The Lucky Fans (LEE JUN HO'S FANFICTION // ENG VER)

09. Rhea is Missing!

Applause filled the air as they wrapped up their last practice session. Even with her foot wrapped in cohesive bandage, Rhea managed to complete her routine with no problem. By chance, her eyes met Jun Ho's, who was watching her intently. He gave her a smile, which made Rhea blush as she recalled what happened the night before.

Ji Hye, observing the exchange between Jun Ho and Rhea, could only shake her head. "Can't he just confess his feelings already? He's 33 years old! His hesitation is driving me nuts."

With no events planned for the day, the lucky fans decided to head to a salon in Myeongdong for a makeover and to pick up a few things at Olive Young. Sang Hee and Ji Hye joined in too. Since Sang Hee had promised to treat everyone, she'd be covering the expenses. Meanwhile, Ji Hye had her own secret mission.

Kayla cheerfully helped Rhea walk. Although the pain had eased, Rhea needed to be careful to speed up her recovery. As Rhea walked carefully, Jun Ho waved at her from a distance. She responded with a smile, her mood lifting as she saw him.

"If things keep going like this, you two look like a couple of celebrities secretly dating, trying to keep it hidden from your group," Ji Hye said as she brushed past Jun Ho.

Myeongdong is a shopping paradise for tourists, with everything from food to beauty products. However, their first stop was the salon. Some of them were planning to change their hair colors—Jennifer wanted to try an ashy purple, while Hana was going for a fall-inspired shade.

Rhea, on the other hand, wanted to keep her black hair. She simply asked the staff to give her a trim. Her request wasn't anything out of the ordinary; she just wanted a cut that would suit her face and hair type, keeping it short enough to still tie up.

Rhea had been known for her short hair for ages. Now that her hair had grown out, she decided it was time for a change. She also opted for some nail art—her entire makeover was for a shoot the next day. Rhea asked the staff for a mature look that wouldn't come across as cheap. And ... let the magical hands of the Korean salon staff work their wonders, and you'll be amazed by the result.

-ooo-

The five of them were in the waiting room, getting their makeup and costumes finalized. Although they had changed clothes, Rhea was still wearing her training pants. "Ouch, my stomach hurts! I need to go to the bathroom for a minute," she said, dashing off as if she couldn't hold it any longer.

"Don't blink," Kyung Mi instructed as she helped Elisa put in her contact lenses. After thirty minutes of struggling with the stubborn lenses, even with the help of two staff members, it seemed like the lenses had a mind of their own.

With immense patience, Kyung Mi finally managed to get the gray contact lenses perfectly fitted on Elisa. Now it was Kyung Mi's turn to put in her lenses. They had only ten minutes left before showtime. The five of them gathered for a quick prayer, piling their hands on top of each other for encouragement.

Despite only having practiced for three days, their performance left Super Junior, 2PM, and the staff thoroughly impressed. Some of the staff even suggested they audition. After their performance, Rhea hurriedly turned around to fasten a few buttons on her shirt that had come undone, revealing the crop top underneath. For a moment, she regretted agreeing to Jennifer's wild idea.

A cameraman approached Dong Hae, ready to shoot some behind-the-scenes footage. Dong Hae showed him the candid shots he'd captured of the lucky fans during their performance. "Don't I look like a fan club photographer?" he joked.

Soon after, Hee Chul joined them and checked out Dong Hae's photos. "Dong Hae, send me these pictures," he said.

Sang Hee was organizing a group photo with Super Junior and the lucky fans. They struck their signature pose, showing their palms, before moving to more casual poses.

"Want to take a photo?" Ye Sung asked. Rhea could hardly believe it; she never imagined a superstar like Ye Sung would ask her for a picture. Naturally, she didn't refuse—such chances don't come around often.

"Jamkkanman," Rhea said, stepping aside. Even as a fan of Ye Sung, it was hard to grasp that she was about to have a photo with him.

After her heart rate settled, they took another group photo. Rhea made sure to ask for permission from Ye Sung to post the photo on Instagram. But Ye Sung had another surprise in store. After the photo, he handed her his latest mini album, Unfading Sense, and ended with a gentle hug.

Ye Sung waved goodbye as he had another schedule to attend. "Wow, a free mini album and a hug!" Tia nudged Rhea's shoulder playfully.

Rhea nodded, too overwhelmed to speak. "Let me take a Polaroid of you with the mini album," she offered, posing while holding up Ye Sung's mini album with her left hand.

Meanwhile, the cameraman continued filming behind-the-scenes footage. The next target was Elisa, who was sitting in the waiting room, fiddling with her phone. Rhea was seated next to Hee Chul.

"I just stumbled upon something funny," Elisa said, showing her Instagram feed to the camera. "A few minutes ago, Rhea Eonni posted a photo." Elisa displayed Rhea's Instagram post, showcasing her photos from that day with a dark, moody filter and a 1:1 format.

"Then, just seconds later, Hee Chul Oppa posted a candid photo of Rhea Eonni," Elisa said, showing Hee Chul's post. The photo captured Rhea in a candid moment, taking off her glasses during the performance. "Rhea Eonni tried to hide her sexy look, but Hee Chul Oppa exposed it," Elisa laughed.

The camera cut to Rhea, who was giving Hee Chul a sidelong glance. She had told him he could only post photos she approved, but it seemed the opposite had happened.

-ooo-

That night, they held an after party at the lucky fans' apartment. Only members of Super Junior, 2PM, Sang Hee, and Ji Hye were present. They all came bearing gifts for the lucky fans: Si Won brought meat, Nichkhun brought instant meals, Ji Hye brought fruit, and more.

Jun Ho ordered Korean fried chicken when he arrived at the apartment, while Hee Chul had already picked up several bottles of soju on his way. At that moment, they shed their idol personas and mingled like family, having a blast and enjoying each other's company.

"Cheers to The Lucky Fans!" They all toasted and drank soju together, with Hana opting for soda instead. Despite the temptation, all the soju bottles were kept away by Jun Ho and Lee Teuk.

"A few days ago, I went to Kyung Mi's café in Dongdaemun and ordered some food. Everything was delicious. I've been recommending the oat latte to my friends," Si Won shared.

"Thank you! Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I could have helped prepare," Kyung Mi replied.

"I didn't actually plan to go there; I just happened to be passing by on my way to the shoot. So I decided to drop in," Si Won explained.

Kyung Mi thanked him again, realizing why one of her staff had mentioned the café was bustling with visitors lately—thanks to Choi Si Won's effect.

"I need to use the restroom for a moment," Rhea whispered to Ji Hye before heading to the bathroom. Her face was already flushed, even though she had only had two glasses.

The after party grew livelier as Hee Chul and Woo Young performed a duet. They sang, danced, and played games, until Ji Hye noticed Rhea hadn't returned from the restroom for the past twenty minutes.

Worried, Ji Hye went to check on Rhea. "Rhea-ya," she called, knocking on the bathroom door. She knocked again and called out, but there was no response. The door wasn't locked. Ji Hye found the bathroom empty.

Panicked, she ran back to the living room and shouted, "Oppadeul, Rhea is missing!"