No Strange Misunderstandings
Please don't get the wrong idea. I threw on my stage outfit over my swimsuit and climbed up onto the stage. The costume was a bit more revealing than usual, but it didn't feel embarrassing at all. That's because the performance was inside a water park. Not only the backup dancers behind me, but all the audience members watching were in swimsuits too. Most of the guys had their shirts off, and the women were strutting around in provocative bikinis to show off their figures. Compared to the crowd, my outfit was actually on the more modest side. It was the organizers' consideration for the fact that I was still a minor.
"Hello, everyone."
I greeted the audience alongside Yuna sunbae. Right then, an enormous roar of cheers erupted, and a torrent of water rained down on the stage. The crowd surrounding us fired water guns our way. My body tensed up for a split second from the sudden deluge, but I adapted quickly.
"Ready?"
"Yep."
We couldn't just stand there taking it, so we decided to fight back right away. I grabbed the water cannon set up at the front of the stage and unleashed a spray on the audience. Screams of excitement echoed everywhere.
Waterbomb. A water play concept performance where we splash around with the fans. Singing, dancing, and having a summer blast with water fights. The key to the stage was blending in with the crowd like it was real water play, having genuine fun together.
Whoosh———
A jet of water from the audience nailed me right in the shoulder. I put on a pouty face and fired back immediately with the water gun in my hand. It felt just like messing around with close friends. In response, love calls came pouring my way from all over.
"Over here too—just once!"
Requests to spray them popped up from every direction. Was getting hit by my water gun really that fun? I had no idea, but if the fans wanted it, who was I to say no? I wandered around the T-shaped stage, drenching spots here and there.
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a familiar face in the crowd. Was I seeing things? I turned back for a closer look. At that exact moment, a stream of water slammed right into my face.
Ah, not the face, please.
My vision blurred for a brief second. I shook the water off my face and peered back at the audience. No familiar face in sight.
...Just my imagination, then.
**
We wrapped up the performance without a hitch and headed back to the waiting room. Kim Hee-sung, who had been waiting for us, gave me a round of applause. His face was beaming with satisfaction.
"Great job. That was an amazing stage."
"How was the crowd's reaction?"
"Beyond expectations. Reservations for the water park shot up 10% in just one day. The staff are all thrilled."
He grinned ear to ear at the stellar results. I let out a quiet sigh of relief too. It was my first time doing a show like this Waterbomb, so I'd been pretty nervous.
I was in the middle of exhaling that breath of relief when—maybe from the tension releasing— a sneeze burst out of me.
"Achoo!"
I rubbed my nose and stroked my shoulders. After getting soaked for so long, a chill was starting to set in. Spotting that, Kim Hee-sung flinched in surprise and handed me a blanket.
"Oh, sorry. I should've had you change first... I'll show you to a bedroom right away."
I wrapped myself in the blanket and trailed after him. The room he led me to was a suite on the top floor of the resort. From the layout to every detail of the interior, it oozed luxury. No way this was a standard guest room.
"This is the highest-grade suite in our resort. Feel free to use it during your stay."
We were scheduled to stay here for two days because of the promo shoot. After a quick rundown of the rules, Kim Hee-sung left the room.
"This room is so pretty."
Yuna sunbae wandered around, admiring every corner. Somehow, we'd ended up sharing the room. No idea who decided that.
I couldn't risk catching another cold like last time, so I decided to change first. I rummaged through my bag and pulled out some fresh clothes.
That's when it happened.
"Ugh."
Yuna sunbae stripped right off the clothes she'd been wearing in front of me. She acted totally casual, even though I wasn't from her group—just another idol. I had no clue where to look and felt a bit flustered.
"You not changing?"
"...Yeah, I should."
I grabbed my clothes from the bag and ducked into the bathroom. When I came back out, sunbae was at the entrance, getting ready to head out.
"Where to this time?"
"They say the spa here is great for recovery. Figured I'd try it. Come with?"
