Chapter 47
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 47
Chapter Title: How Far Can You Two Go with Skinship?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Ever members introduce their friends, and those friends give a simple greeting along with a few words.
So why did I have to fend off all sorts of attacks right from the start?
From the moment filming began, they seemed to have a clear grasp of my concept, and all I could muster was a wry chuckle—but setting that aside, if it was fun, wouldn't that make it okay?
'No, why am I even thinking about stuff like this.'
I'm doomed.
To think I'm worrying about view counts because of my broadcast-obsessed childhood friend.
Anyway.
In the end, after simple greetings, we moved out right on time as the train arrived at the station.
I was surprised they managed to reserve an entire car on the ITX, which isn't even a KTX, but what amazed me most was the cameras installed throughout the train.
Even at the seats, there were small cameras set up one by one.
I was inwardly curious how these tiny cameras captured everything, but seeing the Ever members act completely unfazed, I didn't bother touching them.
Han Chaewon
"Feels like it's been years since I last rode a train. ITX is totally new to me."
Kang Yumin
"Even when we went out to play, it was always the Mugunghwa or KTX."
Han Chaewon
"That was ages ago. Back in elementary school."
Maybe because it had been so long since riding a train, Chaewon was buzzing with excitement.
I sat next to Chaewon, who had quickly claimed the window seat, and soon after, Serin came in, asking in wonder.
Kwon Serin
"Whoa, you two have even ridden trains together?"
Han Chaewon
"Yeah. Didn't I tell you? Back in elementary school, we went out to play all the time."
Kwon Serin
"Wow, so this is what childhood friends are like?"
Han Chaewon
"Our parents were really close too. So we used up every single day we could for school field trips—maybe around ten days?"
Kang Yumin
"It's so long ago, I don't even remember."
I shrugged at Chaewon, who turned to ask me.
While the three of us chatted about this and that, everyone took their seats, and then PD An crouched in the aisle to briefly explain the schedule.
An Hyungseok
"We'll get off at Namchuncheon Station, grab a quick lunch, check out the market for food for today and tomorrow, then head to the glamping site where we'll spend the day."
The group lit up at the word "glamping."
But seeing PD An glance at me with a sly expression, I realized once again.
Ah. Today, I'm going to be the all-purpose handyman bustling around all day.
Just thinking about the labor ahead of me made tears well up.
An Hyungseok
"We'll wrap up at the glamping site by morning the next day, then head to the arboretum for some fun before ending the trip."
He went on for a few minutes about his signature rhetoric—confirming friendships through games and winning prizes in the process...
Wow. What a strange feeling.
To think I'd live to see this with my own eyes.
I wasn't the only one with these thoughts; Ever's close-knit friends were sparkling-eyed, hanging on PD An's every word.
Han Chaewon
"Minah, this is your unnie."
The bratty one puffed out her chest proudly.
If there weren't cameras and people around, I might've patted her head, but what can you do.
I chuckled and bumped fists with Chaewon.
Fujiwara May
"Wooow~! We're off!"
The train began to move slowly with the announcement.
It glided smoothly away from the station, gradually picking up speed as it left the city behind.
Everyone was Seoul-born and had no reason to ride trains, so they were all amazed.
The staff, minus the bare minimum, were either checking the next schedule or taking a short break in their seats.
...Now's the time?
I glanced around cautiously and reclined my seatback.
Han Chaewon
"Hey."
Clunk—it stopped.
I forced a smile and looked over.
Kang Yumin
"Whoa."
Han Chaewon
"I'm bored."
Even in clingy mode, this is too much.
Can't I take a quick nap?
I stared at her with a hint of annoyance, but clingy Chaewon just grinned like she loved it.
Then she poked my cheek repeatedly to mess with me.
Kang Yumin
"Go play over there."
I pointed at the group chatting animatedly right in front of us as I stood.
Han Chaewon
"This is our long-overdue friendship trip, buddy. Won't you chat sweetly with me while gazing at the scenery?"
Kang Yumin
"Does it have to be right now?"
I shot back with a bright smile at the bratty one, who tilted her head infuriatingly in that weird tone.
Maybe caught off guard by how easily I countered, Chaewon nodded repeatedly and...
Han Chaewon
"Shouldn't we act professional?"
The bratty one switched tactics.
Kang Yumin
"Rest when you can. I can already see myself running around as the handyman at the glamping site."
Han Chaewon
"Oh, really?"
The bratty one smirked slyly, lifting the corner of her mouth.
That expression would make anyone passing by swear.
I didn't know what exactly, but I reached out with a gesture to calm her...
Han Chaewon
"Everyone! Yumin just declared he'll handle everything at the glamping site as the ultimate handyman! Let's give a round of applause for the legendary childhood friend~!"
Before I could stop her, the bratty one forced me out of the closet.
Please don't.
Our family has a proud lineage.
Our ancestors would weep.
Kim Sua (Serin's friend)
"Yumin's the best!!"
Lee Dahyun (Yerin's friend)
"Oppa, I'm super sensitive about meat, so be on your toes. Got it?"
People poked their heads out from seats beside and above, clapping.
Multiple cameras captured the scene.
And so, the 32nd descendant of the Cheongju Han clan became a handyman.
So stop shoving that phone in my face, you crazy bratty one.
Why film if you're just gonna close-up on my eyes?
Kang Yumin
"If you need anything, just tell me..."
I stood weakly, forced an awkward smile, then sat back down and glared at the side.
We'll settle this later.
Kim Sua (Serin's friend)
"Yumin, Yumin. Remember my name?"
