Chae-eun 2: Bath Time and Swimsuit Blues
"It's been a while since we bathed together."
"Yeah, tell me about it."
I couldn't say no to Chae-eun's pleading, so I reluctantly joined her in the bathroom. We were both naked, but the magical steam helped obscure our bodies, easing the awkwardness a bit.
"I'll wash your hair."
"Okay!"
I sat Chae-eun on the bathroom stool and gently massaged shampoo into her hair from behind, working it into every corner with soapy hands. She shivered pleasantly, clearly enjoying it.
"Mmm."
As I washed her hair, I closely examined the texture. Her shoulder-length bob suited her perfectly.
It'd probably look good on me too. We're pretty similar-looking, after all.
Idols need to change up their image periodically. Not right now, but I filed it away for later.
"Close your eyes."
"Yep!"
I poured water from the basin over her head. Chae-eun shook her head side to side, flinging droplets everywhere like a dog after a bath. It was pretty cute.
"Next, your back..."
I paused just as I was about to wash her back. Her clothes had hidden it before, but there were clear tan lines on her skin.
"You went to the beach recently, didn't you?"
"How'd you know?"
"Pfft."
I couldn't help but chuckle. How could anyone miss this? Swimsuit marks ran perfectly from her hips up to her shoulders, while her arms, legs, and face had a light bronze tan. She must be good about sunscreen usually. Still, a bit worrying in such a sunny place.
Of course, the subtle tan was kinda pretty. But UV rays are a girl's enemy. Gotta protect that porcelain skin.
I finished washing up quickly and slipped into the tub with her. The water overflowed onto the floor from our buoyancy. We sat side by side, knees hugged to our chests, droplets from our faces plinking into the surface one by one.
It felt cramped. This tub at Grandpa's had seemed huge when we were kids splashing around, but now it was tiny.
I snuck a glance at Chae-eun. She hadn't been this grown the last time I saw her. Puberty must've hit hard—she'd shot up in height.
Watching her like this warmed a corner of my heart. This must be how parents feel watching their kids grow.
"You've gotten so much taller in just a year."
"...I haven't grown at all."
Chae-eun eyed her body with a worried frown, pouting for a bit before turning to scrutinize mine. Then she let out a relieved sigh on her own.
"Well, looking at you, sis, I guess I don't need to worry. You must've been this size at my age too."
"...Haha."
Right? Her eyes were full of certainty as she stared at me. I just gave an awkward smile and nodded.
I'd definitely been a C-cup at her age... but I didn't want to hurt her feelings. All I wanted was for her to grow up healthy.
"I'll dry your hair."
"Sure."
I blow-dried it and finished with a thorough brushing. We changed into pajamas and headed to the kitchen, where the table was laden with a feast.
"This young lady knows her liquor!"
"I don't think I can keep up with an elder, though."
The CEO, already seated, was toasting with Grandpa. They'd gone from stiff acquaintances to best buds in no time.
Grandpa's usually so picky about people... The entertainment world's CEO life really hones those social skills.
Chae-eun and I sat down too. The table overflowed with fresh seafood dishes—stuff Grandpa had caught himself, so incredibly fresh.
As we ate, the CEO started staring at Chae-eun next to me.
Why's he eyeing my little sister like that?
I shot him a glare. He waved his hands frantically, denying it.
"No, it's just... you two look more alike than I thought. So, uh..."
He glanced between us before broaching it casually.
"Any interest in showbiz, kiddo?"
Classic entertainment CEO—spotting potential and casting on the spot.
I hugged Chae-eun tight and shook my head firmly.
"No way for Chae-eun."
Being an idol is cool, and the money's great. But the dark side is brutal: endless schedules, cutthroat competition, constant image maintenance, and way too much public scrutiny.
I wanted Chae-eun to live freely, doing what she loved. Unless she really wanted in, I wouldn't stand in her way.
I peeked at her in my arms. Luckily, she seemed uninterested.
"Nah, not really into being a celebrity. Thanks for the offer, though."
"Got it."
The CEO dropped it without a fuss.
Not long after, we finished eating and excused ourselves. The adults were gearing up for an all-nighter with drinks. Chae-eun and I headed to our room to crash early—I was wiped.
"Oh, only one pillow. I'll grab another from the living room."
"Thanks."
Chae-eun went off for it. Alone, I scanned the room. My eyes landed on the empty desk—no textbooks, no stationery, no sign of studying.
"...Typical of my sister."
I smiled wryly and turned to the display case in the corner. It was filled with awards and trophies, mostly 1st or 2nd place from youth swimming competitions.
So she was talented at swimming? Kinda embarrassing I only learned this now as her big sis. I can barely keep up as it is...
I vowed deep down to show more interest from now on.
Chae-eun returned with the pillow. We turned off the lights and lay side by side on the single bed. It was snug, but we fit if we pressed close—neither of us was that big.
I brought it up naturally.
"Got any dreams or anything, Chae-eun?"
"Swimmer."
Seeing those shiny trophies, I'd half-guessed. She had the talent and seemed to love it. My job was simple: support her fully.
"Need anything? Like swimming lessons or a top coach?"
Idol work had lined my pockets. I could cover costs, even send her abroad if she wanted.
"Hmm..."
After a pause, she said decisively,
"Actually, I wanna go to high school in Seoul. So... can I live with you starting high school?"
Her eyes pleaded earnestly.
That's it? Easy yes. Grandpa and Grandma might be sad, but they'd understand for her dream.
"Sure. I'll talk to them."
"Really!? I can live with you for real!?"
"Yeah. Even until you get married."
"Then I'll never marry and live with you forever."
She joked, snuggling into my arms and drifting off.
...Joking, right?
The TV blared the weather report the moment I turned it on, dark clouds visible outside.
Looks like...
Sure enough, a text pinged from Manager unnie.
With the schedule pushed to tomorrow, my day opened up.
"Sis, day off? Wanna go out somewhere?"
Chae-eun peeked at my phone, eyes sparkling like a puppy wagging its tail.
I nodded reluctantly. Playing big sis for once wouldn't hurt.
"Anywhere in mind? Weather's crap—shopping mall?"
"More like..."
She hesitated, then mustered courage.
"I wanna go swimming with you."
"Swimming...?"
"Indoor water park."
Tricky for me, but her expectant face made refusal impossible.
Fine, glasses will handle it.
"...Okay."
She cheered, fist-pumping. I texted Manager unnie to bring my swimsuit from the dorm.
Ding-dong♪
She arrived soon with a paper bag.
"Have fun with family today."
"Thanks."
I took it to the living room. No swimsuits of my own, so I'd asked a staff unnie to grab any before Jeju.
I pulled it out.
"Uh...?"
I froze solid. Even if I said "anything," a bikini was too much.
"Embarrassing in front of my little sister..."