Chapter 57
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 57
Chapter Title: Amusement Park Sticker Photos
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Can you really capture those lifelong memory shots with such a fragile mindset?
If you asked what I was most looking forward to during today's shoot, it'd hands-down be the amusement park.
That said, it was Thursday, August 3rd.
The high temperature hit a scorching 36 degrees Celsius.
In other words, thanks to it being a weekday and the sweltering heat, the park was delightfully empty...
"...It's hot."
The temperature felt way hotter than the sauna session we did that morning, making my head droop as the one who'd suggested coming to the amusement park.
They said since we were at a relatively crowded spot like an amusement park, they'd keep the shoot crew minimal...
Three camera directors, a PD, a writer, and six total production staff. Add in managers from various departments and security team members—seven more.
With me, Yumin, and everyone else, that made over fifteen people suffering under the blazing sun, so it wasn't exactly a relaxed shoot.
The silver lining was that with so few people around, there wasn't much for security to deal with, and clouds in the sky meant we weren't getting direct sunlight.
"Still, can't resist a selfie~!"
Whatever the case, showing discomfort wasn't the image a broadcaster should project, so I put on a lively expression, raised the camera in my hand, and snapped a selfie.
"Minah, what do you think? Don't I look totally cute?"
I took the shot in the trendy style lately.
The subject was one of the world's top beauties.
That's right. I know I'm pretty.
A pretty girl who knows she's pretty had posed perfectly for it, so of course it came out gorgeous. I rushed right over to my boyfriend to show off...
"...You do look good, but I still don't get why you're so obsessed with wearing a uniform."
His clueless words, making it sound like I was some uniform fanatic, made my face scrunch up a bit.
You idiot. What I wanted to hear was you smiling and saying I'm pretty.
"It's my ultimate fantasy, okay?"
...But still.
Away from the cameras, wasn't this a great day?
Who knew when I'd get another chance to wear a uniform and enjoy such a carefree amusement park date with Yumin? I shot back cheerfully.
"It's 4:20 PM now. Parade's at 8:00, so we've got three hours left—we need to hustle like crazy."
Because from here on out, the schedule was packed non-stop.
"Why are you in the souvenir shop if you're saying that?"
"...Why are you questioning why someone's in a souvenir shop at an amusement park?"
I mean, doesn't everyone hit the souvenir shop for hairbands, headpieces, and bags when they come to an amusement park? It's basically the rule.
We stared at each other, both baffled that the other didn't get it.
"You've never bought stuff like this at an amusement park?"
"I've barely even set foot in here. Aside from coming with you, I've never spent more than five minutes inside one."
"Didn't you make some excuse and hang out alone outside last time too?"
"On that note, mind if I step out for some fresh air...?"
"Today, I'm gonna show you how to really enjoy an amusement park. Follow me."
I grabbed the arm of Yumin, who was trying to slink away, and dragged him deeper into the shop.
He wasn't saying it outright, but his face screamed, "Why buy this at that price?"
First things first, I needed to fix that stingy(?) mindset of his. I headed straight to the headpiece corner—the staple of any souvenir shop.
Operation name:
"How can you not buy something this cute and adorable?"
"Doesn't this look cute on me?"
"Yeah, it's cute."
His fresh-faced expression rivaled my debut days, but his reaction was lukewarm.
...Okay. I figured you'd react like this since your responses are always so underwhelming anyway.
Kang Yumin, are you nuts? Your girlfriend's acting all cute, and all you give is a nod?
Part of me wanted to lock him in a truth room and give him a full mental re-education, but I'm a pro.
"How about this headband? Which one suits me better, you think?"
I doubled down with sly moves and an adorable smile, refusing to back off.
"...Both look great."
"If you had to pick one?"
"...Left?"
"Try again. Do you really think that?"
"...Right?"
"Knew you'd say that~!"
For the record, my philosophy is that this stuff requires rote training.
"Minah, wanna do Loti? Or should I?"
"...What's Loti?"
"The mascot's name here."
"...Whoa, I just learned that coming here. That raccoon guy's named Loti?"
"That's Lori. Loti's the boy one."
"...Oh, really?"
Yumin looked stunned, realizing he knew even less than he thought.
Perfect opening. I plopped a headband on him while he was dazed.
"This on me too—"
"Eek, so cute~! Doesn't it look perfect on Kang Yumin?"
Then, relentless praise without pause.
Girls with boyfriends who want matching headbands at the park but get grumpy looks over the price tags—pay attention.
Act as cute as possible, praise how great it looks on him, and most guys will cave, bonus points if it makes them feel good.
Oh, if your guy's a pro who doesn't fall for it? Start with something super expensive.
Even if it's over 7,000 won, it'll seem cheap by comparison, and he'll buy it.
Men are way simpler than you think.
"...You really wanna wear this?"
"Yep! It'll make for memories we'll cherish forever when we take pics."
"...Fine, whatever. One won't hurt."
He grumbled like it was a chore, but he checked himself out in the mirror, fussing over his look.
Probably because I'd been hyping how cute he looked—his reflection showed real satisfaction.
"Minah, how about this?"
Momentum going, I headed to the corner with character crossbags.
"...This is over 20,000 won?"
This time, pure shock—like there was no way he'd ever buy it.
Honestly, you wouldn't use it outside the park; it was more accessory than bag, focused on looks, so even I felt the price sting a bit.
However, how could I skip matching the headband?
Matching meant guaranteed iconic park shots. No way I'd pass.
"I'll just get this one myself. Good?"
"...No need to check with me. It's your money—what's it to me?"
"What if I said let's match...?"
"Sorry. No can do."
As expected, I got the character crossbag alone, but my goal was always the couple headbands anyway.
