169 - Upki Girl

<Final Evolution Quin Hong> <Valentine Event Group 4 - Yunhong, Juhyung PD> Winner (Nickname): Choi Han-seok (Silver Is the Best) Story: I'm a 42-year-old man who teaches math at a private academy and has never received Valentine's chocolate from a woman, except for the customary chocolate given by fellow teachers and students. If you think about it, receiving chocolate from applying to an event like this is somewhat like getting customary chocolate too, but at least this time it would be from a member of a girl group I admire, so it feels special. If chosen, I would love to receive it proudly in front of the students during our academy's evening hours. These days, with Upkey Girl and Hong-i being so popular, I think this could provide a brief but enjoyable break for the kids who are tired of studying. ――――――― Sybust04: Into the group via Ssibakobuk, but receives chocolates from Sippal Bakery—what a class of a solitary man. Aigu486: Don't kill our Silver Twinkle twiceㅠ Nakwolhee: Don't cover the light. Beam from Eyes: LOL both Silver and Hong-i would be perplexed. UpdoongEupdeung2: Can our students really relax with Maxim Hong-i appearing... SeowonKeongkeong: 32 years of solitary life... I think I saw myself in this writing a decade later... “Hehehe...” As she read the second applicant’s story again while moving in the car, Yunhong couldn't help but chuckle. No matter how many times she saw it, the mismatch between the nickname and the story was hilarious, and the comments were equally amusing. Hearing her laughter, Kim Juhyung, her one-day manager, asked, “Yunhong, what’s so funny?” “It’s because of an event application post on our fan café...” “Oh, Silver Is the Best?” “Yes, hahaha...” “You guys are quite the pranksters, but your fans also seem quite humorously twisted, huh?” “Yes... it’s so entertaining.” “Reading the posts Upkey Girl fans write online makes time just fly by. I sometimes watch while eating, and it never fails to make me smile.” “Yes, that’s right.” Following the submission of ‘Silver Is the Best's application post, the café even started a trend of posting mismatch jokes with the Upkey Girl members as the protagonists. Like this: Silver: The red snapper sashimi melts. So tasty. I love it. Seowon: Please love the other members more than me. Yona: Eye contact♡ Hong: I’ve lost my appetite... Jinriya: This is the Right Korean Writing Chairman Liya. Of course, puppies are the cutest and "Ah My Love" is truly a masterpiece. Agreed? Yona: Wow, our Liya, you got all the spelling right^^ Pretty. Hong-i loved her playful and supportive fans just as much as she adored her co-members of Upkey Girl. Even during her mukbang days, she appreciated fans who playfully teased her. In front of good people, performing her favorite rap for those who love her, she was always grateful. However, alongside such happiness lingered unspoken anxieties. Now and then, she would dream of those days when she barely made a living through internet broadcasts. Sometimes these dreams would merge with her current reality, causing a chaos of emotions. Like on an important stage, when attempting her rap part, she’d suddenly produce grunting pig sounds, or while her fellow members remained their current selves, she alone would appear with her old, larger body, receiving boos from fans. Just days ago, she dreamt of gaining weight back to 100kg due to the yo-yo effect and voluntarily withdrawing from the next album activities. When she awoke, her tears had flowed, and the sadness felt so real that she had to hold the sleeping Liya close for a while to calm down. A reality she was reluctant to admit. Back then, Hong-i used to think: Even though I’m bigger than others, I’m expanding my own realm with this as content and leading a satisfying life. That someday, becoming a plus-size model and eventually succeeding in rap, she would pioneer an era where larger people, too, would be loved for who they are. Every day was a battle, soothing herself with these thoughts. Now, living a life adored by everyone, wearing beautiful clothes and makeup, she realized those were merely coping mechanisms—a mental victory and cognitive dissonance against a reality she couldn’t change with her own strength. Hong-i felt especially sentimental today. Perhaps it was because she was alone with someone other than her constant companions, the Upkey Girl members, Yunho, and Jangwoo. Truthfully, she loved