Chapter 448
Chapter 448
Once I got past Cha Yu-jin, this sweat-inducing fansign would finally be over. I sat down in the chair immediately.
‘Let’s finish this quickly.’
Maybe it was just my imagination, but my back felt like it was stinging.
Then again, it might not have been my imagination. Since Ryu Gun-woo was the very last in line, I was the only one out of the seven fans currently seated.
Of all the possible slots, how did I end up with this one?
[I’m so sorry... T_T]
As long as you didn't rig the order, you don't need to apologize.
I suppressed a sigh and bowed my head slightly.
“Hello.”
Cha Yu-jin gave a wide grin and flipped through the signing paper to find his photo.
“Welcome! What’s your name?”
“…Um, please make it out to Ryu Gun-woo.”
At that, Cha Yu-jin pouted.
“You’re not using BM? Do you not like the nickname I gave you?”
‘Huh?’
Wait, BM.
Wasn't that the nickname he gave Keun-dal the last time our bodies were swapped?
‘This guy… does he seriously not know we’ve swapped back?’
I instinctively glanced back at Kim Rae-bin. Kim Rae-bin had an expression that clearly said, ‘I have no idea why Moon-dae Hyung is looking at me.’
It seemed there had been a communication error during the hand-off.
‘Actually, this is better.’
If he doesn't know it’s me, I can just comfortably pretend to be Keun-dal, get the autograph, and get out.
I started to play the part.
[Aaaah, I can’t watch this…!]
Why are you even looking this way?
‘Just keep blowing hearts at the cameras.’
[Yes...]
I hurriedly waved my hands at Cha Yu-jin.
“A-Ah, no! I liked it. It’s just, um, I felt like I should use my real name at a place like this… but of course, I’d love it if you wrote BM too!”
“Got it.”
Cha Yu-jin hummed as he moved his pen across the paper. All the while, he peppered me with questions.
“Have you eaten? Did you come from far away?”
Is this really necessary?
No, perhaps I should view his attitude of fairly interrogating every fan—regardless of whether he knows them or not—as a good thing.
Regardless, I answered as best as I could.
“Yes, I ate well. And, um… I didn't come from very far. I live nearby!”
“Oh! I live nearby too! We might have run into each other by chance.”
I’m sure we have. Since we live together.
Cha Yu-jin grinned.
“But why are you using formal speech? Are you younger than me, Hyung?”
“Ah.”
Now that I thought about it, the two of them had dropped formalities.
I waved my hand dismissively.
“It’s just because of the setting…! I felt like I shouldn't. I’ll speak comfortably from now on!”
“OK~ I like that! Be comfortable.”
Cha Yu-jin went out of his way to hold out a hand for a high-five. He looked like he’d just won a basketball game.
Even then, his mouth didn't stop moving.
“Is there anything else you want to do? Do it all before you go. Regrets are no good!”
Thanks for the timing.
“Ah, wait a second…!”
I rummaged through the shopping bag and pulled out the item labeled ‘Cha Yu-jin.’
But… um, I didn't realize it had these sparkling beads on it…
‘It’s a face chain.’
It was a facial accessory that, to put it bluntly, was meant for the stage.
Unless it was Halloween, wearing this anywhere else would be flashy enough to draw a massive amount of unwanted attention.
Which meant… well.
‘This would definitely be in the Top 10 items Cha Yu-jin would never wear unless he was on stage.’
In that sense, it might have been a clever choice by the fan.
Well, whatever. My job was just to hand it over.
I quickly held out the face chain.
Cha Yu-jin took the bag with curious eyes, but soon winked as he pulled the chain out.
“Do you want to see me wear this?”
“Yes.”
Not me, but your fans do.
“Got it.”
Cha Yu-jin put the item on. I could practically hear the fansite masters screaming with joy from here.
“Waaaaah!”
Actually, I could hear them.
‘I guess it’s a good thing if someone’s happy.’
