155 - Upki Girl

< As Humiliating as Possible (Adding Details) > When that scoundrel Riya suddenly appeared, I was startled, but surely there's no guilt in checking someone's KakaoTalk profile, right? It's not like I met Jung Ah-yun personally or anything. I responded truthfully. "Oh. I'm an editor at Maxim, and Hong and Seowon were on the cover, which apparently sold out. That's what the message was about." "Aliya, do you want to see the photos too? Wow, she's pretty. I thought she was a model." "Ah, that's the editing magic. In real life, it's not quite like that. Next to Hong and Seowon, she seems rather ordinary." Riya, resting her chin on my right arm as if she were a puppy, scrutinized Jung Ah-yun’s photo as if she were searching for differences in a spot-the-difference game. "But why were you looking at an ordinary photo in full screen? And with such a sleazy gaze?" "I just tapped on it since her profile picture changed." "Ohh, so it's not that she’s the 'inspection queen' but the 'sheer stockings queen'. Are you the type who likes to tear stockings?" "What nonsense are you talking about?" "Why be embarrassed? A grown man can have such interests. Aliya respects those preferences." It's not the fact that I'm an adult that matters; it's the problem that such comments are coming from someone not yet fully grown. She asked nonchalantly, as if discussing whether you prefer dipping or pouring sauce on sweet and sour pork. "Do you prefer sheer stockings over bare legs?" "No, no~ I don't have any interest in stockings or bare legs." "Then why mutter about the 'sheer stockings queen' with a satisfied look? If you are vocalizing it, the desire inside must be much greater..." "It's just, well... stockings look nice on her. 'Sheer stockings goddess' is just a common expression in online communities. But why aren’t you cheering them on and standing out here?" The Up-Kigirl members were seated in a circle next to the sand pits with other team members participating in wrestling. Since their presence there is also part of the filming, Aliya technically was abandoning her post. Yet she answered nonchalantly. "Fool Jang-woo didn’t bring a chair from the car, knowing full well Aliya dislikes sitting on the ground." “You do whatever you please. Go sit down quickly. And, Riya, when filming around other groups or fans, could you avoid using personal chairs as much as possible?” “Why?” “You might give off the impression of having a diva attitude. Some of the staff seem to view it negatively…” “Why diva attitude? Aliya has always disliked sitting on the ground outside her home, even before becoming a celebrity.” “Right. Honestly, Riya, you've become even more humble and kind since becoming an entertainer. But other people don’t know that.” Although I refrained from adding, "like how horribly unreasonable and bratty you were before." Riya, as if doing me a favor, patted me reassuringly. “Alright, alright. Then I’ll need to sit on Rangkang’s lap until they bring the chair. Let's go.” “Absolutely not. No girl group member sits on the manager’s lap.” “Why not? If the ground is hard, you could sit on anyone’s lap, manager or even the manager's grandad.” ★ Aliya's Pronunciation Tips ★ Ahjusshi (Uncle) —> Ahjossi Halmoni (Grandma) —> Halmoni Halabeoji (Grandpa) —> Halabeoji “Anyway, not on my lap. Just go sit on Eunbit’s lap, since it's out of the question for cameras to catch that.” “Bitbit’s lap is not that cushy. Honghong’s lap is the softest, but she’s playing, so sitting there isn’t possible.” “Right, can't do that.” Resignedly, the girl sat on Eunbit’s lap—although Seowon or Yona wouldn’t offer the same—and awaited her personal chair. A total of 32 participants entered the wrestling event. Hong’s opponent in the round of 16, after he tossed out Apple Soda JV in the first match, was Jiseon of the sultry group Lip Balm. Standing at 175 cm tall, Jiseon, who dominated her opponent with a 2-0 win in the first round, was the tallest among the Replay Girl participants and a strong contender for victory, given her weight. She was considered the only worthy competitor to physically overpower and squash Hong, who stands at 169 cm and weighs 62.5 kg, into a relative dwarf. Actually, it’d be more accurate to say Hong emerged as her competitor. Even we, who are familiar with Hong's prowess in wrestling, judo, shot put, and weightlifting, couldn't help but be tense in anticipation of this match. “Ah, what a twist of fate! The two strongest contenders to win this tournament are meeting in