Defending Grandpa's Honor
Grandpa's honor was on the line there—what was that suspicious chat that just flew by? Nah, must've been my imagination.
"...Nana, have you ever streamed from a conveyor-belt sushi place?"
"Munch munch... Mm-hmm?"
"I just saw a weird chat... maybe..."
Even as I tried talking to her, she was laser-focused on the meat. With that appetite of hers... it didn't seem impossible.
"Is it true you ate 100 plates of conveyor-belt sushi?"
"Huh? No way a person could eat 100 plates of sushi... that's ridiculous. Total fabrication."
"Phew, right? As expected... Viewers, don't spread fake stories like that. Someone like me might actually believe it."
"It was about 80 plates, I think?"
...?
Am I losing my hearing? I swear I heard something off.
"Must've misheard—what, how many plates did you say?"
"Yeah, around 80 plates? That's when I really couldn't eat anymore."
"..."
Truly befitting the creator our president scouted first. You need talent like this to make it in this market.
Hmm, looks like chats about her break announcement from today are already popping up. Guess a lot of my viewers come over from Im Nana's channel.
"Nana? Got a word on the break?"
"Mm...? Break? Oh, the notice went up today."
"Yeah, viewers are curious."
"Um... not sick or anything, and the channel won't stop completely... just slowing the pace. Like from two vids to one sometimes?"
"What was your usual pace?"
"...You don't watch my channel, do you?"
"......"
Oof. Her suspicious glare was intimidating.
"I-I watch sometimes..."
"......"
"I'll binge it all..."
"You really don't watch?"
"Not never... I was gonna soon, for real!"
"Pfft... fine, I'll believe you. Usually every other day? Down to twice a week."
Every other day? Let me think. Her vids are 10-30 mins—pretty long for YouTube, probably cuz of makeup reviews plus tutorials. Every other day? Plus long PPL shoots and outdoor planning? No wonder burnout...
And Park PD editing it all solo... yeah, those dark circles couldn't form overnight. Her schedule's insane—does she really want this? Gotta chat when I get back to Seoul. She's editing my stuff too; communication's been lacking.
As we chatted and ate, some questions weren't aimed at me. Nana handled them fine, and there were grandpa ones too.
How to handle those? Answering straight's tricky, ignoring's hard with the volume.
Then Nana said firmly, "No prying personal info questions. Instant ban."
Whoa, Nana's got that side? Experience from her lives, huh. Gotta learn that.
"Grandpa, speak up if you're uncomfortable!"
"Heh heh heh, this lil' birdie talks so sweet~"
"Heh heh, viewers curious 'bout this old man, eh... lemme see..."
"Grandpa, no need to answer all."
"Yup~ Mid-sixties or so, no job. Lived off inherited land like a bum my whole life~"
Huh...? Grandpa, why lie? I was stunned seeing him say stuff unlike what I knew.
Then he glanced my way and nodded slightly.
Ah... for me... Some folks hate on the rich. Don't wanna think my viewers are like that, but if this spreads... There'd be haters. Grandpa's consideration.
From his long life, he knows all types—protecting his granddaughter from that gaze. My chest warmed.
...I gotta step up for Grandpa.
A bum? He always says that, but not to me. Grandpa's... Grandpa's...!
"Hold up, viewers. Grandpa says he's a bum, but totally not? He's sponsored orphanages for 40 years, volunteers weekly..."
"Uh, Areum?"
"And local contributions? He rolls up sleeves for festivals with friends...!"
"C-calm down! Areum!"
Nearly 10 minutes of grandpa praises poured out. Nana said something, but I couldn't stop. Can't let him wear that bum label...!
"~~~... Got it now? How amazing Grandpa is?"
Positive reactions to Grandpa made me proud. Sometime ago, Nana had tuned me out, inhaling the rest of the meat.
"...You eat so well. Wouldn't notice a fight next to you."
"Mm?"
"...Finish up."
"Euh heh heh heh!"
Her cheeks puffed, head tilted in confusion... From now on, feed her right at mealtime.
Sunshine faded, sunset glowing over the mountains. Nana finally patted her belly, satisfied.
"Grandpa, eat enough?"
"Yup~ Can't fit another bite."
"Mm... what about leftovers?"
"Whaddya mean? Take to orphanage~ That's why I grilled so much."
"Kids'll love it. I'll help."
I wrapped the BBQ chunks in foil as Grandpa sliced.
Maybe bored slicing silently, he spoke up. "Y'know, back when you wore uniforms, we volunteered at the orphanage together?"
"Yeah. Summers at your place, we went often."
"Back then, kids laughed with volunteers, but moped around you—no talk. Still remember~"
...Yeah. Even I get why. Middle school me: tall as adult guy, bulky. And... ahem, face a bit rough, very slightly?
No idea how female Han Areum would've been.
"Later, when you went solo, I asked the nuns why kids were cold to you?"
"Ah, the nuns. They're well?"
"Yup yup~ Nuns don't age~ Still look your age."
"Good, they're so youthful."
"Anyway, nuns asked kids too."
Makes sense—she'd worry. Sponsor brings grandkid, but kids ignore, she stands awkward.
"Kids said your face too scary~ Couldn't talk."
"......"
"Gasp. Areum's face definitely..."
"Kids your age thought, 'That kid's got temper... dragged here unwillingly~'"
"Whaaat..."
I do flinch at her blank stares sometimes.
...Female Han Areum's pretty, not scary? First time volunteering, tense so stiff expression maybe... But can't change how I looked.
Still, one kid adored me. Super cute, bright smile. Name was...
"S-Sora! Sora loved me tons! Wouldn't leave my arms each visit!"
"Aww~ Sora! Yup, that kid stuck to you~"
"How's Sora? Miss her..."
"Sora? Aunt contacted, went to her~"
"Ah... really?"
Bummer... Wanted to see her. But family better than orphanage. Contact means she's good.
"Orphaned in accident... Want her number?"
"Huh? You have Sora's contact?"
"Nuns call sometimes, asked for old volunteers' info~"
"Really? Thanks then."
Chatting while breaking down meat, soon just bones left on the whole hog BBQ. Grilling whole tenderizes tough cuts—minimal waste.
"When to drop off?"
"Tomorrow morn~ They got dinner ready by now."
"Makes sense. Gotta store well."
Finished packing, cleared table. We moved efficiently—spotless quick. Sun down, getting chilly.
"Brr, Areum. Cold yet?"
"Yeah, time to head in."
Stream over, time for my dinner too.
"Fun watch? Sad but that's it."
"See ya!"
"Bye-bye~"
Hit end, camera needs charge—inside with it.
Maximus, alone and bored, leaped into my arms. Gah, this lethal cuteness. Why so adorable?
"Tak Maximus to Geoje tomorrow?"
"Yeah, that's the plan."
"Pack his food and treats. Got some left from drop-off."
"Forgot that. Thanks."
Grunted hauling Grandpa's prepped food to car. Heavy... didn't wanna burden him, tried solo...
5kg shouldn't be this bad... Nana hefted two easy, me struggling... Gym tomorrow. For real this time. Can't live like this.
Firmed resolve, hauled more.
...Nana took over midway cuz heavy.