The goal of the fansign was being achieved, so it was fine… I shifted my body slightly to give the cameras a better view of Cha Yu-jin.
Cha Yu-jin shook his head slightly.
“Does it look good on me?”
“Yeah, it looks really good!”
“Umm… I know.”
Then why did you even ask?
Cha Yu-jin gave a somewhat nonchalant reply, then leaned in and whispered as if sharing a secret.
“I don't usually do things like this. But I’m doing it because a Loviewer gave it to me. You know that, right?”
“…….”
“Only you remember this, Hyung!”
‘Wow.’
He really is something else. Once he hooks a fan, he never lets them go.
“Got it. I’ll definitely remember!”
“Yeah~!”
Cha Yu-jin smiled and lifted his pen from the paper. Then he handed it to me.
It meant the fansign was finally over.
‘Finally.’
I’d survived this godforsaken situation…!
“Thanks!”
“I’m the one who’s thankful!”
I gave a relieved smile and prepared to stand up.
That was when it happened.
[That was fun! Maybe we should try doing this ourselves at the dorm later?]
“…!”
“Get home safe! See you again.”
Reflexively, I looked down at the paper in my hand.
At the autograph Cha Yu-jin had left.
On either side of his face… two identical autographs were written side by side.
However, the recipients were different.
-To. BM
-To. Ryu Gun-woo
I looked up.
Cha Yu-jin mouthed something as he waved his hand.
‘Moon-dae Hyung!’
It was exquisite timing, likely missed by the cameras behind me.
I couldn't tell if he’d planned it that way or if he just didn't care.
“…….”
I stumbled back to the audience seating and sat down.
The high school student who had received an autograph before me happened to be in the next seat. He asked me,
“Um, how was it?”
“…It was surprising.”
“Right?!”
“Yeah.”
Should I… make that kid take up acting?
I didn't know whether to be surprised that Cha Yu-jin had acted so naturally despite knowing everything, or to be embarrassed that I’d been played by him.
‘This is driving me crazy…’
Ah, dammit.
I resisted the urge to squeeze my eyes shut and tried to adjust my posture.
Just then, I felt a vibration from something bumping inside the shopping bag.
‘Hm?’
The only thing left should have been the hamster headband I skipped for Bae Se-jin.
I looked inside again.
To my surprise, there was another item left in the bag besides the hamster headband.
When I pulled it out… it was a pair of bear paws with pink jelly pads.
“…….”
There was a name tag attached, but I didn't need to look to know whose it was.
[Lee Se-jin]
Then it hit me.
I’d been so busy bickering with Keun Se-jin that I’d forgotten to give him his item.
“…….”
“Gasp, did you miss giving that one?”
“…Yes.”
…Let’s think about this.
My first fansign.
I was nervous, so I skipped one gift… Hmm.
‘That’s a perfectly plausible mistake.’
It was natural.
“I was just nervous.”
“Aww~ you must be so disappointed.”
“A little bit.”
I wasn't disappointed at all, but I decided to give it to him later anyway. I tucked the shopping bag away again.
“It’s getting late, everyone, so please get home safely!”
“See you next time~ We love you!”
Watching the guys give their all for fan service until the very end, it seemed the day’s madness was coming to a safe conclusion.
I naturally waved my hand like everyone else.
Then, I locked eyes with the TeSTAR manager standing in the back.
“…….”
“…….”
He looked like he couldn't believe his own eyes.
I subtly averted my gaze.
‘A family member can be a fan, can’t they?’
And so, the eventful fansign came to an end.
“Phew.”
Immediately after joining the crowd and leaving the venue.
[Hyung?! Where are you going?]
A flustered pop-up arrived.
‘Where do you think? I’m going back to the studio apartment.’
Since we’ve swapped, we have to live each other’s daily lives.
[A-Ah… right.]
After a brief exchange asking him to pass the word to the others, I walked away and called a taxi.
It was only after checking the status window again that I realized something.
Wait.
‘The body swap lasts for two days now, not one.’
