Chapter 266 - Comeback (26): Piggyback

Everyone had a jolly time as they relished the amazing food. The dancers were eagerly talking to Mirae, asking her all sorts of questions while also giving her advice on how to train new dancers. Mirae was very keen to know their insights.

"A separate dance academy can help Mystic Entertainment to expand beyond the limitations of entertainment," Jaein was saying. "You see, many youths are being exploited in their passion to become stars. They are running into sleazy dealers and get entangled in a casting couch. When agencies have their own educational institutes, it's different from trainee programs because the students are getting a proper education alongside the dance training. They can choose their areas of specialty instead of being under pressure of learning an area of music they are not interested in."

"That is a really good idea," Mirae said thoughtfully. Her mind was already thinking of the various possibilities. With a private academy, the students will also be safe from the influence of the Cartel and they can groom the students in various fields so that once they graduate, they could be recruited by top agencies.

"We'll definitely pitch this one to the investors," she promised. "It's going to be an amazing opportunity for us to explore untapped areas."

Behind them, a group gathered around Somi. They were awestruck by her cute charm.

"Unnie, you look even better in real life," one of the dancers praised her. "What is the secret to your beauty? I wish I was as beautiful as you!"

"Don't say such things!" Somi laughed. "Everyone is beautiful. And I think you are much prettier than me."

"No unnie! You're the prettiest!"

They were admiring her humble nature. Contrary to the rumors they had heard about Somi being difficult to work with, she was a very capable planner and treated her staff well. It was the people who misbehaved with her employees who were in the real trouble of facing the Nation's Love's wrath. Otherwise she was strict yet kind to everyone who worked for her. Shelley, who was sitting with her, could not be more thankful for a boss like her.

"Ma'am I'll get you more soju," she offered. Somi politely nodded and accepted the drink from her.

Meanwhile, KJ was busy talking to the choreographer. "How big is the stage?" he asked. "Have you checked it?"

"Yes," Kim said at once. "It's quite high. You'll be carried up by a lift which has been attached to the stage. Underneath, the stage is held together by strong metal pillars. It's very spacious under the stage but the pillars are sturdy. So there are no chances of any accidents. Moreover, the area is wide so the dancers will have plenty of space to spread out."

"Make sure that the security around the stage is tightened," he suggested. "No one can get anywhere near the stage. And check those 7A members thoroughly before and after their performance. The security team has already been briefed to tail them and the stage will be checked once again after their performance is over."

"Yes KJ," Kim nodded. Even though he had little idea what was going on, he was ready to help KJ in any way he could. Since choreographers were well acquainted with the stage, KJ had entrusted him with its maintenance and management.

Their dinner party continued till late night. Mirae took advantage of KJ's distraction and drank to her fill. By the time the gathering was over, she was completely drunk. KJ sighed as his wife was almost about to pass out on the table.

"Get up," he cajoled her but Mirae looked at him and giggled. 

"Hubbyyyyy!" she exclaimed loudly, causing everyone around her to snicker. KJ pulled his wife to her feet but she was swaying.

"KJ, I think she needs a piggyback ride," Somi joked, barely managing to stifle her laughter. She was enjoying KJ's mortified expression as Mirae held him into a tight hug.

"It's alright KJ!" Kim encouraged him. "You should help your wife."

"Piggyback!" Somi cheered. "Piggyback! Piggyback!"

Soon, the others joined her in cheering for them. Even Mirae, in her drunken state, cried out, "Piggyback!"

Without warning, she jumped on his back. KJ barely managed to hold her steady as she wrapped her legs around his waist, hugging his back tightly. She giggled as KJ held her thighs firmly to keep her from falling off.

My wife sure is a handful, he thought as the others hooted and clapped. 

"Yes yes," KJ said warily. "My wife is a bad drunk. Let's all go home now."

Slowly, everyone began to disperse. After saying their goodbyes, Somi headed into one of the vans with the dance team while KJ was left to walk all the way towards the parking lot where Mirae's car was parked. 

Mirae was fast asleep against his back, while he kept a firm grip on her. If he was being honest, it did not bother him one bit to be carrying her like this. His wife might be a little chaotic but he liked this side of hers. Her cute side, her anger, her smile. Everything was for him and him only. Even if he was cold towards her in the original timeline, he had learnt from his mistakes. He wanted to experience all the things they could not do in the past and this time, they would remain happy together. Forever.

"Jiwon?" she m.o.a.ned as he kept on walking towards the parking lot right outside the restaurant.

"What is it wifey?" he asked softly, slightly turning his face. Seeing her chance, she kissed his cheek.

"I love you!" she admitted shyly. KJ smiled and replied, "I know."

He reached her car and carefully seated her on the passenger seat before heading over to the driver's spot. He got in and made sure that she was buckled up properly. She was fast asleep again.

KJ started the engine and backed out of the parking lot before speeding off into the highway. An hour later, he pulled up in front of their mansion. He got out of the car and carried his wife in bridal style towards their bedroom, laying her on the bed.

"Mirae," he nudged her. She stirred a little, her eyes fluttering to open. 

"Are you still feeling drunk?" he asked, stroking her hair.

"No," she yawned. "I've managed to sleep it off."

Suddenly, her eyes snapped open. 

"Your music video will be launched in a few minutes!" she realized, checking the wall clock. There was still half an hour left for the video to be released. 

"Let's freshen up first," KJ chuckled. "We'll watch it together."

Feeling a rush of adrenaline soar through her, she got up and headed straight for the bathroom. KJ also headed for the spare bathroom to change into more comfortable clothes. He wanted to watch the video together with her. It was a special song and even though she had seen the music video already, watching it together when it released was a different feeling.

He quickly changed and returned to their room. Taking out the laptop, he sat on the bed, tuning in to the online streaming site. Soon, Mirae rushed out of the bathroom in her grey t-shirt and pajamas. She did not even dry her hair properly in her anticipation as she rushed to sit next to him.

"Is it out?" she asked.

"One more minute," he said. They waited for the clock to strike twelve. As soon as the hands of the clock touched twelve, KJ pressed the refresh button on the laptop.

"This is it," he whispered to his wife. It was his comeback.