her current beautiful self. Naturally so. She overwhelming preferred it. She didn’t miss her old self. Even her mom and siblings cried with happiness seeing her transformed self. What would her life be like if not for Manager Yunho? Probably sitting in front of a monitor with heaps of food, grunting like a pig, craving coins. She might have attempted a line of rap, only to be scared off by sharp viewer reactions, then laughed it off like it was all a joke. Ah, perhaps she would’ve fallen for the pretty and talented rapper, Yona, had she watched Girl Crush at her family home. Feeling a vicarious thrill covering Yona's raps. Truly, her members were extraordinary. How could they all face the world so confidently and engage with fans in their own pace and manner? Yet, in front of fans, Hong-i would still feel shy and timid. Hong-i had immense respect for the Upkey Girl members. Although unspoken, the member she often bickered with, Seowon, seemed the coolest to her. Despite past scars, Seowon never lost her self-esteem—always confident, consistently sassy. Even after yielding to Hong-i’s strength, Seowon would cheekily tease and play with her like nothing happened. Isn’t the mere act of standing strong before powerful figures deserving of respect? Hoo. Actually, Yunhong felt somewhat uncomfortable and anxious about today’s event, where she needed to meet a fan one-on-one. During fan meetings or autograph sessions, she could rely on the energy of her fellow members, but today, she had to carry the event entirely on her own. While it seemed that even the other members, including Silver who went to the police station, were hosting their events in a joyful and delightful atmosphere, she wondered why she felt so awkward. The chocolate presentation with the first "uncle fan" she met earlier was conducted in an inexplicably tense and awkward atmosphere. As the one supposed to lead the mood, feeling embarrassed herself made the encounter neither fun nor touching. In broadcast terms, it would definitely get edited out. Through this experience, she realized how much more pressure there was when transitioning from group activities to solo. Of course, performing for Girl Crush was technically solo work too, but since it was done within the context of the group and with Yona by her side, it had never felt burdensome. "Wow, has the area in front of Yeongdeungpo Station changed this much? It's been ages. Oh, this is Times Square, right? Didn’t you have a signing event here?" "Yeah..." "I used to work part-time at that McDonald’s over there." "Oh, I see... By the way, how much longer do we have?" "Let’s see... It looks like about 10 more minutes." Hearing that there was little time left, her heart raced, anxiety intensified, and countless stray thoughts began to surface. Whether she deserved this love, whether fans would still love her if they knew about her past Hongkaku days, whether someone might eventually recognize her and dig up old data, and how she should react then... Why was she like this? She needed someone she could lean on. The PD next to her, Juhyung, was not providing any reassurance. Her facial muscles were moving uncontrollably. And one person to turn to suddenly came to mind. Yunhong pulled out her phone to send a text to Manager Yunho but put it away, remembering Silver's message about being at the police station. Ah! A person she thought might be more effective in the current situation unexpectedly came to mind. Yunhong [Hey. Suddenly feeling anxious, lol.] The message was read almost immediately, with a swift reply as if the other person needed someone to spar with. Han Seowon [Are you anxious or just hungry? Speak clearly. Hurry up.] Yunhong [It’s just... I couldn't say this earlier, but meeting a fan one-on-one felt really awkward and hard. And now, on my way to meet the second winner, my heart is pounding, and I’m out of breath.] Han Seowon [Are you going on a date or something? Isn’t PD Juhyung with you?] Yunhong [He is, but it’s kind of awkward, lol.] Despite feeling sorry to PD Juhyung, who had set aside his work to help, Hongi still found the office people, except for Yunho and her rap mentor Beacon, quite intimidating. Yunhong [How was it for you?] Han Seowon [What do you think? Meeting a fan who loves me is just great. I just finished the first session and am heading to meet the second fan.] Yunhong [What did you say when you first met them? Wasn’t it