Chapter 167
Chapter 167
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 167
Chapter Title: Birthday Invitations and Music Video Memories
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#167
"Clothes are on me, so don't prepare anything that might overlap. Got it?"
I could feel her firm resolve.
While keeping an eye on Yu-na, who was playing by tossing the basketball, I said softly.
"...I was planning on getting a bag. No need to worry."
That was right.
I had been planning to give her a small backpack or some pretty clothes as both an elementary school admission gift and her birthday present.
Since Sia was handling the clothes, all I had to do was get a cute bag.
It worked out perfectly anyway.
Hadn't she paraded around with her bag on the day before kindergarten started?
'She'll love getting a bag as a gift, right?'
A sigh came from the other end of the phone. She must have been relieved that we wouldn't overlap.
"But with the year-end awards ceremony on Yu-na's birthday, wouldn't it be better to move it up a few days and celebrate early?"
Her question came rapid-fire.
She had a point.
What had happened at last year's year-end awards?
Yu-na had gotten bored and whined about wanting to go home. We couldn't let her birthday turn out boring like that.
"Hmm... That's a good idea."
"How about the 29th? I have time then too."
Something felt off about her saying she had time. It sounded like she was planning to come in person for Yu-na's birthday.
'Maybe... she's hoping to be invited?'
As I stayed silent, a slightly trembling voice came through the phone.
"...Not good?"
"Oh, no, that's fine too. It happens to be Yu-na's kindergarten graduation day."
"Really? Then..."
This time, Sia trailed off.
A brief silence.
Her hesitant attitude, so unlike her usual self, made me chuckle.
If it's hard for her to say...
I'd just have to suggest it first.
Adjusting my grip on the phone, I asked nonchalantly.
"Should we do Yu-na's birthday party at home or out? If you can make it, Sia, I'm sure Yu-na would love it. You free?"
Her joyful voice burst out the moment I finished, like she'd been waiting.
"Y-Yeah, in that case. Got it. I'll contact you again on the morning of the 29th."
Click!
Smiling to myself, I stared at the now-black screen. It felt a bit awkward for a party with just one guest.
More people to invite...
Should I ask my brother and sister?
Scratching my head, I opened the sitcom group chat.
Lee Jun-seo: Everyone? How's December 29th? Anyone free?
I typed and sent the message, and read receipts popped up in a blink.
Messages started pouring in soon after.
Yoo Seol-hwa: I'm booked for a company dinner with the agency folks then. Why? Something up?
Kang Su-ho: Friday, right? Morning's good, but afternoon's radio show. Need a favor or something?
Shin Dong-hyun: Heading down to see Mom then... Why bring it up so ominously? You're not the type to suggest hanging out first.
Yoon Mi-jeong: Busy then too.
Figures, everyone's swamped...
No helping it then.
I gave up quick.
Lee Jun-seo: Year-end awards clash with Yu-na's birthday, so celebrating early. Since you're all busy, oh well.
Kang Su-ho: Spill sooner...
Yoo Seol-hwa: Party at your place? Wanna go.
Lee Jun-seo: Haven't decided home or out yet. If few people, probably outside.
Shin Dong-hyun: I could bail on Mom even now. Skip for Yu-na?
Kang Su-ho: That's a no.
Kang Su-ho: Hey! Dong-hyun! Didn't you say you haven't seen Mom in ages?
Yoo Seol-hwa: Yeah, no.
Shin Dong-hyun: Nah, it's fine. Hey! Jun-seo! Hold up!
What? Actually ditching family to come? He's the type to follow through. I hurriedly typed before it got late.
Lee Jun-seo: Don't. And you cool coming solo? Singer Sia from the agency is coming over.
Shin Dong-hyun: Guess no choice then.
The chat went suddenly quiet.
For a moment.
Then messages flooded.
Yoo Seol-hwa: Lololol you just bailed cuz it'd be awkward?
Yoo Seol-hwa: Lol so funny.
Kang Su-ho: It's fine. Lololol I'd gift and dip saying work too if it were me.
Yoo Seol-hwa: Lololol.
Shin Dong-hyun: I'm out! Got an urgent call.
Kang Su-ho: He's running!
I sighed deeply and hit back. They stayed as warmly familiar as ever, even after time passed.
"Hmm..."
Should I ask others now?
That's when a small basketball rolled right to my feet.
"Hehehe. Scored ten times."
"......"
