I Want to Be a VTuber-Chapter 273: The Embarrassing Promenade (2)

Reporters waiting for Seoyeon’s arrival began snapping photos, their camera flashes firing incessantly.

Startled by the noise, idol trainee Jung Hajin, who was standing next to Gil Dahyun, instinctively moved closer to Seoyeon.

After all, if she managed to sneak into the frame, it would be a win for her.

“Wait a second.”

As she hastily stepped forward, Jung Hajin suddenly stopped in her tracks.

“Is this really a win?”

Jung Hajin turned her gaze toward Seoyeon. The sight of Seoyeon standing there with her hands covering both ears was, objectively, utterly adorable.

Her outfit exuded elegance, leaning more toward “beautiful” than simply “pretty,” but the shy demeanor she displayed captivated onlookers.

It was a rare sight—so different from the usual Seoyeon. This wasn’t the same awkward embarrassment from her brief stint as “Magical Girl Harara” during a performance that became a minor buzz. This was something entirely different.

“Ah, forget it!”

Still, standing by her side was surely better than not being in the picture at all. With that thought, Hajin quietly slipped into the space between Dahyun and Seoyeon.

“Who’s the girl next to actress Ju Seoyeon?”

“No idea.”

“But wow, she’s got guts, standing there so boldly.”

“Judging by her decent looks, maybe she’s an idol trainee or something similar?”

“Hm~.”

Several reporters exchanged glances at the sight of Jung Hajin and tilted their heads, puzzled.

While they refrained from saying it aloud, their thoughts were unanimous—it was a foolish move.

All eyes were on Seoyeon. Even if someone did glance to the side, it would only serve as an unflattering comparison.

“The difference is obvious, even starting with head size.”

Not that the woman standing next to Seoyeon had a large head—rather, Seoyeon’s head was exceptionally small.

On top of that, her proportions were flawless, making comparisons inevitable.

Regardless of Hajin’s intentions—whether she was trying to use Seoyeon to her advantage or not—it was clear she ended up becoming a tool for comparison instead.

“Wow, she’s insanely gorgeous.”

The murmurs of the reporters as they took photos of Seoyeon were accompanied by the sound of a live streamer, Song Yongho, hurriedly starting his broadcast.

He had been so entranced by Seoyeon’s presence that he had almost forgotten to turn on his camera.

“She’s here! Ju Seoyeon has arrived, everyone!”

Really?Is it her big moment?

“Look over there, over there!”

Why is she dressed so extravagantly on her own?

“They say she misunderstood the dress code.”

LMAOSo that’s Ju Seoyeon? She’s cuter than I expected!

Initially indifferent, Song Yongho’s viewers began to take an interest as Seoyeon’s reactions unfolded on-screen. Her actions carried a unique charm that drew people in.

‘I’m the only one with this footage, right? This is a jackpot!’

In the video, Seoyeon let out a sigh as she looked down at her outfit. She shook her head fervently, as if trying to excuse herself, while Lee Jiyeon approached her.

Awkward and embarrassed about her solo extravagant attire, Seoyeon tried in vain to cover her outfit. Then, as if searching for someone, she scanned the area, her gaze landing on Song Yongho.

‘Oh, she’s looking this way. What luck!’

Surely, she couldn’t have noticed he was secretly filming with his phone. But then, why was she looking in his direction?

Just as the thought crossed his mind—

“Unauthorized filming is prohibited.”

A woman in a neat suit appeared, confiscated his phone, and ended the live broadcast before returning the device.

“You’re the same student who caused a similar issue last time, aren’t you?”

“Uh, no, that wasn’t me...”

“Either way, step outside. This kind of thing really needs to be managed better.”

Speaking calmly but firmly, the woman ushered Song Yongho out. Left with no choice, he sheepishly complied.

He hadn’t even done much yet, but here he was, already being kicked out.

‘Still, I got the footage.’

Since it was a live broadcast, the video was already online, which was bound to bring him some gains. He was sure he was the only one who captured it.

However, contrary to his expectations, his YouTube video saw no additional influx of viewers.

“Ugh, I didn’t think I’d get kicked out so quickly. Huh? What’s this?”

As soon as he restarted his broadcast outside, something felt off. His once three-thousand-strong audience had dwindled to a mere few hundred.

Confused, he stared at the camera, only for one of his viewers to comment as if reading his thoughts.

Everyone went to watch the official stream.

“What? What are you talking about?”

Ju Seoyeon’s agency is streaming it live on their official YouTube channel.

“What?! What the...”

Frantically, he opened Nova Entertainment’s official YouTube channel, where a live broadcast of Seoyeon at the event was being streamed. Naturally, the quality far surpassed his shaky phone footage, showing Seoyeon from multiple flattering angles.

“Wait a minute, so...”

It dawned on him—his viewers had been siphoned away to the official stream. In essence, he had unwittingly promoted the competition.

To make matters worse, his video had already circulated in online communities, with comments directing people to the official stream instead.

