As Expected of Our Minji
Indeed, it was our Minji. A few days later, on the way to the airport. The moment we piled into the jumbo taxi, Haeun—who was wearing an eye mask—was already fast asleep.
"Zzz..."
She must have been seriously sleep-deprived lately. Thanks to her sudden web drama gig, she'd been taking acting classes late into the night and cutting back on sleep even more to practice. All while juggling three music show appearances as The Queens, plus all sorts of events.
"......"
Next to her, Soye was out cold too, looking like she was dead to the world. While Haeun was busy with her web drama, Soye had been handling interviews as The Queens' leader and even popping up on one-off variety shows, so her fatigue had to be piling up just as bad.
They look like real sisters.
Sitting side by side, leaning their heads against each other as they slept—they somehow resembled each other. Their looks were definitely different, but the vibe? Something about them felt similar. Was it because they were both beauties?
Or maybe... it's the boobs.
Every time they breathed in unison, those massive hills rose and fell together, proudly on display. What a sight... I was truly grateful for the view; it was enough to snap me wide awake.
"......"
After admiring the two women with a satisfied smile, I glanced to the side. Minji wasn't asleep like her two unnies... she was fiddling intently with her phone.
"Minji, you not sleeping?"
"I'm fiiiine..."
"You're totally smartphone-addicted."
Even at my teasing jab, Minji stubbornly kept staring at her phone. She wasn't playing a game like usual—what could she be so engrossed in? She was always the one who conked out first on early-morning car rides.
"Whatcha looking at?"
"Juuust... places to check out when we get there..."
With that, Minji showed me her phone screen.
Pilgrimage Guide ~ Saitama Edition ~
"During free time... I wanna visit some of these spots... Is that okay...?"
Minji looked up at me with sparkling eyes. Normally, I'd cave to that gaze and make it happen somehow... but.
"You know you've already got seven tourist spots you wanna hit? That's too many."
"B-But after work... just a quick peek at night..."
"That's too packed. These places are far. And we're not there to play tourist anyway."
"Hiiiing."
Minji's face fell at my words. Her eyes lost their spark, her eyebrows drooped, and her whole expression screamed demotivated.
"...Anyway, we might squeeze in a few during breaks after work, so don't be too bummed."
"......"
"Pick your top ones... And if they're in Tokyo, I'll make time for a quick night stroll."
"Reaaally...?"
"Yeah, yeah."
Unable to help it, I soothed her, and Minji's enthusiasm bounced right back. Over the past few days, she'd shown zero motivation for work, but now that the Japan trip was closing in, she was perking up. At least that was something.
She's not thinking about work at all, though.
Our Minji, whose head was filled with games or... no, sightseeing. How could I redirect that energy toward work? Another worry piled on.
When we arrived at the airport, the first to greet us was the official The Queens fan club. It wasn't the crack of dawn, but still an early flight—and I hadn't expected anyone to show up.
Click, click!
"Unniiiiies!"
"Over here, pleeease!"
There weren't many, but their passion made up for it a hundredfold. They spotted The Queens and immediately started snapping photos like crazy. They kept a respectful distance from fans and idols, and even held back their screams—perfect manners, 100 points.
Probably the same fan club that had officially reached out asking for recognition last time.
"Hey, did we announce our departure schedule?"
"Nope. They must've heard we were heading out and camped here."
"We're getting popular for real."
Soye waved positively at them, striking a few poses too. Taking care of fan service like a true leader.
"Good thing we dressed properly in casuals. Could've ended up with humiliating shots otherwise."
"Totally."
Chatting with Soye, I snuck a glance at Minji. A fitted plain shirt and jacket with jeans—nothing flashy, but her insane bust size turned it into a killer visual. Still, people probably wouldn't notice. Two hours ago at the dorm, she'd come out in an oversized cartoon tee, and I'd nearly freaked.
"But we look kinda too plain... Should we get coordi help for casuals from now on?"
"I think it's fine now, but... yeah, have unnie check Minji's outfits ongoing."
"Got it."
Hey, silver lining—we'd reached the level where The Queens had to mind our visuals everywhere. What an emotional milestone.
"You've arrived."
Right on cue, Secretary Yu Ga-hye appeared.
"Hello, ma'am. Sorry we're a bit late."
"No issue. If check-in's done, let's head straight to the gate."
