Running an Errand (1)
Aqua has severe camera shyness. They also call it stage fright for footage. At my words in the video, the real Aqua let out a shrill scream.
[Yeow?!] Aqua whipped her head toward me. Her cheeks were puffed out hugely.
[Did I really say something like that?!]
"Devilish editing," I lied quick as a flash. "It's a common trick in ads. They pull in totally unrelated clips to make it fun for viewers."
But Aqua's cheeks didn't deflate anytime soon.
"It's true. That's why drama and variety PDs get flak sometimes." I apologized inwardly to PDs across the nation. Sorry, but family peace came first for me.
[......Is that really true?]
"Of course. Right?" I glanced around, seeking agreement.
"Totally!" Han Areum nodded fast.
"......Is it? Oof!" To the slow-on-the-uptake Han Deuri, his sister kindly injected some hints.
[Hmph. So that's how it is.] Aqua turned away from me, refocusing on the ad. I wiped the sweat from my brow.
The rest of the video flowed just as I remembered. Aqua bounced across hundreds of tubes floating in the lazy river. When she slipped after messing with me and stepping on water, everyone burst out laughing. The editor must've seen it as a key moment too—the direction packed a punch.
[Hee hee hee!] Even Aqua giggled watching it.
The video ended with me hugging Aqua. Watching that scene, my face itched a bit.
So that's what it looks like when I hug Aqua. In the footage, we looked blissfully like the only two in the world, rubbing cheeks with beaming smiles. Their grins were so bright, no lighting needed. It was cringey as hell, but I got why folks smiled warmly seeing me hold her.
I glanced sideways, and our eyes met. I could tell right then—we both wanted the same thing.
We reached out simultaneously.
[Hee hee hee!] We pulled each other into a tight hug. Aqua's moist, kelp-like body slotted perfectly into my arms.
[Ssiit!] Wanting in too, Mandu wedged between us.
[Ah haha! Doesn't it tickle?!] With the warm, smooth feel of Mandu added to my chest, I felt like I might ascend on the spot.
"Haa~." A sigh of pure bliss slipped out.
Our friends' lips curved into smiles watching us.
I was texting with Han Dong-su, Phoenix Resort's marketing team leader.
Mulsuja and Jeong Ri-on had sent their reactions after watching the ad. While I replied, Han Areum and Han Deuri held a serious chat.
"The ad turned out great, huh?"
"Pros are different. They nail the key hooks."
"Best part was grabbing attention right from the start."
They seemed set on a cool-headed review.
"Kinda bummed on the low screen time for sunbae, though."
"Well, can't be helped—Aqua's the star."
"No way. Spirit and contractor are one body and soul."
"Since when do you know spirits so well......?"
Not so cool-headed after all.
I asked Jang Gilsan what had bugged me since earlier. "Can you really pull in more revenue than my modeling fee with an ad like that?"
Phoenix Resort paid me 300 million won. Hard to say if the ad was worth that much, honestly.
"Water park can rake 4 billion a month in peak season. Net profit's less, sure." Jang Gilsan shrugged.
"This shoot aimed more at promoting the whole Phoenix Guild than just the water park. First ad ever with the Water Spirit King's contractor."
I knew that, but civilians like me and corporate eyes saw things differently.
"What about your guild then?" I'd greenlit an ad with his Union Guild too.
"Don't sweat it. We lost 'first,' but we'll snag something else."
"Now I'm anxious."
"Relax. You'll have fun too."
[Another ad next?!] Aqua giggled, excited.
Next ad with Aqua. I was pumped too.
Maybe ask to include Mandu next time. All my spirits were precious.
Next morning, I dragged guest-room mattresses to the roof after checkout and spread them in the sun. Sun-drying to kill mites.
Gotta shake out the dust too. I grabbed a bamboo duster.
Aqua mimicked me, raising her hand high—tiny duster in her grip.
"Hit the mattresses like this." I demoed.
Pang! White dust puffed up as the duster smacked.
[Ooh!] Aqua's eyes sparkled in wonder.
"Your turn, Aqua."
