181 - Upki Girl

< "How Can 'Bodyguard' Be Just This?" > If you were to name the top three most popular boy groups right now, nine out of ten people would think of these groups. These are the three teams that amicably shared the grand prize at last year's music awards. - 'SPIRIT,' the flagship group of KU, a powerhouse in idol production, enjoying immense popularity across Asia. - 'VCTR,' a project group from an audition program. - And finally, 'Bodyguard' (referred to as ‘Bodyguard’ from here on out), a group that started as a myth of a small entertainment company and has now etched its name onto the Billboard charts, garnering worldwide attention. Among these, ‘SPIRIT,’ which debuted the earliest and sparked a frenzy upon debut, is now considered to be on a slow downturn after peaking. ‘VCTR’ is a project group that will only be active till this year. Hence, it would not be unreasonable to crown Bodyguard as the leader. Within Bodyguard, the most popular member, known as the ‘Heartbreaker Idol,’ is... "Hey, isn't this Bodyguard's Juyoung?" “Yeah, it is.” Even though the photo was taken four years ago, causing a slight sense of dissonance, the person taking the photo with Yona was none other than Bodyguard’s Juyoung. Recently, Juyoung was declared as the ideal type by America’s trending actress ‘Jennifer Rush’ on SNS, proving that Billboard success wasn’t merely a fluke by a winning representation of an Eastern male. The background for Yona and Juyoung’s selfie was in front of a practice room mirror, with the date penned in marker indicating it was when Yona was a trainee at KU Entertainment four years ago. However, as far as friendships go, the two looked too close in the picture. Juyoung was kissing Yona on the cheek while looking at the camera lens. “This screams relationship, right? They must have dated.” “Seriously.” “Did Ria know about this?” “No, I didn’t know. I only figured she had a celebrity boyfriend.” “When did they break up?” “Don’t idols usually break up when they debut?” Prompted by Ria’s statement, I searched for Bodyguard’s debut date on my phone. Bodyguard debuted before Icon Contact. “So Juyoung debuted first, and Yona got dumped?” “That’s too simplistic. Yona could have ended it. Or maybe they just drifted apart naturally. There are many possibilities.” “True... But hopefully, it was Yona who ended things.” “Definitely.” Oh Yona, you little rascal. The name Bodyguard came up quite a few times while promoting 'Upkick Girl,' each time clearly leaving Yona unfazed. Even during the ‘Hug Me’ album promo, we greeted them while they were prerecording. What were their expressions back then? I don’t recall, but since none of the other members noticed anything, they must have acted well. Considering they didn’t acknowledge each other, it should logically follow they were more than friends—most likely dating. "Since it probably didn’t end well, she didn’t tell us." “McGatmun, you’re a literal blockhead. Do any relationships end well? They never end well. Yona’s just someone with a lot of secrets. That’s her charm. So, just play dumb.” “I suppose. But still, I’m suddenly really impressed Yona dated Juyoung even before their debut.” “Why are you impressed with Yona? Juyoung is the impressive one. For someone from just 'Bodyguard' to date our Yona.” “Just ‘Bodyguard’? They’re hitting it big on Billboard now.” “Oh, they’d faint if I told them how Bieber once begged Ally to meet him once.” “Bieber? You mean Justin Bieber?” “Of course, I do.” “No way. Justin Bieber was into you?” “Yes. He even temporarily broke up with Selena because of Ally. Though they got back together in the end. Also, while I’m unsure which, one of Beckham’s juniors followed Ally around in London.” “You’re not just saying this because I can’t check, right?” “McGatmun, do you still not recognize Ally? Ally isn’t one to boast about men. Even if Beckham’s grandpa showed up, Ally wouldn’t fold.” “Just a ‘Bodyguard’, indeed.” Genuine world-class talent is here. Upon reflection, if Ria wanted to, she could live like a Korean Paris Hilton. “Sometimes talking to you makes me lose touch with reality. Whether you're a royal princess, a hotel owner… and now you tell me Justin Bieber and Beckham’s son came on to you…” “All worthless things. I didn’t achieve those through effort. Upkick Girl is the only effort-made achievement.” As Ria began to stash the Polaroid back into Yona’s sports bag, something else caught her attention, and she excitedly exclaimed. Even if the photo had just fallen to the floor, I was uneasy about prying into someone’s personal matters and stopped her. “Hey, whatever it is, just leave it. I don’t care.” “Yona’s bikini