the round of 16!” announced comedian Jang Dal-ho, introducing the pair facing off in the center of the sandpit. The glamorous appearance of the two alone set the venue ablaze with heat. It's chilly. Just the sight of Hong and Jiseon side by side made it look less like a girl group athletic meet and more like a Maxim model contest. Despite wearing training suits with no skin exposure, their sensual physiques couldn’t be hidden. While the trendy clothes are notably form-fitting these days, the primary reason is the robustness of their lower bodies. “I’ve watched both athletes sweep through the first round easily, making this an unpredictable match. Let’s start by asking Jiseon: did you watch Yeonhong’s first-round match?” “Yes, I did. But as you can see, it’s not going to be that easy to throw me.” “Yeonhong, how did you view Jiseon’s match?” “I didn’t see it in person, but I heard she’s quite good.” “I venture cautiously—maybe the winner here will take it all. Let’s commence the round of 16 between these two athletes!” ―We have comedian Cho Yong-man, a former wrestling champion, with us as a commentator. ―Excuse me, I’m a comedian, you know. ―These days, the younger generation seems to know Cho Yong-man primarily as a comedian. ―Ah... well, calling me a comedian is a bit off. Let’s settle on broadcaster. ―Then, as a broadcaster with a background as a wrestling champion, how do you predict the match between Hong and Jiseon in the round of 16? ―Both competitors rely on their superior physique and strength compared to their opponents. Yes. ―...Is that all? Anyone could say that. Could you elaborate on specific techniques or strategies? ―Since it's a contest of strength against strength, the one with greater power will have the advantage. ―He really is a comedian. ―What more is there to say...? ―Yes! As I speak, both athletes are standing! "Go Yeonhong from Shibalsekki!" "Jiseon! Jiseon! Jiseon!" ―With the referee’s whistle, the first match of the second round of 16 begins! Jiseon is immediately on the offensive! ―Sweeping leg, sweeping leg! But Yeonhong holds firm! ―Judging it ineffective, Jiseon shifts her stance! ―Yeonhong lifts her up! But Jiseon is trying to counter with a hooking technique! ―Yeonhong pushes through! ―Wow! Yeonhong wins the first round with a magnificent push-out! ―Watching now, it seems both athletes are not only physically imposing but technically skilled? ―Yes, indeed. I'm a bit surprised at their impressive performance. For fun, we didn't tell the production team that Hong used to be on a wrestling team. Contrary to concerns it might be difficult, Hong secured the second round as well, advancing undefeated to the quarter-finals, just like in the earlier rounds. With Jiseon, the number one contender, thoroughly beaten, Hong faced no real competition. Even Jiseon managed to exchange a few techniques; Teenagers' Lanmi in the quarter-finals and May Queens' Tae-eun in the semi-finals toppled over without much resistance, just as Hong wished. Following Hong and Tae-eun, the second semi-final match featured Ladybug’s Hayan against Eye Contact’s leader Sumi. It was none other than that guy I disliked as much as Kim Suk-won. After finishing her match, Hong relaxed, watching theirs as she kept murmuring to herself. “Sumi, Sumi, Sumi, Sumi...” Despite not having a large build, Sumi, who was technically skilled, advanced undefeated to the semi-finals, just like Hong, which validated Yona's comment on her athletic prowess. As Hong wished, Sumi won the semi-final in two straight rounds to secure a spot in the finals. It was a big match between two undefeated contenders. Before the finals began, there was a short break, and our waiting room radiated celebration. Hong’s victory was already considered a done deal, and the focus was on how she would humiliate Sumi. “Honghong, just toss her out of the safety mat.” “Nah, that’s too much. Yeonhong, just bury her face in the sand. Vertically.” "Heh-hang-hang! Just imagining that is thrilling!" As various fun ideas were tossed around, Hong asked for Yona's opinion, who was listening silently on the sidelines. "Yo, Yona, how should I win? I’ll do what you want." Yona, shrugging as if she’d long forgotten the past, nonchalantly replied. "As humiliatingly as possible." Turns out, this one might be the scariest of them all. ―The 2018 Replay Girl Cup Wrestling Tournament! Now, only the much-anticipated finals remain. What kind of match will unfold? Both athletes have reached this point undefeated, raising expectations