233 - Upki Girl

< Epilogue (Not Essential: Mature Content) > In our dreams, we could open the pool for night swimming at our will, but reality was different. Being one of the world’s top hotels, it attracted not only us but also global figures and affluent guests, meaning rules were strictly enforced. Instead, we decided to gather in my room, sharing stories over Korean liquor we brought and room service snacks. Everyone was a tone more excited than usual, leading to an unending stream of lighthearted banter. It was peculiar to listen to them; all five seemed to speak their minds independently, yet somehow their conversation flowed with mutual understanding. As the drinks began to take effect, more honest discussions arose. Seowon, known for his closed-off and stubborn nature which often led to conflicts with other members, took the initiative. “To be honest, I liked everyone except Eunbit. I even opposed joining the team. Sorry.” Knowing the courage it took Seowon to say this, Hongi replied with a dismissive laugh, indicating it was no big deal. “Why act like it’s a shocking confession? Seowon being Seowon, that’s all.” “Just saying, pig. Sorry.” “Is this the first time I’ve heard you apologize? Should I be touched?” “Thinking back, if I wasn’t around, you guys might have been closer. I did cause problems from the sidelines, didn’t I? While I’ve clashed more with you, Pig, I bet Yona had it rough because she would let things slide for me.” “Why? I think your personality is fine, unnie. I’ve said from the start that it’s better to speak up like you or Lia when there’s an issue. Keeping it inside thinking it’s considerate makes it explode beyond fix one day. I mentioned this in the eye contact session too. So I’m trying to resolve things immediately now. It was easier for me because you would express yourself.” “Is that so? Then that’s a relief.” “But still, it’s best to restrain yourself in front of others besides us.” True, early Seowon and Alia were like ticking time bombs exploding at the slightest touch. Sometimes they’d even self-destruct seemingly unprovoked. Seowon then turned to me. “Anything you want to say to us?” “Me?” “Yes. We all spoke our minds when we had the chance with you, remember?” “Well… I’m proud and grateful for your hard work. Seeing you dominate music charts, albums, and broadcasts made all the past heartaches vanish.” “Oh, that’s so lacking in spirit.” “Where’s the soul, oppa?” “Did someone script this for you?” “What the... was it just me who was moved? I appreciated it, manager...” “Moondangdang, hand.” Amidst only Hongi supporting me, I sheepishly placed my hand on Lia’s outstretched palm and chuckled awkwardly. “Korean men typically don’t express well. I’ve improved quite a bit thanks to you…” “Come clean, oppa. Didn’t you love being around pretty girls?” “Honestly, you’re all gorgeous, but being with you made me realize looks aren’t everything, you little rascals. The good part is, no matter who I work with from now on, it won’t be as challenging as it was with you guys.” Though I joked, reality held a different challenge: Rahee and Ran were waiting for me in season 2. Rahee's physical disability was one thing, but worrying about how to handle this DJ hype party girl, I was already concerned. At least none of you were criminals. “Alright, alright! On that note!” Shiba clapped to lift the slightly sinking atmosphere. “Yoon Eunbit’s favorite shocking, confession~ game!” What kind of a game is that? Not only I but the others didn’t know this game either. “Hey, I’m totally clueless when it comes to games.” “There was such a game? Pig, do you know?” “No, it’s the first I’m hearing too. What’s with the confession?” “Ohhh, Eunbit unnie crafting another game after the Heart-Pounding Revolution! A completely spontaneous smell here.” “No, no, it’s not spontaneous. It’s a secret weapon I prepared ambitiously for the next fan meeting.” “Everyone, be calm and let’s hear what kind of ridiculous game this is. Explain, Shiba.” “Whether it’s confessing, revealing a secret, or saying something you've kept to yourself, you have to express it. Then, whatever the person says, the others must unconditionally accept or forgive it. Of course, the confession protagonist has to be 100% truthful, and anyone who reacts with shock, anger, or embarrassment receives a penalty.” “What’s the penalty?” “Hmm… a flick on the forehead?” Yona shook her head, saying it was too weak. “Even as a game novice, penalties should be harsh to be fun, right?” “Then Yona decides!” “Yes!” Contrary to her reputation for not being good with these things, Yona eagerly raised her hand and agreed. The cute excitement was unlike her usual self, so I looked at her face and... ah! While others talked, she’d been sipping beer on her own, and now her expression had considerably relaxed, entering a tipsy state. Is today Yona’s day of the