And 48 hours meant… this would continue until Monday. I realized the exact implication of those words once more.
‘…Ryu Gun-woo has to go to work.’
One-day experience as an idol-turned-civil-servant: Confirmed.
A clear Monday morning.
I scrolled through social media.
-2X0121 TeSTAR Osung Curious Fansign Park Moon-dae (Photo)
-Osung is seriously terrible at events. Are they really a big corporation? The fansign was delayed by 2 hours, I almost missed my last train. So pissed.
-What is up with the fansign items this time? It’s crazy.
-T_T T_T To whoever gave him the face chain, thank you so much. I feel like bowing in your direction.
At a glance, there didn't seem to be anything unusual.
However, when I checked private accounts or anonymous sites…
‘As expected.’
-Is it true that the last male fan brought all those items? (Photo)
-Is he staff? There are rumors he’s a sasaeng.
└ Who still believes Syeom-byeol sasaeng rumors? LOL
└ I don't know about that, but he looks handsome. Did anyone take a picture of him? T_T I’m curious, dammit. It’s anonymous anyway, just drop some.
There was some chatter.
‘I expected… this much.’
It would have been the same even if Keun-dal had come. I shrugged it off.
It would just be some talk mixed with rumors, and it would die down once TeSTAR’s comeback officially started.
Well, except for… this person.
-I was sitting next to this guy, and he seemed like a real fan. He brought stuff for all the members, but he was so nervous he missed one of them. LOL T_T He was so cute.
She just had to post that publicly.
And it seemed to be slowly gaining traction on social media.
‘…Just please don't let my identity be leaked.’
It probably won't go that far. I’ll choose to trust the aggression of social media users toward such moral issues.
I shook my head and swiped the screen.
A few messages popped up.
-Gun-woo Gun-woo Hyung, are you doing well? Sob sob. We have to see each other tonight.
-I’m hungry :(
-I heard you got home safely. I hope you don't push yourself too hard while we keep in touch like this until we can meet... (See more)
They were check-in messages from the members, slightly modified to sound like something Ryu Gun-woo would receive. Though I wasn't sure what one of them was thinking.
And then, a text from Ryu Cheong-woo.
-Don't forget today’s plan.
Right.
-Of course.
After sending that reply, I put my smartphone in my coat pocket.
Ah, as for why I was wearing a coat… it was because I was currently on the bus to work.
That’s right. I was finally going to work as Ryu Gun-woo.
[You could have taken a taxi...]
No. I intend to replicate your day as closely as possible.
Actually, more serious than what I was riding was… whether I could properly do the job of a 7th-grade civil servant.
[Don't worry! I’ll guide you well this time!]
Right. The situation had reversed.
This guy had to control me during the day.
‘It’s a relief TeSTAR doesn't have any outside schedules this afternoon.’
Having done it for a day, it seemed Keun-dal had adapted somewhat to Park Moon-dae’s practice schedule.
Of course…
[…I am a bit worried about what will happen this evening. That… plan.]
“…….”
Let’s worry about that when the time comes.
[Yes...]
What’s urgent right now is your job.
I got off the bus and entered my destination. The District Office.
Ryu Gun-woo was in the Transportation Division.
“Hello.”
“Section Chief Ryu is here~”
“Hello, Section Chief!”
The atmosphere wasn't bad.
‘I guess it’s not a busy period.’
I bowed to people here and there and followed Keun-dal’s advice to find my seat and sit down.
‘I’m counting on you.’
[Yes!]
And so, the work began.
It didn't take long for me to realize that Keun-dal was quite capable at paperwork.
‘Oh.’
For starters, his filing was neat, the content wasn't just meaningless copy-pasting, and there were no unnecessary expressions. The images and data he used were highly legible.
‘Not that I care much about civil service society.’
He’d studied because he’d die if he didn't pass, but it was a relief to see he actually seemed suited for it.
[Next, first log in to the bookmarked site!]
Got it.
It was a bit awkward, but I continued working while communicating with Keun-dal without much trouble. That was until…
“Hey!”
