Chapter 203
Chapter 203
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 203
Chapter Title: Our First Trip is Finally Over!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Cruise ship deck party.
And after pulling an all-nighter back at the villa.
We finally set off for home the next day, a little later than planned.
"Take care on your way back, miss. I wish I could have driven you myself, but it's a shame I can't."
"You're too much. We can handle it just fine among ourselves, so don't worry. We'll come play again next time if we get the chance."
Before leaving the villa, the caretaker saw us off.
He seemed genuinely regretful that he couldn't personally take us all the way to Seoul.
It was a moment that showed his true kindness, despite his cool exterior.
"Girls, say your goodbyes."
"Thanks for taking such good care of us!"
"Thank you!"
"We'll come visit again!"
"Thanks for looking after us."
At the President's words, we all chimed in with our thanks.
The caretaker smiled for the first time as he waved us off.
And so, we left the villa and headed to Seoul by car, just as originally planned.
"Woooow!"
"Whoooaaa!"
Unlike the train ride there, we didn't have to worry about other people's stares.
Chae-yoon unnie and Yuna let loose completely, making the drive back noisy and fun all day.
We sang together, held mini talent shows, and more.
"Da-jeong-ah, how was it? Did you have fun on your first trip?"
"Yes! It was so much fun."
I nodded brightly at Ra-hee unnie's question about my impressions.
"Wow, but that restaurant we went to outside was seriously delicious, right?"
"Totally, that place was the best. The aged salmon with seaweed just melted in your mouth...!"
"The cafe after that had such a great vibe too. Amazing view of the sea."
"The lighting there was so pretty? I snagged a life-changing shot of Ji-ah unnie."
"Let me see! Wow... amazing!"
We shared photos from the trip and swapped our thoughts.
"President, you must be tired. Want me to drive from the rest stop?"
"No, it's fine. I slept well, so I'm not sleepy. A cup of coffee should do the trick."
Chatting away as we headed to Seoul.
We decided to stop at a rest area midway for a break.
Since we'd left the villa at an awkward time, it was perfect for lunch too.
"Those who need the bathroom, go now. Everyone meet at the restaurant in 20 minutes."
At the President's order, we piled out of the car and scattered.
Ji-ah unnie and Ra-hee unnie headed straight to the bathroom to fix their makeup.
I stood between Chae-yoon unnie and Yuna, wondering where to go.
"Score! I'm getting a hot dog!"
"You're eating snacks before lunch?"
"Come on, unnie. There's a separate belly for hot dogs and one for rice."
"Fair enough. Then I'll grab some potato balls."
In the meantime, Chae-yoon unnie and Yuna seemed starving.
They couldn't wait for proper food and were set on snacks.
So-eun unnie warned them not to eat too much.
Hmm, snacks, huh.
I don't usually eat snacks before meals.
But it's my first rest stop, so I'm a little curious.
Wonder what those famous rest stop snacks taste like.
"Da-jeong-ah, what do you want? Unnie will treat you to one."
"What? You didn't offer me any!"
"Hey, don't you know maknae privileges?"
"I'm the maknae too!"
Maybe noticing my dilemma.
Chae-yoon unnie offered to treat, so I quickly decided and joined them at the counter.
The scents that had tempted us since stepping out of the car.
Seeing them up close made my mouth water.
Wow, there's so much.
Squid, hot dogs, walnut pastries...
But nothing jumping out at me.
"...Ah!"
If I can only pick one.
Deep in thought as I scanned around.
Spotting one snack, an exclamation escaped me.
Whoa, that's a tornado potato...?!
The one kids my age used to carry around sometimes.
Its overwhelming look always made me want to try it at least once.
"I'll have the tornado potato!"
"Ooh, tornado potato? Tasty choice. What flavor?"
"Cheese flavor!"
Excited to try it for the first time, my voice pitched up without realizing.
Once we picked, Chae-yoon unnie ordered for us and came back.
