Mi-rae scoffs]
-Can I drop you off over there?

Sure. This might seem
like a weird question,

but why am I getting all of this from you
instead of the director?

Ask him.

Thanks again for the ride.

Anymore inside info you're holding out on?

A little.

[sighs] Let's hear it.

I like you, Mi-rae.

[uneasy music playing]

Huh?

-My ears are clogged.
-Your ears are fine.

Uh…

I don't think I… got that.
It sounded almost like you said that you--

I like you.

I'm trying to ask you out on a date.

Huh?! [chuckles]
This is coming out of nowhere.

-Since when--
-[car horn honking]

[honking]

-I gotta go.
-Can we…

See you soon.

-[uneasy music playing]
-[sighs]

Idiot. He can't say that.

[uneasy music continues]

[sighs]

[scoffs] I get it.

He's messing with me.

It's all part of his plan to get ahead.

Or… Hold on.

Last night, on the bench with Eun-ju…

[gasps]

He wouldn't!

That weasel wants to date both of us?

[Eun-ju] Not a chance.

Even though it was
a romantic setting and all,

the bench in the moonlight,

and a nice little buzz
sitting next to each other.

-I used my best moves.
-And?

Shot down with the brutal truth.

-Like a bucket of cold water in the face.
-[Mi-rae sighs]

-[tense music playing]
-Sorry, but the odds of that are zero.

Mm… You don't have
any wiggle room on that at all?

Not even… for one date?

-What would be the point of that?
-To get to know each other.

Hmm. I know the important stuff,

so I know we'll never be
more than colleagues.

Ah…

Oh my goodness. I got so dizzy.

[Dong-min] Wow,
he really is just built different.

[Eun-ju] Yeah.
First my phone cracked, then my ego.

-That was the worst workshop ever.
-[gasps]

Crap. Is it possible
he meant what he said?

[music fades]

[sighs]

-[yelps] Don't let him see me!
-[Dong-min] Who? What? What's happening?

[gasps]

-Whoa! What the heck?
-[jaunty music playing]

-What're we doing? Hey, wait.
-[Hye-bin] What the…?

Uh, Eun-ju, Mi-rae, where are you…

-[Hye-bin] Yo!
-Hey.

[Hye-bin] What are you doing?

[gasps] Are we playing choo choo?

-Train is leaving the station!
-Whoa, let go! Whoa!

[Hye-bin] Whose chair is this?

Mine?

I like you.

Most readers gave this part high marks.

And I personally thought
the artistic style was excellent,

and the witty homage.

It's not too trendy,
but it oozes creativity.

Overall it feels fun but… polished.

-I like you. I like you. I like you.
-[groans, sighs]

-Get a grip. Get a grip!
-[man groans tiredly]

-I say we take five?
-Sounds good.

[uneasy music intensifies]

[sighs heavily]

[music fades]

Hmm? Huh? Oh, uh… I… I'll go too.

[grunts]

[grunting]

-[Kyeong-nam] Push.
-[sighs]

Oh… [chuckles]

Why is he messing with my head like this?

[sighs]

[sighs]

[machine beeps]

-[sighs]
-[cell phone buzzing]

-[Eun-h*] Do I get to see you today?
-[chuckles]

Yes, you do. I'll leave work early.

[gasps softly]

-Ms. Seo.
-Yes?

I guess you don't feel the same.

Huh?

[coffee machine beeps]

You can't keep running away forever.

I… That's not what I was doing.
I just wanted to…

We're grown-ups.

I can handle it.

[Mi-rae] Oh God…

If you're not interested,
please just say so.

-Uh…
-[cell phone buzzing]

It's just that I…

If you're seeing someone,
I'll leave you alone.

I do

have a guy.

I don't talk about him at work. I

like to keep it private.

So I'll just pretend
my ears were really clogged, okay?

Sure.

Huh?

I understand.

Oh.

[coffee machine beeps]

[Mi-rae] What's with
the cavalier attitude, anyway?

What, he doesn't like me anymore?

I do have a guy.

PRODUCER PARK KYEONG-NAM

Who cares? He's so full of himself.

[sighs] Whatever.

[dance-pop music playing]

Wait. Whoa!

Whoa!

Whoa.

So you're a master of every sport you do?

-It's a blessing and a curse.
-[chuckling]

-If I fall will, you catch me?
-I'll think about it.

[romantic music playing]

[music fades]

Guess what?

A guy at work likes me.

The one you always say drives you nuts?

-He finally told you?
-[chuckles]

You knew he would?

[sighs] It came out of nowhere, honestly.

When I told him I was seeing someone,
he just said, "Sure."

I'll bet he wasn't really interested.

Probably to distract me from work.
Ugh, such a weasel.

You like to talk about that weasel
when we're together though, don't you?

[chuckles]

Do I hear jealousy?

'Course not.

Are you sure? [chuckles]

You sounded jealous.

Hmm…

[chuckles] Do I look prettier?

I'm trying to ask you out on a date.

