UAI Chapter 47

Episode 47

"Of course, as Jiwon's parents, properly handling this is important… but they said they want it resolved as quickly as possible. They know the debut team will be selected soon, so… they're worried this incident might cause Jiwon any disadvantage."

"Well, that makes sense. He's spent years enduring everything just for that debut team… If they think something this sudden might block their child's future, anyone would be furious."

"Yeah. That's why we decided to report everything to the company as soon as possible and tell Jiwon and his parents the results once it's resolved. For now, Jiwon will stay home and rest while going to the hospital."

"Hm. He did say he was assaulted, so his body probably isn't in normal condition."

"Right. That too, but I told him to get a medical certificate at the hospital."

"A medical certificate?"

"Yeah. We need proof that he was assaulted. We might even file charges against Kang Seunghwan."

"Ah…"

Everyone understood, but their hearts felt heavy.

Thinking about how chaotic things would get at the company made their feelings complicated.

Still, seeing how this situation had unfolded, it was clear that something within the company wasn't functioning properly.

Even if it hurt, it was better to cut out the rot before things got worse.

The issue might grow and blow up in the media, becoming noisy and messy, but protecting Jiwon, the victim, was more important than protecting the company's image.

And the poisonous fungus named Kang Seunghwan needed to be removed from the company anyway…

"Anyway, good work, hyung."

"I didn't really do anything. I just went there to talk a bit."

"You weren't at fault, but you still had to go meet Jiwon's parents as the representative."

"Well… it's true I didn't do anything wrong, but if the company or we adults had paid just a little more attention, it wouldn't have escalated this far. That part felt a bit regrettable."

Everyone agreed with Jaewon's words.

There were many people responsible for training and managing the trainees, yet none of them noticed the changes in Jiwon. There was no excuse for that.

As the atmosphere began to sink, Joomin told Jaewon the things he'd heard from Cheolhwan earlier.

"Oh, right. I put my phone on silent earlier when I went into Jiwon's house, so I didn't realize I'd gotten any messages. So tomorrow we go to the salon, and then we just meet the production team sometime in the next few days?"

"Yeah. The production team said they want to meet as soon as possible. They'll probably set a date today or tomorrow and notify us."

"Alright. Got it."

While they were talking, Cheolhwan's call came in.

"Oh, hyung."

"Oh? You answered quickly this time. Are you home?"

"Yeah. I got home, ate, and I'm drinking coffee right now. Joomin already told me about the variety show thing."

"That's actually why I called again. You said any day this week is fine, right? So the production team asked… if you could film while having lunch together on May 5th, Children's Day."

"Children's Day?"

Jaewon frowned slightly.

It was the first Children's Day they planned to spend with Sejin, giving gifts and then visiting Joo-ah noona's restaurant for a meal.

Since Sejin refused to go out to play, they had no choice but to plan it that way… yet of all days, it had to be that one.

"Does it have to be that day? We were planning to go to Joo-ah noona's place with Sejin…"

"Yeah… I also hesitated because it's Children's Day, but… it seems the production team really wants to capture footage of you spending the holiday with Sejin."

"Haah… hold on. Let me check with the kids first."

Lowering the phone from his ear, Jaewon explained the situation to the others.

"Well, we don't mind… but the problem is Sejin. We're supposed to have fun that day. If we're filming, that won't be easy."

"Yeah, exactly."

Everyone reacted negatively, until suddenly, Sejin sprang to his feet and shouted.

"I like it! I wanna be on TV!!"

Everyone turned to look at him with wide eyes.

"Huh? Sejin, do you understand what this means?"

"Yeah. You might not be able to play comfortably with your uncles that day. You'll be surrounded by cameras, so it might feel uncomfortable. Are you really okay with that?"

At their worries, Sejin shook his head firmly.

"I'm gonna be someone who comes out on TV like my uncles later! So it's okay."

Hearing that, the members were reminded again of Sejin's dream and nodded.

Seeing everyone's expressions, Jaewon spoke into the phone again.

"Sejin says he's fine. Then let's meet on Children's Day for lunch. Is the location already decided?"

"They somehow knew about it and asked if filming would be possible at Joomin's noona's restaurant. I think we need to talk to Joo-ah about that."

"Alright. We already made a reservation there anyway, so it should be fine if we match the timing… I'll call Joo-ah noona first and let you know."

"Yeah. And make sure to ask for her understanding, the production team will need time to set up beforehand. They said they'll pay the full venue-support fee, so don't forget to pass that along."

"Got it. I'll call and update you soon."

"Alright."

After ending the call, Jaewon relayed the details to Joomin.

"Hm… I think noona won't like this… but I'll call and check."

Joomin stepped out onto the terrace to call Joo-ah and returned shortly after.

"She said she's busy so we couldn't talk long, but she said okay for now. She had already reserved the biggest room for us, and I guess she didn't take any other reservations for that room on that day."

"Oh, that's a relief."

"Then we should let Cheolhwan hyung know."

Jaewon called Cheolhwan and arranged to meet at Joo-ah's restaurant at 11 a.m.

"Alright. I'll say it again on the day, but make sure to thank Joo-ah for me. I'll go ahead and pass this to the production team."

"Okay. And like I said, make sure they handle the venue rental fee properly."

"Don't worry. I'll take care of it myself. Then I'll hang up now."

"Alright. Thanks, hyung."

After ending the call, Jaewon finished the rest of his coffee and stood up.

"I'm tired… I'm going to lie down for a bit."

"Yeah, go ahead. We won't bother you, rest well."

"Uncle! Sleep well!"

"Thanks. You have fun too, Sejin. Uncle will come out later and play with you."