month…? Sure enough, as if analyzing us, she studied our appearances keenly before proposing the penalty with a mischievous grin... “Every time someone shows shock or embarrassment, they have to take off an article of clothing!” “Gasp, the usually demure Yona strikes again!” “Iyona, are you drunk?” “No, really, I’m not drunk. I swear, I swear.” “Then what’s the point of us seeing each other undressed? We see that every day at the dorm…” As Hongi spoke, Lia, who had been playfully fiddling with my hand, urgently interjected, “Honghong unnie!” “Whoa, you startled me. What’s up, Lia?” “Do you get tired of eating just because you do it every day?” “Of course not. I could eat a meal every hour, twenty-four times a day without sleeping.” “Exactly! Just like that. Even if we see each other’s bodies every day at the dorm, it feels different here.” Hongi pondered whether this was a valid analogy, but Seowon commented sardonically. “You’re really oblivious, Pig.” “Huh? About what?” “Ugh, never mind. Just enjoy the show and eat your rice cake.” “Rice cake? Sure, I’ll keep quiet and eat whatever you say, though I don’t get it.” The only one oblivious was Hongi. The rest of us already understood. Yona didn't suggest watching us undress for no reason. Her punishment was undoubtedly targeting me. “Hey, wait a minute...” “Alright, let’s do a toast first! Cheers!” Damn. Just as I was about to object, Eunbit seized the moment to propose a grand toast, swiftly moving the game forward. “I’ll start! The person who’ll hear my shocking confession is none other than Yoonho oppa!” See? It’s always me. “I have something to confess honestly to oppa.” “Hold on. Before that, if someone else reacts and shows they’re shocked, they get the penalty too, right?” “Correct.” “But how can you tell if someone’s shocked or panicked? They could deny it, and you have no proof.” “Their eyes will give it away. That’s proof enough.” “What the hell?” “A person’s eyes are more powerful evidence than anything.” Yona supported Eunbit’s nonsense. “Eunbit is right. Eyes are the windows to the soul, after all. They don't lie.” Seowon hurried Eunbit along with a flick of her hand. “Go on, Yoon Eunbit, before the manager tries to deflect the topic.” “Alright. Here’s my shocking confession for Yoonho oppa.” Go ahead. I was curious about her unexpected revelation. I maintained my poker face, focusing on Eunbit. “Ready to hear it?” “Go on.” “Remember the first time we met? The day I was humming as I went for my audition.” “Of course, I remember.” “Back then, I lost my wallet at the Itaewon spa and had to call you from the police station.” “That brings back memories.” Eunbit nodded her head like one of those car dashboard bobbleheads, giving a turtle-like smile. “I actually didn’t lose my wallet then.” “Then where did it go?” “I gave it all away to some kids.” “What…?” There was a group of runaway teens in the spa, and she said she handed her entire wallet to them. “Then why did you say you lost it instead of telling me that outright?” “Because you wouldn’t have come to find me otherwise. You were out drinking with those Plan L unnie’s. Would you have come if I’d just asked?” “So, let me summarize. You talked to runaway kids, gave them your wallet, fabricated a story about losing it, and then called the police?” “Yep!” “This is insane. You didn’t even know who those kids were, and you approached them without fear? What if the police checked the CCTV?” As I was speaking, Seowon jumped up and pointed at me. “Manager, weren’t you just shocked? Guys, right?” “Yeah, totally. You’re looking quite serious.” “Moondangdang, take something off.” This… definitely caught me off guard. Even if Eunbit confessed to some shocking family revelation, I had steeled myself not to visibly react. But here I was, completely engaged and inadvertently showing it. The crew stretched out their hands as if they were in a protest, chanting slogans. “Take it off! Take it off!” I was wearing a T-shirt, shorts, and underwear. Three shocks or surprises would strip me down to nothing. The others were similarly dressed: relaxed in T-shirts and comfortable shorts or skirts, while Yona wore a one-piece, meaning one slip-up would have her in just her underwear—hot… But I ended up being the first to get caught. “Take it off! Take it off!” “Come on, hurry and strip, haha.” Damn it Yona. Despite living together like siblings, I had never exposed my upper body in front of the kids. I even avoided doing so back at home. Sure, I had been working out consistently, so I wasn’t embarrassed about my physique. I also believe it’s reasonable for a guy to go shirtless. However, something about the kids’ expressions and the atmosphere felt off. Yona setting up this punishment suggested she had something planned. “Guys, seriously, isn’t this a bit much? It feels kind of indecent, doesn’t it?” “Oh, how lame. Making excuses