Chapter 100

Let's go on a trip (2)

Ji-on doesn't need to pretend to be lonely. As far as I know.

So I didn't bother to ask about the situation. He's not trying to elicit sympathy from my mom, so there must be another reason.

We went for a drive in the suburbs and enjoyed a night walk before coming back. It was a cool day, perfect for walking.

I tried to take a break from everything except going to school. I slept for a long time, ate nutritious food, and so on. I need to rest properly to be able to run again.

The time I spent with Ji-on was about two days. Even in such a short period, Ji-on quickly blended into our family.

When we left home for the trip with the members, Dad tightly held Ji-on's hand and said he was welcome to come anytime, looking a bit wistful. It was as if a brother had suddenly appeared in the middle of the night.

* * *

The original plan was to take the KTX to Yecheon Station.

But Green, who had only mentioned the travel plan to Manager-nim, added a self-cam shoot to our schedule.

Parkha, who volunteered to be the director, sent a lot of jumping emoticons, and Olan replied with a 'whatever.'

"Manager-nim said he would drive us to Yeosu. He asked us to leave a record even though we said we could handle it ourselves."

TheoRa's first clumsy trip! Do they want to see such content...?

I decided to assume the fans would want to see anything.

If we shoot it ourselves, the quality might be lower, but we can be less conscious of the camera.

"Did everyone pack well?"

"Of course! Camera setup is complete!"

Maximalist Ji-on brought two large suitcases, while Green only had a small, light backpack. He said we could buy most things there?

Our packing styles are so different; can the trip go as planned?

TheoRa's 'clumsy' travel log has just begun.

"Hello, fans! We came to Seoul Station early in the morning! We're going to meet Hyun-woon-nim, who is already at his hometown in Yeosu, and go on a trip there!"

Parkha, who was in charge of the self-cam, had already filmed an opening video. It felt awkward to film among the waiting passengers without any staff.

Parkha, who had become a temporary director, didn't care and included our faces in the shot.

A capitalist photographer followed by a capitalist director.

Fortunately, there were few people at the station early in the morning. When the five of us, excluding Hyun-woon-nim, boarded the train together, some people glanced at us, but most were too busy to care who was getting on the train.

We didn't want to be noisy and become a nuisance, so we suppressed our excitement and quietly boarded the train to Yecheon Station.

At first, we whispered a few words, but later we all fell asleep. Like a child who couldn't sleep the night before a picnic.

"Yeosu! Expo! Night sea! Hyun-woon-nim's hometown!"

As soon as we got off at Yecheon Station, Parkha spread her arms and shouted.

Was she stifled by keeping her voice down on the train?

"Hyun-woon-nim is about 10 minutes late. He said it took a while to rent a car."

"Rent? Hyun-woon-nim has a driver's license?"

"Didn't you know? He got it right after graduating high school. He drives occasionally for friends."

Hyun-woon-nim was the only one among TheoRa members with a regular driver's license. Green and Ji-on were old enough to take the test.

Ah, my birthday has passed, so I'm old enough to get a license too!

Anyway, both Green and Ji-on said they had no plans to get a license. They prefer taxis to driving.

Well, with such a busy schedule, there's hardly any chance to drive, and an accident could be disastrous.

"Without a license, you can't even dream of drunk driving."

"Ah…"

Green was even worried about the possibility of drunk driving.

If you don't know how to drive, you won't even think about driving when you're drunk.

"Anyway, Green, drunk driving will never be an issue for you, right? You pass out after one drink."

"Hong Olan."

Right. You'll fall asleep before you even think about driving.

Green, who was hit where it hurt, gritted his teeth. It's still surprising to think about how he fell asleep after nagging about one drink.

"Hyun-woon? Is that his car?"

Ji-on, who had been waiting for Hyun-woon-nim to arrive, pointed to an SUV. A blue SUV, suitable for six people, stopped near us.

Hyun-woon-nim got out of the driver's seat. The tinting was dark, but he recognized us from a distance.

You can really tell a close friend by their shadow. Or maybe he has good eyesight?

"Welcome."

His greeting had a comfortable tone, as if he were back in his hometown.

"Hyun-woon-nim! Heehee! How are you? I missed you~!"

Parkha, who hadn't seen him for just three days, whined, and he replied that he had spent time with his family.

I heard he has younger sisters. Did he spend the three days playing with them?

"Let's check into the cottage, drop off our luggage, and then go to my house. My parents said they would prepare lunch."

Hyun-woon-nim's parents run a local restaurant in Yeosu, known for its fresh seafood. They serve a set menu with fresh seafood dishes every day.

We were all looking forward to it. Especially Green, who was eager to eat to his heart's content, started his engine with a warm-up.

He even started doing mouth exercises to stimulate his jaw muscles.

"I'm going to feast. I feel bad for Hyun-woon-nim's parents, though."

"Haha. I already told them."