awkward?] Han Seowon [Not at all. I stormed into the office demanding where my fan was and yelling for them to come out quickly.] Yunhong [LOL, with everyone at the company watching?] Han Seowon [Yep, and that uncle really wanted to show off in front of everyone too.] Yunhong [The fan I’m meeting now also wants a surprise appearance in front of his students. It’s a bit nerve-wracking.] Han Seowon [Oh, you're meeting Silver Is the Best, lol.] Yunhong [Yeah.] Han Seowon [Why are you scared of a fan who adores you, piggy? That person would probably love you even if you pooped on a newspaper in front of them.] Yunhong [Crazy, lol.] Han Seowon [Just think of yourself as a queen. You’re currently doing a great job granting favors to loyal subjects or followers, let's say.] Yunhong [A queen... a queen…] Han Seowon [Always think that when you meet your fans. Not like a crazy dictator queen, but one who’s thankful for the citizens that make your livelihood possible.] Yunhong [Feels like a queen drenched in capitalism...] Han Seowon [What, want to flirt with the fan instead? My fans love it when I’m rough with them, so I go hard at them and keep them close. They’re all mine.] Mine... It might have sounded cheesy from someone else, but coming from Seowon, it felt a bit eerie. Still, despite Seowon’s rough way of speaking, Hongi was taken aback to realize that Seowon, the epitome of the ice queen in Upkey Girl, nurtured such a philosophy regarding fans. It made her wonder if the other members felt even more affectionate towards their fans. And here I am, still finding fans intimidating... Seowon’s next messages were even more surprising. Even though just her snippy counsel had already soothed Hongi's anxieties, Seowon offered unexpected encouragement. Han Seowon [Don't forget, you ranked 3rd in last month’s girl group individual brand ranking, piggy.] Han Seowon [Number one within Upkey Girl, and the third most famous across all girl groups in the country.] Han Seowon [Fans will be happy just to see you in person, so take care of them with confidence like a queen would. No matter how old your fan is, consider yourself their big sister.] Han Seowon [I’m going to sleep, don’t reply.] Yunhong [Thank you, my friend.] Han Seowon [Ew, gross!!!!! Who’s your friend?? Remember, we’re connected through business ties and nothing else.] Yunhong [Our Seowon is cute today... Big sis will pat your bum later.] Han Seowon [Get lostㅗ] Han Seowon [Treat your fans just like you treated me a moment ago.] Yunhong [Pat their butts??] Han Seowon [Yep.] Han Seowon [Oh, just treat them like you do your siblings.] Ah, now she was beginning to understand. Even Seowon and Liya, with their usually brash personalities, and even the polite Silver and Yona would speak casually and warmly to fans. Regardless of the real age difference, approaching them with the mindset of an older sister. Hongreka! It was as simple as treating them like her younger siblings! Yona had also emphasized this before: "The fan is always right. I show the fans what they want to see in me. On stage, I’m sexy and charismatic. Off the stage, like a girlfriend." Hong-i pondered: What image do my fans want from me? Let’s think about the keywords associated with me: Rap, antifem, curvy, body, sexy, Maxim idol, glamour, gorgeous thighs, hip-up, Hongtaurus, Hong Kardashian, bagel girl... Removing rap and antifem from the equation, most of them are about appearance. Am I truly sexy? Or is it just the image crafted by the company? "Like a queen..." "Excuse me? What was that?" "Ah, nothing... Can I ask you a question, sir?" "Sure." "Um... Do you really think I'm sexy...?" As soon as the question left her lips, she wanted to hide under a blanket from embarrassment, but Juhyung responded unexpectedly nonchalantly. "Thinking back to when I first saw you, you've definitely transformed. So now, you should walk with confidence and your shoulders back. I haven’t met a single guy who disliked you." "Won’t fans dislike it if I act strong in front of them...?" "Huh? I don't think your current demeanor's bad. There's a kind of unexpected charm to it. You’re beautiful and cool on stage, but shy and introverted off stage..." "Oh..." "But being a bit aggressive might seem fresh to the fans, like how Seowon or Yona acts." "Yes, that’s what I wanted to ask. How do you think it would be if I behaved like Seowon in front of fans?" "Hey. Fans will love you no matter what. Isn’t