A middle-aged man came over and leaned against the partition.
“Section Chief Ryu. Is the draft for the information signs done?”
Hmm, that sounded like an awkward thing to hear as soon as I got to work on a Monday.
But as if he wasn't expecting an answer, the man tapped Ryu Gun-woo on the back and walked away.
Leaving these words behind.
“Do it properly this time! I’m counting on you~”
“…….”
Hmm.
That just now… felt like a jab.
I could sense the malice.
I called Keun-dal, described the man, and asked.
‘Is he a superior?’
[Ah… something like that. But our grades are the same...]
The pop-up hesitated for a moment, then answered clearly.
[Anyway, he does that often, so you don't need to pay him any mind!]
“…?”
He does this… often?
‘That’s not something you should say so nonchalantly.’
I thought for a moment and then went into the document archive. I looked through the documents this guy had drafted.
I saw traces of rejections every other document.
But no matter how I looked at the documents, Keun-dal’s approval rate shouldn't have been this low.
“…….”
Hmph.
[Ah, Hyung, from your explanation, it seems there’s nothing major today! It should be fine if you just handle a few urgent things!]
…Okay.
For now, I started drafting the documents as he said and began processing the civil complaints that had come in over the weekend.
I intended to observe the situation for a bit.
And a few hours later.
“We’re heading out for field work. A meeting. Please update our attendance status~”
The guy from earlier started talking from one side of the office.
“Um, but Section Chief Ryu was originally supposed to go…”
“Uh-huh, but that… Police Chief, that Mr. Choi is coming. So I’m going with Section Chief Lee here.”
Oh.
I turned my head from my seat. When our eyes met, the guy waved his hand dismissively.
“A-hem~ Section Chief Ryu, just take it easy. You don't know much about this kind of thing anyway. I’ll just go with Section Chief Lee again this time.”
“Section Chief…”
The one called ‘Section Chief Lee,’ who had been glancing between Ryu Gun-woo and the other ‘Section Chief,’ eventually shut his mouth.
It meant he’d follow the words of the one with more seniority.
“…….”
“And while you’re resting, take a look at our project proposal. Don't submit it for approval yet. Okay?”
Ho-ho.
I watched the guy leave without a word.
Then I called Keun-dal, explained the situation, and asked point-blank.
‘What’s up with this guy?’
The pop-up appeared like a sigh.
[Aah… He did it again. But I am young… and it’s true I don't know many people in this area.]
So, that 7th-grade official, instead of Ryu Gun-woo who was supposed to go to the meeting, was taking around a 9th-grade official who was related to a local influential figure and had connections everywhere.
And in exchange, he was ‘fairly’ dumping other annoying or mentally taxing tasks on Ryu Gun-woo.
‘…….’
I asked.
‘Was it also him who kept rejecting your drafts?’
[Ah, yes! He reviews them before they go up to the Team Leader.]
So there was some venting mixed in.
Then it wasn't even right to say he was just using Ryu Gun-woo.
‘He’s just screwing with him.’
I crossed my arms while looking at the computer.
“…….”
Now that I thought about it, Ryu Gun-woo seemed to be the only young 7th-grade official in this district office.
‘Is the problem that he stands out too much?’
I could see the blatant attempts to keep picking on him.
[But actually, I prefer it this way because it’s more comfortable. I don't have to meet people I’m uncomfortable with. And I can leave work on time!]
He seemed genuinely sincere.
He was someone who had survived such a difficult time during his school years; he probably didn't even bat an eye at this and just went about his business.
Thinking, ‘I guess that’s what he wants to do~’
However.
“……."
[Hyung?]
‘Being comfortable is good.’
[Right??]
‘But wouldn't it be even more comfortable if the guy annoying you disappeared?’
[…?!]
I spent a pleasant lunch break with the Team Leader while waiting for the ‘Section Chief’ to return.
[Hyung, Hyung?!]
I’m really looking forward to the afternoon.