I Became a Member of My Favorite Group! - Chapter 17

This happened about half an hour before Da-jeong arrived.

Kang Ha-neul called the members in one by one under the pretext of one-on-one meetings and contract signing.

Since she called them in order of age, Jia was the first to enter the boss’s office.

“Alright, Jia. Come in and sit down.”

“Yes, boss.”

Following Kang Ha-neul’s gesture, Jia sat down, looking slightly nervous.

When Kang Ha-neul, who had been sitting at the desk, picked up the contract and moved to the sofa, Jia straightened her back.

“Pfft, why are you so nervous? Do you think I’m going to eat you?”

“Ah, no. It’s just that it’s contract signing day, so I’m a bit…”

“That’s understandable. But it’s nothing too serious, so no need to be nervous. I’ll explain everything.”

“Okay.”

Finally relaxing a bit, Jia looked over the contract Kang Ha-neul handed her.

It was divided into several sections, but the content was straightforward.

Things like the contract period, profit distribution, and company support were all laid out.

“The contract fee is listed here as 1 million won.”

“Yes, boss.”

“It might be a bit disappointing, but I’ve increased the profit distribution. It’s higher than the industry average.”

“Disappointing? I didn’t even expect to receive anything.”

Jia waved her hands at Kang Ha-neul, who looked apologetic.

Although Jia wasn’t an expert on the VTuber industry, she had heard that contract fees like this were rare.

Usually, companies don’t offer contract fees because of the upfront costs like avatars and other expenses.

Moreover, the profit distribution was significantly higher than what Jia had heard about.

It seemed like the company was doing its best to be generous.

For that alone, Jia felt deeply grateful.

“Anyway, if the terms look good to you, just sign. If you need more time, let me know.”

“Ah… okay.”

The terms were indeed excellent.

So Jia didn’t think she needed to deliberate much.

Except for one thing that bothered her.

---

“…Um, boss.”

“What is it?”

“This might sound rude, but… about the contract fee…”

“The contract fee?”

Was she asking for more?

Of course, 1 million won wasn’t a huge amount, but Kang Ha-neul had tried to be considerate.

If Jia thought it was too little, she’d have to reconsider the terms.

Without jumping to conclusions, Kang Ha-neul waited silently as Jia hesitated.

A few seconds passed.

Jia, who seemed to have a lot to say, finally spoke.

“Could the contract fee… be given to someone else?”

“Someone else? What do you mean… Oh.”

Kang Ha-neul tilted her head, confused, but then stopped.

She seemed to have figured out what Jia was getting at.

“…Yes, if you’d allow it, could you take my contract fee and add it to Da-jeong’s?”

Kang Ha-neul’s expression softened at the expected answer.

Jia’s suggestion was even more extreme than Kang Ha-neul’s idea of simply increasing Da-jeong’s contract fee.

“Can I ask why? Is it out of pity?”

It might’ve been a sharp question, but Kang Ha-neul asked it directly.

She was worried that acting out of pity might lead to regret later.

Even though 1 million won might not be a huge amount to some, there was a chance Jia might feel regret after giving it to Da-jeong.

Jia shook her head firmly.

“It’s not pity. Actually, I just came back from the café with Da-jeong.”

“Okay.”

“Da-jeong said it was her first time at a café. And she didn’t have enough money, so she pulled out 2,000 won from her pocket and asked me to just get her water.”

“…I see.”

It was a heartbreaking story.

Where do girls her age usually go to hang out with friends?

A café.

While others casually spend 5,000 or 6,000 won on a drink and laugh together.

Da-jeong couldn’t even afford to step into a café.

How could such a sad story exist in 21st-century Korea?

“So I bought her a drink, and she was so happy while drinking it. Watching her like that, I suddenly thought… I really want this girl to be happy.”

“…I see. I understand how you feel.”

If anything, it was closer to affection and care than pity.

Even though they hadn’t known each other long, they had become close enough to genuinely wish for each other’s happiness.

Maybe it was because of Da-jeong’s unique charm.

“So what you’re asking is to take your contract fee and add it to Da-jeong’s?”

“Yes.”

“You won’t regret it? 1 million won isn’t a huge amount, but it’s not small either.”

“I think it’s worth less than Da-jeong’s smile.”

“Well, that’s true.”

Kang Ha-neul chuckled self-deprecatingly and nodded.

If that was her decision, there was no need to stop her.

In fact, it might even strengthen the bond between the members.

Thud—

After stamping the contract, Jia left the boss’s office with a bow.

Next came Ra-hee, the second eldest.

“Um, boss. About the contract fee…”

As Ra-hee reviewed the contract, she brought up the same topic.

