Emojis
ForTestingPurposeFortunately, Manager Kang came running in a hurry to help manage the situation, and Maru’s tears quickly subsided.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAs expected, a celebrity manager was on another level.
EmojisForTestingPurposeNot only did he have wet wipes and a change of clothes ready, but he also brushed off the sand stuck in Maru’s hair and even finished it off with dry shampoo, making everything neat again.
EmojisForTestingPurposeEven Maru’s trident-like bangs, which had been carefully styled, were back to looking clean and tidy in no time.
EmojisForTestingPurposeOf course, she had intended to make Magia cry, but since she ended up crying first, she couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBecause of that, she started feeling guilty for no reason, and now it was Maru who was avoiding Magia, who was lingering around awkwardly.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHowever, unlike Maru, who only knew how to physically push people away, Magia had a powerful weapon.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Should we play 64 Cubix together next week?”
EmojisForTestingPurposeKomari barely swallowed down the urge to ask why Maru was getting special treatment.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBecause when it came to 64 Cubix, she didn’t even need an excuse to casually join in.
EmojisForTestingPurposeMaru, who had been running away out of embarrassment, froze in place.
EmojisForTestingPurpose64 Cubix meant Maru. And Maru meant a 64 Cubix addict.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“For real…?”
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe had wanted to ask but found it hard to bring up, so hearing it first like this naturally moved her.
EmojisForTestingPurpose…Though, unfortunately for the touched Maru, Magia had only reacted quickly because she didn’t want any issues with the vlog filming.
EmojisForTestingPurposeStill, even if it was a rational response rather than an emotional one, the result was the same thanks to it, the distance between Jiya and the first-gen members had narrowed once again.
EmojisForTestingPurposeNot missing the chance, Maru and Komari each grabbed one of Magia’s hands and dashed off toward the sandy beach.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Wait, are you planning to bury me in the sand?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“N-no, it’s not like that!”
EmojisForTestingPurposeFrom the beginning, the members had been on the same page.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHanging out together and filming it was only natural.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAnd that meant Magia couldn’t be left out.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Try making a V-shape with your feet. There’s something I really wanted to take a picture of here.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeMagia formed a small V with her feet first, and the other four members instinctively gathered around her.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBefore long, their shoes came together in the shape of a star.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAs soon as Manager Kang, who had approached unnoticed, found the perfect camera angle from above, Maru led the chant, and the others followed.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Maru!”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Dora!”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Komari!”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Rain!”
EmojisForTestingPurposeCaught off guard by their expectant gazes, Jiya mumbled softly.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“….Magia.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose““Parallel Another, let’s go—!!””
EmojisForTestingPurposeOf course, after answering and once they were sure the footage was properly recorded Magia didn’t forget to add a comment.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“But, I’m not part of ‘Another.’ You four make the star again without me. I’ll edit this separately and give you a non-broadcast version.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeHowever, the members wouldn’t allow it.
EmojisForTestingPurposeNo matter what, the main character today was Magia.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Nope~ Jiya unnie is part of ‘Another’ too~.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Yeah. Without Jiya, ‘Another’ wouldn’t exist.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“If Jiya-sama wasn’t here, our broadcast would’ve already flopped, for real~.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Bringing the broadcast back on track of course, it’s Big Jiya. That’s right.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeAnd as if that wasn’t enough, the four of them linked hands and formed a circle, spinning around to keep Magia from escaping.
EmojisForTestingPurposeSince their bouncy spinning looked cute on camera, Magia stayed still for a while for the sake of filming but her patience didn’t last long.
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe tried to slip out from beneath their joined hands, but Komari and Maru closed the gap as smoothly as sliding doors shutting.
EmojisForTestingPurposeWhy did they only work this well together at times like this?
EmojisForTestingPurposeIn the end, Jiya stood still with a reluctant expression until the four finally stopped.
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe couldn’t understand why they were acting like this, but since escape was impossible, she had no choice but to accept the situation.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAfter that, no more reluctant expressions were caught on camera, but Magia spent the rest of the time being dragged around with the same resigned look.
EmojisForTestingPurposeEvery time she saw a chance to step back, one of the four would immediately grab her hand again.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe five of them spent the late autumn afternoon wandering the beach.
