UAI 47 🍒

“Uncle and I”

Chapter — 47

“Her parents said that handling this properly is important, but more than anything, they hope it can be resolved as quickly as possible. You know they’re selecting the debut team soon… They’re worried that this incident might disadvantage Jiwon.”

“That makes sense. She’s struggled for years just for a chance at that debut team. If I were a parent, I’d be furious too if my child’s future was blocked by some sudden incident.”

“Yeah. So we decided to inform the company as soon as possible and then let Jiwon and her parents know the results once things are settled. For now, Jiwon will rest at home and keep going to the hospital.”

“She said she was assaulted, so her body can’t be in good shape.”

“Right. And I told her to get a medical certificate from the hospital too.”

“A medical certificate?”

“Yeah. We need proof that she was assaulted. We might file a lawsuit against Kang Seunghwan.”

“Ah…”

Everyone agreed, but their hearts felt heavy.

Thinking about how chaotic things would become at the company made their minds complicated.

Still, this incident clearly showed that there were serious problems in how the company was being run.

Even if it hurt, it was better to cut things out before they became completely rotten.

This situation might grow bigger and attract media attention, but protecting the victim, Jiwon, was more important than protecting the company’s image.

And Kang Seunghwan—the poisonous mushroom—also had to be removed from the company.

“Anyway, you did well, hyung.”

“I didn’t really do anything. I just talked with them a bit.”

“Even so, you went as the company’s representative to meet Jiwon’s parents.”

“Well… I didn’t do anything wrong, but if the company—or we adults—had paid a little more attention, it probably wouldn’t have gone this far. That part feels really regrettable.”

Everyone nodded at Jaewon’s words.

There were plenty of people responsible for educating and managing the trainees, yet no one noticed the changes in Jiwon at all. There was no excuse for that.

Seeing the mood sink, Jumin told Jaewon something he’d heard from Cheolhwan.

“Oh. I put my phone on silent when I went into Jiwon’s house earlier, so I didn’t notice the messages. So… I just need to go to the shop tomorrow, and then meet the production team within a few days?”

“Yeah. They want to meet as soon as possible. They’ll probably decide the date and let us know today or tomorrow.”

“Okay. Got it.”

While they were talking, Cheolhwan’s phone call came in.

“Oh, hyung.”

“Oh? You picked up right away. Are you home?”

“Yeah. I ate and I’m drinking coffee now. Jumin already told me about the variety show.”

“That’s why I called again. They said any day this week is fine, and asked if it’s possible to film while having lunch together on May 5th, Children’s Day.”

“Children’s Day?”

Jaewon frowned slightly.

That day was supposed to be the first Children’s Day he’d spend with Sejin. He planned to give her a present and eat at Jua noona’s restaurant.

Sejin didn’t like going out much, so they had arranged things that way—but of all days, it had to be that one.

“Does it have to be that day? I was planning to go to Jua noona’s place with Sejin…”

“Yeah, I felt the same since it’s Children’s Day. But the production team wants to film how you all spend Children’s Day with Sejin.”

“Haa… Wait a moment. I’ll ask the kids first.”

Jaewon lowered the phone and explained the situation.

“We don’t really mind, but Sejin is the issue. She’s supposed to have fun that day, but filming might make that hard.”

“Yeah.”

While everyone was reacting negatively, Sejin suddenly jumped up.

“I like it! I wanna be on TV!!”

Everyone stared at Sejin in surprise.

“Huh? Sejin, do you really understand what that means?”

“You might not be able to play comfortably, and there will be cameras everywhere. Are you okay with that?”

Sejin shook her head confidently.

“I’m gonna be on TV like my uncles someday! So it’s okay!”

Hearing that, the members remembered Sejin’s dream and nodded.

After checking everyone’s expressions, Jaewon spoke back into the phone.

“Sejin says she’s okay. Then let’s meet for lunch on Children’s Day. Is the location decided?”

“They somehow knew and asked if filming at Jua noona’s restaurant is possible. I think you’ll need to talk to Jua.”

“Got it. We already have a reservation, so if we match the time, it should be fine. I’ll call her and let you know.”

“Okay. Tell her we might be busy setting up filming in advance, and the production team said they’ll cover all location rental costs. Don’t forget to pass that on.”

“Alright. I’ll talk to her and call you back.”

After hanging up, Jaewon told Jumin.

“Hmm. I think noona won’t like it… I’ll call her first.”

Jumin went out to the terrace to call Jua and came back a little later.

“She said she’s busy so we couldn’t talk long, but she said okay for now. She already reserved the biggest room for us, and it seems she didn’t take any other reservations for that room that day.”

“Ah, that’s a relief.”

“Then I should tell Cheolhwan hyung.”

Jaewon called Cheolhwan and confirmed they’d meet at Jua’s restaurant at 11 a.m.

“Alright. I’ll tell her myself later, but please tell Jua thank you. I’ll relay everything to the production team now.”

“Yeah. And don’t forget to take care of the location fee.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll handle that myself. I’ll hang up now.”

