Hello, it's been around three months, I believe? I apologize for the prolonged absence in updating, but there's been a whirlwind of events. I sincerely hope you're still on board with your support. Without further ado, here's the awaited update. Much love to all of you!

--

The long-awaited day had finally arrived. Yoona and Seulgi found themselves quite exhausted, having stayed up late the previous night re-watching the entire Harry Potter series. The idea of being tethered 24/7 to someone else felt inherently uncomfortable to them.

"So, are we going to split up?" Seulgi asked as she and Yoona strolled towards the car.

"Yeah, I think so. What's on your schedule today?"

"Ms. Bae has a fan meeting scheduled along with her group members. I'll likely be using their dedicated car. How about you?"

"Mrs. Jung allowed me to use my car. I'll use it to transport and accompany her daughter to her appointments," Seulgi explained. She settled into the passenger seat of the car.

"I'm feeling pretty groggy today," Seulgi admitted with a yawn, stretching her arms.

"Tell me about it. Let's grab some coffee before I drop you off then," Yoona suggested, starting the engine and pulling out of the parking spot.

The day was just beginning for them.

---

Irene and her fellow Red Velvet members were in the process of preparing for their upcoming fanmeet.

"Take your time, girls. I'll go have a chat with Irene's bodyguard," their manager stated as they left the room.

The Red Velvet members were now alone, accompanied only by some makeup artists and staff.

Yeri was engrossed in writing lyrics in her notebook, her earphones playing music in her ears. Joy was in the bathroom, diligently brushing her teeth. Wendy was seated beside Irene, absorbed in her phone, while Irene herself had her eyes closed.

Wendy eventually put down her phone and turned her attention to Irene. "Unnie, are you asleep?"

Irene took a moment to respond, "No, why?"

"How does it feel to have a female bodyguard?" 

The word 'bodyguard' caught Irene's attention. It was an underestimated notion for her. Who would have imagined that a female bodyguard could actually exist in reality? But the recent encounters, where Yoona saved her cousin and Seulgi rescued her from those hostile girls, had shifted her perspective.

"Honestly, Wendy, I don't know how to feel," Irene admitted as she sat up, now fully engaged in the conversation. Wendy listened attentively. "I mean, it makes sense to have bodyguards for our safety, but having a girl protecting me feels a bit odd and unconventional. Initially, I was tempted to complain to my aunt about it, but considering the unfortunate incidents that keep occurring, and since this is what my aunt wants, it's the least I can do for her."

Wendy nodded, agreeing with Irene. "I understand what you mean. It's definitely overwhelming. Even for us, it's quite a surprise. Having a female bodyguard is something I couldn't have fathomed. I've only ever seen that kind of thing in movies."

Irene let out a sigh. "Who knows, maybe it's a good thing after all, right? We need to expect the unexpected." Wendy patted Irene's head and returned to her phone.

"IRENE UNNIE!!!!!" Joy's sudden yell from the bathroom made Irene jump in her seat. Wendy couldn't help but chuckle at Irene's reaction.

"Yah! You scared me. What's the matter?" Irene retorted, rolling her eyes.

"CAN YOU COME OVER HERE?!" Joy's voice echoed again through the bathroom door.

"Who's the one in need? You come here," Irene replied sarcastically, not waiting for Joy's response, knowing the younger girl would relent. She slouched back in her seat with a sigh.

"IRENE UNNIE!!!!!" Joy's shout came once more, and this time Wendy joined in the laughter.

Irene put her right hand over her heart to steady herself. She turned to Wendy, who was still laughing heartily, and playfully punched her on the arm. With that done, she stood up to go to Joy.

"Make sure this is important or else…" Irene said through gritted teeth.

Entering the bathroom, Irene found Joy wiping with a towel.

"What is it? You pabo," Irene said, folding her arms across her chest and glaring playfully at Joy.

Joy closed the bathroom door and looked at Irene with a hint of concern, causing Irene's expression to soften.

"What's up?"

Joy let out a heavy sigh. "Unnie."

Irene waited for Joy to continue, her hands held by Joy's in a manner that made her feel a little uneasy.

"What is it?"

Joy looked down sadly. "How do you feel about having a personal bodyguard now?"

Irene sighed and rolled her eyes. "Is this why you called me in here?" Joy nodded sheepishly.

"Almost got me with your acting. Forgot you're an actress, Joy."

"Why not ask Wendy since she had the same question?" Irene replied, a hint of irritation in her tone. She thought the matter was something serious.

Seriously, this girl is relentless, Irene thought to herself.

"Unnie, I want to hear it from you. It's like those stories you read," Joy laughed, her amusement evident. Irene's gaze settled on her, causing Joy to stifle her laughter.

"I was just kidding. Come on, spill the beans now, Unnie," Joy said eagerly, her eyes fixed on Irene.

"No. If you're curious, go ask Wendy," Irene retorted with boredom.

