My Girlfriend Is a Fan of Me

After Joo-ha entered elementary school, the first summer vacation approached.

In other words, it was the day when the whole family of five would go on a trip together for the first time.

“Dad! Can I pack my water gun too?”

“Of course, bring everything you want to play with, Joo-ha.”

“Yay!”

We all woke up early in the morning to pack and get ready to leave, but with three kids, it was like a chaotic party!

Just when we thought we had packed everything, Joo-ha would sneak in with some new item to add, and every time we packed more, more items appeared. At this rate, we might end up with a bag reminiscent of a blue cat’s tool pouch from a cartoon!

“What clothes do you want to wear today, Gyuri?”

“I want to wear this!”

“Do you like the new clothes Grandpa got you?”

“Yeah!”

Meanwhile, my wife was busy picking out clothes as Gyuri’s personal stylist.

“What is our son so focused on?”

“A sandcastle! I’m going to build it with Dad!”

“Oh, is that so? Dad will have to work hard!”

I wondered what Yoo-chan was so focused on with my phone; he was busy looking up videos on how to make sandcastles on the internet.

To make something of that quality would probably take us a month of living there. I wonder if we can pull it off. Still, as a dad, I have to do my best.

“Hey, honey, over here.”

As we thought we had packed everything, we started loading the car with our bags, and my wife came out with a few more items that had been left inside.

I could have managed on my own.

“Thanks. By the way, where’s Gyuri?”

“I’ve changed her. We just need to put her in the car now.”

“Looks like we’ll leave sooner than I expected.”

I had anticipated it would take at least two hours to get ready, but surprisingly, everything was organized quickly. We were all set in less than an hour.

“Are you sure you can drive alone? Should we call a chauffeur now…?”

“I’m fine. We can take a break at a rest area on the way.”

I closed the trunk and turned on the AC, preparing for the kids to come out, when my wife spoke up with a worried tone.

Honestly, we had originally planned to take a domestic flight like last time when we went to Busan, but it seemed tickets were sold out due to the peak vacation season.

So, we had no choice but to drive ourselves. My wife suggested calling a driver a day before, but I declined.

After all, it was a rare family trip, and having someone else with us might make the kids uncomfortable. I also felt bad to rely on someone else for such a long journey.

That said, my wife seemed to feel bad for not checking on tickets earlier. I guess I share some blame in that too.

Anyway, being too nice can be a problem sometimes.

“Should we turn on the broadcast for a bit? It might get boring on the way down, anyway.”

“Yeah, that sounds good. The kids will enjoy it too.”

When I casually asked while watching the kids put on their shoes or sandals, my wife showed a positive reaction.

It was not so much about broadcasting, but since this was the first trip for the whole family, it also served to create memories. Plus, as mentioned earlier, it was to keep what could be a boring time entertaining.

After all, spending from my own pocket effectively meant we were going on a trip funded by viewers, so I figured it would be nice to at least express my gratitude.

“Wow! Gyuri is first!”

“I’m first!”

Meanwhile, if I was wondering why it was such a commotion, the twin kids had rushed out and were competing for who was first in a race.

A sudden playful fight broke out, but thankfully…

“If Gyuri and Yoo-chan don’t ride, I’ll be first!”

“Ah, no! Gyuri is going to ride first!”

“Me too…!”

Thanks to our eldest daughter stepping in calmly, the argument didn’t escalate into anything serious.

Is this what you’d call an eight-year-old’s maturity?

“Hey, honey, if you’re tired, just say so. I can take over driving anytime.”

“Got it. I’ll say something if I’m really tired.”

“Sure, you say that, but you’re always driving alone…”

Though maybe our Mrs. lent her age to Joo-ha for a bit.

The way she pouted in discontent was incredibly cute. Who would guess she’s a mother of three?

“Okay, okay. I get it, so let’s get in the car, Director. The kids are waiting eagerly.”

“Humph.”

