Chapter 130
Chapter 130
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 130
Chapter Title: Happy New Year!
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My hazy consciousness slowly stirs awake.
From beyond the door, I can hear something clattering away.
My body feels snugly enveloped in something soft.
Squish—
Ugh, but more importantly, what is this…?
Something soft and squishy.
Feels kinda like tofu or…
A pillow?
No, it's too plump and jiggly for a pillow.
Just like when I'm nestled in Ra-hee unnie's arms…
Squish—
"D-Da-jeong?"
"…?"
I was kneading the mysterious squishy object a few more times, enjoying the feel.
Then a low voice laced with bewilderment reached my ears.
Huh? That's the President's voice.
Why does the President's voice sound so close?
Just like when I usually sit on her lap…
"…President?"
"Y-Yeah… Sleep well?"
Finally coming to my senses, I open my eyes and lift my head.
Her face is right there, so close our noses are almost touching.
She's looking at me with an awkward smile.
W-Wait a second.
Why am I sleeping in the same bed as the President?
Yesterday, Auntie laid out bedding for us.
We agreed I'd sleep on the floor mat below, and she'd take the bed above.
"P-President. Why am I up here…?"
Yet here I am on the bed.
Something must have gone terribly wrong.
I look at her with wide-eyed panic.
She scratches her cheek with an embarrassed expression.
Then she tells me what happened last night.
"You passed out after just two drinks yesterday, so I just let you sleep in the bed."
"E-Eh? P-Passed out…?"
"Yeah, looks like you blacked out since you don't remember."
"N-No way. Just two drinks wouldn't make me black out…"
Even if I'm a lightweight.
Blacking out after two drinks is unbelievable.
I frantically search my memories for last night.
"Remember anything?"
"Ugh… N-No, nothing."
But my head just throbs, no memories surface.
I remember drinking with everyone.
But everything after is a total blank.
Did I really pass out after just two drinks?
Am I some elementary school kid!?
No, even kids wouldn't pass out after two!
"Sorry… Because of me…"
"Nah, it happens. Even I get like that sometimes if I overdo it when I'm in a good mood. Don't worry about it."
I apologize belatedly, but she brushes it off.
She adds that drinking and getting tipsy is fine.
But to hold back around members or her if possible.
W-What massive mistake did I make for her to say that?
I didn't smash stuff around, did I?
If so, I couldn't face her starting tomorrow.
No, worse—I couldn't continue with Blue LUV.
"Um… Da-jeong?"
"Y-Yes?"
I was racking my brain to recall last night.
She calls me with an awkward look.
Gasp.
Did I really screw up big time last night?
Is she about to tell me secretly now?
As I lean in to listen.
"C-Could you move your hand first? The President's getting a bit flustered."
"Huh? M-My hand?"
Hand? What's wrong with my hand?
At her request, I reflexively look down.
There, on the bulge under her black t-shirt, is my hand.
Three seconds to realize it.
Another three to comprehend what I'm grabbing.
"Kyaaaaah!"
My scream erupts like a banshee wail.
The house shakes from the morning outburst.
Honestly, she should be the one screaming.
But it was that shocking. Can't be helped.
My mind was blank, after all.
I don't even need to know what else I did last night.
This alone is grounds for resignation.
"Da-jeong, the President's fine, so stop moping."
"B-But…"
After the morning commotion.
I couldn't look at her once during breakfast.
Only now, during dessert together, do I manage to talk under her comfort.
The setup makes me look like the victim.
But I'm the perpetrator.
So I feel even more dejected.
I-I groped the President like that…
Ugh, embarrassing just thinking about it.
The memory won't fade.
"It's just us girls, no big deal. And it could happen tossing in sleep."
"You think…?"
"Totally. Honestly, that was nothing compared to what you did drunk yesterday… Oh."
"Eh?"
She's comforting me, then stops on a slip.
I stare at her wide-eyed.
She awkwardly sips coffee, avoiding my gaze.
W-What did she just say?
What did I do drunk yesterday?
This alone is mortifying.
Means I did something way worse?
"P-President…! W-What mistake did I make drunk yesterday? That kind…?!"