photo!” “What, really?” Well then! I heard there was a B-cut bikini shoot that never got released! You actually had it with you! However, Ria’s hand was empty. Instead of a photo, she showed her open palm and spouted nonsense. “… it’s handled by Meerkatman, so relax!” “Huh?” “You don’t know Meerkatman?” “What’s that?” It seemed to be some trending Internet joke, but I didn’t quite get the meaning. Judging by the nuance, it felt like I was being pranked. Ria, regardless of my comprehension, smirked and squinted at me, pointing a finger. “Hehe, you say you’re not interested, but it seems you really want to see Yona's bikini photos, huh? Want me to get them for you?” “Nah, I’m good.” “Why not? Now that you’ve got your own room, you’ll be spending a lot of time alone. Wouldn’t it be useful? Hmm?” “Ha, seriously... Just tell me the truth, how many lives have you lived?” “McGatmun, you’re so old-fashioned. What’s so embarrassing about a grown man doing, you know, self-care? Ally understands everything.” “Aaargh, quit it, you devil! Give me back our youngest!” “Geez...” Maybe it’s that these new kids are scary, or perhaps it’s just Ally that’s terrifying. Despite having lived abroad, she’s way too open about things. I, pretending to inspect the room for a second time, tried to steer the conversation elsewhere. “Hmm... So should we move this stuff to storage?” “Ally’s planning to redecorate this week, so don’t worry about it, McGatmun.” “There’s no need for a whole redecoration. Just moving the bed from the second floor would be enough.” “Think of it as a little gift from Ally for your injured arm. Plus, I’ll try to get Yona’s bikini cut for you.” “Fine, do as you wish.” “Yo, yo, inside, you’re thrilled though.” The duplex outbuilding, which had two rooms and a bathroom, was originally used by the housekeeper or Mr. Hong, the chauffeur, as a sort of waiting area. Lately, only the housekeeper has been using it, and I decided to take up one of the smaller spaces previously used as storage. Initially, I was considering moving back to the main house upon hearing from Manager Kim Sangin that being too close to the kids might lead to a scandal. However, the information window advised not to leave the accommodation, so I concluded that keeping some distance would suffice, and the kids agreed with my decision. Ria and I took a quick look around the outbuilding before heading out for rehab and making our way to the office where the kids were practicing. The upcoming mission theme for Ripple Girl, five days away, was ‘To the Dear Ones’. It was a performance conveying gratitude towards people they cherish and appreciate daily—family, fans, friends, and company staff. While secretly hoping for a tribute stage to me, the girls endearingly chose their parents and families. The song chosen was ‘Family’ by Lee Seunghwan, recommended by Hyundong. The mission of ‘Main Battle,’ which suffered due to mine and Ria’s absence, was aired yesterday. Everyone was anxious about it, and I had advised the members to avoid reading comments. Surprisingly, the feedback wasn’t too bad once it was out. Or rather, there wasn’t much interest in us at all. Given it was the week a team would be eliminated, the audience’s focus was on that, and the teams who placed first to third received enough attention themselves, spreading the focus away from us. The highlight of yesterday’s broadcast was May Queens and Teenagers. Following Eye Contact’s dishonorable departure, the next official elimination unfortunately yet satisfyingly went to ‘Happy Joy’. Without Eunbich, they were just average, and in the first round of life, they had received more love than they deserved. Although Upkick Girl had a brief stumble, we regained the top position with the Random Song Mission recorded two days ago, maintaining our overwhelming lead with a total score of 84. Second place was Teenagers with 31 points, and third was May Queens with 23 points. The gap was so wide that unless someone seriously messed up or did something illegal in the remaining 13 episodes, it looked likely Upkick Girl would take the win. The only variable was Ria’s absence. While the mission two days ago allowed the girls to grit their teeth and reclaim the throne, filling a stage originally meant for five, with just four performers and no main dancer, left the performances feeling somewhat lacking. The production team had mentioned they could reverse Ria’s withdrawal, allowing her to return depending on her rehabilitation, but even with active rehab, recovery for a proper stage presence would take at least three months. In simple terms, this meant she wouldn’t be able to return until the semifinals or