What’s this? Ju Seoyeon’s live? Where?It’s some high school year-end party, apparently.Do high schoolers do this nowadays? Where can I watch it?Some random YouTuber posted a video, but if you want the full experience, go to the official YouTube channel—it’s live right now.Thanks!

‘This... this isn’t good.’

While it was likely a temporary setback, the situation was undeniably frustrating. More troubling was that the video he’d worked so hard to capture had now become utterly pointless.

Tsk tsk, serves you right for being shady. Unsubscribed.Didn’t you pull this stunt before? Enough’s enough.

The barrage of negative comments made his head spin. In his attempt to seize an opportunity, he had ended up digging his own grave.

“Thank you for the tip, reporter.”

“Oh, it was nothing.”

Park Eunha bowed her head politely to the smiling female reporter, who often wrote positively about Seoyeon’s projects.

‘What was her name again? Han Seona?’

It was Han Seona who had spotted Song Yongho’s unauthorized filming and alerted Park Eunha.

Although no serious harm had been done, these internet streamers often made inflammatory remarks to rile up their viewers, so it was better to preempt any issues.

“Well, we’ll be leaving now. We only had permission to film during the start.”

“Understood. By the way, Summer Girl is supposed to be arriving—won’t you be covering that?”

“We didn’t get permission for that.”

In truth, there wasn’t much else to film. The initial shots of Seoyeon’s entrance and her shy expressions had already provided plenty of material.

As the reporters left quietly, Park Eunha breathed a sigh of relief.

‘Sometimes, it’s best to rely on reporters you know.’

Watching the video of Seoyeon’s party, Park Eunha couldn’t help but smile.

The audience’s explosive reactions to Seoyeon’s flustered demeanor made it clear—this event was a boon for her public image.

Especially given Seoyeon’s recent concerns about her public perception, this was undoubtedly a positive turn of events.

*****

"Hey, Ju Seoyeon, what’s with your look?"

Seoyeon flinched at Lee Jiyeon’s scolding, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks.

What’s with your look, she said.

Seriously, they said this was a party outfit!

Seoyeon felt wronged but couldn’t exactly argue back. After all, it was partially her own fault. This dress was the result of her and her stylist getting a little too carried away.

"You’re just trying to stand out, aren’t you?"

"It’s a misunderstanding."

Even as she denied it, Seoyeon could somewhat understand Jo Sehee’s usual frustrations. The way Jiyeon was talking now wasn’t all that different from Sehee’s usual jabs.

"A misunderstanding? Who’d misunderstand anything when you’re dressed like that?"

"...Uh, anyway, weren’t you supposed to be late today?"

"Yeah, but I came early because I was worried about you. And look at you—you were clearly all set to have a ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) blast."

There was nothing Seoyeon could say in response. She glanced down at her outfit.

A black, extravagant dress adorned with striking ruby accents—it was definitely not something a high school student would typically wear.

Even her face felt different. Running her hand over her skin, she could tell her makeup was far more elaborate than usual.

Looking around, she noticed the girls staring in admiration, while the boys were completely dazed.

"She’s really an actress, huh."

"Wow, she’s no joke."

Though those seemed to be their genuine thoughts, to Seoyeon, their gazes felt more like, What’s wrong with her? Does she have a celebrity complex or something?

No, that’s not it! This is seriously unfair.

"Anyway, Ju Seoyeon."

"Hm?"

"Take this. It’s a camera."

"...Why?"

"Once the party officially starts, the staff won’t be able to film, so use it to vlog yourself properly."

Apparently, the school had already given permission for this.

Wait, why—oh, wait, didn’t I mention this?

Before the party, Seoyeon had asked Dahyun a question.

“Would it be okay to film a vlog?”

To that, Dahyun had replied,

"Since the school is already filming for promotional purposes before the party starts, I guess it’s fine? Plus, if it’s a vlog, it’s just you in it, so it should be okay."

In truth, Seoyeon hadn’t been serious about filming anything. She’d only asked on a whim, wondering if showing a more casual side of herself at the party might help lessen the impact of the recent Bear Rider meme.

Seoyeon had been doing her utmost to manage her image.

"If it’s something I have to do, then I’ll do it."

"..."

At Jiyeon’s insistence, Seoyeon accepted the selfie stick. She never imagined a day would come when she’d actually use one.

"How do you even work this thing?"

"How would I know? I’ve never used one before."

Sometimes, Seoyeon thought, Jiyeon could be so heartless.

In any case, it seemed like the school’s official stream was still being broadcast.

"Jiyeon, you should be in the vlog too. You’re part of our agency, remember?"

"...What? No way. It’s embarrassing."

"What about me, then?"

"You’re all dolled up. If I stand next to you, how do you think I’ll look?"

...Fair point.

Unlike Jiyeon’s simple high school makeup, Seoyeon’s look was undeniably professional. The comparison would be unavoidable.

"Seoyeon, if it’s too much pressure, I can help you," Dahyun offered, speaking up after listening quietly. She didn’t mind if her face got some exposure.

"Really?"

"Yeah."

Seeing this, Jung Hajin, who had been silently watching nearby, suddenly had a look of realization.