"Yeah!"

Once Jaewon went into his room, the others spent time playing or gaming with Sejin.

The next morning.

After finishing breakfast, Hajin went into the closet to pick out clothes for Sejin.

He was choosing something comfortable since they'd be going to the shop and Sejin would need to sit in a chair while getting his hair done.

As he sifted through outfit after outfit, struggling to choose, Sejin, who had been watching his uncle's indecisiveness, stepped forward.

"Uncle! I want this one today!"

"Hm?"

At Sejin's voice, Hajin lowered his head. He then saw his nephew pointing at a pair of denim overalls hanging in the closet.

"Sejin, you want to wear that?"

"Yeah!"

"Alright. Then for pants, we'll choose that. And for the shirt…"

As he rummaged through the drawer of folded shirts, Hajin pulled out a pink T-shirt.

"What do you think of this one? You don't dislike pink, do you?"

"No. I like it. It has a bear on the front."

"Haha. I figured you'd like the bear, so I was going to show you this one. Okay, let's wear this with the overalls and get ready."

"Okay!"

After helping Sejin change into his clothes and brushing his hair, Hajin sent him out to the living room so he could get changed himself.

As Sejin walked out, he locked eyes with Hwan, who was lying on the sofa.

"Oh! You're already dressed? And you're wearing pink today?"

"Yeah! Boys wear pink!"

"What? Ahahaha! That's right, real men wear pink! Should Uncle wear pink too?"

"Yeah! Everyone together—set! Match!"

Laughing at the child's enthusiastic answer, Hwan got up.

"Alright! Uncle will go change again. I should tell the other uncles to wear pink too. Haha!"

As Hwan disappeared into the dressing room, Sejin plopped down on the living room floor.

He hugged Bbokdol, who trotted over to lick his face, then threw a ball for him to chase.

A little while later.

Though their clothing styles were all different, every member of B-One came out wearing pink tops to match.

Seeing each other, they all snickered before approaching Sejin.

"Sejin! All your uncles wore pink today!"

"Yeah, we heard you said 'boys wear pink,' right?"

"Yeah! Boys wear pink!! And now me and my uncles, we're a matching set!"

His excited declaration made everyone burst into laughter.

"That's right. You and uncles are all matching."

Smiling, Hajin gently patted his nephew's head.

Just then, they received a message from Minsu saying he had arrived.

When they reached the underground parking lot, Minsu was waiting by the elevator entrance in his parked van.

Seeing Sejin and the group, he quickly opened the door and greeted them.

"Hello! Hi, Sejin!"

"Hey, Minsu. Long time no see."

"Uncle! Hello!"

Once everyone got into the car, Hajin secured Sejin in the car seat.

"Is everyone buckled in? Alright, we'll get going."

After about 30 minutes of driving, they arrived at the underground parking lot of the salon B-One usually visits.

When Minsu opened the door, the members got out with Sejin.

He hurried ahead to hold the elevator door.

When they reached the first floor, the salon staff greeted them warmly with bright smiles.

"Welcome! It's been a while since you last came!"

B-One bowed their heads politely.

"Yes, hello."

"Hi!"

When Sejin stepped forward and gave a deep, polite bow from the waist, screams erupted among the staff.

"Kyaa!"

"Oh my goodness! He's cuter than most child actors."

"Wow! So you're Sejin? Hello!"

"He's seriously so pretty!"

Hearing all the commotion, the salon director came out from inside.

Noticing B-One and Sejin, the director hurried over.

"Oh my! Welcome! We've been waiting since we heard you made a reservation. And this little boy must be Hajin's nephew? Goodness, he's adorable!"

The director's eyes sparkled as she looked at Sejin.

Seeing that, Sejin gave a big smile and bowed.

"Hello! I'm Lee Sejin, Hajin Uncle's nephew!"

"Oh, you speak so well too. Hi there~ I'm the person who runs this salon. Make sure to come often, okay? All the aunties here will make your hair super pretty. Got it?"

"Yes. But… then will I get a discount?"

"Huh?"

The director paused for a moment, and then burst out laughing.

"Ohohoho! Of course little Sejin gets a discount! I'll give you half-price for life, so come often!"

"Hehehe. Thank you!"

The staff burst into laughter at the exchange between the director and Sejin.

The B-One members scratched their heads awkwardly.

"Um, you really don't have to do that. Please charge us the regular price."

Flustered, Hajin quickly stepped in.

"Ohoho! Then what does that make me? I just made a promise with Sejin, if I take back all the money later, what will he think of me?"

The director replied cheerfully.

"No, really, you don't have to take what he said seriously. If you give us half-price, I'll feel so burdened that we won't be able to bring him again."

As Hajin stuttered through his response, Sejin jumped in.

"Wang Auntie! When Sejin gets bigger, I'll pay everything. Right now Sejin has no money. My uncles are paying instead, but raising me costs a lot of my uncles' money."

"What?"

Everyone burst into laughter at that.

"Ohoho! Alright. Until Sejin grows up, Auntie Wang will give you a discount. But from now on, you always have to come to this salon. Deal?"

"Yeah! Promise!"

Sejin held out his tiny pinky finger.

The director immediately crouched down, hooked her finger with his, stamped it, and even signed it like a contract.

Then she turned to Hajin with a grin.

"Hajin! This is a contract between me and Sejin. You're not allowed to interfere, okay?"

Hajin let out a helpless laugh and bowed politely.

"Yes… thank you for indulging him, Director."

"Aigoo! I told you, it's a contract!"

After the little commotion settled, B-One and Sejin headed up to the third floor.