133 - I Unknowingly Rejected My Favorite

EP.133 #133. Luka, My Lady [Luka! Are you here yet? We're ready to proceed with the concert confirmations as planned.] Only for me. A map crafted solely for one individual. While we might repurpose these resources for other members' concerts in the future, the thrill brewing inside me is irresistible. I log into the VR world and accept the invitation. Once the loading screen vanishes, what unfolds before my eyes is... [Wow...] Is this... a virtual idol…? As I step onto the stage, my manager's avatar, dressed in a sharp suit, waves energetically at me. [Hello! Luka!] [Ah! Hello, ma'am!] [How do you find the map?] I'm sure my face is showing a multitude of emotions. Unfortunately, I'm unsure if a VR setting can accurately capture them all. [It's absolutely mind-blowing.] It feels like I could attach all sorts of gushing compliments and it would fit just right. The concert venue was designed akin to those grand stages singers mount at the year's end, and behind me was a large screen displaying an illustration of Luka. [Fans will soon be able to watch you live right here through VR.] [How many people... do you think will come?] [We'll need to consult the server management team for a concrete answer.] [I see.] [Shall we move on to check out the avatar next?] [Yes!] The next crucial thing to check after the map is the avatar. Frankly, since joining the company, I've never been disappointed with the quality of my avatars. Perhaps it's because I struggled through solo activities, but everything they prepare looks stunning, and my fans always express their adoration, calling them cute. After receiving an invitation to a different map, I connect to find the staff waiting with the avatar I’ll be using. [What do you think?] [I'm really excited about it!] My heart is already thumping with anticipation. There are two new forms available. One has a bob cut reminiscent of an apple hairstyle, while the other is something truly special. The tiny and oh-so-adorable avatar was shaking its hips, dancing in front of me. [Uploading short clips using this would probably get a great response.] [Yup! Oh. My heart...] It's amusing to be reacting this way to my own avatar's cuteness, but what can you do—it's undeniably adorable. [Hmm... There's another concert-specific avatar in production, but the priority is definitely an original song.] An original song. A task I must complete entirely on my own. While I lacked self-confidence regarding singing, both anticipation and anxiety stirred within me. [Has there been significant progress?] [Ah, yes. The instrumental is recorded, and I heard last that they're finalizing the guide, so you should hear back soon.] [Ah… I'm nervous...] [I told you who the composer is, right?] [Yes! That famous person at the company, right.] [You're in for a treat! I'll keep you posted with any updates.] [Thank you very much!] Removing my headset, I danced in place on my computer chair, brimming with joy. Woohoo! Can I really pull this off? Ah, but that avatar is just too cute. Out of all the fans, it's my favorite. I think of my brother's face. Picking up my phone, I dial his number. [Hello.] [Hm? What's up?] [Can’t I call you just because?] [No, it’s not that. I just thought something might be up since we'll see each other soon.] Today's the long-awaited day of our hanbok date. Since I had been at the studio for work, I needed to hurry back and get ready. [Brother.] [Yes?] [The concert is going to be amazing!] Filling my voice with excitement, a cheery laugh echoes from the other end. [Really? Something new must be out.] [I saw today’s new avatar. It’s unimaginably cute. Just the essence of kawaii.] [...Do you have any pictures?] His voice drips with a sticky eagerness. [Nope. Not this time.] [Okay. So, 2 o’clock in front of your place, yeah?] [Yup. See you then.] [Okay~ I'm going to shower now!] [Alright!] Hanging up, I quickly grab my padded jacket and dash home. After showering and drying my hair, I decide to put extra effort into my appearance since I plan to take a lot of photos today. The base looks good, and a subtle approach will definitely complement the hanbok better. After gently drawing my eyebrows, I finish off with a light pink tint. Perfect. It should look great with my hanbok. As I ponder about which hanbok to dress my brother in, I step outside and wave to my tall boyfriend standing in the distance. "Kim Eojin!" I greet him with a playful joke. “Ah! Luka-tan!” Not to be outdone, he immediately tries to one-up me. Since no one else was around, we burst into laughter the moment our eyes met. “Hey. Who told you to call me that?” He playfully squishes my cheeks like dough. “Ah. I just did my makeup! Let go!” Gosh, I worked hard on that. I use a compact mirror to check my face again, then look up at him with a mock-scolding expression. “Shall we go?” He offers me his hand. “Yes.” Clasping his hand, I then notice he's carrying a bag. “What’s with the bag?” As it was something he usually didn’t carry, I was curious about its contents. “There’s something I want us to do together.” ...Something for us? “What is it?” “Oh, nothing much.” “If it’s not much, spill it.” “A questionnaire.” I tilt my head at the unexpected reply. “A questionnaire?” “Yup. They said at the company they want to release it as a YouTube video.” “Oh wow... Is that so...?” Looks like my brother is starting a new activity! Despite being a small-scale drama, my brother received favorable reviews. There was a school violence issue lingering, but fortunately, it hadn't spiraled out of control. We had complete faith that YM would handle it adeptly. "Let's dress up in hanbok, have some fun, and then do it at the café later." "Yeah, I was about to suggest the same." A 20-minute bus ride brought us right in front of the palace. "At least the weather's not too cold, thank goodness." It would have been a disaster if we were shivering after paying for hanbok rental. Perhaps it was fate, but the clear skies made it feel less chilly than usual. "Let's hurry and go rent them." Knowing that some shops overcharge foreigners, we'd made reservations at a vetted store in advance. Inside the rental shop, a staff member greeted us warmly. "You can choose from here to here. Let us know if you want to try anything on; you can change over there." Grabbing my brother's wrist, I decided to pick out something for him first. "You're going to wear what I choose." "Why?" "Since you picked my attire, it's only fair I do the same." With no real grounds to argue, he let me drag him back and forth between fitting rooms. "...How is it?" Oh... my... "Wow! It suits you perfectly!" The staff's admiration made the corners of my mouth twitch in delight. Sigh... Isn't my brother just way too handsome? Seriously, he's stunning. By now, I should be used to it, but he still seems like he stepped straight out of a comic book. Not wanting to show my expression, I covered my face with my hand, responding in a small voice. "Let's just go with that." Dressed in a light purple hanbok, my brother looked like a strikingly handsome character from an Eastern-inspired webtoon. "If you're not happy with it, you can try something else." He walked towards me, feet pattering on the floor. His eyes made me so nervous I couldn't keep eye contact, so he gently tilted my chin to face his. "My lady, where do your eyes wander?" ...Did they teach him this at acting school?! "I... I said just wear that!" Face flushed with embarrassment, I pushed him aside and dashed towards the women's hanbok section. I picked a hanbok jacket as similar as possible to the one Luca ordered for vengeance. I will have my revenge. Just wait, Han Taemin. You'll pay for tormenting this maiden’s heart, my lord. "Is that the one you're wearing?" Standing dumbfounded behind me, my brother eyed me with a mischievous gaze. Look at that. I offer him a choice, and now he’s all smiles, that scoundrel. "Yes. I'll change quickly and meet you up front. Wait for me there?" A mischievous plan sprang to mind, and I positioned him directly in front of the fitting room. Shedding my previous outfit, I slipped into the traditional undergarments. Following the staff's instructions, I neatly adjusted the skirt and jacket, clearing my throat. "Hmm... Hmm...! Brother, can you help me for a bit?" "Huh? What's wrong?" "Yes, just come in for a second." Speaking softly enough that only he could hear, the staff likely missed it altogether. As he slipped inside, I gave him the most alluring smile I could muster. "Could you help me tie the ribbons?" His gaping mouth showed no sign of closing.