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Chapter 54: Togo Napshin (6)

Part 11

“Okay, so I’m asking for a favor,” I said.

Changing the time once seems doable, but seriously, I’m the only option?

“It’s easier for you if it’s in the morning, right?” I replied.

Yeah, ‘cause it screws over someone else, you jerk.

Seokyoon’s pouty voice came through the phone, and I couldn’t help but smirk, knowing he couldn’t see it. Despite his rough words, he’s got that subtle way of caring. Always calling Jooyoung a “pushover” while being one himself.

“I’ve got work this weekend. Sorry, but please help me out just this once,” I pleaded.

I’ll talk to them.

“Thanks, seriously. I’ll treat you to a meal on the way back,” I said.

Seeing you hang with those big shots, looks like you’ll be buying meals forever.

The photographer, Dununttutturuppara-ppa—Choi Homin—offered to pick me up by car at the station, but my parents firmly opposed sending me off alone with a stranger to a place full of unknowns. With the four friends’ schedules clashing, I was stressing about finding someone to tag along. Seokyoon’s reluctant agreement to free up his afternoon was a stroke of luck. Canceling a plan that inconvenienced so many because of my parents’ “it’s dangerous” stance wasn’t an option.

You sure you’re okay with this?

“Huh? With what?” I asked.

The cosplay. Doesn’t wearing a skirt feel weird?

Oh, that. I’d been worrying them too, hadn’t I? They’d seen me half-losing it during my “magic days,” and this was only a few days later. It probably didn’t seem reassuring.

“I’m fine,” I said.

You sound weirdly confident.

“I heard it comes with inner shorts,” I explained.

Don’t worry, I’ve done my research. The skirt’s front and back lengths differ, exposing the thighs, which had me worried about propriety, but it’s got pumpkin pants inside. Ultimate defense.

“They said the inner pants are pumpkin pants,” I added proudly.

A brief, awkward silence followed. I thought I heard a stifled gulp or two.

Pfft… fine, if you’re okay with it.

“What? What’s the problem now?” I asked.

If you think it’s fine, it’s fine, you punk.

He sounded like I should see a problem. His casual tone ended with a heavy sigh, like he was holding back. He’s never one to mince words, so was this his way of being considerate? I’d prefer him just saying it outright.

“Don’t get all grumpy,” I teased.

I’m not going.

“Sorry!” I said quickly.

So many complaints for someone asking a favor.

What a cheap shot, hitting my weak spot. But with the upper hand firmly his, I had no comeback. He’s probably just worried, not malicious.

“Anyway, I’ve gotten used to it at the bakery, so as long as there are inner shorts, I’m good,” I said.

Is that supposed to reassure me?

“Aren’t you the one worrying?” I shot back.

…Pfft.

I’d meant to tease, but his unexpected burst of laughter caught me off guard. He must’ve pulled the phone away, but the muffled chuckles were clear.

“Hey! Why’re you laughing?!” I demanded.

Sorry, sorry. But this is going on the Yoonseo Mental Health Committee’s watchlist.

“…I knew you guys had a group chat, but it’s called that?” I asked.

What’s wrong with it? It’s straightforward and practical.

“You’re not badmouthing me in there, right?” I pressed.

Not telling.

“What?! Are you seriously trash-talking me in there?!” I exclaimed.

Part 12

“Yup… starting tomorrow, I’ll be the idiot whose collab got stolen by his non-streamer sister. This is Cheungjeokun…” Sanghyeon said.

Lololololol.
That vibe for real tho lolol.

“My vibe’s supposed to be upbeat?!” he retorted.

As the waiting screen switched, Sanghyeon’s face appeared in the corner, looking more haggard than usual. It was his regular time slot, so it wasn’t lack of sleep or hygiene. His gloomy expression radiated a unique aura, making him seem worn out.

“I… I wanted fanart from a big shot too…!” he whined.

Celebrate your family’s success, rookie.
Are you just Nuna’s shadow now?
Is it true Nunabbattajo’s starting her streamer life, has-been?!

“Who’s a has-been?! You’re not ditching my stream for Nuna’s!” he shot back.

Lol.
You only feel betrayed ‘cause you had expectations.

“Someone, anyone, comfort me!!!!” he pleaded.

The news of “Cheungjeokun’s sister collabing with Bonfire” was old news to both his and Bonfire’s audiences. Due to the shoot’s schedule—midday to evening, when Sanghyeon’s barely awake—his absence was already common knowledge. His dramatic head-on-desk act filled the screen, exactly the reaction the chat wanted, erupting in laughter.

Jeokun-hyung… don’t cry…

“…Mangjo’s Beast-nim, thanks for the 5,000-won donation. Thanks for the comfort…” he mumbled.

Stop crying and bring Nunabbattajo back…

“Mangjo’s Beast-nim, 5,000-won donation… No, people like you are the worst!” he exclaimed.

Part 13

Dragonfly Fam Assemble!
Family name changes daily lol.
Mental health check via call: no issues detected. She says inner shorts make it safe.
Guess she’s used to the bakery uniform.
But those things are hella embarrassing when you actually wear them lol fr.
Seongyoon, how do you know? Unless…?
Shut up. I’ve done male character cosplay, that’s all.
Hnnng hnnng, hyung…
Tch;;;
Anyway, cosplay wrecks your mental state beyond imagination, so take care of her.
How’d you end up cosplaying, hyung?
You were there, Seokyoon. That otaku club trip to Comic World.
Was I?
Goldfish memory.
Don’t curse at me~

Part 14

“Don’t agree to anything weird,” Mom said.

“Haha… It’s a legit business with a license,” I reassured her.

“Still…” she trailed off.

“I get that you’re worried, but it’s fine. Seokyoon’s coming too. If any creepy guys show up, I’ll throw him at them and run,” I joked.

I couldn’t tell if she bought it. Her faint smile and slow nod suggested she wasn’t thrilled.

“The piano repair costs aren’t a big deal. Your dad and I can cover it without you doing this,” she said.

“It’s partly an apology, and they’ll pay me for letting them use the photos for promotion. It’s a win-win. No need to worry,” I said.

“But why do they want pictures of you as an apology? Are those people weird?” Dad interjected, slipping on his shoes after finishing his prep for work. He’d been neutral, but maybe he was worried too.

“I said I didn’t want anything costly, so they suggested this. It’s a win-win, and they’re actually really considerate,” I explained.

“Hmph. Just don’t do anything reckless and get into trouble,” he said.

“I’m not a kid. I’ll only do what’s asked,” I replied, flashing a playful grin.

The meetup was at 12:30 at the station. I had time, but nerves pushed me to see my parents off and shower early.

“If anything happens, call me right away,” Mom said.

“Don’t worry, have a good day,” I said, waving lightly.

Mom left reluctantly, Dad hurrying after. Hearing the door lock, I turned around.

“They’ll handle makeup and hair…” I muttered.

Shower first. Shower.