As expected, Hyun-woon-nim, who knows Green's appetite well, was thorough.

Hyun-woon-nim said the restaurant serves small portions of side dishes. Many people left food uneaten.

But refills are available, he added.

It was a clean method to avoid food waste. Most people can't eat as much as Green.

Hyun-woon-nim's car drove smoothly. Despite having only about two years of driving experience, he seemed relaxed.

Driving might be simple for someone with good physical coordination like Hyun-woon-nim?

I heard that everyone has a different driving style, and Hyun-woon-nim's style matched his personality. He seemed to be driving more safely with us in the car.

We unpacked at the private beach cottage and came out in light clothing.

The weather was getting warmer, and masks were more noticeable, so I opted for sunglasses. I also wore a hat to protect my hair from the sun.

By the way, because the self-cam shoot was added to our simple trip and there was a possibility of sightings, we were given clothes and accessories by the stylist.

The stylist, who was resting during TheoRa's break, rushed to deliver the outfits and props to Manager-nim and then collapsed.

Ah, the stylist was caught off guard. I decided to apologize to her in person later.

I didn't think much about wearing casual clothes, so I didn't pay attention to that aspect.

Entertainers can't even choose their clothes freely, even on vacation.

If we become fashion terrorists, the stylist will get the blame. We obediently accepted the designated outfits and accessories.

Wearing sunglasses, I felt like we were really on a trip.

Green wore light blue sunglasses, and we wore black sunglasses with different brands and frames, but Parkha's were unique.

Her gold sunglasses with cubic edges were eye-catching.

Was she trying to avoid attention by wearing sunglasses?

With Parkha's face, she could pull off anything, but wearing such sunglasses is like advertising that she's a celebrity?

I was the only one with such doubts, as the other members didn't react. I let it go, thinking it was normal.

"Who made the travel plan?"

Hyun-woon-nim, who joined us late, had entrusted the plan to us.

"Me."

Olan, who had reluctantly agreed to come, was frustrated by our lack of structure and ended up making the plan.

I had to stop her from making a 10-minute schedule.

This is a vacation, not a school trip!

"Tsk, everyone is so laid-back."

"I wonder if the plan will work. Are you underestimating TheoRa members?"

If we can modify the plan in real-time, isn't it the same as a spontaneous trip? I hope it doesn't start off with friction.

"I wonder if the plan won't work. Are you going to watch it happen?"

Olan, with a meaningful smile, repeated Green's words.

"Ah! Olan-nim! Don't be so scary!"

I agreed with Parkha, who was rubbing her arms, saying it gave her chills.

"Wasn't this supposed to be a healing trip…?"

"Giving up will be easier."

Green, who expected us to create variables, and Olan, who wanted to stick to the plan.

Hyun-woon-nim, who was surprised by the story, and Ji-on, who planned to go with the flow.

The diverse members made my head spin. I could only trust Parkha.

Turning to Parkha, who was sitting in the back seat,

"…You were filming everything?"

I can't trust anyone.

I decided to be optimistically hopeful that things would work out somehow.

Living with a life attitude like Ji-on's, who is indifferent and gives up easily, might be comfortable in some ways.

"Things will work out somehow…."

"Right. As long as we make fun memories."

Hyun-woon-nim, slowing the car, responded to my muttering.

His effort to think positively was evident.

* * *

This is Hyun-woon-nim's family restaurant.

The restaurant, located in a quiet seaside area, was a fusion hanok renovated from an old building. The building's exterior, with its long history, was clean and well-maintained.

I could tell how diligent and tidy Hyun-woon-nim's parents were.

The sign 'Honi's Table' was warm. It was named after Hyun-woon-nim.

"Everyone will recognize it as Hyun-woon-nim's restaurant!"

"Many locals come here, so many people have known it for a long time. It's in a remote area, so only some of my fans from my acting days know about it."

Since we debuted as idols not long ago, it's too early for everyone to know where Hyun-woon-nim is from and what his parents do.

"If it becomes known as Hyun-woon-nim's restaurant, fans might come in droves. I told them to be prepared."

"Maybe, hahaha."

"We need to make it happen."

Hyun-woon-nim, determined, led us inside with Green.

A note saying 'Closed today' was on the restaurant door. They must have closed the restaurant for us.

We're not that famous yet, but I felt a bit embarrassed. Still, I was grateful for their consideration.

"Father. I brought the kids! Mother, we're here!"

"Welcome. Thank you for coming."

A middle-aged man with a handsome and dignified appearance stood up to greet us.

Father must be handsome for Hyun-woon-nim to become an actor! They had similar features.

Hyun-woon-nim's mother, a graceful woman with a delicate build, came out from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron.

"Nice to meet you. I feel like I've seen you many times because of what Hyun-woon has told me. Let's take our time with introductions and sit down. I just finished preparing the food."

Mother pushed open a sliding door to a private room. Inside was a whole new world.