Chapter 2
Chapter 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 2
Chapter Title: Meeting My Favorite
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I wriggled into some decent clothes from my closet and checked myself in the mirror.
The full-length mirror reflected the same unfamiliar, delicate girl I'd become.
"...Does this suit me?"
A white T-shirt that showed a bit of shoulder and slightly baggy pants.
Honestly, it wasn't about suiting or not—it was just plain, bordering on underdressed.
But what could I do?
These were basically the only clothes in my closet fit for going out.
Even back when I was a guy, my wardrobe had consisted of maybe two summer outfits and two winter ones.
Things weren't much different in this world as a girl.
Clothes were just practical items—as long as they weren't rags or dirty.
The interview guidelines had even said to dress comfortably.
So this should be fine.
Besides, in this sweltering summer heat, I had no desire to dress up and layer on extras.
I'm weak to the heat.
"Alright."
Squeak—
I slung on a plain waist pouch from the corner of my closet, stuffed my essentials inside, and left the room.
My chest was already pounding with rising excitement.
My first outing in about three weeks.
The blazing sunlight felt especially dazzling as I stepped out.
The interview venue was in a company building pretty far from my place.
This had to be the first company Haneul Bom set up to launch Blue LUV.
For something like that, the building's exterior was surprisingly sleek.
Honestly, I'd expected a rundown office or two.
Maybe that's just the class of one of Korea's top three female streamers.
"Hoo, ha."
I breathed in and out a few times before stepping inside.
Just then, a female employee guarding the lobby spotted me and stood up.
"Hello. Are you here for the Blue Project interview?"
"Ah... Y-yeah..."
Embarrassing.
I could've just nodded or said 'Yes.' Why did I have to sound so awkward?
Of course, I hadn't spoken to anyone in a week, so maybe that was it.
No, even so, that was peak loser energy.
And I was a loser, so no comeback there.
...Whatever, drop it.
"Could I see some ID?"
"H-here..."
"Jeong Da-jeong... Ah, got it. Mind waiting a moment?"
"Sure."
Tap-tap—
The employee checked my ID, hammered the keyboard, then bent down.
She rummaged in a drawer for a bit before handing me something.
Oh, a name tag.
"Wear this and head to the interview waiting room on the third floor. You arrived pretty early, so you might have to wait a while."
"Ah, n-no problem."
I'm habitually early—overkill early—so this was routine.
"Thanks for your hard work...!"
After a few reminders, I bowed and hurried to the elevator.
Press—
I hit the third-floor button, silence enveloped me, and belated shame hit hard.
That employee must've thought I was pathetic.
'What kinda loser wants to go on TV?' or something.
Not that I actually planned to broadcast.
- Third floor.
"Interview waiting room... There it is."
I scanned the split hallways and spotted the sign at the left end, hurrying over.
A woman in a suit stood at the entrance.
Unlike the friendly lobby staff, she had a cooler vibe.
It made my steps falter.
"Here for the Blue Project interview?"
"Ah, yes... Here's my name tag..."
Intimidated by her security-guard aura, I puffed out my chest to show the tag.
My back trembled from the effort.
Honestly, she could've seen it from a glance—no need to flex like this.
"...Pfft, yes. Confirmed. Go in and wait; we'll call you in order."
"Th-thank you..."
Her cool face softened with a flush, then she burst out laughing.
Why'd she laugh?
Something on my face?
I wondered briefly but figured it was nothing, bowed, and entered.
The waiting room was empty except for me.
...I really came early.
"Whoa."
Empty of people, sure, but not barren.
Proof: the central table brimmed with snacks and drinks.
Oh, my favorite cookies.
Too pricey for regular munching, but I'd splurge on tough days.
Today's treat to myself.
'Help yourself' note, and plenty to go around.
Should be fine.
Not stealing, but I glanced around anyway before grabbing a pack.
Wait, I'm alone in here.
What an idiot.
Crunch—
I tore open a pack and bit into a round cookie.