EmojisForTestingPurposeSkipping stones.
EmojisForTestingPurposeFeeding shrimp chips to seagulls.
EmojisForTestingPurposePetting a stray cat they found roaming around.
EmojisForTestingPurposeRunning around the beach and through the village outskirts until it was time to set up the tent.
EmojisForTestingPurposeOf course, throughout all of this, Magia was showered with constant praise to the point that, by the time they started pitching the tent, she was mentally exhausted.
EmojisForTestingPurposeWhen she threw a stone particularly far.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“What the Korean superconductor!”
EmojisForTestingPurposeWhen she lured a seagull with shrimp chips and let the others touch it, Dora exclaimed, “Whoa, is this a pet seagull Jiya’s been raising?”
EmojisForTestingPurposeAnd when a stray cat rubbed against her leg before flopping onto its back, everyone chimed in unison, “She’s a druid!”
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt was like those over-the-top reactions at a baby’s first birthday party.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Oh my, she picked up a pen! Our daughter is going to be the greatest genius in the world! America will tremble, and China will panic at her brilliant technology!”
EmojisForTestingPurposeThat level of exaggeration.
EmojisForTestingPurposeSo, she was utterly drained.
EmojisForTestingPurposeMagia was used to physical fatigue, but mental exhaustion was another story.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe moment the tent was set up, she plopped into a camping chair and started dozing off.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Oh my, Jiya, are you sleepy?”
EmojisForTestingPurposeWhenever she was mentally drained, Magia tended to speak in an especially sluggish, lifeless tone.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAt work, she always maintained a perfectly composed image, but on a trip like this, she wasn’t nearly as rigid.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“No……..just mentally exhausted…….”
EmojisForTestingPurposeHer slow speech and sluggish movements already made it obvious she was drained.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThat was why Manager Kang felt a little uneasy.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Would it be okay to do the hidden camera prank in this state…?’
EmojisForTestingPurposeWhen someone is mentally exhausted, their emotions can shift easily.
EmojisForTestingPurposeEven if Magia was usually calm and composed, if the same friends who had played with her all day suddenly started ignoring her, she just might take it to heart.
EmojisForTestingPurpose* * *
EmojisForTestingPurposeTo be honest, I was mentally exhausted all afternoon.
EmojisForTestingPurposeI was exhausted.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBut after thirty minutes of devouring shrimp, I was completely recovered.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“This is so good….”
EmojisForTestingPurposeAh. Shrimp, as expected. And not just any shrimp big, plump, and chewy ones.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAt this rate, I’d have no problem handling the big event planned for tonight at the campsite.
EmojisForTestingPurposeEveryone was huddled together, chatting noisily, and I had somehow ended up slightly pushed to the edge of the table. But I didn’t mind.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIn fact, I preferred it this way.
EmojisForTestingPurposeStaff members were supposed to stay on the sidelines at gatherings like this.
EmojisForTestingPurposeFrom the start, I was nothing more than an uninvited guest sneaking into a space that naturally belonged to the six of them.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt should’ve been like this all along.
EmojisForTestingPurposeSomething had felt off from the beginning, and that’s why I ended up being dragged around all day.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAnyway, I just wanted to eat my meal in peace without anyone paying me any attention.
EmojisForTestingPurposeSo, quietly really quietly I set up a separate grill, grilled my shrimp, peeled them, and ate. Recovering my energy with precision.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAnd just as I was peeling the shell off my fifteenth and final shrimp.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe boss walked up, patted me on the shoulder, and leaned in to whisper.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“The kids still have some vlog filming left near here. I’m going to take the car and head over do you want to finish eating and come later?”
EmojisForTestingPurposeSince I ate slowly, the members had already finished and left the table.
EmojisForTestingPurposeNo wonder they all seemed so busy today.
EmojisForTestingPurposeLooks like there really was some extra filming planned for their first anniversary.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Sure. I’ll give you a call when I’m done.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeStrange things had been happening throughout dinner.
EmojisForTestingPurposeMy cup vanished when I came back from the bathroom. My phone kept shifting positions. My chair suddenly tipped over.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBut I had already sensed bad luck coming since this morning.
