Chapter 175
Chapter 175
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 175
Chapter Title: Yu-na's Birthday Photoshoot
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Yu-na nodded vigorously.
"Yes! I want to take pictures together."
Alright, if that's what Yu-na wants.
I slowly got to my feet.
"Then wait here just a moment. Dad's gonna grab some clothes from the car. You can stay put nicely, right?"
"Yes!"
Yu-na slipped back into the pristine white dress I'd meant to return on the way to the salon.
Her face bloomed into a full smile.
Just watching her sit there primly, swinging her adorable little legs, was enough to lift my spirits.
"You really like that dress that much?"
"It feels like a princess dress. Am I going to the awards in this today too?"
I gently stroked Yu-na's hair and shook my head.
"Not today—we're wearing something else to the ceremony. But if you really love it that much... want Dad to buy it for you?"
"Really?"
"Of course. It's your birthday today. You think Dad can't swing that much?"
Two days ago, we'd already thrown her birthday party early, but that didn't mean I was planning to skip her actual birthday.
So if there's anything she wants, I'll make it happen, no matter what.
Yu-na's eyes went wide.
"But I've already gotten so many birthday presents? The party the other day wrapped up my birthday, didn't it? Right?"
Ah, so that's why she's surprised.
"That was just an early celebration since we couldn't do it at home today. Our little girl's real birthday is today, isn't it?"
"Hmm... yeah?"
Right on cue, In-cheol strolled up with the car keys.
"Jun-seo, we're all set. We'll snap a few pics at the salon and..."
"In-cheol Uncle!"
Whoosh!
Yu-na shot up from her seat and dashed straight to him. In-cheol's eyes bugged out as he took in her outfit.
"I want pictures with Dad too."
"Y-Yeah?"
"Yes!"
I slowly stood up.
Then I grabbed yesterday's outfit and headed over to In-cheol.
"In-cheol, watch Yu-na for a sec."
"You're changing into that now? There's a dressing room at the salon..."
"Isn't it weird to change twice there? You know?"
"Ah... yeah, fair enough. Got it."
I finally changed into yesterday's tuxedo and we took In-cheol's car to the salon at a leisurely pace.
Hum-dee-dum. Hum. Hum.
Yu-na sat primly on my lap, humming a little tune. Her sweet melody had my shoulders bouncing along.
"You seem in a good mood."
"It's Yu-na's birthday today. You didn't forget, did you?"
"...As if I could."
"Uncle! Do you have a present for Yu-na?"
Screech! Thud!
He slammed on the brakes, and I pitched forward. I instinctively hugged Yu-na tight to steady us.
"Hey, take it easy on the road."
"A car ran the red light up ahead—I had no choice... Feel kinda wronged here."
"Eek, that scared me! Drive gently like Dad says, Uncle."
Yu-na's sharp words.
I couldn't help but grin.
"That's my pretty girl. You sure know how to speak up."
"Hee hee hee."
"Ahem!"
In-cheol cleared his throat awkwardly and got us moving again. A moment later, he spoke up.
"If you don't call me 'Uncle'... I could give you a birthday present. Think you could call me 'Uncle' instead? What do you say, Yu-na?"
"Hmm... nah. I got tons of presents last time anyway. Hee hee hee."
"Ah... r-right...?"
"Yep! Uncle's Uncle."
"...Hahaha!"
I burst out laughing.
In-cheol's darkened expression was pure comedy gold. Should I nudge her later to call him uncle?
Nah. This is perfect as is.
I was wiping tears of laughter on my sleeve when—
Bzzzzt!
My phone vibrated hard enough to rattle me. I pulled it out—Yoon Si-won.
What's up?
"Hello?"
-Oh, Jun-seo... I hate to ask such a huge favor...
"Sure. What's that?"
-Are you busy right now...?
Her voice sounded uncharacteristically hesitant. What could she want from me?
"Not busy. What's going on?"
-If it's not too much trouble... could you take Ha-yul to the awards ceremony with you?
"The year-end acting awards?"
-Our agency rep suggested asking you...
Ah, I get it.
She's looking to borrow my fame to get Ha-yul's name out there.
'The year-end acting awards.'
Perfect stage for it.
"Hm, that's not a big deal."
-R-Really? You'll do it?
"What, you think I'd say that if I didn't mean it? I'm fine with it—no need to apologize."
-Haaa...
A deep, unreadable sigh came through the line.
I chuckled.
"Ha-yul free right now?"
-Yes, she is.
"I'll send you the address—bring her over? If you're using my visibility, better to show us together from morning on. Right?"
Exactly.
'A budding new sprout.'
If I'm helping Ha-yul, might as well do it right.
-......
No response.
"Hello? You there?"
-Oh! Let me check with the agency real quick!
"Whatever works for you."
Click!
I sent the address and glanced outside.
We'd already pulled up to the salon.
"What? Speak up when we arrive."
"Looked like an important call, so I waited. Meeting up with child actress Lee Ha-yul?"