"No, not a mistake. If you're that suspicious, ask Dad and Mom."
Was nothing really up?
Or too awkward for her to say?
She points to Uncle and Auntie across from her.
I whip my head around to them.
They meet my eyes with calm faces.
"Yeah, Da-jeong. Nothing happened, don't worry."
"Mm."
R-Really…?
Something feels off.
Like the first time drinking with members.
Ugh…
But they're covering for me.
Pressing would be rude.
Guess I should believe nothing happened.
Crunch—
The apple's delicious amid this…
Incredibly sweet for winter.
One more… Nom.
"Anyway, Da-jeong, streaming today?"
"Ah, yes. We're all doing Lunar New Year's streams."
I'm munching the tasty apple to lift my mood a bit.
Auntie looks at me steadily, then asks my schedule.
I reply, chewing remnants, and she seems a tad disappointed.
"Oh? No time after lunch?"
"Lunch is fine. My stream's evening."
"Good. Auntie marinated galbi deliciously, so eat that before you go."
"Hehe, yes."
Auntie's cooking these past days was so good.
Made my home meals seem lame.
If I could eat her food daily, I'd be happy.
"Um… Uncle, Auntie. Could I ask a favor?"
"A favor?"
During cheerful dessert chat.
I carefully bring up what I'd wanted since yesterday.
Uncle tilts his head curiously.
But nods for me to speak.
"C-Could I do the New Year's bow? Oh, n-no need for money."
I don't know much about it.
But bowing gets money, so I hastily add I don't want any.
To not seem greedy.
They look at each other.
Then smile warmly and nod.
"New Year's bow? Sure."
"Our daughter says no need for money anymore, skips it. You're better, Da-jeong."
"Sorry!"
She ribs the President meanwhile.
Anyway, they'll accept.
Hehe, great.
"Alright, shall we get a bow from Da-jeong?"
"Haneul, it's been ages. Join for once."
"Okay."
They clear the table briefly, sit side-by-side on the sofa.
President joins beside me, ready.
We glance, time it.
She nods, we bow flat to the floor together.
"Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year. Dad, cut back on drinking this year."
We lift our heads, smiles spread on their faces.
Warmth fills my chest.
"You too, Haneul and Da-jeong. Happy New Year."
"Let's see, Da-jeong's New Year's money…"
"N-No! Really, no need!"
Auntie tries giving money amid the warmth.
I panic instantly.
And ended up accepting it anyway.
President threatened to make me buy dinner later if not.
So today, for the first time ever.
I did the New Year's bow to elders on Lunar New Year, got money.
Feels ticklish inside.
Lunchtime, only me and Uncle in the living room.
Auntie's in the kitchen prepping food.
President went to her room to chat with viewers briefly, stream on.
"Auntie, let me help."
She won't let guests help in kitchen.
But I should at least carry dishes.
Food ready, I dash in.
"Sigh, only you help, Da-jeong. Daughter's holed up in her room."
"P-President's busy. Hehe…"
I soothe her anger.
Carry trays to table one by one.
Table nearly set, she speaks.
"Da-jeong, sorry, but go call Haneul from her room?"
"Yes, coming right back."
I jump up at her words.
Dash to President's room.
Knock knock—
"President, food's ready. Come eat."
I knock and call from outside.
No reply.
Probably headphones on, didn't hear.
No choice.
Go in and tell her.
She's not on cam anyway.
Creeeak—
"President, food's rea—"
I open the door to speak.
Then her lively voice rings out.
"Yeah, so Lulu was so wasted, I put her in my bed. Then I was gonna shower, but she grabs me, babbling like a baby not to go, so cute. I even filmed it? Haven't told Lulu ye— Oh."
"…"
Chatting to viewers, she senses me.
Turns, our eyes meet, she freezes.
You said nothing happened yesterday.
I didn't fully believe!
But boldly say that, then spill my black history to viewers.
Emotions well up slowly.
Once throat-full.
I burst out fiercely.
"President, I hate youuuu!"
"W-Wait. Lulu?! Hear me out!"
Slam—
Stinging betrayal, I slam the door.
Flee to living room, hug knees, bow head.
Sniff.
I hate President.