365 Yun Woo’s Translator 7 (1/2)
Translated by: ShawnSuh
Edited by: SootyOwl
From then on, Seo Kwang had been barraging the author with questions through every possible means: texts, phone calls, emails, etc., no matter where Juho was or what he was doing.
”How's the tone here? Do you think it needs to be more aggressive?”
”Yes,” Juho replied.
”Could you send me some data on gynecologist/obstetrician clinics in the US?”
”Sure thing.”
Then, Juho's phone started to go off as soon as he picked it up.
”That took you long enough! So, it's about the scene of the character getting admitted into a psych facility.”
The translator wasn't even afraid to ask the most trivial of questions, which Juho applauded.
”You're a brave soul.”
”What do you mean?”
”Asking questions takes a lot of courage.”
”Well, that's the first time somebody told me that,” Seo Kwang said, laughing. Although it was quite a hassle, Juho liked that Seo Kwang had a lot of questions. Not only was the translator incredibly fond of the book, he also had the skill to back it up. Looking at the book, Seo Kwang translated it while trying to understand the author's intent, wrestling with how to deliver that to the readers. Whenever Juho would get a question from Seo Kwang, the author would have a feeling that the translation would turn out OK. Imagining how the translation would turn out was also quite fun.
”It's done”
It took about two months until Juho was notified that the translation had been completed.
”I'm confident in my work,” Seo Kwang said, appearing unfazed. When Juho locked eyes with him, a bright smile appeared on Seo Kwang's face, which brought a sense of peace to the author's heart, something Juho didn't recall ever feeling before. By the time the translated version of the book was released, it was a snowy winter.
---
”Good job!” Mr. Moon said, showering him with praise, patting the author on the back. Juho couldn't stand still because of the impact.
”Well done. Well done.”
Juho was the center of attention. People were laughing, and shutters were going off. When Juho looked to Seo Kwang for help, his translator friend giggled, joining those who were laughing. In the end, Juho said, ”Mr. Moon, please. Get a hold of yourself. I haven't been to school in a while and I don't wanna throw up.”
”I'm very, very proud of you,” Mr. Moon said still deeply emotional.
”It's all thanks to you, Mr. Moon!” Seo Kwang said, only to fan the flames. In the presence of the students looking into the staffroom from outside and his fellow teachers who were taking pictures of the three: him, Juho, and Seo Kwang, Mr. Moon hugged his two pupils. The translated version of Juho's novel was on the teacher's desk.
It had been Seo Kwang who had suggested that Juho deliver the book to the teacher in person, to which Juho had agreed willingly. The author had also been curious about how the school had changed after he graduated. If only he had known that he would become the center of attention.
”I've already bought the book. Why didn't you come sooner?” Mr. Moon had said upon reuniting with his former pupils.
”You know... I've been busy.”
”Well, it's made my life better. You did a fantastic job!”
Then, Juho's line of sight started to shake vigorously. Juho had never seen Mr. Moon get so excited, and seeing him in such a state was a rather new experience. Catching his breath, the teacher said, ”The translation was really good,” looking toward Seo Kwang. At which point, a proud smile appeared on the translator's face.
”Right? I couldn't believe that I did all that either.”
”I don't know how many times I cried reading it.”
”You cried?”
”There's no doubt that that book was written by Yun Woo.”
At that, Juho saw Seo Kwang's shoulders drop with relief.
”That's a relief.”
The process had been exhausting. At that moment, a hand came up and patted the translator on the back.
”It was so hard,” Seo Kwang said.
”I'm sure it was.”
Bearing Yun Woo's name was anything but easy. Then, looking toward Juho, Seo Kwang said, ”I'll do even better next time.”
”That's my student!” Mr. Moon said. Starting to get emotional again, he shouted, ”I'm so proud of you both!”
From then on, the three took their conversation to a different room, which had been provided by another teacher.
”I wouldn't have thought in my dreams that I'd see you on TV.”
”I was just third wheeling.”
”It was funny seeing how nervous you were.”
”Oh! C'mon, Mr. Moon!” Seo Kwang said.
”Yun Woo,” Mr. Moon said.
”Yes?”
”Everyone else has visited me at least once, bringing snacks to the kids in the Literature Club when they did. What took you so long?”
”You know the position I'm in, Mr. Moon.”
”You could've just come and see me,” Mr. Moon said stubbornly, something Juho was more used to. As Juho chuckled, Seo Kwang said, ”Well, I brought him! Better late than ever, right?”
”I guess so.”