Chapter Seven: Mingtong, Good Night.

“Jisoo, take it slow when you go up.”

After having hotpot, Mingyan drove the lively pair—a grown woman and a little girl—down to BLACKPINK’s dormitory.

Of course, most of the time it was Jisoo who was doing the talking; Mincheol just obediently listened beside her.

For others, a girl group’s dorm might be a secret, but Jisoo’s big mouth never understood the meaning of keeping things under wraps. Among true friends, honesty is key.

Speaking of honesty…

Mingyan and Jisoo had once been honest with each other on a physical level, but that was back when they were kids. One rainy day, without umbrellas, they ran home soaked to the bone.

Then, their parents stripped them and shoved them into the bathroom to shower.

Though seven- or eight-year-olds wouldn’t normally bathe together, they were less particular about coming and going. The two even wanted to play in the water together.

Times have changed, and Jisoo now refuses to admit to that embarrassing episode.

“I know, if it weren’t for the curfew after debuting, I wouldn’t want to come back at all.” Before getting out of the car, Jisoo turned back and patted Mincheol’s little head. “Mincheol, your room used to be mine.”

One reason Mingyan rented a two-bedroom apartment was because the spare room was often occupied.

Strangely, he had never brought a girlfriend home, yet Jisoo—who never paid rent—had become a fixture.

Sigh, he really had sacrificed a lot for his good friend.

Their accounts with each other had never been clear since childhood.

“Mincheol, don’t listen to Jisoo’s nonsense. That room was specially prepared for you by your uncle.”

Fearing his niece might feel shy, Mingyan smoothly changed the subject.

Mincheol watched the interaction between her uncle and Jisoo with some curiosity, feeling as if she were watching a drama unfold right before her eyes. It seemed her future life would be quite eventful.

“The stuffed animals on your bed were bought by me.”

Mingyan held up his phone near his ear. “I really need to have a talk with Nayun. From the decorations to the bedding, it was all her idea.”

“She’s been incredibly busy lately, seems like she’s already prepping for the next comeback. Maybe you can get through to her later.”

“Nayun has another comeback?”

“Yeah, supposedly three times a year.”

Mingyan shook his head. Compared to idols, actors filming dramas were practically living a health-conscious lifestyle—one project a year was considered diligent.

“Alright, come on up before the manager calls to scold us.” Idols were usually under strict company supervision when they just debuted, but once past the probation period, things loosened up.

“Goodbye, Mincheol.”

“Goodbye, Jisoo unnie.”

Mingyan ignored Jisoo’s rude departure without a farewell. “Mincheol, are you full?”

“Yes, I am.” Mincheol had planned to call him “uncle,” but suddenly found it hard to say. Mingyan wasn’t as stern as she imagined, unlike traditional elders.

“Uncle” felt more fitting.

“That’s good. If you like it, I’ll bring you here again next time.”

Mingyan wasn’t used to calling himself an elder, or rather, he had little experience being one.

He would learn as he went.

Seeing that his little niece stayed quiet, he turned the steering wheel and headed home. After a day out, Mincheol was probably tired and should rest early.

On the way back, Mincheol surprisingly took the initiative to speak.

“Uncle.”

“Hm?”

“You really acted alongside Uncle Gong Yoo, didn’t you?”

For a little girl dreaming of debuting, Mingyan—already somewhat famous—was like an idol.

Mingyan’s sister had said her daughter was a fan of her uncle, and she hadn’t lied. Putting aside “The Heirs,” the on-screen couple formed by Xu Dae-ryung and Yoon Myung-joo in “Descendants of the Sun” had moved many viewers to tears.

Mincheol was a sentimental little girl.

But she would never admit that she secretly cried under the covers at night because of her uncle’s role.

“Of course. Mincheol, do you like Gong Yoo too?” Mingyan realized the charming actor’s appeal was truly broad, captivating all ages.

“I have classmates at school who like him.” Mincheol paused, as if mustering great courage before continuing, “Actually… I’m your fan.”

“What?”

Her voice was so soft that Mingyan hadn’t caught it at first.

Blushing, Mincheol raised her voice slightly. “Uncle, I’m your fan.”

“Thank you.”

Mingyan was momentarily stunned, then smiled and shook his head. Raising a child didn’t seem like such a bad thing after all.

“Mincheol, I’ve prepared your pajamas and some other things—all new.” Returning home, Mingyan began to fulfill his duties as an uncle in a rambling manner. “And about school…”

In Korea, there are spring and fall semesters.

Early September marked the start of the fall semester. Whether or not Mincheol became a trainee, schooling was an important matter for a fifteen-year-old.

Mingyan’s plan was that if Mincheol succeeded in joining S.M., he would arrange for her to attend an arts high school.

He was now one of the notable alumni of Hanlim Arts High School.

“Uncle, about school…”

“Mincheol, I heard from your sister that you’re still the student council president over at Yangsan.”

Mingyan didn’t want to pressure the child, so he deliberately changed the topic.

“Yes, I used your signature to get quite a few votes back then.” Feeling more at ease, Mincheol smiled slightly. Her deskmate was also a fan of Mingyan and had even joined an online fan club.

Mingyan chuckled. “I wondered why your sister wanted my autograph then. As long as it helped, that’s fine.”

He awkwardly searched for common ground with Mincheol.

“Uncle, I think you’re more handsome than Song Joong-ki.”

Mincheol suddenly blurted out.

“I also think I’m more handsome than Joong-ki.” Song Joong-ki was nearly ten years older than Mingyan. They got along well while filming together, but things were a bit awkward now.

As for why…

It was a long story.

Lowering her head, Mincheol smiled. Her little uncle was certainly not modest.

Mingyan glanced at the time. “It’s almost ten o’clock. Mincheol, you should rest. You must be tired after a whole day.”

The little one squinted and yawned, truly a bit sleepy.

Back in her room, Mincheol gently touched a cup that seemed to radiate a sunny warmth. She felt an inexplicable sense of comfort. The unknown life in Seoul didn’t seem so frightening after all.

She changed into her pajamas and quietly slipped under the covers.

“Mincheol, call me anytime if you need anything,” Mingyan reminded her from behind the door.

“Good night, Uncle.”

“Good night, Mincheol.”