Joy looked at her with unexpected surprise, as her playful act hadn't succeeded this time. "Unnie~," Joy whined

"Go ask her," Irene said, leaving Joy dumbfounded. She then returned to her original spot, only to find Yeri sitting there.

"Yeri?" Irene called to the younger girl, who was engrossed in a serious conversation with Wendy.

Yeri turned, flashing Irene a sweet smile, her go-to move when she wanted something.

"What do you need?" Irene asked, tilting her head, anticipating Yeri's request.

"This is the day you're getting a personal bodyguard..." Irene's patience waned at the mention of the word 'bodyguard,' so she gestured for Yeri to stop talking.

"JOY, COME HERE!" Irene's voice echoed, and Joy immediately walked over. "What is it, Unnie?"

"Wendy, you explain to them what I said earlier. I'll be on the couch minding my own business, so don't bother me." Irene commanded.

The trio watched as Irene settled onto the couch, engrossed in her phone. From their vantage point, Irene observed Joy and Yeri listening intently to Wendy, their peculiar expressions catching her eye. She covertly snapped a picture of them and stifled a chuckle.

They continued with their individual activities until their manager entered the room.

"Girls, let's go," the manager instructed. They gathered their belongings and exited the room.

"Our new driver will be Irene's personal bodyguard, so I hope you all get along well." the manager explained.

Irene's irritation resurfaced upon hearing the word 'bodyguard' again. It seemed like her patience was wearing thin with its constant repetition.

"Of course, we'll get along well, won't we, Irene Unnie?" Joy placed her arm around Irene's shoulder, wearing a hopeful smile.

"What are you talking about?"

"Oh, just nothing," Joy winked, and Yeri and Wendy exchanged amused glances.

"Hey! What's this about?" Irene felt perplexed by Joy's teasing.

Aigoo, this kid is really testing my patience, Irene thought.

"Pay no attention to Joy, Unnie. She's just being herself," Yeri commented, causing Joy to glare at her while the youngest member smirked.

"Yah! I'm not weird." Joy protested.

"Yes you are."

"You're the one who's weird."

"I didn't hear you."

"You definitely heard me."

"That's enough." The two stopped when they heard Irene's stern voice.

With their squabble put on hold, the two exchanged glares before entering the van, greeted by a new face in the driver's seat.

"Good morning," the new driver greeted.

The trio observed Irene's reaction in secret as her eyes remained fixed on the new driver, Seulgi.

"Goodmorning to you too. Seulgi right?" Joy asked and smile at her.

Irene rolled her eyes at Joy. Don't tell me she forgot my bodyguard's name when the manager just told us her name. This girl is gradually getting on my nerves.

"Yes, I'm Kang Seulgi." 

Wendy and Yeri also greeted her while Irene occupied herself with her phone. Feeling a nudge from Wendy, she shot her a questioning glance.

"What?" 

"Greet her," Wendy muttered discreetly so Seulgi wouldn't overhear.

"Why?" 

"Why not? Obviously, you should greet her since she's your personal bodyguard." Wendy rolled her eyes, emphasizing the point, making Irene shake her head.

"Fine." 

"Go ahead," Wendy encouraged.

Before Irene could utter a word, she looked back at Wendy, who was urging her on. "What should I say?"

Wendy rolled her eyes again. "Just say 'good morning' or ask her anything you'd like to know."

Irene's nervousness seemed to intensify just by the idea of speaking to her.

"I don't know what to ask," Irene admitted, frustrated by her own unease.

Wendy looked at her, sensing Irene's discomfort. She decided not to push her and allow her to find her own comfort level with Seulgi.

"It's okay, Unnie. You can talk to her when you're ready."

Irene nodded and slouched back in her seat. She couldn't help but berate herself for being so awkward.

Can't even say 'good morning,' Irene? Why are you feeling so nervous around her? It's not like anything happened between you two, so why all this fuss? - Irene

---

Yoona stood outside Jessica's house, waiting for the latter to emerge.

It had been half an hour, and Jessica still hadn't appeared. This unusual delay piqued Yoona's curiosity. Jessica was punctual in her schedules, so this delay was indeed surprising. Unless there was a genuine reason, like Jessica oversleeping. Yoona recalled Mrs. Jung mentioning that Jessica loved to sleep.

As Yoona glanced at her watch, contemplating entering the house, she was taken aback when she saw Jessica finally coming towards her, heading for the car.

Yoona couldn't deny Jessica's beauty. She found her striking and attractive. Observing her, Yoona couldn't help but think that the guy for Jessica was incredibly fortunate. That's what ran through her mind – a silent, unspoken thought.

"A penny for your thoughts?" 

Blinking, Yoona refocused her attention, meeting Jessica's concerned gaze. "I'm sorry, Ms. Jung. My mind was preoccupied."

Jessica nodded slowly, her concern seemingly subsiding. Yoona sensed th