Now That I Have Become a Woman, I Am a Vtuber - Chapter 36

A barbecue restaurant in Gangnam, Seoul.

Though not luxurious, a small celebration was taking place in a traditional barbecue restaurant.

“Cheers!”

At the shout of a woman with red-dyed hair and a mischievous smile, the men around her raised their glasses.

The only unusual thing was that while everyone else was holding soju glasses, one person was raising a cup of soda.

“Congratulations on Hyunsu’s album release!”

“Cheers!!”

With the toast from the only woman in the group, the men boisterously clinked their glasses and then began to chat in groups of twos and threes.

“Wow, at first, it seemed endless, but we finally finished it all, huh?”

“That’s right, Hyunsu is really determined, isn’t he?”

“Imagine, a student who doesn’t even study!”

Of course, the main topic of conversation was Hyunsu, who just released his album.

After all, everyone gathered here had helped with Hyunsu’s album, so naturally, the conversation gravitated in that direction.

“This album is really good, isn’t it?”

“Indeed, do you think Hyunsu might become more famous than us?”

Everyone here was a member of a band.

They were genuine band enthusiasts who wholeheartedly supported Hyunsu, a super rookie in Korea’s almost extinct band scene.

As such, they did not hold back in praising Hyunsu’s songs.

“When I listened to the title track, I wondered what I was doing at Hyunsu’s age.”

“I like ‘Wonderland’. It’s the perfect song for his age.”

Since everyone had their own insights into band music, they happily discussed the album songs while eating meat.

“But who on earth is that person?”

There was one person who kept coming up in their conversations about Hyunsu’s album.

“Oh, the one who recorded ‘Wonderland’?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

They were well aware of the difficulty level of ‘Wonderland’. Hence, they were surprised when Hyunsu mentioned featuring someone for it.

But when the person who recorded it suddenly appeared, they were shocked.

“Why didn’t they put their name on it after doing such a good job?”

“Right, come on, Hyunsu, tell us. Who is it? I don’t think I know them.”

Moreover, since the market is so interconnected, it was natural for them to be curious about a completely new face.

“Oh, an acquaintance introduced me to someone attending a vocal academy.”

“A vocal academy? Not debuting?”

“No.”

“Really? So, this is their first song?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Wow, ‘Wonderland’ as a first song? That’s a great start to their career.”

“Haha… Aren’t you praising them too much?”

“You know I don’t usually make a fuss. This time, it’s really good.”

“Ah, Hyunsu, it must be overwhelming for you.”

“Hahaha…”

As Hyunsu was overwhelmed by the compliments from the prominent figures in the band scene, Ahyoung, who was drinking nearby, joined the conversation.

“But she is really pretty!”

“Who? The one who did the featuring?”

“Yes, she’s totally stunning!”

“Wow, really? Who does she look like?”

“She doesn’t just resemble a celebrity, she looks like an actual celebrity. You’ll see when she arrives later!”

Of course, Suhyun was also invited to this album celebration. After all, she was the one who handled both the recording and the album cover. Hyunsu casually suggested she come if she had time, and Suhyun agreed just as casually.

“Can’t wait to see her.”

“Hey, Hyunsu, didn’t you invite the person who drew the album cover?”

“Oh… I heard she’s coming too.”

“The album cover? Oh right, it was well drawn. It had a nice vibe.”

“Right? I was recommended her by a friend.”

“How do you have so many connections at your age?”

“Haha, it just happened that way.”

“Lucky you, having connections is a skill too.”

As the conversation flowed in a pleasant atmosphere, Ahyoung, who had been quietly listening to Hyunsu’s answers, spoke to Kanghyuk.

“Why are you suddenly looking for the person who drew the album cover?”

“I didn’t get to talk to her last time because I was busy.”

“What? Is she pretty?”

“Don’t even ask, if it weren’t for Hyunsu, I’d have taken out my guitar.”

“Oh, shut up…”

“I’m better than you.”

Kanghyuk was bewildered by Ahyoung, who was always fussing over how pretty that person was but acted differently towards him.

“That person was really pretty.”

“Alright, I’ll check her out when she comes.”

“Sure, see who’s prettier.”

Hyunsu, who had been listening to the conversation, quietly sighed.

“What’s up? Did you just sigh at me?”

“Oh, no. Here, have this.”

“Brat, at least you know how to be respectful.”

Amidst the laughter and chatter.

Ding-

The door of the barbecue restaurant opened with the sound of a bell.

Though they heard the sound, everyone was too busy talking to notice. Only when the person who entered reached their table did they turn their attention.

Wearing a white short-sleeve shirt and training shorts, with her hands in the pockets of her windbreaker jacket, the woman looked like a sports model despite her casual attire.

In the short time it took her to walk over, she attracted the attention of not only Hyunsu’s group but also people at other tables. She awkwardly took her hands out of her jacket pockets and greeted them.

“Uh… hello?”

It was, of course, Suhyun, who had arrived a bit late.

***

Wasn’t this supposed to be a casual gathering?

She had come thinking it would just be other band members, but it was nothing like that.

“…Hello?”

“Oh wow, a beauty has arrived. Please, have a seat.”