I nodded.
"Yeah. Figured Yu-na won't get bored with her around."
"Dad! Ha-yul's coming here?"
"Around lunchtime, maybe?"
"Hee hee hee. Gotta show off my pretty dress to Ha-yul."
Yu-na giggled mischievously.
"She'll definitely say it's pretty, right? Hee hee hee."
She was thrilled at the thought of showing off her dress to Ha-yul.
'Today's gonna be anything but boring.'
Ding-a-ling!
The salon door swung wide.
"Is this the place...? Excuse us."
"Mom, is this it? For someone as hot as Jun-seo Uncle, it looks kinda shabby..."
"Ssh! I told you to watch your mouth. Think before you speak. What if something like that ends up online later?"
"Yesss. Yesss. Sorry."
"You—! Seriously! Want me to really scold you?"
Familiar voices.
Yu-na and I were side by side getting our hair done when Yoon Si-won walked in with Ha-yul.
'Didn't expect them this early...'
We hadn't even taken pics for the fan cafe yet. Manager In-cheol was still out...
"...Friends of yours?"
"Ah, yeah..."
The stylist's flashy hands froze.
She must've overheard Ha-yul calling the place shabby and got offended.
I gave an awkward smile, then caught Yoon Si-won's eye in the mirror.
"Si-won, over here."
"Oh! You're right the—"
Yoon Si-won, mid-stride with a smile, locked eyes with the sharp-glaring stylist and froze solid.
"......"
The stylist glanced down at Ha-yul.
"...Little miss? Sorry about that. So... what brings you to our humble salon?"
Yoon Si-won pressed down on Ha-yul's head, bowing deeply.
"Ahaha... We're so sorry! Ha-yul, apologize quick!"
"...Sorry."
"Haa... No worries. You're with actor Lee Jun-seo, right? Styling's done—you two can get up."
The stylist removed our capes and spun away.
"Thanks for the hard work."
"Thank you! Auntie!"
The stylist paused, glimpsing Yu-na's bright smile. Her scowl melted, lips twitching up to her ears.
"...You said just photos, then a style change after?"
I nodded.
"Yeah. Manager's back in ten, twenty minutes tops."
"Hmm, got it."
She checked the wall clock, dusted her hands.
"I'll rest in the back then. Ring the desk bell when you're done shooting."
"Got it."
With the stylist gone, an awkward silence fell.
"......"
"......"
Pat pat pat!
"Ha-yul! What do you think? Pretty dress and hair, right?"
"Yeah... Yu-na, you're super pretty."
As the kids dove into chatter, I exchanged belated greetings with Yoon Si-won.
"Hi. How've you been?"
"Good, thanks. Oh! This is lemon tea—good for the body, boosts energy and immunity. Made it for you. And sorry again for the big ask."
Her words tumbled out like a machine gun.
I took the big thermos, shrugging lightly.
"What’s to be sorry for? Neighbors gotta help each other. I'll enjoy this—thanks. Wanna sit in the waiting area till my manager's back?"
"S-Sure?"
***
In-cheol finally strode in, proudly handing Yu-na a small camera as a "birthday gift."
'She loves it, huh?'
Yu-na, clutching the compact camera, turned full-on photographer, snapping away at me.
"Look this way, Dad."
"...Like this?"
"Yeah, perfect. Hee hee. So cool."
"......"
"Now smile big!"
Every pose she demanded had my face burning with embarrassment.
Ha-yul and Yoon Si-won.
In-cheol too.
All watching from the waiting area with fond smiles.
"Compact camera for her birthday? Genius move."
"Oh! It's Yu-na's birthday today?"
"Mom, Yu-na's birthday?"
"Right, yeah. Last year at Jun-seo's rookie award speech, he mentioned it was her birthday and congratulated her."
"Oh yeah!"
I eavesdropped while following the tiny cameraman's orders.
Yoon Si-won and Ha-yul had totally forgotten it was Yu-na's birthday.
'Kinda hurts...'
No, I shook my head.
I'd be the jerk for feeling bummed when I don't even know Ha-yul's birthday...
"Hee hee hee. Good! Dad, now arms straight out front! Spread 'em!"
"...This way?"
I stretched my arms forward on cue. Yu-na handed the camera to In-cheol and ran over.
Squeeze.
Hugging her close, she beamed up at me.
"Uncle! Your turn to shoot. I wanna stick right to Dad."
"...Sure. Can Uncle keep all the files after?"
"Yes!"
Click! Click!
How many did we take?
Satisfied, I waved Ha-yul over.
"Ha-yul, c'mere. Let's snap some with Uncle too."
"F-For real?"
"Yep, for real. Posting to BestStar... that cool?"
Ha-yul's eyes went wide.
A beat.
"Mom! I look okay, right? Nothing on my face?"
"What's with the fuss all of a sudden."
Her reaction was so cute, I cracked up. In-cheol, who rarely laughs, joined in.
Even Yu-na in my arms.
Everyone burst into laughter.