Chapter 6
Chapter 6
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 6
Chapter Title: The Light Was Too Great to Refuse
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After taking the call, I couldn't snap out of the shock for a good while.
Of course not.
Me, a member of Blue LUV? What the hell was that supposed to mean?
Straaain—
"...Yeah, definitely not a dream."
Just like when I'd first turned into a woman, I experimentally stretched my cheek as far as it would go.
My cheek stretched out like the rubber man from some comic, evoking the image of sticky rice cake.
But I wasn't made of rubber, so it hurt like hell.
Yep, that confirmed it—this was no dream.
But why the hell had something like this happened?
Should I just say no right now?
To begin with, someone like me wasn't the type to deserve love from tons of people.
Some folks dismiss Virtual YouTubers as an easy gig—no need to show your face, just coasting along comfortably.
But I can say this with certainty.
Being a Virtual YouTuber is no walk in the park.
You need some innate talent to draw in attention and affection from others, or some standout quality.
And above all, you have to shine.
That's what I think it takes to be a proper Virtual YouTuber.
The problem? I had neither.
Hell, I'd even blurted out something ridiculous in my interview when they asked, "What's Jeong Da-jeong's unique charm?" I said, "My love for the members!"
Because no matter how hard I racked my brain, I couldn't think of a single real strong point.
Not even something worth calling a strong point.
I just didn't have any standout traits compared to others.
"...Guess I'll talk it over in person first."
No matter how I thought about it, this wasn't something I could accept.
Of course, I was grateful they'd looked favorably on me.
And sorry, too.
Coming all the way to an interview just because I wanted to meet the members of the group I was obsessed with as a fan.
Backing out now with a "Actually, I don't think I can do it" would be way too shameless—I knew that much.
But blindly accepting and causing trouble for the team would be even more apologetic.
I checked the address they'd sent via text, steeled my resolve, and nodded.
Those kids, the shining stars of the world—they didn't need someone like me anyway.
Three days later, I found myself back at the company.
I'd thought that interview was the absolute last time.
Coming back here again left me with a bittersweet, complicated feeling.
"Welcome, Da-jeong. First time seeing you again since the interview, right?"
"Ah...! Oh, h-hello..."
I was glancing around the hallways like some country bumpkin fresh off the bus to Seoul.
That's when Haneul Bom herself came out to greet me.
The big boss's appearance had me bowing on reflex.
Wow, her outfit was stunning.
Meanwhile, I was in the same ratty clothes from the interview, which made me a bit embarrassed.
Though these were the cleanest ones I owned.
"Your greeting's a little late. I'm Kang Haneul, CEO of Blue Label. You can call me President, or Big Sis... whatever feels comfortable."
"Th-then... President, please."
I was tempted by "Big Sis" for a second.
Not that I particularly liked the term—it just felt weird calling her President when I was here to turn them down.
But with my mind still that of a guy, "Big Sis" felt way too off-putting.
So I settled for the next best thing: President. Haneul Bom—no, the President—nodded with a slightly disappointed look.
"The other members are waiting. Come on this way and say hi."
"Pardon? Oh..."
What do I do?
This seemed like the perfect moment to refuse.
But the thought of seeing the Blues one more time kept my lips sealed.
Fine. Just once.
Yeah, just this one time.
Say hi to the Blues, then tell the President I can't do it.
These memories alone would tide me over without food for a month.
"Nervous? It's fine, just follow me."
"Y-yes...!"
Did she think I was frozen from nerves?
She took my hand and led me toward the members.
I trailed behind, squirming like someone desperate for the bathroom.
"By the way, do you live close by? I'd feel bad calling you in often if it's far."
As we walked down the hall.
The awkward silence must have gotten to her, because she spoke up with an embarrassed expression.
"Ah, kinda far. About two hours walking..."
"Ah, so you take the subway?"
Gasp, subway?
Why bring up something so terrifying?
One subway fare could buy a whole meal!
"No, subway's too expensive, so I usually walk."
"...You walked two hours? In this weather?"
"Yes."
"Doesn't it tire you out? It's so hot outside..."
Sure, it was a bit hot.
But money doesn't grow on trees.
Plus, my body's been out of shape from lack of exercise, so walking builds stamina too—not a bad deal.
Even when I was working part-time and making decent money, I didn't use public transport much.
Less that I avoided it, more that I just didn't need to.
My jobs were close to home, and my life was just back and forth between home and work.
"It's fine. I actually like walking."
"...I see."
