UAI Chapter 21

 Episode 21

As Sejin’s playful antics lightened the mood, the members resumed their discussion about the contract renewal.

“First, if there’s anything you personally want to do, organize it separately and let me know. Then, let’s talk about how we’ll handle team activities.”

At Jaewon’s words, Joomin spoke up.

“Hmm… I think the biggest issue is deciding when to release our next album.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

As the years passed, their album release cycle had lengthened compared to their rookie days. However, the core of an idol’s career was still putting out albums, performing on music shows, and meeting fans.

Last year, due to Hajin’s family tragedy, the gap between albums had been longer than usual. Originally, they had planned to release a 7th-anniversary album in the fall.

Knowing this, Hajin felt even more guilty towards his team members.

“We were supposed to release an album and promote last fall, but because of me… I’m sorry, guys.”

“Hey! We told you it’s fine.”

“Yeah, stop apologizing already!”

“Albums take time to prepare anyway. You never know how things will turn out, so don’t worry about it.”

“Exactly. The fans understand, too. What matters is that we release an album soon and stand on stage again.”

Hajin once again realized how lucky he was to have such supportive teammates.

“A few days ago, I talked to Cheolhwan hyung, and it seems like the producer team is still gathering songs for our album. Let’s wrap up the contract renewal first, then head to the company to listen to the songs and start preparing the album.”

"Alright, let’s do as Jaewon suggested. There’s already a lot of talk about our contract renewal in the fan cafe. Some fans are even worried that we might disband. Let’s finalize the renewal first so they don’t have to worry, and then focus on preparing the album. If we move quickly, we should be able to release it by fall."

Joomin added to Jaewon’s words, and Hwan, Roy, and Hajin all agreed.

For a group that had reached its 7th year, the question of whether to disband or renew their contract was always a turning point.

Since making it big was difficult and new groups constantly debuted, many teams naturally disbanded rather than renewing their contracts, with members pursuing individual careers instead.

Because of this, even within B-One’s fan club, some fans reassured themselves with, 'Our oppas won’t be like that,' while still feeling uneasy.

Moreover, since Hajin had gone through a painful experience and taken a long hiatus, these concerns had grown even more recently.

Both the company and the members, who monitored fan reactions on the fan cafe, knew this. That’s why they were determined to finalize the contract renewal first—to ease the fans’ worries.

After roughly deciding on their schedule, the group returned to playing with Sejin.

At that moment, the caregiver lady and Minsu returned from lunch.

"Auntie, did you enjoy your meal?"

"Oh my, the food at that place was delicious! Thanks to you, Minsu and I had such a feast. Hohoho."

"I’m glad you liked it. Next time, if there’s an opportunity, I’d love to take you there myself and treat you."

"You already treated us this time, and I’m really grateful for that. Don’t worry about anything more. I’ll head to my room now, so call me if you need anything."

"Of course. Please go and rest."

After the caregiver lady went into her room, Hajin turned to Minsu.

"Minsu, did you enjoy your meal too? Thanks for taking care of Auntie."

"If it's a task like this, feel free to send me anytime! Auntie and I had an amazing meal and ate to our hearts’ content. Hahaha!"

Minsu laughed as he responded.

"Oh, and I noticed the bodyguards usually eat lightly, so I stopped by a sandwich shop and got them some boxed sandwiches with coffee."

"Ah, thanks. Could you bring them in?"

At Hajin’s request, Minsu went outside and returned with the bodyguards.

"Sir, our manager just got these for you. You can have them in the room and eat comfortably."

"Ah… You really don’t have to do this every time, but thank you so much. If we refuse, Sejin will make a fuss, so we’ll enjoy them. Haha."

The bodyguards took the food from Hajin and went into the room.

Watching them leave, Hajin pulled Minsu over and sat him down on the sofa.

"Stop staying in the car all the time and just relax here. Sitting in a cramped car will only make your body sore. Why do you keep doing that?"

"I actually find the car comfortable, hyung. Haha."

Minsu scratched his head awkwardly.

Seeing this, Sejin grabbed a cookie from the table and placed it in Minsu’s hand.

"Uncle! Eat!"

"Huh? You're giving it to me? Wow! Thanks, Sejin. I’ll enjoy it."

Seeing this interaction, Joomin chuckled and turned to Hajin.

"Hajin, when Sejin gets discharged on Monday, won’t you have a lot of stuff to carry? Should we take some of the unnecessary things to the dorm today?"

"Ah! That would be great, hyung. Every time you guys visit, you bring Sejin toys and gifts, and now they’re piling up in that room."

"Alright, we’ll take them when we leave. Just gather everything for us later."

"Got it. Especially that toy car—please take it today."

Hajin pointed to a child-sized car that was taking up space in the living room.

Joomin, the one who had gifted it, scratched his head and laughed awkwardly.

"Hahaha… Yeah, that thing is a bit bulky, isn’t it?"

After spending a few more hours playing with Sejin and chatting, the members stood up with the items Hajin had packed for them.

"Sejin, we're heading out now. Enjoy your dinner!"

"Okay! Bye-bye, uncles!"

After saying goodbye to Sejin, the members also turned to Hajin.

"We’re leaving. Call us if anything comes up."

"What could possibly come up? And you guys don’t need to visit again—Sejin’s getting discharged on Monday anyway."

"Got it. We were actually planning to clean the dorm before Sejin arrives. Tomorrow is deep-cleaning day."

