The Jackpot
Life had settled into a pleasantly ordinary rhythm. Nothing particularly special happened, no major incidents cropped up. Overall, it felt like we'd cleared the biggest hurdles. Things were calm between me and my girls—Yoonah and Yesuh kept up steady contact, exchanging messages nonstop.
The fan cafe subscriber count had exploded after that close call.
In a way, getting tangled up in that shady hospitality culture mess was a massive setback for a girl group, but it turned into a blessing in disguise. Public opinion started shifting in their favor right from the start.
At first, people dropped in just to offer support amid the backlash, but one by one, they got hooked on Yesuh and the other members' charm. No surprise—they're a magnetic bunch. You could blame the agency's neglect for holding them back. A major label like that? How do they screw up so badly? Unbelievable.
I had to ask, given what went down before.
Yesuh's group already had plenty of celebs signed under Yoonah's name alone. Contracts with pros were in place too—not just a couple fans.
She was reacting so positively to my words—must've been through hell lately. Made my heart ache a bit for the kid.
Yesuh was the spoiled baby of the family, doted on endlessly. No wonder there was fierce pushback when she first chased this idol dream. But after she went through that filth...
Parental nagging can sound harsh to a kid, even if it's from love. She's past puberty and mature for her age, so no huge worries there.
Makes sense. Teaming up with people who actually give a damn should ease minds.
She fired back a few cute protests that she wasn't a kid, but that was it.
Felt like having a little sister around. Nice excuse to chat with Yoonah more too.
"Ughhh—man, too lazy. Skip the gym today?"
At this level, my stamina outstripped most high schoolers. Comparing to kids? Eh, theirs feels infinite anyway.
"Whatever. Gotta have rest days. Gukbap and chill today."
Gukbap was an occasional treat, but no need anymore. Money was incoming soon anyway—the lottery. Moving to a nice place? Piece of cake now.
"Heh heh... but gukbap's irresistible."
I bolted downstairs, demolished two bowls, and kept it secret.
And the day I'd been waiting for arrived. Between grinding workouts, school, and everything, it snuck up faster than expected. Piles of assignments loomed, but who cares? Tomorrow was the real deal—the biggest event of my life so far.
"What time's the lotto draw again?"