Rich chocolate aroma with gooey white chocolate filling.
Mmm, that's the stuff.
This intense sweetness made my veins hum.
Even if I had diabetes, I couldn't quit this.
Crunch-crunch—
One by one, the trash piled up.
Best food is free food, but this felt excessive.
Still, my hand wouldn't stop.
Grab a few more and sit.
Glance—
Another scan, then I snatched the remaining five packs, plopped into a seat.
Early bird gets the worm—worth coming ea—
"You can go in now."
"Thanks."
"...Guh?!"
Munching furtively before anyone came, the interview room door swung open without warning.
A woman entered.
So startled, I choked hard.
I saw her approach but couldn't care—bent over, coughing nonstop.
"Cough! Cough!"
"A-are you okay?"
"Y-yeah... F-fine... Cough!"
Coughing like a terminal patient, she rushed over, concerned.
Not great, but not choking to death.
If it were, I'd miss seeing the Blues and cross the Jordan prematurely.
No way.
"Here, some water."
"Hngh... Th-thank you..."
We hadn't even seen each other's faces as I took the bottled water.
Then gulp, gulp.
Cautious not to choke again, but as fast as possible.
Whew, better.
"Th-thanks to you, I lived. Really gratef—Huh?"
"Yeah?"
Lifting my head to thank my savior, I froze.
Her face was stunningly beautiful.
Golden hair tied back, cascading to her waist.
Ocean-blue eyes—foreigner or mixed?
Unlike my petite fragility, her curves screamed womanhood, tall and graceful.
Nothing to steal the gaze away; pure perfection.
No lewd thoughts even.
Like a masterpiece sculpted by a genius over lifetimes.
I gawked, mouth agape; she tilted her head.
Even that drew awe—I blurted,
"So pretty..."
"...Pardon?"
Enchanted, my inner thoughts spilled out.
Realizing the blunder took seconds.
"Ah, s-sorry! Y-you're so pretty, it slipped out..."
Judging a stranger's face on first meet.
How offensive.
Panicking, I shot up and bowed 90 degrees.
With a lame excuse that screamed insincerity.
"No, it's fine. Happens. Actually flattering?"
Bracing with eyes squeezed shut, I heard a soft laugh.
Peeking up, she waved it off casually.
Phew, took it as a compliment.
"G-good..."
Thud—
Relief hit; I collapsed into my seat.
I knew I looked ridiculous, but my legs gave out.
First time seeing a beauty like this in person.
"I'm Han Ji-ah. Here for the interview too?"
"Ah, yes. I'm Jeong Da-jeong. Same backwards..."
Ah.
Introducing myself, I caught my idiot slip.
Kids teased my girly name with 'Hey, Jeong Da-jeong backwards too!' so often, it stuck like a catchphrase.
Ugh, mortifying!
"Jeong Da-jeong backwards? Funny. Killer intro—no one'll forget your name."
"Th-thanks."
No, idiot.
How's that praise? She's calling me a fool.
Grinning and bowing makes me dumber.
I mentally flicked my inner self hard.
"Anyway, Da-jeong, aren't you too cute? Oh, too forward for first meet?"
"Huh? C-cute...?!"
Ji-ah's words blindsided me; eyes wide.
Compliment?
It's a girl's body, but I'm a guy inside—'cute' feels off.
Can't yell 'I'm a dude!' so thanks it is.
"F-first time hearing that. Thanks."
"First time? Wow, world's blind."
Couldn't say 'Was a guy before,' so awkward smile.
Even now, Ji-ah's got a pretty name, nice personality.
And her voice—familiar.
Slightly husky, mature, big-sis vibe.
Just like Ellin...
"...Ellin?"
"Pardon?"
Mid-thought, I murmured a Blue LUV member's name, staring.
She blinked, confused.
Even her surprised tone matched Ellin.
Ellin often drawled 'Neue?' not sharp 'Ne?'.
Wait—this Blue Project has Blues attending.
Pieces clicked.
Could Ji-ah...
Be Ellin?