As I comforted my wife who was sulking for an absurd reason of never having been handed the steering wheel, we all got into the car, and the refreshing air from the AC welcomed us.

After fastening our seat belts and checking the kids’ belts, I placed my hands on the steering wheel with quite an excited heart.

How long had it been since I felt such excitement just from the word “travel”?

“Alright, then let’s get started, everyone.”

“Let’s gooo!”

“Yay!”

“It’s the sea!”

I adopted the tone of our home’s driver to get into character, and the kids reacted passionately.

Seeing their excited faces in the rearview mirror, I couldn’t help but feel proud as I adjusted the gear.

Finally, we were off on our family’s first trip.

*

Fortunately, getting out of Seoul didn’t take long, and before we knew it, we were on the highway.

The road was clear, and I could enjoy the driving thrill—though I kept the pace moderate since I wasn’t alone.

“Today we’re off to~ the sea~.”

And the one turning what could be a boring trip lively was undoubtedly our eldest daughter, happily singing along to the music that played.

We weren’t the only ones enjoying this sight.

【‘Ujunenejeongki fans’ donated 200,000 cheese!】
– Our Joo-ha is so cute! A lot of aunts really love her!

Those were the viewers watching from the screen of my phone.

Naturally, I focused on driving, so I couldn’t respond or check the chat window, but my wife had her tablet out beside me, so it wasn’t a big issue.

“Thank you, Ujunenejeongki fans, for the 200k cheese donation! I hope you received the gift I sent before.”

Recently, I’d been doing some outdoor streams with my wife and kids, so she had gotten quite skilled at running the broadcasts.

The mentioned gift was probably one I occasionally sent to our broadcast chairman, likely during holidays or special occasions. It’s my wife who handles it using her own money; viewers still joke around saying, “Cosmo, pay more taxes!”

It’s been nearly ten years since we got married, and I can’t believe they still say that!

“Hey, honey. There’s a rest area coming up. Should we stop for a bit?”

As we drove in a lively atmosphere, a sign indicating a rest area soon appeared.

“Yeah, let’s do that. The kids probably need to use the restroom. You should have a coffee while you’re at it.”

“That sounds good.”

I had forgotten to grab a coffee that morning, so I was feeling the need for caffeine.

“Hey kids, are you hungry?”

“No!”

“I’m fine!”

“Me too!”

When we arrived at the rest area and I parked the car, I asked the kids if they were feeling hungry, but it seemed they were still full from their breakfast-lunch combo.

Should I just buy them a snack then? After all, the true romance of a rest area is the snacks!

“Hey everyone, what should we eat at the rest area? Recommend something!”

【Kokkiyaho】- Spiral potato, let’s go!

【Allfreed】- How about a hot bar?

【I’m Telling The Teacher】- Something the kids enjoy, like so-tteok so-tteok.

【HolicShit】- Please eat a cheese hotdog…

I realized too late asking the viewers was a foolish move. It was unlikely to reach any consensus.

Regretting my decision, I attached my phone to the camera pole and got out of the car. As expected of a rest area, a variety of snacks wafted around, enticing me from all directions.

I wasn’t even that hungry, but the smell was making it hard to think straight.

“Kids, do you want anything?”

“I want so-tteok so-tteok!”

“I want dalimanjoo!”

“Gyuri wants kkwichi!”

【Arisa Loves It】- So-tteok so-tteok is the best! Haha!

【Bera666】- I can’t agree with dalimanjoo.

【White Whale】- Dalimanjoo is delicious though, what’s this?

【BlueBungieWooRuh】- Do they sell kkwichi at the rest area now?

That kkwichi must be referring to the grilled cheese, right? And wow, they actually sell that here? I had no idea rest areas have stepped up!

“Hey honey, I’ll get the kids’ snacks, you go enjoy a coffee.”

“Are you sure? There are quite a few people…”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Hurry up.”