[chuckles softly]

Hmm…

I still got it.

Why don't you try something new
with your hair for once?

Like I've been telling you,
I think you're overcompensating.

[chuckles]

You think this is still about that loser?
I hardly remember him.

Sure.

And the retail therapy you're still doing
has nothing to do with it?

[sighs] I have to get out
into that brave new world, don't I?

It would be an awful shame
for the glamor to stay on the inside.

[scoffs] It's your money.

[woman] Oh, Seo Eun-h*.

-[uneasy music playing]
-Isn't he gorgeous?

Oh, that's a good shot. Oh!

[both] And those eyes!

[women giggling]

-[woman 1] Who was your first?
-[woman 2] The pilot.

-[woman 1] Did you fly?
-Yes, at night.

-Did you see stars?
-In his eyes, yeah.

-[squeals]
-I'll try this one next.

[woman 1] The retreat? I want to try
the one where it starts raining, and oh!

THE EVER-SHINING FIRST-LOVE SENIOR
SEO EUN-h*

-[woman 2] He's just so perfect.
-Oh my God.

[music fades]

[uneasy music resumes]

[journalist] Among those receiving
rave reviews is Seo Eun-h*.

Several women who fell in love
described him as gentle and strong,

sexy but attentive.

-K had this to say…
-[K] Reality's gone out the window for me.

The time I spent with Eun-h* after work,
from the comfort of my bed

feels as if I'm dating him in real life.

Scratch that. BOD is way better.

[journalist] Eun-h*
the college student's top five.

Number five, moving in close
to help you fasten your kumdo uniform.

Don't hold back on me like last time.
I want the challenge.

Number four,

running in the sudden downpour together,
like a scene out of a movie. Number three…

I wish you didn't see me as just a friend.

-Number two…
-The exam?

…confirming your feelings for each other
on the campus steps.

I'm sure I failed. Couldn't focus.

[journalist] Number one, moonlit night.

The romantic moment by the water
staring up at the Milky Way.

Eun-h* the architect's top five.

Number five…

As pretty as ever.

Number four, when he moves in
to tie your apron,

but even smoother
than when he was in school.

Number three…

I didn't realize then
no matter how hard I tried,

I could never forget you.

-[music fades]
-[system beeps]

[sighs]

[system beeps]

[pensive music playing]

[sighs]

[sighs]

It's so dark.

[sighs] What's going on?

[gasps] Oh. Hi.

You surprised me.

Glad it worked.

Here.

[pensive music playing]

These are beautiful. What's the occasion?

Ah, I just wanna celebrate you.

That okay?

It's sweet. I love flowers.

[chuckles uneasily]

-[sighs]
-[door opens]

You're very quiet.

You hardly talked during dinner.

[Mi-rae sighs]

Didn't I?

Everything all right?

Mm-hmm. Everything's fine.

[sighs softly]

[sighs]

Mi-rae?

Mm-hmm?

I'm afraid.

[poignant music playing]

[Mi-rae sighs]

You're gonna walk out of my life again.

[journalist] Eun-h*
the architect's top five. Number two…

[Eun-h*] I'm afraid.
You're gonna walk out of my life again.

Oh jeez.

[sighs]

Maybe we can discuss it later.

[sighs wearily]

[tender music playing]

Have I done something to upset you?

[sighs]

No, it's not that.

My eyes are up here.

[journalist] Number one,

when you're pinned against a car
and he leans in,

pouring all that gentle sexiness
into a kiss.

[Mi-rae scoffs]

This is getting to be too much.

I'm sorry.

You haven't done anything to upset me.

-[somber music playing]
-[Mi-rae] I'm the one who changed.

[sighs]

I can't do it.

I can't buy into this fantasy world
any longer.

Your number one move didn't work.

I don't understand.

[Mi-rae sighs]

I'm gonna go. You were right about that.

Meaning?

I do wanna thank you for everything.

Take care of yourself.

Don't go.

[Mi-rae sighs]

Playing with my feelings like this?
Like I'm a puppet on a string?

[scoffs] I want a refund.

Who needs this crazy service?

-[high-pitched chiming]
-[alluring music playing]

[scoffs]

[sighs]

Oh God! You gave me a heart attack!

Oh!…

-How's it going?
-Fine.

What's wrong? And be honest.

[sighs]

Oh… You lost interest in the architect?

-No problem. Just start a new search.
-[sighs]

Is the reason you're here
because I said I was quitting?

[tense music playing]

'Course not.

I wasn't aware. Really!

I check in with all the girls.
I mean… [chuckles uneasily]

Do you wanna cancel?

[music fades]

[sighs] Maybe.

I'm sure if you tell me
what's bothering you,

we can find a win-win solution
to your problem.

We have answers for everything,
probably some you haven't considered. Mm?

-[intriguing music playing]
-[sighs]

-Mm-hmm?
-Let me ask you.

Eun-h*'s dating a lot of other clients.
How many exactly?

Oh… You really want me to answer that?

Yes. And if you don't,
you will lose a client.