She invited me nicely, but I shook my head and passed. I wasn't big on strangers touching me. Besides, I already got regular massages from Manager unnie.
"Alright then. I'll go quick and be back. See ya."
"Have fun."
With Yuna sunbae gone, I had the room to myself. A brief silence settled in. I checked the clock—it was still too early for bed.
"Maybe grab some souvenirs."
I'd forgotten to buy any in Jeju to share with the member unnies. Guess I'd pick up a few here instead. I put on my glasses and slipped out of the room.
Down on the first floor, I emerged into the crowded lobby. I headed straight for the souvenir shop in one corner.
...Long line. Some kind of sale going on?
A huge queue snaked out from the souvenir shop. Looked like I'd have to wait if I wanted in. But now that I was here, no way was I turning back. I joined the end obediently.
How long did I wait? Nearly an hour later, I finally made it inside.
...Wore me out just standing there. I almost gave up midway, but curiosity kept me going. What incredible stuff could they be selling to make people line up like this?
Once inside, I looked around. The first thing I spotted was a keychain with my face on it. My mood soured right away. With a bad feeling, I scanned the shop more carefully. T-shirts, photo books, mugs—all emblazoned with my face everywhere.
Then I noticed the sign in one corner.
Ruti & Yuna Goods Shop
I wasn't even officially a promo model yet, and they were already selling my merch inside the facility. I smacked my forehead.
Of all things, it had to be my merch shop.
I'd waited in line and everything, but there was nothing I wanted to buy. Couldn't exactly take my own stuff as souvenirs for the unnies.
...I'm not some narcissist.
And buying Yuna sunbae's merch as gifts? That had its own issues. She was our rival, after all.
"...Guess I'll get souvenirs somewhere else."
I sighed heavily and left the shop. Feeling like I'd wasted my time, my shoulders slumped. Back to the room to wash up and crash, I figured.
On my way back to the room, a voice called out from behind. I assumed it was Manager unnie, but...
No, standing there was someone completely unexpected.
"T-Teach—?"
Lee Ye-rin, homeroom teacher for Haneul Arts High School Class 1-7. It was our homeroom teacher who'd stopped me.
"Siyeon, you here for fun too?"
She tilted her head at me. She had a leopard-print swimsuit under her hoodie. Probably here to enjoy the water park herself.
I decided to play it vague for now.
"...Yeah, just visiting."
"With who?"
"Family."
"Family?"
A question mark practically floated over her head. Oh crap. She knew my family situation well enough. No way she'd buy that I came with my parents.
I blanked out, unsure how to explain who I was with. Couldn't exactly say a minor came here alone, either.
"Which family member?"
"Well..."
Cold sweat trickled down as I glanced around. That's when I spotted the CEO wandering the lobby. I pointed at him right away.
"With my uncle."
"Uncle?"
She followed my finger to him. She stared in silence for a moment, then her face went pale as she grabbed my hand.
"S-Siyeon-ah, be honest with teacher just this once. That guy... he's really your uncle?"
"Yeah."
She looked utterly incredulous. Probably because the CEO's face was so intimidating. Just then, he noticed me and started heading over.
Teacher pulled me into a tight, protective hug. Seeing that, he looked puzzled.
Our teacher, I mouthed to clue him in on the situation.
He caught on fast and flashed his business smile.
"Hello."
"Um, are you Siyeon's uncle?"
"Yes, that's me."
She glanced back and forth between us, clearly not buying it. Then she swallowed hard.
"What's Siyeon's mom's name?"
"...Pardon?"
"Her mom's name. You are her uncle—you should know."
She pressed again, double-checking. The CEO froze solid on the spot. I went rigid too. No way he'd know my mom's name, CEO or not.
"Why can't you answer right away?"
"W-Well..."
With no quick reply, her eyes sharpened. Suspicion turned to certainty. She gulped again and said,
"You're not her uncle, are you?"
She hugged me even tighter.
...Can't... breathe.