[Got it!] Aqua swung hers gleefully.
Pang! Pang! Pang! Dust clouds rose and scattered on the breeze with each swing.
[Hee hee hee!] She wouldn't stop—it was a blast.
[Ssiit!] Mandu watched, chirping like he wanted in.
"You too, Mandu? But you don't have hands for......" No arms to swing.
I pondered, then fetched Scotch tape and a wood scrap from downstairs. Wrapped the wood tight on Mandu's tail.
[Ssiit?] Mandu eyed his tail awkwardly.
"Now smack the mattress hard with that."
[Ssiit!] He scurried beside one and whipped his tail.
Pong! Low position and weak force, but dust trickled off.
[Ssi-siiit!] Plenty for him—he thrashed away happily.
I chuckled softly, dusting alongside them. After 10 minutes, no more dust flew.
"Done!"
[Done!]
[Ssiit!]
[Huh? Ahahaha!] Aqua laughed at Mandu, head to toe in white dust.
[Ssiit?] He licked his chops, tilting his head. Red tongue on white body—adorbs.
"C'mere." I wiped him clean with wet wipes.
[Ssi-siiit!] He loved the attention.
Dodging his tongue, I finished—then Aqua stared with sparkling eyes.
"Your turn now."
[Been waiting!] She launched into my arms.
I caught her, laid her on my lap, grabbed a wipe. She eyed my hand expectantly.
I'd deliver. "Zwoooong!" Airplane noises as I aimed for her belly.
[Eek hee hee!] She writhed, giggling as I scrubbed.
Wiping or tickling? Even I lost track in the frenzy. Five minutes later, she hopped down refreshed and spotless.
"Good. Time for incense?" I opened the Spirit Shop and bought an item.
◈ An incense candle packed with Spirit Realm scents. Helps with fatigue recovery.
◈ Price: 5 coins
I lit the tip—not to burn, but to scent.
[Sniff sniff! Nice smell!] Aqua reached out. I split half with her tiny hand.
We strolled between mattresses, slowly waving the smoking, fragrant candles side to side. Aqua and Mandu zipped through giggling, pew-pew style.
Nothing beats lying down to that fresh scent. A little service for our guesthouse guests.
Scented enough, I grabbed the mattresses again. Check-in time soon—back to rooms.
"Son." Mom stood at the roof door.
"Yeah? What's up?"
"I'm cooking, but can you grab cooking oil from the convenience store? Ran out."
"Check-in's soon—gotta stow these mattresses. Dad?"
"Thing is, he's suddenly nowhere."
Aqua piped up. [Then I'll go!]
"You?"
Hands on hips, she declared proudly. [I can handle buying stuff!]
[Ssiit!] Mandu hopped on her shoulder—wanting to tag along.
I smiled, crouching to her eye level. "Wanna give it a go? You know how shopping works?"
[Of course! Give item, get card—done!] Aqua had adapted well to the human world.
"Alright, I trust you, Spirit King."
She beamed, taking my card. [Hee hee! On my Spirit King honor!]
Aqua and Mandu dashed down the roof stairs. Mom watched their backs.
"You sure? Sending those two alone......?"
"Don't worry. Neighborhood spot, and Aqua won't get lost." Plus, contractors always sensed their spirits' locations via contract bond.
Aqua's first errand. Couldn't wait to see how it'd go.
Kang Min-jeong, a student at Gangwon University's Samcheok Campus, was working summer break at a convenience store. Right on crowded Samcheok Beach as summer hit.
Should've picked downtown. She sighed at the sand piling up from customers' feet. Her job to sweep it.
What glory did I chase coming here......? But who to blame? She'd bitten at the 500-won hourly bump.
Ding-a-ling. Another customer.
Min-jeong hid her fatigue, greeting. "Welcome......? Huh?"
Door opened, but no one entered.
What? No ghosts in broad daylight on the beach, right?
As she puzzled, something popped up from under the counter. A yellow cooking oil jug.
"Huh?" Leaning over, she peered down.
"Gasp!" She gulped hard.