even higher. ―Yes, Yeonhong, equipped with both power and skill, faces Sumi, who, despite her smaller stature, has topped larger opponents with extraordinary technique. Anticipation swells for what these athletes will display. ―Before the match begins, let's hear from both contestants. Dal-ho Jang? "Yes, this is Dal-ho Dal-ho Jang Dal-ho Let's Get It! The atmosphere here couldn’t be hotter. First, Sumi, share your thoughts on the finals." "Yeonhong is just so skilled; I'm just happy to have made it to second place." Sumi feigned sweetness and innocence, but to us, who knew her true nature, it was nothing but an act. "Yeonhong, your turn." Contrary to Sumi’s fake innocence, Yeonhong laid bare her honest intentions. "I’m going to win for the Up-Kigirl members, our hardworking company managers, and the fans who came out at dawn to support us." ―Indeed. It was a stark contrast in interviews: Sumi appeared lacking in confidence while Yeonhong vowed victory. Who will climb to the top of the podium? ―Both athletes nervously grip each other’s sashes. ―The finals are a best-of-five series. Observing the pattern so far, the winner of the first match often takes the victory. ―Yes, that first match is crucial in any competition. ―The referee's whistle has blown! Though Sumi had been close with Yona during Eye Contact’s heyday, the realization of her contempt for Yona surfaced later. Shocked upon discovering Sumi's true self, Yona had requested for her to be beaten as humiliatingly as possible. Hong, reassuring Yona, promised to embarrass Sumi to the point she couldn't raise her head. ―Sumi attempts a leg sweep, her specialty! ―But it's futile; Yeonhong's balance is unshaken! ―What is this? Is she invincible! Sumi's techniques were mere child's play against Hong's overwhelming physique, confirming Hong as an overpowering entity from another realm. Despite Sumi attempting every technique she knew, Hong defended them all with the unshakable composure of someone deeply rooted in the sand. Instead, as if to emphasize the overwhelming difference in their strength, Hong lifted a now exhausted Sumi onto her shoulder and slammed her onto the sand like a professional wrestler. The disparity in power was undeniable. No one felt it more acutely than Sumi herself, as evidenced by her lost composure after the first round. However, the first round was merely the least humiliating part for her. Even more severe disgrace awaited in the second and third rounds. In the second round, Hong took the initiative with an attack. She employed a 'back throw', a technique typically used by larger athletes against smaller opponents, which involved lifting the opponent off the ground and throwing them sideways. Hong, however, paused mid-move with Sumi suspended in mid-air. What resulted was an embarrassing display, where Sumi's legs dangled, and her uniform embarrassingly highlighted her rear as she flailed. Though Hong intended to humiliate her, she managed to do it subtly enough to avoid backlash from the audience. With the theatrics of an exaggerated grunt, Hong held her for about three seconds before naturally completing the slam in a manner that left no clues of intentional mockery. During the third round, Hong deliberately grabbed the back of one of Sumi's knees, lifting her in such a way that created an even more explicit and shameful sight. Making a show of losing her balance, Hong theatrically tossed Sumi backward. Sumi's face hit the sand. ―Yeonhong pulls off the difficult feat! Undefeated Champion! *** After the wrestling match ended. Sumi of Eye Contact contained her simmering rage as she made her way alone to the waiting room, leaving her team behind. "Damn it, those bitches... ugh..." It was only in the deserted hallway of the building that Sumi voiced her curse, though it offered no relief, only weighing her down further. This would no doubt spread as a humiliating meme... The disgrace wasn't in the defeat but in the way she lost. She was so furious it brought tears to her eyes. Grinding her teeth and reaching for the waiting room door handle, Sumi was startled by a presence behind her and turned. ―Flick! Standing there was none other than her finals opponent, the one who had just humiliated her. Sumi confirmed she was alone and then glared fiercely, speaking informally despite knowing Hong was older. "What do you want?" "I have something to say." "What?" Yeonhong approached timidly and whispered in Sumi's ear. "Life is real, kid." < As Humiliating as Possible (End of Added Content) >