because you lost. Be a man and strip!” “Honestly, I’m not shy about taking it off, but doing it in front of you guys feels weird. I’d rather do it in front of strangers. I’ll just take a penalty drink.” “The drink we have is precious, so why waste it? Just strip instead.” “Moondangdang, are you embarrassed? Didn’t you say you don’t see us as women? You think of us as sisters or nieces, so why the hesitation?” “No, it’s not about being embarrassed…” “Ah, from the looks of it, Moondangdang is such a shy boy right now,” Alia teased. Phew. With everyone, myself included, a bit tipsy, I sensed that if this atmosphere continued, the delicate boundary that separated me from the girls would crumble completely. And then, only Kim Yoonho, the man, and the young women would remain, not the manager and the Upki Girls... The only control mechanism I had was my mental fortitude, but even in my heart, I didn’t trust myself anymore. Since the kids' aura turned to pink, everything had changed. Their scent, expressions, gestures, even the way they spoke reached me in their rawest, most beautiful form. Women. Overwhelming women. This is insane. The girls were approaching me not just as idols but as women, pure and simple. They had seen me as a man long ago, and the information panel seemed to throw fuel on that fire, urging me to do as I pleased. Even in my dreams, I had crossed the line several times with them. I’d even shared intimate moments with Ria that I could barely recall without blushing. When I dozed off at the airport, vivid dreams made me experience it all intensely. I’d felt excited, inflamed with desire, brimming with sensual longing. But accepting that here in reality—could I really do that? After doing what I want, could I handle the guilt and self-reproach that would follow? If I crossed the line, with which of the five would it be? Wouldn’t I grow apart from the other four girls? Or would it become like my dreams, where I end up entwined with all five of them... Hot! Haaaah! ······This is Brunei. A place where dreams become reality. Upon reflection, there’s no reason why I shouldn’t. They want it; I want it, and nobody gets hurt or scarred. So far, the purple aura was what had been holding me back, but frankly speaking, how could anyone not see them as beautiful, attractive women? I’ve just been deceiving myself. Does that mean I can just go with the flow? Based on past experiences, when the panel suggests doing as I wish, it means there would be no consequences for doing precisely that. At least there wouldn’t be any damage to their careers. So what am I worried about? Here goes... Breaking past the confines of rationality with them, we'll leap into the boundless realm of instinct and freedom where everyone can find happiness. That’s right. Moondang Manager will do as he pleases! The best place to start is by enjoying this very moment. I’ll think of it simply. I’m the returning senior, and they’re juniors sitting before me. Sure, in my engineering days, this kind of scenario was impossible, but let’s go with it. The girls made the first move, and I like them too. That's the plain truth. *Gulp.* “Seems like the manager is planning to hold out. Can’t have that. Forced execution, Yuni, grab him.” “Okay.” “No, don’t. I’ll take it off myself.” ―Whoosh “Kyaaa!” “Eek!” “Pfft, the manager really took it off.” “Wow... wow... manager’s shoulders...” “Moondangdang, you’re totally a man, not some shy boy.” What I stripped wasn’t my shirt but the guilt and forbidden feelings wrapping around me. I squared my shoulders confidently. Though I lack the perfect abdominals, my body trained through relentless exercise was firm and well-pumped. Now’s the time to strike, lovely juniors. Moondang Manager’s gonna do as he wishes. Unlike me, you’ll all be embarrassed after just one attack. While the kids momentarily looked dazed, I launched my sharpened, substantial words like a spear. An area-wide attack. “I want to fiercely infiltrate inside all of you and stir you up.” Seowon is the light and for me, it’s Yoonhong as the truth. All five are left speechless with red-tinted cheeks. “U-Uh... wow...” “Oh my... amazing...” “Haa..." “Hm..." “Mu-Moondangdang, what...? That’s so... indecent...” “Puhahah, what on Earth are you all thinking? I meant putting my hands in your pockets and stirring them! Was it that shocking? Given our relationship, that's totally okay, right?” “Oh, putting hands in pockets... Hahaha! Oppa, I figured that’s what you meant from the start!” “Well, regardless, all five of you must strip, right? Your hesitant eyes are the undeniable evidence. So, everyone, off with them.” “I-Iyona. You suggested this punishment, so you go first.” “What? Why are you doing this, Seowon-nim? Then shouldn’t Yoon Eunbit-nim, who suggested the game, go first? Yoon Eunbit-nim, strip.” “Ladies. Isn’t now the time to come together? We have our