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Saturday Morning.
Kang Family Apartment.
Joon-Ho was hiding in the laundry basket.
Yes, again.
Yes, by choice.
Why?
Because his front door was being surrounded… by students from his school.
Some had flowers.
Some had fan signs.
One kid had a guitar and was playing a sad love song titled, "Dance Me to the Vending Machine."
"WHY are they here?!" he whisper-screamed.
His sister peeked over the basket with her phone.
"Because your stupid alien swan dance went viral."
"I TOLD YOU TO DELETE THAT FOOTAGE!"
"Too late. I uploaded it."
"…WHAT?!"
She showed him the screen.
> Trending #1: #VendingMachineOppa
Views: 3.2 Million
Comments:
– "He's not human."
– "I saw him hover. I SWEAR."
– "Teach me your dance, cosmic king!!"
– "Is he single?"
– "I'm naming my baby 'Joon-Ho'."
---
Desperate Measures
He fled.
Disguised himself using his father's bucket hat, mother's oversized sunglasses, and a scarf that said "Best Mom Ever."
He slipped out the back entrance like a ninja.
Destination: The Planet.
Mission: One peaceful meal.
Mood: Emotionally tired but snack-hungry.
> [System: Teleport Ready. Gold Star Available.]
"Take me to my safe place… I need noodles."
---
Gold Star: Peaceful, Gold, and Suddenly Spicier
POP!
He landed beside the vending machine.
Still no creatures.
Still quiet wind.
Still glowing soil.
Still looked like rich Mars.
He approached the vending machine and noticed a NEW item flashing.
> [NEW: Galaxy Fire Ramen Cup]
Warning: May cause temporary illusions, telepathy, or extreme emotional crying.
"…Perfect."
He pressed the button.
The cup dropped.
He peeled the lid.
Instant heat slapped his face like an angry auntie.
He took the first bite.
His eyes watered.
He hiccupped.
Then screamed: "IT TASTES LIKE AN EXPLOSION IN A VOLCANO MADE OF SUNLIGHT!!"
And then—visions.
Yes, actual visions.
He saw a space chicken tap-dancing.
He saw himself dancing again in front of millions.
He saw a future where his fridge became Prime Minister.
"…Okay, that might've been too much spice."
---
Meanwhile, Back on Earth
In his absence, things got worse.
Fan clubs formed.
A girl claimed she saw him floating above her ramen cart.
Someone started selling unofficial merch.
T-shirts with "Hover King", stickers of his confused dance face, even mugs that said "Banana Milk is Life."
The worst part?
His teacher called his mom.
---
Back at Home, Sunday Night
He returned from his galactic noodle trip to find his family in the living room, dead silent.
His mom stared at him like a detective.
His dad crossed his arms like a security guard.
His sister held up her phone.
"Oppa. Explain this."
She played a video clip.
Joon-Ho, spinning in the air, glowing like a disco ghost, crying while holding ramen.
"…That's... not me."
"It says 'Joon-Ho's Spicy Breakdown — Episode 1'."
"That could be anyone."
"You're wearing the same socks."
His mom leaned forward.
"Are you... secretly a trainee? For a boy band?"
"NO!"
His dad nodded slowly. "He's too weird. It's either idols or aliens. There's no third option."
---
System Pop-Up
> [New Achievement: 'Accidental Idol' Unlocked]
Fame +1
Awkwardness +3
Would you like to release an official dance tutorial?
"NO!"
> Tutorial auto-post scheduled for Monday.
"WHAT KIND OF SYSTEM IS THIS?!"
---
To Be Continued…