Chapter 353: Family Affairs (6)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 353: Family Affairs (6)
After another nap, my head felt clear. My mood had improved as well.
My resilience has definitely… gotten better.
I couldn't exactly brush it off like it was nothing, but I’d recovered faster than expected. Waiting to meet my parents had been the right choice.
Since I had a scratch on my neck, I had to wear a turtleneck despite the warm weather. When I headed to the practice room after a late lunch, the guys came rushing over to me.
"Why are you here?"
Choi Je-ho asked, his brow furrowed deeply. Even when I told him to relax his face, his scowl remained unmoved.
"You should have rested more…"
Park Ju-woo looked dejected.
"I was bored being by myself."
At my words, one of Kang Gi-yeon’s eyebrows arched skeptically.
"So that’s why you came? Not to practice?"
"If you let me, I will."
"No way. The sofa just opened up, actually."
Jeong Seong-bin was already gathering blankets and cushions. Before I knew it, I was wrapped in a blanket, hugging a cushion, and plopped down on the sofa.
"Watch us from there and see how well we do! Got it?"
Lee Cheong-hyeon gave me a wink. I gave a casual nod and gestured for them to focus, as they kept stealing glances in my direction.
The guys finished practice earlier than usual. They claimed it was because they were hungry, but anyone could tell it was a lie.
"You guys are really terrible at lying."
"But you still like the pure-hearted Cheong-hyeon, right?"
"I think I’d like a Cheong-hyeon who knows how to use a bit of social savvy more."
"Man, he didn't fall for it."
Lee Cheong-hyeon shook his head and went to pack his things. Only Choi Je-ho, who had nothing to pack, finished early and loitered near the entrance.
"I-wol."
Manager Dae-yeon, who had come to escort us to the parking lot, called out to me.
"I bought what you asked for. It’s in our car, so I’ll have Seong-bin carry it up. I’ve already spoken to Chan-yeong, so you don’t need to tell him separately."
"Thank you. Did Manager Chan-yeong say anything?"
"He told me to make sure Cheong-hyeon and Gi-yeon never touch it, but he also said you and Seong-bin would probably cut them off anyway."
As Manager Dae-yeon and I shared a chuckle, Choi Je-ho approached.
"Bought what?"
"Oh, right. I was going to tell you beforehand."
Choi Je-ho put his hands on his hips, waiting for me to speak.
"Can I have a drink tonight?"
"Are you insane?"
"Is your mouth crooked? Can't you speak nicely?"
My eyes darted to Manager Dae-yeon and back faster than a lightning bolt.
"What do you mean, alcohol?"
"I checked with the manager beforehand. He said it’s fine as long as I don't overdo it."
"Why are you suddenly doing things you never do?"
Choi Je-ho didn't hide his displeasure. Since the manager had stepped away to give us space, I was able to talk to him face-to-face.
"I’m not drinking because I’m having a hard time. You don't have to worry about dependency. I didn't even take headache medicine today."
"My point is, why do you have to drink that stuff?"
"There’s something I want to say, but I don't have the courage."
"What?"
"So, I was wondering if I could drink on the balcony? If not, I’ll just chug it on the stairs before coming in."
"You’re going to hit the bottle on the sidewalk again?"
Choi Je-ho’s expression turned even more grim.
"Drink at the dorm. Keep the balcony window open."
"Thanks."
"If you get drunk, I’m throwing you out."
Leaving me with that grumbling permission, Choi Je-ho walked away.
On the way back, I sent a message to the guys from the car.
Me
[Is everyone busy tonight?]
Cute Pretty Visual Lee Cheong-hyeon
[Kang Gyeon says he has to sleep early to grow taller]
[Why?]
Me
[There’s something I want to talk about. It’s not about work, just personal stuff.]
[Especially after what happened yesterday.]
[I was wondering if anyone had time.]
King Cute Kang Gi-yeon
[Lee Cheong-hyeon wrote that wrong.]
[I decided to start sleeping early from tomorrow.]
Cute Pretty Visual Lee Cheong-hyeon
[Oh right]
[My bad ㅠㅠ We were supposed to stay up all night playing games today. Totally free!!!]
20-Year-Old Metal Jade Bead Park Ju-woo
[I slept after lunch so I’m not sleepy :D>-<]
Mental Pillar Jeong Seong-bin
[Everyone get ready for bed and meet in the living room at 12:30!]
['Everyone get ready for bed...' has been set as an announcement.]
True to their word, as soon as we arrived at the dorm, they washed up and cleared the living room table. Jeong Seong-bin handed me a heavy-looking plastic bag with a reluctant expression.
"This... Dae-yeon hyung told me to give this to you..."
"Ah. Thanks."
Inside were two small bottles of liquor from a convenience store. There were also ice cups for highballs. To keep the round ice from melting, there were even two large ice packs.
As I was pouring the liquor into a glass with ice at the sink, Lee Cheong-hyeon approached from behind.
"Isn't this whiskey?"
"Why do you have knowledge that a minor has no reason to possess?"
"I mean, you can usually tell just by looking at the bottle."
"How can you tell? You’d need big data in your head for that to be possible."
"My house has a glass cabinet full of this stuff, okay! Want me to steal one for you?"