Looking ahead, Yu-na was perched on the chair, easily dunking into the basketball hoop.
She was cheating.
Did cheating make it fun for her?
Really.
Yu-na's mind was a mystery sometimes. ◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ I messaged everyone I knew even a little and felt comfortable with, but they all said work conflicts.
Strange...
Some said they were free at first. Until I asked who else was coming.
Kang Min-woo and Cha Eun-hyuk from the high school series drama crew. Those two.
'Is it cuz of Sia?'
I tossed the now-unused phone aside.
With only Sia to invite for Yu-na's birthday party, maybe outside is better?
As I pondered briefly.
Yu-na, bored of ball play, plopped down next to me and said listlessly.
"Dad, that music video with Auntie Sia. When's it out?"
"Wanna watch the music video?"
"Yeah. Ball's no fun anymore. Wanna watch the one with Auntie Sia together."
"Alright, hang on."
I picked up the phone again and searched for Sia.
Among countless videos, the standout music box thumbnail.
Upload date today, views around 100k—not too many, not too few.
Title: 'Time Travel.'
This seemed right.
"Yu-na, come here. Let's watch together. Found the music video."
"Really? Hurry!"
"Heh, okay."
So I sat side by side with Yu-na on the sofa and played it.
Gentle music box melody. The opening matched the teaser I'd seen before.
Wonder how Yu-na came out? They filmed a lot, so plenty of footage.
Soon, the sweet music box tune flowed, and the teaser scene appeared.
'Antique shop.'
Sia touches the analog TV and travels back in time.
Then, alternating shots of Yu-na and Sia in a small stationery store.
Set up to compare with her childhood self.
Regret is enough just once—
I'm back—
To the time I regret most in life—
The lyrics brimmed with sincere remorse for her past self.
The song and lyrics were really good...
"Huh? This was actually fun."
"Really fun? Didn't you cheat back then and write your name with your butt?"
"Ah! Not that! The hopping over stones part."
Smiling, I glanced back at the phone.
We'd been bickering nonstop then.
But it looks like we're close here.
Shooting had been full of spats, not the nonstop laughter in the video.
Look at them now.
Warmth and innocence radiate.
Sia's sweet singing blending in changed the vibe?
"Hehe. Yu-na won back then."
I covered Yu-na's mouth with my hand.
For some reason, I wanted to focus only on Sia's song now. The lyrics really resonated.
"Mmph mmph!"
"Shh just a bit. Yu-na..."
How much more—must I sacrifice—
What must I do—
To change my past heart—
Give me one more chance—
I'll do better then—
Lyrics filled with sincere regret for her past self. A gentle melody conveying their meaning perfectly.
"......"
Had a song ever choked me up?
Never happened before.
But...
Why do tears keep welling up?
I wiped them quickly and closed my eyes, listening intently.
How much time passed?
"Whoa! Bedwetter auntie pics!"
"......"
Yu-na slipped my hand away and spoke. Blinking open, old film-like photos flickered by one after another.
Race first place at sports day.
In front of a wall.
Crying pitifully.
And many more lined up.
"Auntie was a crybaby as a kid! Call her Crybaby Auntie from now on."
"......"
"Hehehe. Auntie was a crybaby. Crybaby."
The music video ended.
I sighed deeply and pocketed the phone.
"Ah, that was fun."
"...Fun?"
Yu-na nodded without hesitation at my question.
"Yeah! Super fun."
"Song wasn't good?"
"Hmm... Song was super good too."
I smiled faintly.
Too young for Yu-na to grasp the emotions in the song yet.
Still.
'Singers aren't just anyone.'
Unlike actors, singers pack all emotion into short songs.
Like this one.
"Dad, when's dinner? Got hungry watching."
"...Yeah, let's eat." ◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ While eating with Yu-na, I checked reactions to the music video.
Since Yu-na was in it.
Had to see responses.
-Hands up who saw the end photos!
└Sia auntie's image shattering hard. Just me?
└Wasn't she sister before? When'd she become auntie? Lmaoooo.
└No joke, she really looks like Yu-na. Got chills comparing to Yu-na's pic.
└Agreed.
-cried to the song. remembered acting immature with dad... *sob sob sob sob*
-Choked up. Miss my dad who left early.
-Dad's efforts... reflecting on my immature past self. Hits hard...
-But I get dad's side too. Isn't wanting to give daughter everything what dad's about?
Wasn't just me.
Plenty choked up like I did.
"...Should I comment too?"