I stepped into his quarters, an ordinary apartment. Even though it was a men's quarters, it was cleaner than I expected. Ah, at least the living room.
"excuse me…"
Whether they heard me or sensed my presence, someone came out of the room. Based on my limited knowledge, it was Joshua—a member of the '95 line along with Jeonghan, part of the vocal team, and someone with a gentleman image. Born in LA, USA, to Korean parents…
“What’s up, who’s this customer?”
At Joshua's words, Jeonghan tried to make an excuse. Actually, that position should have been mine. I'm the one who should be making the excuse, so I don't know why Jeonghan is doing it for me...
“Just because I wanted to let you sleep for one day.”
"Just what do you mean..."
I wondered if my excuses wouldn't work. Then again, even I, the person involved, didn't think it was a particularly sincere excuse. Joshua asked me in a tone similar to Jeonghan's.
What year were you born?
Ah, I was born in '99…
“Ah, so you’re the same age as Chan. By any chance, when is your birthday?”
My first thought was, "What's the point of looking into it?" It's not like I'm going to take care of them, and even if I did, I don't think I'd feel particularly good about it.
But since my current situation doesn't allow me to say that, I just answered obediently.
December 30th. It's the same for our birthdays.
It’s really uncomfortable because we can’t sort out how to address each other. I barely managed to use the expression ‘we.’
I don't know what to call Jeonghan, but I call him the same way.
It doesn't matter. Anyway, I found another person with the same birthday.
It's the same as V sunbae, too.
They don't seem particularly interested in the fact that I'm staying here overnight. Are they just roundaboutly saying they allow it? In any case, I felt relieved knowing they seem to view me favorably. I won't be staying for more than a day, but isn't it important not to get on their bad side, even for just one?
“What’s your name? What should I call you?”
“Yeoju, Jang Yeoju”
Your name is pretty… I just call you Shua for convenience.
Because everyone calls it that.
"yes."
"You look like you know me. Are you by any chance a Carat?"
“Just a very, very short while…”
Then all the members will understand.
“Yes, I do know.”
Is it to avoid getting on his bad side, speaking to him with such politeness? Whatever the reason, this attitude seems to be giving him extra points.
“So you’re staying overnight? Hmm…”
It seems like it won't work out. It's fine to just hang out, but staying overnight seems a bit difficult. I completely understand. If I were in their shoes, I would have objected too.
Then I'll just hang out and leave.
I think it would be fine to stay the night.
“No… that’s not exactly what I meant…”
I smiled as if nothing were wrong. I really wasn't bothered. I was sick and tired of being treated this way and treated like this. I thought I wouldn't get used to it, but before I knew it, I had.
“Who is that woman’s voice?”
Someone came out of a different room than the one Shua oppa had come out of. He was not much different in height from me, had a cute face, yet possessed an undeniable charisma. It was Lee Jihoon, or rather, Woozi. The member in charge of producing Seventeen.
“Hello… My name is Jang Yeo-ju.”
I just nodded and asked Jeonghan oppa whether he was interested in me or not.
“But why did you come? Surely you didn’t bring just anyone.”
I wanted to answer his words. That I am just anyone. That even I don't know why Jeonghan oppa brought me along.
I just wanted to let you sleep for one night.
"what?"
I heard another voice, though I didn't know when it had entered. It was S.Coups, one of the '95z and the leader of Seventeen. His real name is Choi Seung-chul. Although he is always the target of teasing whenever he is among the '95z, he is a person who was born with sufficient leadership qualities to immediately resolve the situation if it looks like a fight is about to break out.
“Jeonghan, I don’t think this is right.”
I agree.
Both S.Coups, the leader of the hip-hop team and the overall leader, and Woozi, the leader of the vocal team, are against it. However, S.Coups seems to trust Jeonghan and thinks there must be a reason why he brought me along.
Explain the situation.
Jeonghan oppa reads my mood. He is asking for my permission because he knows it is a sensitive spot for me. I didn't make any changes. Jeonghan oppa looked troubled. I was so grateful for his considerate attitude. Actually, I'm fine leaving, but I tell him because I think he might feel guilty.
I'm an orphan.
S.Coups is flustered, and Woozi shows little reaction. Not stopping there, he continues speaking.
I was abused at the orphanage and ran away from home.
Then… I met Jeonghan at the police station…
A lot of the intermediate steps were omitted, but at least it's not a lie.
“Yoon Jeong-han, why did you go to the police station?”
I have a friend who is a police officer.
I heard I'm getting promoted, so I'm taking the opportunity to check out the police station.
They used to interrogate me, but now they are interrogating Jeonghan. I didn't want to leave it like that. So I decided to become a little bit of a bad person.
"You said no. I'm the one who pestered you."
Jeonghan looks flustered by my words. It can't be helped. Just stay still.
"I said I wanted to stay just one night."
"I'll go back to the orphanage tomorrow, so please let me live for just one day."
"Well, I suppose an orphanage isn't exactly a nice place."
Shua oppa's assist is added to this. Both S.Coups and Woozi's eyes have changed. It is a good sign.
Even so…”
Usually, when that line comes out, the next line is, "Just for one night." I'm actually grateful.
I apologize to all the members.
You must have been extremely flustered by the sudden intrusion.
And… I’ll be out soon. I won’t be sleeping.
“No, it’s fine if you stay the night.”
Shua oppa is so sweet. It looks like honey is dripping from those eye smiles. However, S.Coups looked a little uncomfortable. Since he was the overall leader, he had to take 100% responsibility if anything happened. I understood. I understood it so well that it dampened my spirits.
“Seungcheol… I think you are uncomfortable… I’m sorry…”
Ah, there is no need to use such extreme honorifics.
If you don't mind, Miss Yeoju, please call me Oppa.
And as long as there are no accidents, it will be fine.
I thought, "That's nothing," but then Uji's characteristic bluntness hit me.
"Anyway, there are already enough accidents because of Kim Min-kyu."
What's with all this old-fashioned bullshit?
I'm the leader... and besides that accident.
Things like the child getting hurt.
“I know. I have nothing to say other than thank you…”
Seungcheol gives a sweet smile. Following Jeonghan and Joshua, he is looking upon me favorably.
I have to persuade the others too.
I would prefer if everyone could come in together.
“Yeoju… no, wait, I’ll just speak informally.”
Shua, who had been addressing me with the honorific "Ms. Yeoju," seemed uncomfortable and said he would speak informally. Since Shua was older to begin with, I nodded.
Ah, yes. You can feel free to do as you please.
“I want to help. Just… I want to help in some way.”
It seems like he has the intention but finds it difficult to express. I simply thank him. Then he tells me not to thank him.
It's just because I like you.
The reason is pretty, too. The corners of my mouth curl up uncontrollably. At that moment, the sound of a password being entered is heard, and the door opens.