"Don't say such scary things. If you guys even get a drop of alcohol on your hands, I’ll have to hold a press conference immediately."
"It’s not like I’m carrying it in my bare hands, is it that serious?"
While we chatted, I finished making a glass of whiskey that was perfect for a budget-friendly treat. When I went to ventilate the room, I saw that Choi Je-ho had already opened the balcony door.
Jeong Seong-bin, Park Ju-woo, and Kang Gi-yeon were already seated at the table. Park Ju-woo was even pinching his inner arm to stay awake.
"Ju-woo, why are you doing that?"
"In case I fall asleep..."
"If you're sleepy, you should sleep."
"No, I’m not sleepy..."
Kid, I don't think you even know what you're saying right now.
I shot a look at Jeong Seong-bin to send him to bed, but Seong-bin feigned ignorance. I should have told them sooner that I wasn't planning to say anything grand.
I didn't have a story big enough to satisfy their expectations. My throat felt parched, so I downed the whiskey in one go.
"Can you even drink it like that?!"
"Whether you sip it or gulp it, it’s all the same once it’s inside."
Leaving a horrified Jeong Seong-bin behind, I quietly found my spot. It was a comfortable corner where I could lean my back against the sofa. It bothered me a bit that Park Ju-woo was next to me, but I figured he’d be better than Choi Je-ho when it came to the smell of alcohol, so I didn't say anything. If the smell got too strong, he’d move on his own.
Even after sitting down, my throat felt dry, so I took a few more gulps. It was a bitter aroma I hadn't tasted in a long time.
"First of all, I heard everyone went through a lot because of me yesterday."
"..."
"I feel very sorry... but also, thank you."
Kang Gi-yeon, who was sitting across from me, gulped down some cold water.
"I felt like I should at least explain what happened yesterday."
Looking at Kang Gi-yeon made me thirsty as well. After wetting my throat again, I carefully began to speak.
"The reason I met my family even though you guys tried to stop me was..."
My hands were shaking. I lowered them beneath the table, pretending to be fine.
"Because of my older sister."
It remains vaguely in my memory—Choi Je-ho bursting into the meeting room while I was arguing with my family.
If he had heard the conversation back then, he would have heard something about my sister.
This confirmed it. Stating facts about the present that I accurately perceive is not controlled by the system—as long as it falls within the range where the past I knew and the present align.
Through yesterday's events, I clearly confirmed that my sister exists. Therefore, the system does not block me from talking about her in front of these guys.
However, I cannot bring up the memories I alone have of her. Just as I couldn't speak properly even where my mother and father were. Now, those memories will likely remain only in my mind forever.
"I have a sister. An older sister. I don't have much information, but... I’ve been looking for her for several years."
"..."
"I knew asking directly would be the fastest way, but I didn't have the courage to do it."
It felt awkward. Sharing personal history beyond the usual threshold felt like a challenge.
"To get straight to the point, there wasn't much of a result. But I know what I need to do now, and it’s not like there’s no way at all, so I won't be seeing them separately again. You don't have to worry too much."
The living room was as silent as if cold water had been poured over it. I also drank in silence.
Surprisingly, it was Park Ju-woo who broke the long silence.
"...What are you going to do now?"
"Hmm."
That was something I had to think about moving forward.
Still, it wasn't like I had nothing to say, so I wiped the condensation off the glass with my hand as I spoke.
"I’ll have to start by looking into facilities. I don't know much, so it’ll take time."
"Facilities...?"
"It seems they abandoned her shortly after she was born. I heard it yesterday."
Park Ju-woo’s expression clouded over. He looked like he wanted to say something but gave up, looking pitiful.
"Were you looking for your sister even when you joined UA?"
Kang Gi-yeon, who had been quiet, asked.
"I was."
"..."
"I feel sorry toward you guys for that part."
"Why?"
"Because you guys were sincere, but I only thought of debuting as a means to an end."
It was embarrassing to bring up things others didn't need to know. It felt like I was putting my lowest points on display for no reason.
"You asked me why I go this far for you guys. If I wasn't doing things that weren't my business."
"..."
"I did it because I felt sorry. I still feel somewhat the same, but... anyway."
The glass was empty. When I shook the empty cup, the ice just spun around and clinked against the glass.
"As you can tell by now, I’m on bad terms with my family. That’s not going to change. Before, I just said we weren't on good terms because I didn't want to worry you."
I locked eyes with Lee Cheong-hyeon. There was something I had to say to him.
"The reason I told you not to settle everything in a hurry was because I wanted you to make the best choice after your heart found some stability."
"..."
"If you decide later that you absolutely cannot forgive your family, I’ll support you. Because that’s how I am. I just wanted you to know that I didn't dismiss your concerns as trivial."
Lee Cheong-hyeon avoided my gaze, saying he hadn't thought that. The area under his eyes was red.
But I couldn't help it; it had been weighing on my mind. I couldn't let him misunderstand and think I was urging him to get along with his family.
I refilled my glass with a much lighter heart.
After closing the bottle cap tightly, I was about to drink the freshly poured liquor...
"What the?"
...Choi Je-ho, who had been sitting far away, took the glass.
And then, he actually put the drink to his lips. The alcohol. This strong stuff.