“Hey, stop with the flirting. Suhyun, sit here.”

Isn’t that person from TV?

“Excuse me…”

“Oh, do you recognize me?”

“Wow, really?”

He’s not just on TV; his name is on several karaoke charts.

“Wow, a young lady recognizes me. I’m not done yet.”

“Hyung, if you say that, it makes you sound old.”

“Shut up, kid.”

“Isn’t the person next to you…”

“Oh, do you recognize me too?”

The person next to me occasionally appeared on TV…

Now that I look around, everyone here has faces I’ve seen somewhere before.

“Wow… It’s my first time seeing a celebrity.”

I said it automatically, but Ahyoung, who was next to me, giggled and pulled my arm.

“What are you talking about? You’re the one who looks most like a celebrity here. Just sit here.”

After being forcibly seated next to Ahyoung, I was bombarded with questions from the band members around us.

“Why did you use ‘Part-timer’ as your name?”

“Huh? Oh, it’s just because I’m only participating this once…”

“You should’ve used your real name; it all adds to your career.”

“Why are you talking like an old man?”

“Hey, you brat! I’m still active!”

Is this really the person I saw on TV? The one who filled us with pride while busking abroad… Here, he just seems like an old man.

“Since you’re here, you should drink, right?”

As soon as I sat down, a glass of alcohol was placed in front of me.

“Alright, shall we start drinking properly?”

And so began the drinking session with the band members.

***

About an hour later, I gulped down the water next to me to cool off the heat rushing to my face.

Ah… I’m getting drunk!

Why can these people drink so well?

“Are you okay? Your face is red.”

“Ah, yes… well… hahaha…”

I nodded weakly at Ahyoung’s question.

What do you mean, ‘okay’? Everything’s spinning.

“Heh… You’re weaker than I thought. You seemed like a heavy drinker.”

“Is that so?”

What’s my drinking limit again?

I think it’s because I haven’t drunk in a while, so I failed to pace myself.

“Still, we’re going to the second round, so how about getting some fresh air to sober up?”

“The second round?”

“We always go to karaoke for the second round. Look at the members here; how could we not go?”

Following Ahyoung’s gaze, I looked around.

Though everyone’s drunk, with flushed faces, laughing and talking, they’re all band singers with talent.

No matter how drunk I am, going to karaoke with them will be a treat for my ears, considering their experience and skill.

“Ugh… I’m tempted, but I think I’ll just head home.”

But right now, my mind is set on going home.

Maybe it’s because I’m drunk, or because I’m overwhelmed by being around these extroverted people.

“What? Why?”

“I have things to do at home…”

“Then at least take a picture before you go!”

“A picture?”

“Yeah, it’s been a while since we all gathered, so we should take a group photo.”

With that, Ahyoung started calling everyone together.

“Hey, let’s take a picture!”

“Oh, is it that time already?”

“We should wrap up and head to the second round.”

It seemed like taking a group photo was a routine for this gathering. As soon as Ahyoung finished speaking, everyone got up and gathered around naturally.

“These old guys need something to post on SNS too, like ‘Dinner with the juniors~’ or something.”

“Oh, don’t be like that. We’ll post it, just for fun.”

They gathered around Hyunsu, the star of the day, and I ended up standing next to Ahyoung, who had pulled me along.

“Boss, can you take the picture, please?”

“Today, I wondered when you’d take it.”

It seemed that the owner was used to taking group photos at this restaurant, as he comfortably took Ayoung’s phone and started posing like a photographer.

“Hehe, that guy is getting better at it.”

“Yeah, at first, his photos were all shaky.”

Naturally, they started evaluating the owner’s photography skills.

With the lowered inhibitions from drinking, I found myself laughing at their conversation.

“Why are you laughing so much?”

“Ahaha… It’s just funny.”

“Your expression is great; keep it up.”

“Alright, taking the photo now!”

And so, with a slightly carefree smile, the photo was taken next to Ayoung.

“Are you going now?”

“Yes, then.”

“By the way, is it okay if I upload the photo? Should I cover your face with an emoticon?”

“Ahaha… It’s fine.”

“Really? But a lot of people will see it.”

It’s just a group photo, and it’s not like my name will be on it, so it’s okay.

Besides…

“It’s not like my face needs to be covered, right?”

I made a V sign and placed it under my chin as I said that, causing Ayoung’s expression to scrunch up.

“Wow… That just made me really uncomfortable.”

“Ahaha! You said I was pretty.”

“That’s why it bothers me more.”

“I hear that a lot.”

Mostly from Hyejung.

I’ve thought about it before, but isn’t Hyejung probably the biggest victim of my self-flattery?

“Anyway! Are you heading home now?”

“Yes, I was just about to say goodbye.”

“The elders like polite kids, so make sure you say your goodbyes properly.”

Saying that, Ayoung patted me on the back a couple of times.

…It kind of hurts; she doesn’t have any hard feelings, right?

“But what do you have to do at home? It’s so late.”

“At home? Uh… my main job?”

Even though I’m a bit dizzy, I’ve had some drinks, and my tension is high.

I don’t think I have any particular drunken habits…

Maybe a drunk broadcast wouldn’t be a bad idea?