Chapter 71
Chapter 71
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 71
Chapter Title: We Missed Each Other, But Our True Feelings Connect Again
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A sudden accident broadcast live on stream.
It spread across the entire community in no time.
Suspect clips of Lulu overworking lately
Author: BlueLUVForeverSlave
(Clip from a week ago: Lulu dozing off mid-game) (Clip from 5 days ago: Lulu finally eating her first meal right before ending stream) (Clip from 3 days ago: Lulu dodging a question about whether she ate)
Recent subtle signs Lulu had shown during streams were being reexamined.
Most people speculated it was a health issue from overwork.
President Kang posted an update!
Author: SlaveOfKangHaneul
(Screenshot of Haneul's full announcement) Quick summary for the Blues:
And so the fans could only hope for her healthy return.
Praying this moment passed safely, with nothing else they could do.
Mmm...
Something feels off.
The feel of the bed I'm lying on is a bit different from usual.
Sensing a faint incongruity in my dimly awakening consciousness,
I cautiously opened my eyes.
What came into view was an unfamiliar ceiling.
"Da-jeong! You're awake?!"
"...Huh?"
Before I could even guess where I was.
A familiar voice rang out suddenly.
I turned my head to the side, and there was the President.
Behind her, the members clustered together.
Huh, what's everyone doing here?
More importantly, where is this... a hospital?
Whoosh—
The moment I belatedly realized where I was lying.
Something enveloped my body in a soft warmth.
Realizing my reaction time was especially slow today, I barely turned my head to see Yuna there.
For some reason, tears streaming down her face.
"Hic, Da-jeong...! Da-jeong...!"
"Y-Yuna? Why are you crying all of a sudden...? What happened?"
Like she would never let go.
Yuna clung to me tightly, shedding tears.
Her shoulder gradually warming from the impact.
Still not grasping the situation, I hugged Yuna back cluelessly
and glanced at the President standing awkwardly behind.
Our eyes met, and she looked incredibly pained, lips trembling.
Like she had a lot to say but was holding back for now.
"...Da-jeong, you don't remember anything?"
"R-Remember? Yeah, up to finishing the collab..."
...Huh?
The moment I answered the President.
My mind glitched like static crackled, two thoughts colliding.
Come to think of it, what happened after the collab ended?
I definitely saw off Verdi-chan,
did a short talk with Yuna, and was about to end the stream...
"You lost consciousness and collapsed mid-stream."
"M-Me...?!"
As I tried to recall,
the President revealed the truth, and I widened my eyes in shock.
Come to think of it, I remember Yuna asking my thoughts on the collab at the end.
But for some reason, I can't recall what I said back.
Does that mean I really blacked out suddenly?
I really did overdo it.
I thought I'd kept it within my limits, though.
Guess I didn't notice my body's screams soon enough.
"W-Wait, President. You don't mean... me collapsing was broadcast live...?!"
The moment that thought hit.
A chill ran down my spine, and I urgently asked the President.
Collapsing out of nowhere with no warning.
Meant the stream ended without closing, broadcasting it live to everyone.
A massive incident.
I could tell from the members rushing to end their streams and come here because of me.
Nod—
Without a word.
She just nodded in response.
The instant I saw it, I hurriedly apologized.
"S-Sorry, Yuna. I ruined the stream because of me..."
Of course I was sorry to everyone.
But Yuna was the one hit hardest directly,
so I apologized to her in my arms first with all sincerity.
Squeeze—
"Why... why say it like that...?"
But for some reason.
Despite my apology, Yuna seemed even angrier.
She tightened her hug, mumbling in a choked voice...
"You think the stream's the problem right now...?! You collapsing is the bigger issue! You think I'd want an apology for that?!"
For the first time.
Right in front of me.
Her face flushed red as she raised her voice fiercely.
Seeing Yuna this genuinely angry for the first time,
I stared blankly for a moment before belatedly opening my mouth like an excuse.
"B-But... you were so looking forward to the collab, and I ruined it..."
"That's what I hate! Why don't you think you're more important to me than the collab! Why, why...!"
Thud—
Unable to continue.
Yuna's head dropped onto my shoulder.
"Why always talk like that...? Like someone like you doesn't matter what happens to them... but to me, you're not like that at all..."
"Ah..."
And her words, holding back emotions.
Pierced straight into my chest.
Hard to describe the sensation,
but at least it hit me that my casual words up till now
could've hurt Yuna.
I see.
I just worked hard thinking someone like me didn't matter, for Yuna, the members, Blue LUV.
But maybe that's the last thing they wanted from their perspective.
Finally thinking from their side, I understood Yuna's feelings.
If one of my beloved members said
"someone like me" or "I don't care what happens to me,"
I'd be devastated.
That's what I am to Yuna.
Somehow, it felt wondrous.
Honestly, I never thought I could be precious to anyone.
"Let's step out for a bit."
"Huh? B-But President..."
"You two probably have a lot to say. We'll come back later."
Creak...
Seeing our crossed wires,
the President took the members and left the room temporarily.
Must be a private room; after four left, just us two remained.
A bit awkward air lingered,
but thinking it was my turn to speak, I finally parted my lips and faced Yuna.
"Yuna, I'm sorry."
And offered a heartfelt apology.
Yuna's furrowed brows seemed to soften a touch.
"...You'll take good care of your health from now on?"
"Yeah, I will."
"...No more 'someone like me' or weird talk?"
"I'll... try."
"Tch."
I nodded confidently to the first,
but hesitated awkwardly at the next.
Not liking it, Yuna clicked her tongue briefly...
Yeah, forgive me this once.
People can't change overnight.
I realized my wrongs, but don't think I can fix it instantly.
I've lived with this mindset till now.
Someone like me doesn't matter,
I can't be precious to anyone.
So it'll be hard, but
I can't say I'll become full-of-pride Da-jeong right away.
But I can promise gradual change.
Not for me.
Because now I know
there are people who get sad just from my words or thoughts.
For them, I can't stay like this.
I don't want Yuna or the members shedding tears like this.
I don't know that realistic line about never always being happy.
I just want these people to have days full of smiles and joy every day.
So not for me,
but for the people I love most, I'll change.
"For real. Wanna pinky promise if you don't believe me?"
"Tch, I'm not a kid."
"R-Really? Then what do I do...?"
After firm resolve, I offered my pinky,
but Yuna pouted and snapped curtly.
If not this, how to promise?
Any way to show my will to Yuna?
As I pondered,
Squeeze—
"...This is the only pass. Do it again, and I'll really get mad."
"Y-Yeah. Hehe, thanks Yuna."
Yuna hooked her pinky,
somewhat back to normal, giving warning and trust.
So happy,
I grinned foolishly and shook our linked fingers up and down.
Yuna shook back, finally smiling at me.