【LemonTanghulu】- Yes!

【White Whale】- As expected of Seo-ha, so considerate!

【MeatCurry】- Once again, overflowing with maternal love…

Despite my wife’s thoughtful consideration for my driving duties, I saw that viewers seemed more touched by her than I was. Nevertheless, it was a grateful offer, so I went swiftly to one of the nearby franchise stores.

Fortunately, this restaurant area was less crowded than the outside.

“Welcome! Would you like to order?”

“Yes, I’ll have an iced Americano and an iced cappuccino, please.”

“That’s one iced Americano and an iced cappuccino, right? That’ll be 10,000 won.”

I had enough cash on me for the bill, and thankfully, the coffee was prepared quite quickly since there weren’t many orders.

As I grabbed my drinks and headed back to my wife, someone suddenly called out to me.

“Um, are you… Mr. Cosmo?”

“Oh, yes, that’s me.”

“Wow! I’m such a big fan!”

It seemed the barista recognized me as she was handing me the drink, her eyes sparkling with delight.

“I didn’t know you were live streaming while on the job today. Could I possibly get an autograph?”

“Oh, of course! I’d be happy to.”

While I was in a hurry, I couldn’t ignore someone who recognized me like that, so I readily agreed to give her an autograph.

【BOOMBOOM】- Wow!

【Adios Dao】- Major fan encounter!

【tws2425】- The celebrity aura is real!

A wave of admiration came flooding in from the chat, but I tried to ignore it.

“Thank you so much! I really enjoy watching your broadcasts, brother!”

“Oh, brother…? Haha, I feel too old for that… But still, thank you!”

After signing for her, as I was about to leave, the way she referred to me threw me off guard—being called “brother” was unexpected. I didn’t think I’d still be getting that at my age.

【BINGO】- This guy’s blushing!

【Lucid Dream 7】- You’re dead meat, buddy!

【SeafoodSauce】- Look at him blush at being called ‘brother’ ㅋㅋ!

In my hurry, I somewhat skimmed through the chat and missed what other comments were passing by.

Anyway, once I returned to my wife with the coffees, the food had arrived fast enough that I saw the kids diligently holding their respective meals.

Oh my, what a heartwarming sight.

“Here you go, sweetheart. Cappuccino.”

“Thank you! How did you know I wanted a cappuccino?”

“You’ve been having iced cappuccinos all this while when it’s hot.”

Just as I handed over the coffee, a warm atmosphere was about to set in.

【‘From the bottom of the pot’ donated 10,000 cheese!】
– The lady just called the guy “brother,” and he’s smiling ear to ear!

“……!?”

Out of the blue came the donation message, nearly making me drop my cup.

What the hell, you crazies! When did my lips curl up with a smile!?

It seems that everyone knows my wife has some jealousy, and their message was likely aimed to provoke her.

Peering to my side carefully with trembling eyes, I noticed my wife calmly glancing between her phone and mine, sizing up the situation.

This brief moment felt incredibly long as I anxiously awaited her response.

“Oh, I see… then should we head out, brother?”

“Uh, um…?”

Finally, my wife spoke, revealing a surprising remark that didn’t carry even a hint of anger, and I blinked in confusion.

Looking closely, a teasing smile played on her lips—she clearly saw this as a great opportunity to joke around rather than being angry.

“Dad! Why is Mom calling you brother?”

“Um, well…?”

Our innocent kids demanded an explanation, and I could only muster a wry smile, avoiding direct eye contact.

【Soju Flavored Hand Cream】- Mom has changed…

【Moscos】- I didn’t want this kind of reaction…

【K-HipHopTopCosmo】- Wait, why am I tearing up?

【The Missing Frog】- I tuned in hoping for a showdown and ended up getting trauma instead!

I decided to sip on my coffee while relishing in the flood of tears from the viewers during this moment.

Yeah, if you’re jealous, you all can go marry a wife like mine.

---