EmojisForTestingPurposeI just chalked it up to one of those days and let it slide.
EmojisForTestingPurposeStill, by the time I finished eating, everything had fallen into place so smoothly.
EmojisForTestingPurposeI had been wondering how to sneak away and set up the gifts for the others and suddenly, fate had handed me the perfect chance.
EmojisForTestingPurposeNow, all I had to do was head back to the darkened campsite alone, where the only light came from a few scattered streetlamps.
EmojisForTestingPurposeWait in the shadows.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAnd when they arrived trigger the setup.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThat should leave them with an unforgettable memory, right?
EmojisForTestingPurposeBeep! Beep!
EmojisForTestingPurpose“…Oh.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeOf course, even someone as meticulous as me occasionally forgets a thing or two.
EmojisForTestingPurposeToday, it was my power bank.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Ah, crap.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeI’d been too busy focusing on the gifts in my bag.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAnd right after, I got caught up in a call with my parents so I completely overlooked it.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBattery remaining: 5%.
EmojisForTestingPurposeEven in battery saver mode, I’d last thirty minutes at most.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBut, thanks to modern technology, messaging apps have a very convenient feature.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Just in case, I’ll schedule a message to send an hour from now.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose* * *
EmojisForTestingPurposeAbout 55 minutes later.
EmojisForTestingPurposeTeam Leader Kang’s worries about Magia’s mental state cracking after being left out during the entire meal became a reality.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Jiya… I can’t get in touch with her at all.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt had been nearly 20 minutes since the shoot ended, and they had been holding onto their phone the whole time, but Magia, who had said she would call after eating, was still completely silent.
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe hadn’t reached out first.
EmojisForTestingPurposeWhen they tried calling her, her phone was turned off.
EmojisForTestingPurposeWhen they went back to the seafood restaurant where they had last seen Jiya, the owner said she had already left.
EmojisForTestingPurposeWith her distinct appearance and unique eye color, there was no way she could have been mistaken for someone else.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“This is driving me crazy. Did she… seriously just go home?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Well, we did kind of leave her out during the meal….”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“No, I mean… It was a hidden camera prank, but… were we too harsh?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“On a normal day, maybe not, but today… Jiya did seem a little mentally exhausted.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Hmph…”
EmojisForTestingPurposeMaru, whose mental state was already in shambles, was frantically making calls to Magia, even though she wasn’t answering.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“What do I do? It’s my fault. Jiya, because of me… I shouldn’t have suggested this….”
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe other members tried to console him, but there was nothing they could do.
EmojisForTestingPurposeWhat could they do when they couldn’t even reach her?
EmojisForTestingPurposeIf she had made it home safely, that would be a relief. But if not, they might need to report her as a missing person to the police, just in case.
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe might not think of herself that way, but Magia was only 140 cm tall.
EmojisForTestingPurposeTo anyone else, she would look like a child wandering alone late at night.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘No, don’t think the worst.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeCheon Dohee focused all her energy on trying to figure out where Magia could have gone.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIf she had finished eating, where would she have headed next?
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe campsite of course.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt was only 500 meters away. Rather than calling Dohee, she might have decided it was easier to just walk there.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“That’s it… the campsite!”
EmojisForTestingPurposeEveryone had been so overwhelmed by the sudden loss of contact with Magia that they completely overlooked the most obvious place she might be there, waiting, simply because her phone battery had died.
EmojisForTestingPurposeJust as Cheon Dohee slipped her phone into her pocket and was about to head to the car.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBzzzt.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“…!”
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe caller was Magia.
EmojisForTestingPurposeDohee frantically tapped at the screen.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHer hands were so clammy with sweat that the fingerprint scanner wouldn’t recognize her.
EmojisForTestingPurposeWhen she finally unlocked the phone, three letters appeared on the screen.
EmojisForTestingPurpose[Jiya Manager: (Location) – Map App]
EmojisForTestingPurpose[Jiya Manager: I’ll be waiting.]
EmojisForTestingPurposeAn indescribable wave of relief warmly wrapped around her heart.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBut at the same time, an overwhelming sense of bewilderment and confusion hit Dohee like a slap to the back of the head.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“…Waiting?”