Chapter 78
Chapter 78
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 78
Chapter Title: Chuseok Family Chaos
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Alright, let's stay calm for now.
Well, it's not like I got caught in the middle of a stream—it's just the equipment.
Kim Nam-seok (17) seems to know a thing or two about computers, so this should be easy enough to gloss over.
"Streaming? What are you talking about?"
"Oh, it just looks like that kind of setup."
I played it cool right off the bat.
Expression management is basic.
I'm Miro, the top-tier VTuber who could plaster steel over her face.
"Hmm, I guess it could look that way. Truth is, sis works in design, you know? That's why the computer's top-notch—with dual monitors and all."
Sure, I dropped out of college, but I do design work sometimes. Very occasionally.
I even did album art for the famous singer Slim Gold.
"Oh..."
"And that pocket money I just gave you? Think it grows on trees? Sis earned every penny the hard way."
Bringing up the allowance did the trick—he looked convinced.
Yeah, what are you gonna do? If I say so, it's true.
I could just boot up the computer right now and...
Bzzz—
...?
The boot-up hum hit my ears, and there was Jang Uri (8), already pressing the power button.
"Whoa... it's sparkling."
"Hey, hold on a sec."
Lights flickered on the tower, and the Windows logo popped up on the monitor.
Unfortunately, my high-spec rig boots in a mere five seconds.
The computer came alive.
And there, smack on the desktop, was a high-quality illustration of the Miro character that Fan drew for me.
A beat of silence fell.
My brain kicked into overdrive.
I couldn't let this drag on.
Casually, like it was no big deal, I stepped forward and gently gripped Jang Uri (8)'s shoulders.
"Hey, Uri, wanna go eat?"
"Who's that?"
But the kid's eyes were glued to the high-quality Miro character.
That devilish girl with pink hair, emerald eyes, and tiny horns was captivating my little cousin...!
And that wasn't all.
Kim Nam-soon (17) and Kim Yu-na (15) were peering over from behind.
Why am I so tense?
It's not like they caught anything real.
Come on, anyone can like anime and set a character as their wallpaper.
"Ahaha, it's just my favorite character. Now, staring at the computer too long is bad for your eyes—let's shut it down."
Smoothly and swiftly, I grabbed the mouse, powered off the PC, and scooped up Jang Uri (8).
She was a bit heavy. Okay, honestly, pretty heavy by my standards.
What the heck? Why is this kid so heavy? Or am I just weak?
Trembling arms and all, I carried her to the living room, and the stunned grade-school siblings followed with Jang Yul (3) in tow.
Good... that should do it.
Handled it naturally. All good.
Sweat was pouring, but I pulled it off.
In the living room, the adults were bustling, setting the table.
Man, the menu already had my mouth watering.
Every classic Chuseok dish you could think of was laid out.
First things first, I set down Jang Uri (8) from my arms.
My arms were still shaking after.
That was some serious workout....
"Me! Pick me up too!"
Did she watch me carry Uri and get inspired? Now Jang Yul (3) was clinging.
Sure, sure... I get that getting picked up by me is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, but give me a break right now?
"How about we eat first, Yul-i?"
I needed to chow down and recharge anyway.
Then I could carry her or whatever.
"Hey, Yul-a, don't bother your sister."
Thankfully, Aunt grabbed Jang Yul (3).
Finally free, I darted to sit next to Kim Buchang, who was already seated.
He's the eldest son, owner of this house where all the relatives gathered.
Obviously top of the pecking order.
In situations like this, you stick close to the top dog.
"Did you have fun with sis, Uri?"
"Yeah!"
"Wow, Suhyun's really stepping up—playing with the kids and all."
The adults' gazes felt a tad heavy.
No wonder. Last year I didn't even show, and the year before that I holed up in my room, barring everyone. Now suddenly playing nice with the kids? Bound to raise eyebrows.
Perfect timing for adulthood—they probably think I've matured.
Truth is, I outsourced to the Kim grade-schoolers, and they got paid handsomely for it.
The siblings were quietly glued to their phones, eating.
Huh, they can't even put down their phones at dinner. Tsk, kids these days need 'em confiscated.
"Eat this too."
"Yep."
Sitting by Kim Buchang, taking bites of meat and jeon he served me—it filled me right up.
Overflowing with energy, like I could do anything.
This is Chuseok food magic?
Perfect fuel for a stream... but I already announced a break, and today’s impossible anyway.