Kang Ha-neul felt a sense of déjà vu.

“Boss, about this contract fee…”

“Boss! I have a request!”

Next came Chae-yoon and Yuna.

As if they had rehearsed it, they all said the same thing.

The 1 million won contract fee, originally allocated to each member, gradually shifted to Da-jeong.

As if Kang Ha-neul’s worries were unfounded, the situation resolved itself more neatly than she had planned.

‘I really have good kids.’

As she organized the signed contracts, leaving only Da-jeong for last, Kang Ha-neul smiled warmly.

Jia had said she wanted Da-jeong to be happy, but Kang Ha-neul thought this:

At least, I hope all these kids can be happy.

＊＊＊＊＊

After finishing the contract, I returned home and took out the bankbook I had tucked away in the closet, heading to the nearby bank.

The boss had told me to check the account as soon as I got home since the contract fee had been deposited.

Beep— Beep—

While the ATM processed, it made a series of loud noises.

I nervously watched until the bankbook popped out.

With trembling hands, I pulled it out and checked the page.

“Gasp…!”

I couldn’t help but swallow hard.

5,198,420.

The original 200,000 won had been joined by an absurdly large number.

I rubbed my eyes, wondering if this was a dream or reality.

But the numbers on the bankbook didn’t change.

It really was 5 million won.

Wow, the most I’ve ever earned from part-time jobs was a little over 1 million won.

Of course, with that amount of money, I wouldn’t have any trouble living, so I never thought about earning more.

That’s why, even when Blue LUV allowed us to monetize, I didn’t enable monetization on my clipping channel.

At the time, someone commented that it was a foolish decision, but, well.

I think differently.

Sure, money is nice to have.

But do I really need to earn money from something I do out of love and happiness?

People often call it “rice farming” in games.

No matter how much those people say they do it to enjoy the game.

At some point, it becomes hard to see the game as just a game.

The items that drop when you defeat a boss.

The costs of strengthening your character.

The moment all of that starts to look like bills and coins, it’s no longer a game.

That’s how I felt about Blue LUV.

They were the only ones who lit up my dark daily life.

I wanted them to remain the most joyful, game-like presence in my life. That’s what I thought.

Now, it’s a bit funny that I’m part of Blue LUV and earning money.

But this is money I earned as an acknowledged member of Blue LUV.

So I don’t think I need to refuse it.

---

“Wow…!”

Anyway, it’s a truly shocking amount.

With this money, I feel like I can do anything.

But I can’t just spend this big sum carelessly, so I’ll have to save it…

Glance—

Holding the bankbook tightly, I sneak a peek at the large café across the street.

W-well, it’s a special occasion. Yeah.

It’d be a waste not to go since I’m already here.

Plus, the boss said it herself.

The chocolate flavor might suit my taste better than caramel.

Clink—

In the end, unable to resist my craving, I rushed into the café.

In my pocket was a 10,000-won bill I had just withdrawn.

“Um, excuse me… One chocolate frappuccino, please.”

“Sure, one chocolate frappuccino, right? How much whipped cream would you like on top?”

“Huh?”

Caught off guard by the unexpected question, I quickly tried to recall what I had earlier.

Whipped cream must be that white cream on top of the drink.

It was so sweet and smooth that I wanted more.

In that case, there’s no need to hesitate!

“A lot! Please put a lot on it!”

“Hehe. Alright, I’ll add plenty.”

“Thank you…!”

This is going to be delicious.

Normally, I’d never indulge in such extravagance.

But the boss said it’s okay to treat myself to something tasty on days like this, so yeah.

Just for one day, it’s fine.

“Oh, um…! Do you also put chocolate chips on top of the cream?”

“Ah, yes. Java chips, right? I’ll add those too.”

“Hehe, thank you.”

And I should make sure to get everything.

I almost forgot.

“Here’s your drink.”

“Thank you. Have a great day!”

When the cup filled with chocolate drink arrived, I took it with both hands and paused for a moment.

Come to think of it, the members sometimes post what they’re eating in the group chat.

Today, I should do that too.

Click—

[Me] – (Photo of chocolate frappuccino)
[Me] – I wanted to try the chocolate flavor, so I bought it!
[Ra-hee unnie] – (Fox giving a thumbs-up emoji)
[Jia unnie] – Looks delicious ^^
[Yuna] – OMG Da-jeong is so cute…!
[Chae-yoon unnie] – Enjoy your treat, Da-jeong!

Hehe.

I haven’t even taken a sip yet, but my mouth is already filled with sweetness.

Enjoying the moment, I found a corner seat and took a sip of the drink.

My legs started swinging happily on their own.

But I think it was more delicious when I had it with the members.

I want to go again with everyone next time