The President looked at me with eyes full of pity.
Why? Had I said something pitiful?
"Here we are. Everyone's waiting inside, so go on in."
"Okay...!"
I arrived at the door, full of questions.
She pointed at the handle like she wanted me to open it myself, but...
Ugh, still too nervous.
Thinking of the Blues gathered on the other side made my hand freeze up.
"C-could the President open it...?"
"Pfft, that nervous? They're just gonna be your teammates."
In the end, I asked her to open it for me, even though it'd be a hassle.
She grabbed the handle with a kind smile, like she couldn't quite understand but didn't mind.
Creeeak—
The door opened, and the first thing I saw was a large table.
And seated around it: four women.
They must've already been chatting, because the atmosphere felt warm and lively.
"Girls, the last family member's here."
The President gave my back a gentle push, like she'd brought home a puppy.
Seemed she'd already decided to be casual with the other members.
Meanwhile, the four of them lit up with joy upon seeing me shuffle in and bow awkwardly.
Among them was Ji-ah—of course, Ellin from the interview—who'd clearly passed too.
Of course she did!
Who else but our Ellin could make it?
The others too, naturally!
"For real?"
"Yay! We're all together now!"
"Whoa, what's with her? She's so cute...?!"
I cautiously stepped forward, inwardly fanboying hard.
Three of them jumped up and rushed over, beaming with excitement.
Especially the one with navy-blue hair and a sultry vibe—she eyed me with particular interest.
Unfortunately, I couldn't bask in their warm welcome.
"Ah, ah, ah, ah..."
I couldn't even manage a simple "Hello," just repeating the same sound like a broken doll. They all stared, puzzled.
"H-hehwo... I'm Jeong Da-jeong... I'm, uh, twenty-one..."
In the end, nerves bit my tongue, and I slurred everything in the worst possible first impression.
I wanted to crawl into a hole right then.
"I'm Yuna! Single syllable, Yu-na. Twenty-one too! Nice to meet you!"
The first to greet me was a lively girl with long twintails.
Super outgoing—tail wagging if she had one. Adorably so.
"Whoa, that makes me third youngest...?! I'm Park Chae-yoon, twenty-two. Nice to meet you, Da-jeong!"
Next was someone bright like Yuna but with a more mature look.
A year older than me. Her long ponytail screamed energy.
"I'm Lee Ra-hee, twenty-three, so feel free to call me Big Sis."
Next came the seductive type, with a mole by her eye and sly, narrow gaze amplifying her allure.
Like a fox reincarnated as a human.
Her moist voice matched perfectly, as did her navy—not quite black or blue—hair.
"Y-yes... Nice to meet you, Ra-hee Big Sis."
Saying "Big Sis" felt insanely awkward, but she'd asked, so I pushed through and greeted her again.
"Oh my god, she's too cute! I wanna pocket her and keep her...!"
"Ubub!?"
Ra-hee Big Sis suddenly hugged me tight.
I couldn't resist, ending up buried in her plush chest—clothes and all.
Ugh, nearly suffocated.
Never knew boobs could kill.
Anyway, from the side: Yuna, Chae-yoon, Ra-hee Big Sis in order.
I could tell who was who just by their voices.
Yuna was probably the snow girl character and Blue LUV's maknae, Yukimura Yukiko.
Chae-yoon the assassin character and main vocalist, Lilith.
Ra-hee Big Sis the vampire character and best "thigh" in Blue LUV, Lucrezia.
And finally...
"We've met before, right? So glad to see you again, Da-jeong."
"Ah, yes...! Me too, Ji-ah."
The one letting me know we were acquainted: Blue LUV's leader, Ji-ah—aka Ellin.
Wow.
Seeing all four together felt surreal.
Even overlaying their avatars on their faces didn't look off.
They must've based the avatars somewhat on their real personalities and looks.
"I really wanted us to work together. Let's have fun from now on."
"Ah..."
As random thoughts flitted through my mind.
Ji-ah extended her hand with sincere words, drawing a sigh from me.
For someone who'd come to refuse today.
It felt like she was saying: this is where you belong.
How could I say no now?
If even someone like me got a hand extended.
I'd delude myself into thinking I belonged here, oblivious to my place.
"...Yes, please take care of me!"
But I couldn't bear to see that smile fade.
Knowing I shouldn't, I still took her hand.
Yeah, I'll give it a shot as far as it goes.
Not because they believed in me.
But to help these people who'd brought light into my life, even a little.