86 - Upki Girl

< D-1 > When explaining hypnosis treatment and its side effects, the director mentioned that being hypnotized doesn't mean one won't remember anything. Although it's not a completely normal state, Aliya would remember most of her words and actions and would act to some extent voluntarily. This means that what Aliya just said wasn't some sleep-talk mumbled in a sweet dream. Like most of the others, Aliya wanted my hug. I looked at the director. She nodded to indicate that it would be okay to give Aliya what she wanted, setting a suggestion in motion. "The moment Manager Pyong embraces the princess, the camera becomes as sweet as tiramisu, as fun as the sisters, and as relaxing as Cassie. The camera will no longer be an object of fear and terror. One, two..." Following the director's cue, I lightly embraced Aliya, who had her arms open. Her arms gently wrapped around my neck. "Three." A fragrant scent of cosmetics. I felt like I was being drawn into a trance myself. Yet, as with units 1, 2, and 3, it didn't feel like I was holding a woman. Aliya whispered in my ear. "Oh dear, our poor Pyong..." If someone saw us, they'd think I was undergoing hypnosis treatment. How self-assured till the end. Aliya's hypnosis treatment was successful. The director showed the EFP camera's image on the monitor, and Aliya giggled, seemingly amazed. "Wow, this is really incredible. I can't believe this is possible." "How do you feel?" "I just can't stop laughing. It feels comfortable, like taking a shower with warm water." "That's great. I'm relieved." "Pyong, you should try it too. It's really fascinating." "Why should I?" Aliya turned to the director. "Doctor, do it for Pyong too. Hypnosis." "Why? Does the manager have emotional wounds?" "Make our Pyong absolutely obedient to Aliya, like a happy slave, a happy dog." "Haha, that’s of course impossible. And it seems like you’re already doing quite well, don’t you think?" "What do you think of human dignity? And stop calling me Pyong. Sounds too much like a dog." "Pyong, if you obey me, I’ll help you escape poverty." The director and Cassie both chuckled. Cassie knows my situation, but I was embarrassed, worried the director might think I'm truly poor. "If someone overheard, they'd truly think I'm poor. How many people in our country aren't poor by your standards?" "Oh, always so prideful. Didn't you say once, Pyong, that there's nothing embarrassing among family, so we help each other? You're my family now, so tell me if you have trouble. I'll help as much as I can." "Then give me a hundred million." Of course, it was a joke. "Cassie, transfer it to Pyong's account." Aliya Capital never asks questions; they just send it over. I'm floored. "Hey, if you take a joke seriously, what does that make me? I'll really look pathetic..." *** Upkick Girl Debut D-14 to D-2 Compiled News. 1. It seems like the second 'Girl Group Battle Royale Era (GBG)' is upon us. A slew of major girl groups have announced their comebacks around the time of our debut. Also, members who stood out in girl group auditions like 'National Girls 100' are set to debut in their respective groups. Journalists have already been flooding the entertainment columns with planning articles related to this. 2. Two experienced female staff members have joined to handle Upkick Girl's promotion, accounting, and front desk duties. 3. The styling colors are 'Dried Rose' and 'Reed' to match the fall theme. The only difference is in hairstyles; their hair has been dyed the same violet hue. The clothing centers on a mature yet innocent style, featuring see-through lace and knit materials. We originally had five tops and four bottoms coordinated, but due to criticism about rotating outfits during Yona's solo activities, we requested two additional styles. 4. After two revisions, the final version of the main music video for 'Hug Me' was released. The kids look absolutely stunning. We also shot a dance version focused on the choreography. Since Aliya's choreography is tough for anyone but Yona, we decided to go with Rouge's choreography. 5. While submitting Eunbi's profile for potential variety shows, a fishing program unexpectedly contacted us. Not in a position to be picky, we immediately accepted. 6. Once again, unexpectedly, a cable game channel contacted us for a 1-day guest appearance. The concept involves MCs and guests playing and competing in various games. Surprisingly, Seowon volunteered. It turns out Seowon's quite the gaming enthusiast, having explored all kinds of games, PC and mobile, while being secluded at home. We accepted. 7. We've increased the kids' character & etiquette education and speech training to once a day to prepare for interviews and broadcasts. 8. We asked the comedian who hosted Yona's solo showcase MC to once again host the showcase. 9. In preparation for the impromptu Q&A with reporters during the showcase stage, we prepared a list of potential questions and divided parts for practice. For questions about the album concept or group direction, Yona will answer, while Eunbi, with her quick wit and sense, will take the lead on other questions. Under the lead of Manager Kim Sang-in, a concise showcase orientation was held. "As newcomers, they'll likely ask sensitive or provocative questions to stand out. But, I don't believe in responding too stiffly or typically. It's not the '90s anymore; that approach isn't interesting. The Plan-L kids were really good at that. They were genuine. The image they presented on TV matched how they were in real life." He added his philosophy that entertainers should also create buzz outside their skill set. "Just avoid slang and profanity; think of it as chatting with friends. Fans these days enjoy that more. When you all joke around, the fans will edit and share those moments, so just act like you do in your dorm." 10. Hongi's weight, which had once dropped to 60 