Kang Yumin
"...Sua, right? Serin's friend."
Kim Sua (Serin's friend)
"Aw, don't be so formal. We're the same age—call me Sua~."
Kang Yumin
"...Yeah, Sua."
Lee Dahyun (Yerin's friend)
"Oppa, Oppa. What about mine?"
Kang Yumin
"...Dahyun. Yerin's friend."
Lee Dahyun (Yerin's friend)
"Ugh, so distant~. Casual with Sua unnie but polite to me? Loosen up. Say it: Dahyun~."
Kang Yumin
"...Yeah, Dahyun."
Lee Yerin
"Wow. Casual with Dahyun, whom you've just met, but not with me after twice? We're friends with her too?"
Kang Yumin
"...Yerin. That work?"
Lee Yerin
"Good."
Forced icebreaker with name-calling and casual speech.
Were they all gathered here because they couldn't stand seeing me rest? Questions poured in like a tsunami.
What? Thought an hour passed, but only 10 minutes?
Thought it was hell, but it's just a train.
A dream, right? Has to be.
Tell me it's a dream.
Han Chaewon
"Oh, glaring at me here?"
Kwon Serin
"Anyway, let's continue that talk from earlier."
As I poked Chaewon's hand in petty revenge,
Serin turned to look at me and Chaewon.
At her tossed-out topic, everyone swiveled toward us, and even PD An seemed to sense something, glancing our way.
Kang Yumin
"Man, I'm sleepy."
Kwon Serin
"You two are guy-bestie girl-bestie types, right?"
Hmm, it didn't land at all.
I nodded reluctantly at Serin's bright eyes and listened to the question.
As promised, the Ever members still didn't know about our relationship.
Chaewon and I nodded casually, pretending it was no big deal.
What came next was the real spectacle.
Kwon Serin
"But we concluded that guy-besties and girl-besties don't exist?"
Han Chaewon
"...So?"
Kwon Serin
"15 years... Tsk, does that even make sense?"
Her eyebrows shot up in genuine disbelief.
Her incredulous face, like hearing the sun would rise in the west tomorrow, was priceless.
...So what's the question here?
In this situation demanding an answer, Chaewon and I just blinked repeatedly with awkward laughs.
Kwon Serin
"Honestly. Truly honestly. What even is a guy-bestie or girl-bestie? An opposite-sex friend you don't feel attraction or fondness for, right?"
Han Chaewon
"Y-Yeah?"
Kwon Serin
"That's what doesn't make sense. Huh? How do you drink together, spend nights alone... Huh?"
Kang Yumin
"...Serin? Not sure why, but you're getting really heated..."
Kwon Serin
"Serin."
Kang Yumin
"Yeah, Serin. Why keep pushing extremes? If they're besties, it wouldn't go that far."
Lee Yerin
"Pfft, with such a pretty friend and no feelings? If I were a guy, I'd crush every day~."
Yerin's flat yet weighty remark, after listening quietly.
I was startled—she nailed the point I'd felt.
You've dated a guy-bestie, haven't you?
As the mood turned subtly off-kilter, I darted my eyes around...
And that's when I saw it.
In May's pure gaze toward Chaewon, filled with encouragement and support.
These people plan to play lovey-dovey matchmakers for me and Chaewon the whole trip.
The moment that realization hit, I poked Chaewon's side to signal.
From Chaewon's subtle glance back, I read two messages.
One: 'I didn't expect this.'
The other: 'Hang in there.'
How loved must she be for her members to push dating?
Kwon Serin
"First off, you two claim girl-bestie guy-bestie is possible?"
We nodded reluctantly, like swallowing mustard.
Kwon Serin
"We'll ask questions, so as 15-year besties, tell us the exact line. Deal? No more, no less—just settle it now."
Kang Minah
"Perfect. Who could argue when prime guy-bestie girl-bestie examples answer?"
Kwon Serin
"Then, youngest to oldest, one by one."
The group brimmed with anticipation.
No escape, so I steeled myself to face it.
The key is an unyielding spirit, right?
Kang Minah
"How far can you two go with skinship?"
My resolve crumbled instantly.
Lee Yerin
"Our maknae line's question was so on point?"
Fujiwara May
"...Epic."
The bold question ignited the atmosphere.
Even resting staff turned to watch with interest, and for some reason, PD An was the most excited.
An Hyungseok
"This is a crucial point. As MZ-gen bestie reps, your words carry serious authority."
What are you even saying, PD?
True to his nasty style of baiting pride, every comment was provocative.
Kang Minah
"First, holding hands. Can you hold hands?"
The basics of basics in skinship.
Honestly, we'd done it casually since elementary school, so no big resistance, but...
Kang Yumin
"...Why bother?"
Kang Yumin. Think.
Can you handle the Forever fans' wrath after this airs?
'No way in hell.'
Quick internal Q&A.
For the sake of consequences, I gave a realistic bestie response.
Kang Minah
"Boring."
Shin Sumin (Minah's friend)
"...Yeah. Honestly, what's the point of holding hands as besties?"
My choice was perfectly rational.
Han Chaewon
"If I had to, I could."
Until this bratty one snatched my hand, interlocking fingers for the camera.
Kang Minah
"...Whoa."
Lee Yerin
"Ooh, leader vibes."
Fujiwara May
"Then hugs. Hugs...? Ah, no! Ki, ki, ki, kiss...?!!"
Han Chaewon
"If it's that, I could—"
Kang Yumin
"Absolutely not."
Get a grip, bratty one.