Guest rooms are an option, but with the kids grown-ish, I'd have Kim Yu-na (15), Jang Uri (8), and Jang Yul (3) crashing in my room... no streaming.
Even if, those nosy little sisters could burst in anytime.
If they did during a stream and blurted out "princess"...
Ugh, don't even think about it.
After dinner, everyone naturally gathered in the living room—adults and kids alike.
Bellies full, time for TV, fruit platters, kids showing off, adults opening wallets.
Even Boksil, dragged in from the yard, filled the spacious living room to the brim.
"What'd my baby play earlier?"
Aunt and the Jang sisters sat by me; she was holding Jang Yul (3) and chatting.
Hmm... gotta word this right.
If she says "Suhyun sis just lay in bed while the others played with us!" we'd all be awkward.
I shot Jang Yul (3) a subtle signal, but a three-year-old ain't getting it.
She spilled honestly.
"I saw something cool in sis's room!"
"Hm? Something cool?"
"Yeah, it sparkled and there were two TVs with a pretty lady picture!"
Hey, doesn't that sound weird?
Nah, it's accurate enough.
She probably doesn't know "monitor," called 'em TVs— but saying it so mysteriously gonna pique the adults?
"Really? What's in Suhyun's room?"
As expected, Aunt glanced my way curiously.
"Oh, just my computer. Yul-i must've thought it was neat."
Sure, it's a high-end one costing over 100 mil, but still a computer.
Adults don't dig into specs, so they nodded and moved on.
Anyway, what's in it for me here?
I'm not hurting for allowance by performing for it.
Stick around too long, kids might blab more—trouble's all mine.
Worse, adults used to me now might ask "What're you up to these days, Suhyun?"—awkward.
Can't exactly say "Dropped college, doing VTuber," and show the channel.
Hmm... time to retreat.
I slipped away quietly and naturally to my room.
Mom gave me a look, but I'd already done my kid duty.
Back in my empty room, calm washed over me.
Yeah, this is my space.
Adults' chatter outside as BGM, I flopped on the bed comfy.
Full belly, warm back—sleepiness hit hard.
Oh right, should've laid out blankets for the kids... but eyes closing on their own.
Eh, Mom or the adults'll handle it.
Or wake up midway.
With that thought, eyes shut for a quick nap....
"Mm...."
Woke to a heavy weight.
What? Kinda hot too....
Sleep was enough, so eyes open.
Dark room, and Jang Yul (3) sprawled on me.
When'd she sneak in? Chubby face drooling all over as she slept atop me.
Am I that comfy?
Blanket saved my clothes from soaking.
It got the blanket, but three-year-old drool? Laundry later.
Carefully slid her aside, sat up—other kids sleeping in the dark room.
Jang sisters on the bed; floor blankets laid but empty.
Huh? Kim Yu-na (15) should be there—where'd she go?
Slept enough anyway. Headed out.
Some adults sleeping on living room blankets.
Kim Nam-seok (17) sandwiched in there.
Guys in living room, gals in guest rooms or mine, looks like.
Careful not to wake 'em, tiptoed to kitchen for water, then yard for air.
Where's Boksil? Was in living room—probably conked out.
Cool night air, through yard, out the gate.
Moonlit alley bright, and...
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Slash!
There was Kim Yu-na (15), missing from the room.
Hmm....
Flash!
Moonlight on yellow-dyed hair whipping wild.
What's she doing in the alley?
Phone propped ahead, dancing—like that challenge vid with Lee Hyun-jun and Hyun-su.
Middle-school level: short limbs, bit sloppy.
Watched a while from behind; she caught breath, grabbed phone.
Turned—and eyes met mine.
"...!"
Saw me like a ghost—eyes wide, frozen teen girl. What to say?
"Uh... that TikTok thing? Right?"
"Eek! Forget you saw!"
Tried bonding, but she squeezed eyes shut, plopped down.
I get that shame.
Mine hurts like hell...
But watching her? Couldn't help laughing.
Don't... don't laugh.
Gotta adult: reassure her it's fine.
"It's f— pfft! Hahaha!!"
"Don't laugh!"
Sorry....
How to hold it?
This is gold.
"Pfft! Ahaha!"
"Eek, please!"
Look at her—told ya not to dance in front of someone's house.
Looks like Kim Yu-na (15)'s blanket's getting kicked off plenty tonight.