Soon, my cheese tornado potato was ready.
Freshly made, it was piping hot.
"Thanks, unnie! Enjoying it!"
"Thanks, unnie."
"Good. Eat up, my little maknaes."
After thanking Chae-yoon unnie for the treat.
I took a bite from the end of the skewered tornado potato.
First came the crisp, thin potato crunch.
Then the cheesy seasoning sprinkled on top.
This flavor can't possibly fail.
"Mmm, delicious. You gotta get a hot dog at a rest stop!"
"Agreed. Skipping rest stop snacks is a crime."
"Hehe, right? Passing up something this good is unforgivable."
Our snacks hit the spot.
We giggled and chatted, polishing off half in no time.
"Hey, you lot! I said bathroom break, not snacks before lunch!"
"Eek?! S-Sorry...!"
"So-eun unnie said it was okay...!"
"Busted! Run!"
The President's sudden thunderclap sent us scrambling into the restaurant.
Only then did I realize we'd gotten permission from So-eun unnie but not the President.
Uuugh...
Gotta sneak one more on the way back.
Onion flavor this time.
And just like that, we returned to Seoul and went our separate ways home.
Ra-hee unnie and I lived next door, so we rode together.
"Tofu! Did you behave while Mom was away?"
"Meooow."
Of course, our Tofu came too.
Hehe, speaking of which, our Tofu.
Hasn't he put on a little weight since I last saw him?
Did he enjoy the hotel life that much?
Still, thankfully Tofu didn't resist coming home.
I worried the hotel might be too comfy for him.
But Mom's the only one for our Tofu!
"You must be tired. Get some good rest, Da-jeong-ah."
"Yes, you too, unnie!"
After parting with Ra-hee unnie at home.
I opened the door to the familiar sight inside.
Nothing beats our home.
Ra-hee unnie's villa was super luxurious and cool, sure.
But this comfort? Only here.
"Tofu-ya, want some churu?"
"Meow!"
After unpacking and changing into comfy clothes.
I decided to give Tofu a snack first.
He might've had some at the hotel, but as his mom, this is the least for his homecoming.
Slurp- Slurp-
Tofu devoured the churu with gusto in seconds.
Watching his cuteness healed me instantly.
I saw plenty of adorable cats on the trip.
But to me, Tofu is the cutest.
Is this what a mom's heart feels like?
"Huaaah..."
Thud-
After treating and playing with Tofu a bit.
I flopped face-first onto the bed in my room.
I know I should shower, but I'm too exhausted.
I didn't drive or wrangle members like Ji-ah unnie.
Why am I this tired?
"Meow...?"
The door was slightly ajar, and Tofu peeked in.
Wanting more playtime?
But my battery was drained; not even a finger would move.
"Uu... Sorry, Tofu-ya. Mom's too tired to play more..."
"Meow..."
Hop-
Sorry, I apologized to Tofu.
He tilted his head, then jumped onto the bed.
He came to my side and patted my leg with his paw.
His comforting gesture, like "don't worry about me."
Moved, I stroked his head.
"Thanks, Tofu-ya. Mom will sleep a bit."
"Meow."
As I thanked him.
Tofu yawned, curled up snake-like in front of me, and lay down.
Planning to nap with me, I guess.
Home really is the best for Tofu too.
Same for Mom.
"I wanna stream..."
Gazing at Tofu, already asleep in his curl.
The words slipped out absentmindedly.
The trip with the members was fun, of course.
But right now, I missed the Cherries so much.
All the fun trip stories, the delicious firsts.
I wanted to share them all, stream like usual, happily.
Tap- Tap- Tap-
Searching for somewhere to vent this.
I grabbed my phone, opened Twitter, and typed.
Not something I'd usually post.
Maybe sentimental from the trip.
I left the message for the Cherries and closed my eyes.
I don't remember exactly, but I think I had a very happy dream.