"...It would've been nice to match."
To leave room for matching couple items later—maybe secondhand—I pouted my lips on purpose, hinting at disappointment.
"...Maybe next time we come."
Hook, line, and sinker.
You tsundere only with me. It kills me.
+++
"Sticker photo booth?"
Right after buying the merch, we arrived at the instant photo studio.
His expression screamed he had no idea this was next, drawing a smirk on my face.
"Pfft, who just rides rides at amusement parks these days?"
"...Oh, right?"
"Exactly. People who know how to have fun at parks don't just ride rides—they rack up memories at hidden gems like this. Speaking of which, Kang Yumin? You're so behind on trends. Total dad vibes, dad."
"You're one to talk, using words like 'hidden gem'."
"...Wanna get in trouble?"
"Sorry."
He ducked his head with a sheepish grin after my playful glare.
Why add that extra jab if you know you'll fold right away?
"...Chaewon, can I be honest?"
"About what?"
"I've never done sticker photos."
"...There's someone in Korea who's never done sticker photos?"
Did someone lock my boyfriend away?
I knew he didn't go out much, but this? Shocking, honestly...
"Eh, whatever. It's not a big deal."
It fit the Kang Yumin I knew perfectly, so I got over it quick.
'...So I'm his first for this?'
Not a huge thing, but still—his first sticker photo partner was me.
And it happened on the day fulfilling my dream of an amusement park date in uniforms.
That tiny fact made me ridiculously happy and thrilled.
"Alright, time for the sticker photo master to give you the crash course?"
I got way too pumped without realizing it and launched into a full lecture on nailing sticker photos before we started.
"Eyes always on the camera. Expressions and gestures—bold and confident."
"Eyes on camera, expressions confident..."
"Angle from your best side. No need for straight-on. If smiling feels awkward, just lift the corners of your mouth a bit."
"...Whoa, harder than the college entrance exam?"
"No clue? Just copy what I do from now on. Okay, heart pose."
"...Heart?"
"Nope. No heart? You'll have to do one every 10 seconds later—with that weak mindset, think you can snag lifelong shots?"
"Do we have to do hearts for poses...?"
"You know hearts? Means you can do any pose. Got it?"
"...Like that?"
"Heart again."
Following my lead, he obediently raised his hands for a heart overhead.
He was shy the first couple tries, but Yumin picks up anything quick.
"I should sit a bit lower."
Soon he figured out the perfect angle...
"How's this?"
His face zoomed right in suddenly.
Must've applied that skin care post-sauna— a fresh scent brushed my nose.
What? Whose boyfriend is this handsome?
"...Pass."
My plan to tease more shyness went up in smoke.
"So, what poses are we doing?"
"W-we? I do have one in mind."
I pulled myself together and showed him the poses I'd looked up on my phone.
"Pfft, what're these? Pat and Matt?"
One was a hilarious pose promising 120% satisfaction for friends.
"...This one's tough?"
The other was a sweet, wholesome shot of Nick and Judy from Zootopia.
"I'm a newbie—shouldn't we stick to easy ones?"
Translation: No Zootopia shot for him.
But Minah.
Don't you know your girlfriend yet?
"We're doing both."
"......Huh?"
"Brought exactly 8,000 won. You think I dressed in uniform just for one measly shot?"
"No, but today's schedule is super tight—"
"That's why we do it quick."
We slipped into the booth just as the assistant director finished setting up the camera inside.
Once inside, it finally hit him—he watched me operate the machine like a pro with wonder in his eyes.
"Focus up. Money's on the line."
"Pat and Matt first?"
"Come on. Hurry up."
Countdown started—we struck the pose I'd bookmarked.
Starting with arms around shoulders, we switched calmly with each shutter...
"Pfft—"
By the hand-over-eyes finale, Yumin burst out laughing, unable to hold it.
"See? Fun, right?"
"Okay. I get why people come here. The poses are a blast."
Yumin checked the results with a satisfied grin.
He started with subtle smiles, but by the end, we were both cracking up wide—pure gold.
"Nailed the first set clean."
He picked up the printed sheet, beaming as he admired it like a treasure.
"Idols are idols. You nail expressions."
He leaned in, showing me the pic.
Smiling lovingly at my shot, chatting softly—it stirred nothing but butterflies and pure joy in me...
"N-not time to admire. We're on a clock."
Again. I pretended to rush, turning away.
Somehow, my teasing flipped—I was the self-conscious one now.
"...Same poses from the start?"
He glanced at the phone stand and got in position.
First: faces close—one beaming, one shocked.
A classic couple cheek-press, but publicly we're just childhood friends.
We kept it almost-touching distance, smiling...
His cheek tickled with fine hairs, and knowing he'd never done this but was all-in for me...
Wait, are 10 seconds always this long...?
Finally, after what felt forever, click.
"Nailed it this time?"
Yumin was fully into it now, loving every second.
Bright smiles in position, perfect expressions on cue—he nailed each shot like a ghost, then gazed into my eyes with a beaming grin after.
A guy like this.
Always looking at me the same, no matter what—no way I couldn't adore him.
"This came out great too. Nice."
Another satisfied look at the printout.
He had to know cameras were rolling somewhere, but his smile hadn't left his face.
"Look here. That pouty face. You look adorable."
"...Well, yeah. I'm always cute."
His "cute" made me snippy for no reason.
"Sure you are."
He teased back casually and headed out first—
"Chaewon."
"Yeah?"
"Thanks. Another fun memory thanks to you."
He held the sticker sheet near his face, waving it.
Click.
I snapped a phone pic of him beaming in our matching headbands.
"Thank you, Minah."
Amusement park? Best idea ever.