bra shields. Let’s take them off first.” “Bitbit unnie. What about the nipples then?” “Nipples? What are those...?” “It’s just nipples. They’ll show through, won’t they?” “Oh... nipples...” “But, Alia is wearing a swimsuit instead of underwear, so she can start with her T-shirt.” “What? This traitor! Unnies, Lia’s betrayed us!” “In travel, wearing swimwear is a basic. You never know when you might dive into the water.” Alia nonchalantly took off her T-shirt, revealing her bikini as she’d mentioned. Following Eunbit’s suggestion, the others removed their bras underneath their T-shirts and crossed their arms. Look, look. They act tough but become timid when I get assertive. Following the seating arrangement, it was Seowon's turn to attack. He wasn't holding back, throwing in a bombshell meant to wipe us all out. “Remember when the manager rubbed his crotch against my butt not too long ago?” Silence set in, followed by stunned expressions. Eventually, we were all brought down by the revelation. Ria slipped out of her skirt, now fully in her swimwear. The other three girls went to the bathroom to remove their panties after witnessing the smart move, and I thought it was a good idea as I quickly followed suit, leaving only my shorts. ―Current Score: Me: Wearing shorts. One more loss, and I'm back to basics. Eunbit: No bra, no panties. T-shirt and shorts left. Seowon: No bra. T-shirt, shorts, and panties left. Currently in the lead. Yona: No bra, no panties. Only a flowery, breezy dress left, same state as me. Hongi: No bra, no panties. T-shirt and shorts left. Alia: Bikini. Now it was Ria's turn. Known for her cunning in these games, she took the lead. “It’s time for the beloved mascot of Upki Girls, our incredibly lovable Ria. Ria’s smart enough to know who to target, right?” Of course, it’d be either me or Yona, who were both one loss away from defeat. I protested, annoyed. “Hey, is there no loyalty here?” “Never said there wasn’t. Ria, go!” “Okay, okay!” Ria stood up energetically, feet set shoulder-width apart, hands on her hips. She looked between Yona and me, but I had a feeling it would ultimately target me. Time to change the game in my favor! I knelt on all fours like a puppy, wagging my tail and playing the sycophant. “Oh, our noble Princess Alia. Your commanding posture is magnificent. I am your loyal pet, just give me the command, woof woof!” “Aww, Moondangdang, so adorable today! Sorry Yona, I’m just a woman after all!” “Please, spare me! I’ll let you touch my chest whenever and wherever you want from now on, skin-on-skin!” “Hmm?” Yona, you sly fox! Let's see who wins this. I lay submissively at Ria's feet, sticking out my tongue and mimicking a subservient dog. “Pant pant, pant pant!” “Oh, Moondangdang is exceptionally cute today! Sorry Yona!” I won! Ria opted to reveal one of Yona's physical secret, flustering the leader. “Yona’s incredibly sensitive all over her body; even a little touch excites her! Especially if someone softly…” “Hey! What nonsense are you spouting?!” “It’s a fact, everyone! Alia has touched Yona while asleep, and she would make sexy moans and bite her lower lip enticingly, no matter where!” “Heyyyyy!” As if scalded by fire, Yona cringed, while the remaining three pointed at her and shouted. “Wow, Yona’s seriously angry! This is real rage!” “Hahahaha! Yona, strip!” “Y-Yona, sorry. And thanks. But still, strip.” Yona glared at me angrily. Her eyes seemed to ask if I really had to go this far for a silly game. Hah, Yona probably assumed all the members would unite against me when we discussed the penalty. Life’s a battle, Yona. And what an intriguing tidbit about Yona—such sensitivity everywhere. “Manager.” Yona shifted tactics, softening her gaze and calling out demurely. “Yes?” “I’m actually not wearing anything underneath.” “Right. So what?” “Are you okay with that, manager?” “With what?” “If I take it off, that’s it. But manager, can you handle seeing my body properly?” “Oh, come on, I’m more than fine with it. Thank you!” “Really?” “I’m not some adolescent who can’t handle it, right? Seeing Yona of Upki Girls naked is something I need to scrutinize with open eyes. Besides, you walk around in panties at the dorm. Just a missing piece of fabric; no big deal.” “Alright then.” Did she really mean to strip? Everyone was likely thinking the same, watching with amused skepticism as Yona stood up. She took a graceful step forward and positioned herself directly in front of me. Her waist was right in my line of sight. *Gulp.* “Look away now, and you’re a coward.” —Swoosh Oh, such soft, well-groomed hair! It turns out that it was indeed 'that day' for Yona. She’s totally lost it. Naturally, my composure unraveled too. I was entranced entirely by that soft display... Yona’s 'Yo' must stand for ‘Soft Hair,’ ‘Have you seen such pretty hair?’ Could hair be this soft, like microfiber? Impossible not to be enticed. So delicate, I didn't dare disrupt its fine strands by touching it. [The precarious ‘God of Heart Attack’ has issued a first-level warning.] [The virile ‘God of Fertility’ smiles contentedly, saying, “In hindsight, doing it was always the right choice.”] [The incredibly excited ‘God of Lust’ has rung the golden bell across the entire body and invites you to indulge.] [From the sacred ‘Rice Cake Mill,’ the equipment is running non-stop to meet the seasonal demand.] "Yona, this is massive..." "Insane. She really stripped entirely." "But even after seeing it countless times, Yona's body is really beautiful... I should start a diet..." "Moondangdang? You didn’t pass out sitting there, did you?" Hmm. Didn't pass out, but I felt lethargic. Perhaps due to blood concentrating in one area. “Ahem, Manager?” “Yes.” “Your ears have turned red.” “It’s warm in here.” "You talked so confidently, and yet you can't even meet my eyes?" "There are... other things catching my attention." "Hehe." This isn't a dream. Comments about my smiling face won’t wake me up from this. But seriously, what can I do? With the others watching intently, what am I supposed to do? Bochang, is it really right to just do as I please? "Well, since Yona took the brave first step, we should probably leave now." "What? This was just the beginning?" "Look at Moondangdang's eyes. He's completely out of it." "Yona truly is a leader. Her initiative is top-notch, quick as can be." "*Sigh*... Usually, SiBa-Kobuk initiates..." It seemed like the group had pre-established a set of rules. Aside from Seowon's slight grumble, the girls moved swiftly in unison, vacating the room and dimming the lights as they left. Just seconds ago, the room was bustling, and now it was so silent I could hear my own heartbeat. I could also hear Yona's slightly heavy breathing beside me. I might actually have just died sitting here. I remained seated at the edge of the bed; my focus was so blurred that Yona’s lower half and the surroundings merged into something indistinct. The thin, shy hair from before had become invisible. Hair. Why does that word sound so unfamiliar today? “How long do you plan to keep staring at me like that?” “Huh?” Her voice snapped me out of it, and I finally looked up. As my focus returned, I could see Yona's expression as well as her lower half. She wasn't entirely confident. Though she tried to maintain her composure, tinges of shyness peeked through. "How do you manage to look so pretty even from below?" "Wow... That's genuinely heart-fluttering." "But gosh, I'm sweating a lot... even with the air conditioner on.” "You should take a shower." "But won't that ruin the mood..." "Then just... Ack!" Yona’s breathy gasp was due to my unexpected kiss on her soft mound. I remained there, exploring Yona’s lower half for quite a while. Her legs started trembling, nearly giving way, as her knees buckled slightly. Barely catching her, I cradled her and headed towards the bed. Nothing I did was meticulously planned. The ambiance naturally guided my actions, and Yona seamlessly matched my rhythm, coming across as both innocent and adept. “I knew this would happen from when I first met you, Manager...” “Really? I didn’t.” “Guess that’s why women’s intuition is said to be better.” “I know this is a strange time to bring this up, but…” “Then don’t.” “Should I?” “Manager, it seems you have the luxury of thinking other things. My mind’s all blank... Ahhh..." "No, I’m sorry. Loss of sanity for a second, I guess." *** Every year, between 40 to 70 idol groups debut, regardless of gender. How many of those are still active two years later? At a stretch, maybe 10%? Including teams that dissolve right before debut, survival rates become absurdly low. What happens to the 90% who don’t make it? Some will venture into acting or variety shows, but most wake up from their dreams and return to ordinary life. The disappointment lies especially in the latter group. It’s beneficial for those without talent or charisma to back out early for everyone’s good, but among them might be future superstars. A group produced by any 'general and typical' entertainment company is bound to have at least one member with star potential. How can I be so sure? Because I can see it. It’s not some vague intuition or gut feeling; it's as if I can genuinely perceive who has the talent to become a celebrity through visible wavelengths of light. And now, I can see another light. Women with whom I’ll form connections appear in pink. But not every woman does; they need to meet certain criteria, though I’m unsure of the specifics. One thing is clear: it only appears in debuting celebrities. I sometimes wonder... Could I use this ability to form relationships with every girl group in the world? Why specifically girl groups? Because they're beautiful. < Epilogue (Mature Content - Not Essential) > End