Promotional Model Contract
"Promotional model."
"I want to see you off at the airport."
"I'll take your feelings."
Chae-eun clicked her tongue regretfully. It was impossible to head out to the airport. It would be swarming with reporters and my fans right now. Regrettably, we'd say our goodbyes at Grandpa's house.
"Can I come visit you in Seoul next time?"
"Of course. Anytime."
We wrapped up our short chat with a hug between sisters. Her petite frame slipped right into my arms. It was pretty cute how she clung to me so tightly with that tiny body. She'd probably shoot up even taller by the next time we met. That felt a little disappointing.
I wish she wouldn't grow anymore. I joked to myself playfully.
I exchanged final goodbyes with Grandma and Grandpa, then climbed into the CEO's waiting car. The sight of my family waving from outside the window gradually faded into the distance.
Now it was back to Seoul, back to resuming my entertainment career. With even new schedules(?) piled on top of the existing ones, things were about to get even busier.
I gazed out the window and let out a quiet sigh. I'd assumed summer break would mean a bit more breathing room, but somehow I was busier than ever. School was starting to feel almost nostalgic.
...I hope summer break ends soon.
I boarded the plane and arrived safely at the airport. As expected, reporters were waiting. I gave a quick interview before hopping into the waiting car like I was fleeing.
The car carrying me sped right out of the airport. It would have been nice if it headed straight home, but unfortunately, it veered in the opposite direction. We hit the highway and headed toward Yongin City.
Soon, colorful, flashy structures came into view outside the window. Caribbean Park. From the outside, it looked more like a massive amusement park than a waterpark. It was on a whole different scale from the Jeju waterpark I'd visited recently.
The car waited briefly, and security staff from the waterpark came out to greet us. Under their guidance, I made my way to a VIP lounge inside the resort. It was luxurious and highly private.
Several men in suits were waiting inside. Among them was Kim Hee-sung, the promotional department team leader who'd visited me in Jeju not long ago.
"Hello."
We exchanged brief greetings and took our seats. Kim Hee-sung, sitting across from me, beamed brightly and handed me a stack of documents. At the top of the papers, it read:
Promotional Model Contract
This was why Kim Hee-sung had come all the way to Jeju to see me—to make me the promotional model here. They'd loved the image I'd shown at the waterpark. It wasn't a bad deal for me either, so I accepted right away. The money was too good to turn down.
"The contract terms are just as we discussed beforehand. Take your time reading it and sign when you're ready."
"...Okay."
I paused just before signing. There was one thing bothering me. Glancing around cautiously, I muttered in a small voice.
"Um... no really revealing outfits, okay?"
As a waterpark promotional model, I'd obviously have to shoot in a swimsuit. That part worried me a bit. Sure, photos of me in a swimsuit were already all over the internet, but I didn't want to lean into anything overtly provocative. My face felt a little hot.
At that, Kim Hee-sung burst into laughter right there on the spot.
"Haha!"
"??"
"Ah, sorry. I didn't mean to laugh, but Ruti's reaction was just too cute..."
After chuckling for a while, he composed himself and explained again.
"No need to worry about that. We have no intention of running such provocative marketing with a minor. That would just cause bigger problems for us."
He said they'd prepared swimsuits with minimal exposure. Only then did I relax and sign the contract.
Kim Hee-sung nodded in satisfaction as he took the contract, then pulled another one from his briefcase.
"Next up is the performance contract..."
As a commemorative event for becoming the promotional model, I'd agreed to perform at one of the park's facilities. There was one additional request.
"It was originally going to be a solo stage for Ruti, but there was some internal discussion. If it's okay with you, could you do a two-person unit performance with our guest?"
"A unit performance? But the timing..."
The show was tonight. There wasn't enough time for rehearsals with some unknown person.
Kim Hee-sung nodded calmly.
"That shouldn't be an issue. The guest said it'd be fine with you."
"Huh? Who's the guest?"
"Why don't you talk it over directly."
Someone opened the door and stepped into the lounge. She had striking black-and-white two-tone hair and a cool, chic vibe.
"Unnie Yu-na?"
Chae Yu-na, leader of Lovely Pink. It had been almost two months since our last unit performance—this was our first reunion.
She wrapped her arms around my neck and greeted me warmly.
"Long time no see. How've you been?"
"Yeah... You're the guest?"
"Yup. I was scheduled to perform here too. So, about that..."
Unnie Yu-na looked at me with sparkling eyes, her face full of anticipation.
"Wanna do another unit stage together?"
Come to think of it, our last unit performance had been cut short by sudden heavy rain, so we hadn't been able to show everything we'd prepared. I wanted to recreate that stage too.
I accepted her proposal right away.
"Sure."
Since Unnie and I had synced up several times before, the rehearsal didn't take long. Once it was done, we headed to a restaurant inside the resort. There was still plenty of time before the show, so we decided to eat first.
...Let's see.
I checked the menu on the table. Being a spot popular with foreigners, it had all sorts of dishes.
I wanted to order whatever looked good, but...
'Siyeon-ah... you've gained about 1kg this time, huh?'
Manager unnie's voice echoed in my ears.
"...One salmon salad, please."
"Yes, got it. And for you, miss?"
Unnie, unlike me, happily scanned the menu.
"One gorgonzola pizza, one aglio e olio pasta, one tomato gratin, one mushroom risotto. That's it."
She ordered freely. Can she really eat all that alone?
Soon, our food piled up on the table. Unnie grabbed her fork like she'd been waiting.
"Nom nom."
Every bite brought a satisfied smile. Her eating was so hearty that my mouth started watering too.
She polished off one plate after another, and before long, the table was cleared.
...She ate all that?
I couldn't believe my eyes and kept staring. Noticing, she tilted her head.
"Something wrong?"
"Unnie..."
It might be rude, but I asked straight up.
"Do you always eat that much?"
She nodded casually.
"Yeah."
"Um... how many meals a day?"
"Depends on the schedule, but average two per day?"
"For real...?"
I craned my neck to peek at her abs. Even in a relaxed sitting position, her defined six-pack stood out sharp.
How does she eat like that and keep a body like this?
Pure curiosity filled my head. As I kept staring, she grinned like she'd thought of something fun.
"If it's that amazing, wanna feel?"
She playfully pointed to her stomach. It was so out of the blue, but I nodded without thinking.
But I'm just so curious.
"Excuse me then."
I poked her abs with my finger. Beneath the soft skin, there was a firm, springy resilience. It bounced right back every time.
After a few pokes, it hit me. Unnie's secret to her figure was hardcore workouts. Her taut body proved it.
How much gym time does it take to maintain this?
I looked up at her. She shrugged with a 'Pretty impressive, right?' face.
That was the moment.
"Eek."
A cute squeak escaped Unnie's lips. Her eyes went wide, and her ears turned a bit pink.
"Huh? What the—"
Confused, I slowly looked down. Then I let out a small sigh.
In poking her abs, I'd accidentally jabbed her belly button.
"Sorry."
"Ahem! I-It's fine."
She cleared her throat like it was no big deal, but she couldn't hide her fluster. It was the first time the ever-cool Unnie had been thrown off.
...Her belly button's her weak spot, huh.