Oh no. I could’ve approached it like that?!

"Um, maybe I can—"

"You’re not allowed."

Jiyeon’s icy glare stopped Hajin mid-sentence. Under the weight of Jiyeon’s sharp gaze, Hajin fell silent.

For an idol trainee, Jiyeon was far too intimidating to challenge.

While Seoyeon might currently have greater public recognition as an actress, Jiyeon wasn’t far behind. She’d played supporting roles in cable dramas and even led a recent film.

Even the school bullies steer clear of her...

Among the first-year girls, Jiyeon led the most influential group. Crossing her could make high school life unbearable.

How does she not have any school violence rumors?

It was genuinely baffling to Hajin, who could only back down quietly.

"Now then, with the preparations complete, students can enjoy the party!"

The reporters had left, and the only camera remaining was the one attached to Seoyeon’s selfie stick.

With Seoyeon’s dramatic entrance settling down, the prom officially began in the school’s gymnasium.

*****

"[A Glimpse of Ordinary(?) High School Charm: Ju Seoyeon’s Year-End Party]"

"[I Misunderstood the Dress Code!! Ju Seoyeon’s Surprising Charms]"

"[We’re Best Friends~, Ju Seoyeon and Lee Jiyeon Flaunt Their Friendship]"

Articles about Yeonhwa High School’s year-end party surfaced online. While they didn’t attract major attention, they were more than enough to satisfy Seoyeon’s fans.

More importantly, the event served as excellent publicity for the school. Judging by the comments left under the articles, even the school’s teachers couldn’t help but smile.

What garnered the most buzz, however, was the party vlog uploaded to Seoyeon’s agency’s official account.

"LOL, I’m watching Ju Seoyeon’s vlog right now, and what is she even doing?""She stumbles over her words so much. It’s so obvious she’s never done this kind of thing before, LOL."

The video featured Seoyeon wandering around the party with a selfie stick in hand. She awkwardly attempted to dance and struggled to hold proper conversations with her peers.

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“Should I, um, try dancing? But... how do I even...”

"Ugh, just grab someone and dance already! It’s not that hard, is it?""Is this an act, or is this genuinely how she is?"

“If you want to dance, Seoyeon, why not dance with me?”

“I’ve never danced before...”

“I’ll teach you. It’s not hard.”

“O-okay.”

"Class rep, is there anything she can’t do? She’s eloquent and dances well too.""Ju Seoyeon’s personal trainer, first-tier LOL."

“You shouldn’t use terms like ‘trainer’ for a friend.”

"Yes, ma’am.""The class rep should totally start streaming—she’d be great at it."

Despite it being her vlog, the one taking charge of the situation ended up being Gil Dahyun. But Seoyeon couldn’t help it—streaming live was far harder than she had anticipated.

“Wow, this is much tougher than I thought.”

Watching Lee Jiyeon, who was casually observing with her arms crossed, Seoyeon couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe and envy.

Being able to speak smoothly and confidently during a live broadcast was clearly a skill.

It made her question if she truly had the talent to succeed as a VTuber.

Despite her self-doubt, the broadcast received glowing praise. While Dahyun might have managed the flow, Seoyeon was undoubtedly the star.

Her various antics were enough to keep viewers thoroughly entertained.

"It’s not that people find Ju Seoyeon intimidating—she’s the one intimidated by them.""If you look closely, she can’t even make proper eye contact LOL.""I always thought Ju Seoyeon had a fierce vibe, but I guess not.""Honestly, if that girl walking around with her hadn’t been there, communication would’ve been impossible.""The girl with her is adorable, though—she speaks so clearly.""Is this really Ju Seoyeon’s vlog, or is it the class rep’s vlog featuring Ju Seoyeon?""By the way, is Ju Seoyeon close with Summer Girl? They performed at her school, right?""Yeah, they’re close."

Seoyeon’s schoolgirl persona—so vastly different from the lively energy she showed on variety shows or the cold, elegant roles she played in films and dramas—revealed her as just an ordinary, awkward girl.

If anything, the vlog captured her shy and timid interactions with other students so vividly that people began to wonder if she might actually be a bit of a loner at school.

"Nah, it’s just part of her image management, LOL.""Still, she only seems to have two friends.""But it’s fine—she’s cute!""Her reaction to accidentally overdressing was so real LOL.""That’s what made me a fan of Ju Seoyeon. Which movie of hers should I watch first?""The Chaser. Start there."

└ "You’re recommending The Chaser to someone who finds her cute? Are you nuts? LOL."

As the rumors and memes about Seoyeon’s Bear Rider persona briefly subsided, her real—or at least perceived—self began to circulate in online communities.

Clips of her embarrassed entrance, flustered and trying to hide her fancy dress, spread across numerous forums.

Watching one such clip, Sua muttered under her breath.

“...So she really is Mom’s daughter.”

“...”

“Unnie, she’s just like Mom.”

“Don’t say it like that—it sounds weird.”

Honestly, Sua hadn’t expected Seoyeon’s high school life to mirror her own so closely.