"Ugh… I hate cleaning!"

"Can’t we just hire a cleaning service, hyung?"

At Jaewon’s mention of cleaning, Roy and Hwan grimaced.

"We already booked a service. The dorm is too big for us to clean on our own, plus we need to disinfect everything. You guys should also use this chance to get rid of useless stuff."

Joomin looked at Roy and Hwan and spoke firmly.

"I don’t have anything to throw away."

"Same here."

"Really? Put your hand over your heart and think again. Sejin is moving in with us, you know."

Joomin asked them seriously.

"Uh… that’s true."

"Fine, I’ll sort through my stuff tonight."

Seeing the two finally give in, Joomin nodded in satisfaction and turned back to Hajin.

"Hajin, we already rearranged your room a bit while updating the furniture. There’s nothing you need to throw away, right?"

"No, I don’t think so. If I find anything, I’ll sort it out myself."

"Yeah, you’re always neat. These two are the real problem."

"Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?!"

"Yeah! This is just how a normal guy’s room looks!"

At Joomin’s remark, Roy and Hwan protested, but the others ignored them and continued their conversation.

"Alright, call us on Monday when Sejin gets discharged. Cheolhwan hyung and Minsu will pick you up, so we’ll just wait at the dorm."

"Got it. Get some rest tomorrow, and make sure Sejin does well on his check-up on Monday, okay?"

"Mhm!"

After chatting for a while, the group finally left the hospital room.

Later, when dinner was served, Hajin and Sejin ate together.

They spent some time watching TV, and before they knew it, it was already 7 PM.

As the caregiver lady gathered her things, she sighed.

"Oh dear, I won’t be able to see Sejin anymore. This grandma is going to miss him so much…."

She had worked from Monday to Saturday, with Sundays off. Since tomorrow was her day off and Sejin was being discharged on Monday, today was her last day at work.

"Thank you so much for taking such good care of Sejin. I transferred your salary to your bank account earlier. I also added a little extra as a token of appreciation."

"Oh no, you didn’t have to do that. You already paid me more than other places do. This makes me feel bad."

"Please, just accept it. Sejin really adores you, and you've been so good to him. We truly appreciate everything you’ve done."

"Sejin is such a sweet child, and Hajin, you made me feel so comfortable. I can’t remember the last time I worked with such peace of mind."

Hajin hesitated for a moment before asking.

"Auntie, do you plan to continue working as a caregiver?"

"Huh? Well, it’s what I’ve been doing all my life, so I suppose I will. Why do you ask?"

"I was wondering… Would you be interested in becoming Sejin’s babysitter after he’s discharged? Since I’m an entertainer, my work schedule is unpredictable, and I need someone I can trust to take care of him."

Hajin continued, 

"Sejin really likes you, and I think you’d be perfect for the role. The work hours might be irregular. When my members and I are free, we’ll take care of Sejin ourselves. But when we have schedules or have to travel overseas, we’d need you to stay at our dorm and watch over him. If you’re willing, I’ll make sure you’re well compensated. Even on the days you don’t have to come in, I’ll still pay you the full salary."

The caregiver fell into deep thought.

"Hmm… I really do adore Sejin, and I’d hate to part ways with him. But babysitting is different from caregiving. I don’t know if I’d be good at it."

"It’s not that different. The only change is the location. You won’t have to worry about cooking or housework—we already have someone at the dorm who handles that. You’d just need to look after Sejin."

"Alright, let me think about it. Honestly, I really want to do it, but I should still give it some serious thought. I’ll rest and discuss it with my family, then I’ll give you a call."

"Of course, please take your time. And once again, thank you for everything. Have a safe trip home. Sejin, say goodbye to Grandma."

At Hajin’s words, Sejin ran up to the caregiver and hugged her legs tightly.

"Grandma! Bye-bye. Thank you for everything! Let’s play together again soon!"

Hearing this, the caregiver’s eyes welled up with tears. She crouched down and hugged Sejin tightly.

"Alright. More than anything, I’m grateful to you. Sejin has been such a sweet and well-behaved child, which made my time here so comfortable. I’ll try to think about this in the best way possible because I know I’ll miss seeing him."

The caregiver hugged Sejin tightly one more time before standing up.

"Thank you for treating me so well. I’ll consider this carefully, so don’t worry. I’ll contact you as soon as I decide."

"Yes, please do that."

"Alright then, I’ll be going now. Both of you, rest well tomorrow and have a smooth discharge on Monday."

"Yes, take care on your way home."

"Grandma, bye-bye~~!"

After the caregiver lady left, the hospital room felt even quieter.

Their time in this place was coming to an end.

Back when Sejin was in the ICU, Hajin couldn't even imagine the day he’d be discharged. But now, the hospital stay was finally wrapping up, and they were about to return to their normal lives. Thinking about it filled Hajin’s heart with overwhelming emotions.

Holding his nephew close, he whispered,

"Sejin, it won’t be long now before you’re discharged. Once we’re out, let’s do everything you want. We’ll go on trips, eat delicious food… and have so much fun with your uncles, okay?"

"Mhm!!"

Sejin hugged Hajin tightly in return.

‘Uncle, you’ve gone through so much, both physically and emotionally, during our time in the hospital. Once I’m discharged, let’s be really happy together.’

As the two embraced, the bright moonlight shone through the hospital room window, illuminating them in its gentle glow.

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