having diverse charms advantageous for a celebrity? It broadens your spectrum even for acting roles in the future. Show different sides of yourself." Various charms... Yes, let’s do it. Like a queen, like a big sister, like Seowon and Yona, like Liya and Silver, I could try it too. After all, these are people who claim to love me the most—what’s there to fear? "Sir, we’re right in front of the academy, where should we go? Oh, in front of Class A on the second floor? Sure, I’ll head up in three minutes." Despite it being dinner time, the convenience store and snack bar next to the academy were crowded with high school students. The reaction speed was different from eating at a cafe in Gangnam or Hannam-dong. Students quickly recognized Hongi as she got out in the building's front parking lot, rushing towards her with pterodactyl-like screeches and teenage slang, along with some strong language. While taking photos with their phones was standard procedure, some even video-called their friends. "Screech!" "Is it real, Yunhong...?" "It’s Upkey Girl’s Yunhong!" "Wow... That's what you call truly pretty?" "That body’s insane..." "Excuse me, can I just squeeze past?" Though PD Juhyung was protecting her, the students’ phones and requests thrust out from blind spots resembled the swarm of press during an ex-president’s prosecution summons. Hong-i, being overly kind, entertained each request one by one. "Could you please sing ‘Anding’ for us, unnie?" "Yo, everyone laughed at my debut, to make an analogy...” “Isn’t Silver here too?” “Oh, uhm... We went to different places today.” “Do you have a boyfriend?” “No.” “Why not?” “I’m sorry... Oh, be careful!” Even amidst the chaos, when a male student stumbled, Hong-i deftly caught his arm and helped him up. “Why are you here?” “Uh... I’m here to give Choi Han-seok his Valentine chocolates.” “No way! Did you know him from before?” “Pardon? Oh, um... It’s a fan café event…” “Who is it?” “Wow, Upkey Girl! Upkey Girl!” “No sh*t, Upkey Girl? Which member? I freaking love Yunhong...” “Yunhong!” “Screeee!” Like a tank attracting mobs, within no time, dozens of students surrounded Hong-i, and the crowd grew as she made her way up to the second floor, like a snowball rolling downhill. It was pure pandemonium. PD Juhyung couldn’t even begin to manage it alone. In the midst of the confusion, Hong-i actually felt good. It was her first time experiencing such an immediate and explosive reaction in an everyday setting, not at a fan signing or concert venue. This was a moment where she truly felt the level of popularity enjoyed by Upkey Girl and herself. Some students kindly guided her to the staff room where ‘Silver Is the Best’ was. “Get Teacher Han-seok out! Tell him Upkey Girl Yunhong is here to give him chocolate!” “I’ll go, I’ll go!” “Teacher Han-seok is here, please step back a bit!” “They said he’s out!” “Oh, don’t push!” In the chaotic scene, Hong-i finally met ‘Silver Is the Best.’ Ah. Ahhhh. There was no mistaking who he was, given the '42-year-old single’ clue. He had the full set of traits often unloved by women—obesity, short stature, and balding. But under Hong-i’s mindful self-control, appearance didn’t matter. Treat them like a younger sibling... effortlessly... I am the queen, and that person is a loyal subject. Act... just act the character your fan loves. How would Seowon or Liya handle this situation? What about Yona? Silver? ‘Silver Is the Best’ faced Hong-i with an expression as if he were meeting a deity. The gaps in his neglected bangs were already glistening with sweat. Resolved to become his queen for the day, Hong-i set her mind firmly. She placed the shopping bag with chocolates and gifts beside her, crossed her arms, and spoke with the most aloof and cool expression she could muster. “Do you want this?” “Uh? Oh... Yes...” “Then show me your sincerity, prove how much you desire and long for me. Now!” It was strange—it was clearly an act... But why did her heart feel so electrified and her back tingle? It was the moment her inner dominatrix and instructive instincts, previously unknown to her, came to life. The unexpected reception from the students and the heightened atmosphere had activated Hong-i's adrenaline. If this were a performance, she'd be over the top; in terms of drinking, she was 100% intoxicated. Hong-i thought, In this state, even a playful pat could be possible... <Final Evolution Quin Hong> The End.