Chapter 267
Chapter 267
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 267
Chapter Title: Christmas with the Kids, Christmas with the Cherries
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After having a fun time with the kids, Unnie and I finished preparing to head back.
In the middle of it all, we handed out the surprise gifts we'd prepared as Santa, and the reaction was amazing.
It wasn't anything huge—just group trip tickets timed perfectly for their winter break.
"Waaah! It's a group trip!"
"Aigoo, look at those smiles reaching their ears."
"Of course they'd love it. They've always said they wanted to go on a trip together."
"Ugh, even Teacher Park said the same thing."
The kids were cheering and running all over the place.
Watching the director and teachers beaming with pride made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, too.
There was actually a reason I'd suddenly arranged a group trip for the orphanage kids.
I'd learned it from a conversation with the director a while back.
Most of the kids here had never been on a trip before.
I wanted to make it happen for them, so after mulling it over, I consulted the President.
She told me a friend of hers had recently started a package tour company.
She said she'd check with them, and before long, we got a reply.
Since it was for a good cause, they'd prepare the trip at cost, without any profit margin.
It was quite an expense for nearly forty kids, of course.
But the President chipped in a bit, and we had plenty of donations from the Blue Oshi channel.
Thankfully, it all worked out without too much strain, and I was over the moon.
"You nagged me about how much it cost, but looks like you spent even more, Da-jeong."
"Ehehe..."
Ra-hee Unnie's pointed remark left me with nothing but an awkward chuckle.
I had gone a bit overboard this time, no denying it.
But it was their first trip ever, so I couldn't skimp on the accommodations or food quality just to save a buck.
"Next time something like this comes up, consult me first, got it? I'll help however I can."
Unnie must've thought I'd shouldered it all alone, the way she said it.
Her family had some pull—nothing I knew the details of—but she meant she'd help as much as she could.
"Sure thing, Unnie!"
"Always so good with words, our maknae."
"Wu... Unnie."
Normally, I'd play it humble a bit.
But this was for the kids, so I gladly accepted her kindness with an enthusiastic nod.
Then Unnie started kneading my head mid-pet, pressing a little harder.
It felt like a gentle scolding: 'Not even telling your Unnie?'
I get the sentiment, but at this rate, my height's gonna shrink even more...!
"Kids, don't forget to thank Lulu Unnie and Luke Unnie for the awesome Christmas present!"
"Thank you, Unnies!"
"Thanks, big sisters!"
"Thank youuu!"
I was getting one-sidedly squished by Unnie when the teacher's words rang out, followed by the kids' hearty thanks, leaving me momentarily stunned.
What can I say? It felt like a wave of pure warmth hitting me straight on.
Seeing those smiles we'd created together...
All the emotions welled up, making my chest swell.
"Hehe, Merry Christmas, everyone!"
"Have a blast on the trip, and Merry Christmas."
We waved back at the grinning kids and teachers.
Then we exchanged goodbyes and left the orphanage.
All I could do was fervently hope every Christmas would be this magical for them.
A fulfilling Christmas Eve behind us, Christmas Day had finally arrived.
After playing hard with the kids yesterday, today was for the Cherries.
They must've been bored with the day off, so I decided to fire up the stream early for once.
"Cherries, hi-ru! Merry Christmas!"
My energetic greeting brought a flood of chats.
More viewers than I expected, too.
I figured Christmas plus the early hour meant most would be with lovers or family.
Guess it was because I hadn't properly announced the reason for yesterday's break.
A few already-darkened Cherries were popping up.
I'd had no choice, but I'd still let them down unintentionally.
Time to apologize.
"Ah, sorry about that. Hehe... Truth is, I went to the orphanage for Christmas Eve, so I couldn't help it."
Nah, the 'darkened' Cherries were probably just playing along knowingly.
Don't do that, guys.
A quick glance at the cafe showed plenty saying, 'Looks like Lulu's volunteering on Christmas too.'
I'd been a little worried about that, actually.
The director had tweeted about it last time, which revealed the orphanage's location.
Cherries wouldn't, but what if some came looking for my face?
Thankfully, nothing happened.
They must've known and respected my privacy.
The director even said that after word spread, quite a few donated under 'Cherry Squad.'
Hehe, my Cherries are the best.
Naughty as they are usually, when they're sweet, no one's sweeter.
Where'd I find such an amazing fandom? Gotta give 'em all the praise.
"Oh, Luke Unnie went to the orphanage with me. She'd always wanted to join sometime, but the chance hadn't come up."
Answering the viewer who seemed to be from the Garlic Squad about Ra-hee Unnie's whereabouts flipped the chat to awe in unison.
Speaking of which, I should share a quick story from the orphanage.
I used to avoid details before, worried it'd seem like bragging.
But now everyone knows I do this stuff, and no real reason to hide it anymore.
"Plus, you know what, Cherries? Luke Unnie catered an amazing hotel buffet for the kids. Super cool, right?"
Hyped? You have no idea.
They ran around carrying food everywhere all day.
I didn't even know kids could eat that much until today.
"At first, Unnie said she'd handle snacks for the kids. I thought, 'Oh, pizza or chicken maybe?' But she kept it secret from me until the day of. Had a bad feeling from then..."
For real, I was the most shocked!
Stepped outside, and bam—hotel buffet spread out. Who wouldn't freak?
"Anyway, we had a delicious lunch with the kids and gave them their Christmas presents. Hehe. Seeing them so happy made me proud."
Ah, no, even I wouldn't go that far...
That'd be a tall order even for the President.
Remodeling? Maybe doable on her end. Yeah.
"N-no, not that... We gave them group trip packages. Most of the kids there have never been on a trip, and winter break's coming up soon—perfect timing."
Hehe, exactly.
Hope it becomes cherished memories.
The director said she'd send photos from the trip, so I'll look forward to that.
"As always, this wasn't from me—it was from you Cherries. Thank you so much!"
Anyway, they're all secretly shy about it.
Praise them like this, and they brush it off as a joke.
I'm hardly one to talk about being shy.
"So, since I played hard with the orphanage kids yesterday, today I'll play hard with you Cherries! Let's go all night!"
Ah, no, all-nighter might be pushing it.
But I'll run at least past 3 AM. Yeah!
Starting now means over 12 hours of fun.
Just as I was hyping up to dive into the stream proper with the Cherries...
"Unniiiii!"
Today's requisite visit from one naughty Cherry delayed things a bit.
Wu, next time I'm going alone.
Hate Ra-hee Unnie.