kg, has mysteriously gone up to the 64 kg originally intended by the information board. No one criticized him, yet he confessed with a sense of guilt, admitting he had been eating Aliya's leftover lunches every night. Even though he lost weight, his snoring persisted. The kids still sleep together in a cramped basement room, but having adapted to Hongi's snoring, they now find it too quiet and hard to sleep without it. I've realized once again how mysterious humans are. The kids have also adapted to something else: Aliya's passive skill, "Sleepy Time Wandering Hands," that activates when she falls asleep. As if she were royalty, Aliya roamed nightly, bothering her sisters in a manner akin to sleepwalking. Hearing tales from the victims, I learned that, along with relentless tickling under their bras, she even... Hot! *** D-1 The release of Upkick Girl's debut album and showcase is just a day away. The kids couldn't sleep the night before Yona's solo showcase due to excitement, so they'll likely stay up all night today, as well. Therefore, I told them to rest at the dorm today and take care of their condition, but Yona decided she'd practice by herself and began preparing early in the morning. "Oh? Then I’ll go too, Pyong. Take me to the office." "No, Manager, you should rest too. Let's just take the bus, sister." "I’ve never taken public transportation; it scares me. Then I'll call a driver." "No, I'll drive you. I have to go to the office anyway." "Oh, if the Manager is driving, I'll go too. I should ride a bike." Yona's shadow, Aliya, and 64-Hong joined us. This left Eunbi and Seowon at the dorm, but Yona quoted something for their ears, as both occupied bunk beds. "It says this at the KU practice room: 'If you skip practicing for a day, you’ll know, for two, your peers will know, and for three, the fans will know.'" "Yona, why are you like this? Today is officially a rest day..." "Yeah, while you're resting like that, others will practice, and those are the ones who succeed. Don’t worry, just rest well." "Oh, really..." As Eunbi started getting up, Seowon remained oblivious until the end. He turned toward the wall, pulling a blanket up to his temples, showcasing his firm resolve. "Sister, are you going to sleep?" "Yes. I’m tired. I’m going to sleep." "Good night. Oh, but before you sleep, just hear this. While you sleep and dream, someone else is making their dream a reality..." "Alright, I’m getting up, I’m getting up. This is low, I'm leaving!" "You made a wise choice, sister. Practice never betrays you." "Lately, Yona's nagging has been worse than the Manager's." "If you’re really sleepy, grab a blanket and pillow and sleep at the practice room." "No, demon." We really picked an incredible leader. Yona believes that if you’re going to play, it should be at the practice room. In the end, everyone headed to the company, and after a mix of slacking and practicing, we returned to the dorm by 8 PM. The benefit of working out together was there. Contrary to expectations of an anxious and sleepless night, everyone settled into their spots and prepared to sleep early. They couldn't wait for tomorrow to come. "Let's all have sweet dreams. Tomorrow, it will be your world." As if rehearsed, they each sent answers through messages. Unit 1 [Our oppa worked the hardest. Sleep well♡ I kind of want to sleep with you tonight, would that be possibleㅠㅠ] Unit 2 [Don't lock the door. I’m more nervous than I look, honestly. I'm going to need to sleep with my head on your arm tonight.] Unit 3 [If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have made it this far. You know all the members are grateful to you, right? Love you^^ Sleep well.] Unit 4 [I always think, before sleeping, what if everything changes when I wake up? It still feels unreal. Thank you for making our dream a reality. I'll work hard to live up to your expectations.] Unit 5 [Good night, Pyong.] I didn’t reply to anyone equally. Strangely, Jehee's face came to mind. I wanted her encouragement. After hesitating several times, I sent her an update for the first time in a long while. Me [Our kids have their showcase tomorrow.] JH [I know, haha.] JH [Just wait a bit. Our group will follow soon.] Me [Oh? Happy Joy?] JH [Nope, haha. Like you said, I've decided to produce it myself.] Me [Oh wow, that's great. Have you contacted Yujin?] JH [Yes, I've talked with Yujin’s mom, and we've decided to work together.] Me [Is she doing okay?] JH [I was thinking of buying you a drink. So, make some time, please!] Me: [Of course, I'd always say yes when you'd call, Jehee.] JH: [Oh my, that just made my heart skip a beat.] Mine too. My heart is racing too. Even though she's shown a less flattering side by throwing up in front of me, her charm never fades. This is what a true woman is, indeed. JH: [The showcase will be live-streamed, right?] Me: [Yes, it’ll be on the W app starting at 8 PM.] JH: [I’ll definitely watch. Good luck!] Me: [Thanks^^ Be sure to watch after it ends.] JH: [Afterwards, when! Don’t just say it!] Me: [I’ll make sure to set a time and contact you tomorrowㅠㅠ] JH: [I’m excited. I should dress nicely.] Me: [Jehee, you look beautiful even in rags.] JH: [Oh my, haha.] It's a hundred percent. This is definitely signaling a potential romantic interest. Who knows, maybe marriage isn't off the table. If Sing Sing Girl and Kim Gyu-don heard about this, they'd be dancing with joy. But, Mom and Dad. Wake up from this dream. This son of yours is figuratively celibate. I have five kids I'm fostering. My guess is I won't escape this until we reach number one. Darn info window! That's what I was lamenting in my heart when suddenly— ―Creak The sound of a door opening cautiously reached my ears as someone quietly slipped into bed beside me. It's without doubt one of the two who shamelessly hinted at sleeping over. Who is it? Unit 1? Unit 2? "Who is it? Who's there?" < D-1 > End