"Sure thing."
Yu Ga-hye strode ahead coolly. Following her, I thought,
What's this woman's deal?
She'd wiped the CCTV footage, and now tagging along on this trip. If they were short-staffed, wouldn't it make more sense to send someone else? Why outsource the makeup team to locals and come solo?
Short trips do sometimes go full outsource...
Still felt off. Section Chief Nam said it was to personally check if the company-pushed group was performing well and showing overseas potential... but.
"Sejin, what's up? Staring at the secretary like that..."
I'd gotten lost in thought without realizing.
"Huh? Oh, no... just, your casual look is on point."
"...Hmmm, is it?"
"Yeah. Nothing else."
No way to spill my suspicions to the girls yet—not the right time. I deflected casually.
Telling Soye could blow up... Better investigate solo first.
Best not to escalate. I'd chat her up en route and probe her intentions as much as possible.
The short flight ended, and we arrived at Haneda Airport's arrivals hall. Yu Ga-hye and I led the way, double-checking today's schedule, with The Queens trailing exactly two steps behind.
The three women had been glaring at us with the same intense eyes since boarding the plane.
"......"
Shin Soye didn't like Yu Ga-hye. Sure, they had work to discuss, but sitting next to her on the flight? Normal? And that sleek S-curl perm, trench coat, perfectly matched fall-tone styling—who'd buy that as business attire?
Enter industry folks and secretaries might dress sharp daily, but this felt too showy. Unavoidable for work talk, but Soye hated seeing her glued to Sejin.
"......"
Im Haeun felt the same. The woman had a killer figure—strict body management?—with a solid bust, fitting the "perfect beauty" mold. Stuck to Sejin from pre-boarding to now. Haeun wouldn't lose to her, but it still bugged her enough to sour the mood.
"......"
And Park Minji was peering past them, further ahead. Her eyes full of longing and regret. Unlike her still unnies, she sprang into action.
"O-Oppa..."
"Yeah? What's up?"
Sejin slowed immediately at her call.
"Over there..."
Minji hesitated, then pointed far ahead.
"Th-That ramen... I wanna try it...!"
"Oh, yeah. Eat first then move? Ma'am, breakfast before heading out?"
"I've eaten already... You three go ahead. I'll talk schedule with our local pickup."
"Oh, then I'll join you—"
"No need. I'm here to assist, so don't worry. Mr. Lee Sejin, you haven't eaten either?"
"Ah, in that case... thank you. We'll eat quick."
"Yes, understood."
"Alright, let's grab food, girls."
"Ehehehe..."
Finally, authentic ramen! Minji beamed ear-to-ear as Soye and Haeun patted her approvingly.
"Good job."
"As expected of our Minji."
"????"
Did unnies want ramen too? Oblivious, Minji just giggled and led the way.
We stopped Minji before she finished her bowl, letting her have just a third, then headed to Forest Games in Tokyo. They'd offered after being impressed by Haeun's recorded song, inviting us to their Japan event. The assault video had spread there too, upgrading the offer big time.
"Talk today, event tomorrow, right?"
"Yeah. Haeun's cosplay shoot first, then The Queens stage after. But I'll push for more today."
I'd pitched using Soye and Minji as models too, but they wanted to meet in person.
"Tomorrow's the event—think it'll fly?"
"It's their company event, so no big stretch. Already floated discussing and deciding today—not forcing it. Plus, with The Queens performing anyway, using all three suits them."
"So they already plan to use you two too?"
"Pretty much. Wanna see in person for character fits. Gotta prep for no-go, though."
Minji piped up beside me.
"I-I'll convince them too...!"
She'd eyed the Freyja cosplay hard. Dying to snag a model spot.
"I made a list of fitting roles... to pitch with this..."
When it was something she loved, she got serious. At least that.
"And my Japanese... is a biiit okay..."
"Oho, our Minji's reliable."
"Ehehehe..."
She blushed at my praise. Repeating this—channeling passion into work—should build real motivation.
"But Minji, when'd you study Japanese?"
Soye asked, and Minji shook her head.
"N-No study... Just... heard it a lot normally..."
"Oh, picked it up naturally? Wow, impressive."
Soye marveled. I got uneasy beside her.
Gotta watch what she says up close.
Interpreter would handle talks anyway, but better stay alert. ...Right, Minji? You won't say anything crazy?