finals at best. The other girls suggested Ria participate sitting down, singing without dancing, but Ria firmly refused. Given she wasn’t a strong singer or rapper, performing without her signature dancing could be detrimental. But with such accumulated points, it was nothing too worrisome. Despite concerns that Upkick Girl’s early domination might sap the tension, many viewers were pleased just to see the impressive performances Upkick Girl delivered each week. There was even a joke of changing the program’s title to “Beat Upkick Girl.” After Ria and my ‘sock mouth insert incident,’ the number of antis slightly increased, but thanks to quick damage control, it hadn't blown up into a major issue. Even factoring that in, it was undeniable that Upkick Girl was the hottest group among currently active girl groups. Separate from Replay Girl’s recordings, preparations for a mini-album were progressing steadily. Six songs were planned, four of which were finalized to include arrangements, with the title track ‘Violet’ and a misery fan song ‘Look at Me, Where Are You Looking?’ created by Hyundong and Upkick Girl. By the time Ria and I arrived at the office, the kids had just finished their dance practice and were taking a break. Ria, like a priestess aiding a hero, sidled up to Seowon, eagerly showcasing our adventures with her smartphone. “Unnie, want to see the video of McGatmun and Allyia?” “The ‘god’ in the title makes it sound like something impressive. What is it?” Seowon’s tone was cold. She disliked that Ria and I had shared memories without her and was annoyed by Ria’s boasting. I played it cool, explaining nonchalantly. "Oh. Found a bug in the basement room. A silverfish." "Kyaa! Where? It's not near my spot, right? I really hate bugs!" "Not your place, it's Ria and Eunbich's bed." As expected, Eunbich herself just looked completely unfazed. "Unnie, silverfish are good luck. It means we're going to make a lot of money." Hong added, "Yeah, my mom said silverfish are a good omen too." Yona seemed displeased about something, squinting at the choreography video being played back. "Yona unnie, come watch this with us! It's seriously amazing! God-tier Muno!" "Uh-huh. I'll watch it later, just post it in the group chat." Just as I was about to talk to her, a phone call came in. It was Jonghwan, who was getting married next month. I answered the phone playfully. "Hey, Jonghwan. Did you break off the engagement?" ―"I wish it were that easy." "Ha, you lunatic, what are you even doing getting married? It's not too late, break it off first for your bride's sake. What crime did she commit to deserve being with you for life?" ―"Shut up. Anyway, I need to ask you a favor." "Nope. Not gonna do it. Not happening." ―"Please, no jokes. I'm really serious." "What is it?" ―"Sigh, any chance Upkick Girl could perform at the wedding?" "Perform at the wedding?" ―"I'm getting married without even proposing, so I wanted to at least do one event for her, but I'm drawing a blank." "There’re lots of event companies online. Our kids are busy, so no can do." ―"Right?" "I can arrange a congratulatory video for you, maybe get other celebs in it too." ―"Really? Thanks, thanks." Of course, if I asked the kids, they'd agree, but these kinds of personal requests are strictly off-limits. Once you start, everyone else will start lining up with requests. Yet, the ones who attended a drinking party with my friends in the past spotted this and eagerly accepted. "Did Jonghwan oppa ask for a wedding performance?" "Uh, yeah." "Then we have to do it! Loyalty!" "Wow, performing at a wedding sounds fun." "Honghong unnie, have you ever been to a wedding? I’ve never been." "No, I haven't." "Ally hasn't either. So let's all go this time! Call! Call!" Jonghwan heard the girls' chatter and sounded pleased. ―"Dude, the kids say they'll do it." "They just don’t know the schedule. I need to check it first." ―"C’mon, help a manager friend out for once!" As I tried to move outside for the call, Eunbich suddenly appeared and grabbed the phone from behind. "Jonghwan oppa, it's Eunbich!" ―"Oh, hey, Eunbich! You remember me, right?" "Of course! We all promised to go to the wedding together, remember?" ―"Oh, you remember that." "We'll perform for you! Loyalty!" ―"Loyalty!" "Eeeeek!" "Director, you're kind of mean. Aren't you supposed to at least ask us before turning down a friend's request?" "But I..." "Director, I really want to attend a wedding." "Me too." "Ally too!" Jonghwan, you know, seeing how excited the kids are, I have this feeling. Something tells me your wedding isn’t going to be just your average affair... < End of "How Can 'Bodyguard' Be Just This?" >