Power & Sex, and... 52
Evening had fallen, and as planned, Park Maru headed to the Jumin Party Office to visit the party members and fan cafe members staging their sit-in out front. Naturally, the assemblymen who had joined him at the press conference trailed along behind him in a group. When he pulled up and stepped out of the car, Jeong-ah said something to those nearby and came running over.
"Our Jeong-ah, you've been through the wringer."
"Welcome, Assemblyman. These folks are our cafe operators, y'know."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Park Maru."
He shook hands and exchanged greetings with the operators, but the protesting fan cafe members and party members started chanting "Park Ma-ru" as they surged toward him. Spotting them, he went straight over, grasping each hand in turn, offering thanks with a grateful smile.
At a gesture from one young man, the chants died down. He grabbed the hand mic and announced, "Let's hear from Assemblyman Park Maru," before passing it over.
"Hello, everyone. This is Assemblyman Park Maru."
He bowed deeply in greeting, and the crowd exploded into thunderous applause, chanting "Park Ma-ru" once more.
"First off, I'm truly sorry for putting you all through this," he began. As his speech unfolded, the area fell as silent as a forest glade. He wrapped up by pledging to fight to the bitter end for party reform alongside the fellow assemblymen present, prompting another roar of applause and chants of "Park Ma-ru" from the party members and cafe folks.
"How're you handling meals for everyone?"
"Gas and pots are coming soon. One of our cafe members runs a restaurant—he's taking care of the food."
"Still, you'll need rice and sides."
"Cafe dues cover that easy. Plus, folks chipped in donations, so no worries about chow."
"And nights?"
"All-nighter sit-in, so we'll crash here."
"You'll need tents at least. Hang tight—I'll head up to general affairs and see if they can hook us up."
Up in general affairs, the on-duty staff gave him cold stares and flatly refused, saying they couldn't provide tents. No surprise there—their boss was the party leader's pick, and most of the rest were plants from the party heavyweights. To them, Park Maru was a thorn in the side.
In the end, the assemblymen with districts in Seoul stepped up. They arranged tent rentals from groups in their own constituencies, hired a truck, and set off to pick them up. Park Maru sat chatting with the party members and cafe folks when the truck rolled back in, tents soon lining up in a tidy U-shape out front—a sight to behold.
The restaurant-owning cafe member arrived with a commercial gas range and massive pots, cooking up rice and stew to distribute among the protesters. The assemblymen ate alongside the party members. Afterward, one brought around a donation box for "meal contributions," and everyone happily emptied their wallets. Smart move—handing out cash envelopes in a spot like this could've landed them in hot water for election law violations.
"Whoa! It's singer Suji!"
He was chatting with the party members when a commotion erupted at the entrance. Someone yelled that Suji had arrived, and the crowd rushed over. Moments later, Jeong-ah escorted her back to where they sat. Park Maru greeted her warmly, and Suji—playfully coy—returned it with the same intimate vibe she reserved just for him, ignoring the other assemblymen.
"Let's hear a few words from idol star Suji."
The same young guy from before grabbed the mic and called her to the center of the tent. Undaunted by the sea of faces, Suji strode out like the pro idol she was and took the mic.
"Hi, everyone. I'm Suji."
Thunderous applause shook the party office grounds again.
"I just got here from Daejeon. I checked the cafe and saw our cafe boss, Assemblyman Park Maru, had been through hell. Got me fired up. And when I read you're all sit-inning to make sure no one pulls that crap on him again, I had to come say hi."
"So, Suji, you're a Park Maru fan cafe member?"
"Yep. Ever since the election—been a member straight through. Even if you're not in the cafe, love our Assemblyman Park Maru tons, okay?"
The party members buzzed in disbelief that Suji was a cafe member, while the cafe crowd whistled wildly, clapped, and chanted "Suji rocks!"
After her bit, Suji followed Jeong-ah around the tents, greeting everyone. The protesters, demanding party reform through their all-night vigil, were over the moon at the unexpected star power—like hitting the jackpot.
"Assemblyman Park, you've summoned heavenly hosts."
"Nah, Suji just likes what she sees."
The other assemblymen shot him envious glances. Word of Suji's appearance spread like wildfire—no need for Jeong-ah to blast the mansion chat. Protesters and cafe members live-tweeted and Facebooked it, plastering Twitter with Park Maru and Suji's names. Party staffers, eyes glued to the scene from the windows, watched it all unfold.
Ripple effect from Suji: more party members and cafe folks poured in, packing the place. The interim execs even grabbed some donation cash, dashed to the nearby market for tents, support beams, and styrofoam mats. The vibe heated up by the minute.
Suji showed no signs of leaving, so he worried and KakaoTalked Jeong-ah. She checked it, chatted with Suji, then they both got up and came over.
"Assemblyman, Suji says she has to head out now."
"Got it. Thanks so much—you've done plenty."
"Sorry I can't stick it out. Morning shoot tomorrow."
"No worries. Safe travels. Thanks again."
Suji said her goodbyes to him and the assemblymen, then let Jeong-ah guide her tent to tent, apologizing for dipping early before heading out. The protesters rose as one, applauding her exit.
Night wore on, but most folks weren't budging, leaving Park Maru and the assemblymen feeling awkward about bouncing. As he pondered the right moment to slip away, the young MC stood up and suggested sending the assemblymen home. The crowd applauded in agreement. Thanks to him, they left to cheers instead of side-eye.
Worried about Jeong-ah, he messaged her. His phone rang moments later.
"Oppa, what's up?"
"When're you heading home?"
"Plannin' to crash here tonight?"
"Too dangerous—no way!"
"Nah, it's fine. Don't worry—head home and rest up, oppa."
"Listen to me."
"Ops had a meet—we're rotating two a night for overnights. My turn tonight."
Because of his mess, Jeong-ah was stuck suffering. If she were a guy, stamina wouldn't be an issue, but could a fresh twenty-something really pull an all-nighter? He couldn't sway her stubbornness and drove back to his officetel.
"Huh? How'd you get in?"
"Pfft, honey, your password's so predictable."
"But you said Monday— what's the deal? Library?"
"Hubby's in this mess—wife's gotta show up. Took the day off. But honey, you really okay?"
"Didn't you see the news? All good. Cold hard truth: this actually puts me in a better spot."
"For real?"
"Why would I lie to my wife? Don't believe me? Call your grandson."
Even after the evening news, Ara fretted, unconvinced by his assurances. No wonder she'd rushed up from Busan post-work.
"Did you eat dinner?"
"Yeah. No—wait, yeah."
"Make up your mind."
"I ate."
Suddenly, a loud gurgle echoed from somewhere. She'd waited up without eating.
"Aigoo, you fool. Should've grabbed something."
"Pfft—if it were you, honey, could you even swallow?"
He ended up taking her out. Racking his brain for late-night spots, he had no choice but to call Eun-mi.
"Honey, you weren't asleep, right?"
"No. What's up?"
"Know any decent late-night eats?"
"You're suddenly hunting spots? Something wrong?"
"Yeah, Ara's here—hasn't eaten dinner."
"Ara's in Seoul? Where are you?"
"Officetel. Why?"
"Suji and I'll come there. Hang on."
"Suji's at your place? Anyway, stay put—I'll head over."
"Order in then. Just come home."
In the end, he and Ara headed to the place Eun-mi shared with Jeong-ah. Ara was all for it anyway. They ordered late-night grub, and the women dove into chatter just 'cause it had been ages, leaving him—the odd man out—to crash in an empty room corner, exhaustion winning out.