[groans] Okay.

One sec.

CHOI SI-WOO - SEO EUN-h*

[inhales sharply]

More or less 12,430.





My… my boyfriend has 12,000…
[gasps] Player!

I knew I shouldn't have told you.


with those perfect lines,

and those perfect dates,
and those perfect eyes?

What?

Did it go up? Is it a lot?

Uh, since we've been talking,
only six new ones really.

Enough! I'm done. [breathes shakily]

[scoffs]

What I'm sensing
is that you don't like the fact

that your boyfriend
is basically not only yours?

Yes. I know it's silly. My head knows
it's a fantasy, but my heart doesn't.

[sympathetically] Mm-hmm.

[sighs] It was good
to have romance in my life.

I just wish
I hadn't been one of thousands.

Anywho, it's not like
that's something you can fix.

Not with your current membership.

-Huh?
-This is quite an easy fix.

Your main objection is,
there isn't one special guy for you.

If you had that kind of service,
I would've used it.

Your current package gives you access
to all 900 candidates.

But what if I told you
there's one more you haven't seen?

BOD 901.

Your bespoke love match,
created entirely for you.

[intriguing music playing]

Uh… So, you mean he's only for me?

And no one else?

We'll create your own man.

One perfect custom-tailored boyfriend
that you design for yourself.

Gu Yeong-il.

Gu Yeong-il?

-[sighs]
-[cell phone chimes]

[automated voice] Ms. Seo,
please answer the following questionnaire

to create your bespoke
Boyfriend on Demand.

[manager] The next steps will be to answer
a few questions about yourself.

Tell us more about what you're looking for
in your dream partner.

Looks, personality, attitude.
Then we'll analyze your answers.

[scoffs softly]

Let's see…

"I like the naughty feeling
I get from dating a bad boy."

Nope.

“I like a guy who can turn on the charm,
over one who never has to turn it off.”

[giggles] Yes.

"I like quiet men who let
their actions speak for themselves."

Yeah, loud ones are obnoxious… Mm, yes.

Oh! Yeah.

Ugh… How many more are there?

[gasps]

Are you kidding?

[sighs]

"Describe your ideal man below.
Max 2,000 characters"?

Ugh! Not an essay.

God, it's like I'm back in school.

[sighs]

What are the reviews for this?

BOYFRIEND ON DEMAND 901

[woman] Gu Yeong-il is
the undisputed champion of BOD.

[woman 2] Who knew I had such fine taste?

[woman 3] Finally getting over my breakup.

[woman 4] I finally know what love is.
Ten stars!

[woman 5] Gu Yeong-il is totally worth
the price of the membership.

[woman 6] I didn't know my ideal man until
I met my custom-tailored guy. In love!

[automated voice] Optimization complete.

[Mi-rae] I don't know where I'm headed,
but I do know

that my perfect match is
at the end of the road.

-[dreamy, suspenseful music playing]
-[chuckles]

[gasps]

[motorcycle engine revving]

-[tired screeching]
-[music stops]

-[gasps, screams]
-[tires screech]

What the hell?

[suspenseful music playing]

[Mi-rae gasps]

[sultry rock music playing]

[music fades]

[elevator chimes]

-[automated voice] The doors are opening.
-[woman] Good morning.

[automated voice] The doors are closing.

[dramatic rock music playing]

[dramatic rock music continues]

[music fades]

[inaudible]

-[chuckles] Lose something?
-Ah!

-I didn't know you were there.
-[chuckles]

[Kyeong-nam sighs]

No. [coughs, sniffs]8

Just wanted…

♪ One day, you told me ♪

♪ "I love you, baby…" ♪

This? Is this what you're looking for?

♪ I'm saving our love
Into our memory file ♪

♪ We are happy like floating clouds… ♪

[Mi-rae] Ta-da!

♪ I guess you'd be soft and warm ♪

♪ A love in beta still feels better ♪

♪ Even though you're a fiction ♪

♪ We are dancing slow ♪

♪ Love's reflection glows
So real tonight ♪

♪ I need one more chance ♪

♪ Your voice drips like warm honey
All through my wires ♪

[vocalizing]

♪ Someday, you'll call me
Your "digital baby" ♪

♪ When it's sleep time
Will you dream of my love ♪

♪ I'm saving your smile in my coded file ♪

♪ Coded file ♪

♪ We'll still be shining
When midnight comes ♪

♪ I can't see where you've been ♪

♪ You fade through the screen again ♪

♪ Loving pixels still feel so tender ♪

♪ Even though you're just the sender ♪

♪ We are dancing slow ♪

♪ Those reflections glow so real tonight ♪

♪ I need one more chance ♪

♪ Your voice drips like warm honey
All through my wires ♪

♪ Maybe love's just a line of code ♪

♪ A sweet illusion I call my own ♪

♪ Even if this world resets again ♪

♪ My heart will still log in
To your name ♪

♪ We are dancing slow ♪

♪ Love's reflection glows
So real tonight ♪

[music fades out]