“Okay. Good work, hyung.”

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

“I’m tired. I’m going to rest.”

“Alright. Rest well—we won’t bother you.”

“Uncle! Sleep well!”

“Yeah. You play happily. I’ll come out later and play with you.”

“Okay!”

When Jaewon went into his room, the other members spent their time playing with Sejin or gaming.

The Next Day

After breakfast, Hajin went into the dressing room to choose clothes for Sejin.

He was picking an outfit for the shop visit.

Since Sejin would sit in a chair while getting her hair done, he wanted something comfortable and looked through several outfits.

As Hajin struggled to decide, Sejin stepped in.

“Uncle! I want this one!”

“Huh?”

Hajin bent down and saw Sejin pointing at a pair of denim overalls hanging in the closet.

“Sejin, you want to wear that?”

“Yeah!”

“Okay. Then the pants will be that, and the top is…”

Hajin rummaged through the drawer and pulled out a pink T-shirt.

“How about this, Sejin? Do you not like it because it’s pink?”

“No! I like it! There’s a bear on it!”

“Haha. I thought you’d like the bear. Then let’s wear this and get ready.”

“Okay.”

After changing Sejin’s clothes and combing her hair, Hajin sent her out to the living room first so he could change too.

As Sejin walked out, she made eye contact with Hwan, who was lying on the sofa.

“Oh! You’re already changed? And you’re wearing pink?”

“Yeah! Men wear pink!”

“What? Hahaha. Right! Men wear pink! Then should uncle wear pink too?”

“Yes! Everyone matching!”

Hwan laughed and stood up.

“Alright. I’ll change again. I should tell the other uncles to wear pink too.”

As Hwan went to the dressing room, Sejin plopped down on the living room floor.

She hugged Bokdol, who came licking her face, then threw a ball and played with him.

A little later, the B1 members came out—each with different styles, but all wearing pink tops.

They smiled at each other and then approached Sejin.

“Sejin! All your uncles are wearing pink.”

“Yeah. You said men wear pink, right?”

“Yes! Men wear pink! And we’re all matching!”

Everyone burst out laughing.

“That’s right. We’re all matching.”

Hajin smiled and gently patted Sejin’s head.

While they were laughing, they got a message from Minsu saying he had arrived.

When they reached the underground parking lot, Minsu was waiting by the elevator with the car.

Seeing Sejin and the members, he quickly opened the door.

“Hello! Hi, Sejin!”

“Oh, Minsu. Long time no see.”

“Hello, uncle!”

Once everyone got in, Hajin seated Sejin in her car seat.

“Seatbelts on? Okay, let’s go.”

About 30 minutes later, they arrived at the shop’s underground parking lot.

After parking, Minsu opened the door, and the members got out with Sejin.

Minsu ran ahead to hold the elevator.

When they reached the first floor, the shop staff greeted them warmly.

“Welcome! It’s been a while!”

The members bowed politely.

“Hello.”

“Hello!”

When Sejin came forward and bowed deeply, the staff screamed in delight.

“Aaaah!”

“Oh my! She’s prettier than most child actors!”

“Wow! Are you Sejin? Hi!”

“She’s so cute!”

Hearing the noise, the director came out and noticed B1 and Sejin.

“Oh my! Welcome! I heard you made a reservation. This little gentleman must be Hajin’s niece. She’s adorable!”

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

Sejin smiled brightly and bowed.

“Hello! I’m Hajin uncle’s niece, Lee Sejin!”

“Oh my, you speak so well. I’m the person who runs this shop. Come often, okay? The aunties here will make your hair pretty.”

“Yes. But then… do I get a discount?”

“Huh?”

The director froze for a moment, then burst out laughing.

“Hahaha! Then of course you get a discount! I’ll give you half-price for life, so come often!”

“Hehe. Thank you!”

Everyone laughed along.

The members scratched their heads awkwardly.

“Ah, you don’t have to do that. Please charge us the normal price.”

Hajin said hurriedly.

“Oh my! Then what would that make me? I already promised Sejin. If I take all the money later, what would Sejin think of me?”

“No, really. You can ignore what she said. If it’s half-price, I’ll feel too burdened to bring her again.”

As Hajin flustered, Sejin jumped in.

“Queen auntie! When I grow up, I’ll pay full price. Right now I don’t have money. Uncle pays for me, but it costs a lot to raise Sejin.”

“What?”

Everyone burst out laughing.

“Hahaha! Alright. Until Sejin grows up, this queen auntie will give discounts. So you must always come to this shop, okay?”

“Okay! Promise!”

Sejin held out her pinky finger, and the director crouched down, linked fingers, and even pretended to stamp and sign.

Then she smiled at Hajin.

“Hajin, this is a contract between me and Sejin. You’re not allowed to interfere, okay?”

Hajin laughed helplessly and bowed.

“Yes. Thank you for indulging her, Director.”

“I told you—it’s a contract!”

With that small commotion over, B1 and Sejin headed up to the third floor.