Babysitting, Yuqi's way
“Alright, kids, have fun with Yuqi here. I have somewhere to attend to.” Future Minnie flashes a knowing smile, adjusting the cuff of her sleek designer blazer. Her tone is light, but there’s an unmistakable authority behind it.
She turns to Future Yuqi with a raised brow. “Yuqi, behave with the kids. And don’t do anything crazy.” Her words are pointed, laced with the kind of familiarity that suggests she’s had to say this more than once. With that, she strides toward the door, her heels clicking against the polished floor. She doesn’t look back as she exits, leaving behind Future Yuqi and five very bewildered time travelers.
A heavy silence settles over the room, thick with unspoken questions. It stretches just long enough to be uncomfortable before Soyeon crosses her arms and narrows her eyes.
“Why do I feel like I don’t trust you?” she finally says, her voice cutting through the quiet like a blade.
Future Yuqi’s lips curl into a slow, amused smirk. Without hesitation, she strides forward, closing the distance between them until she’s standing just close enough for Soyeon to catch the scent of her musky cologne. It’s rich, intoxicating—almost suffocating.
The others remain frozen in place, watching with a mix of curiosity and apprehension as Future Yuqi lifts a hand and playfully ruffles Soyeon’s hair, her fingers lingering just a second too long.
“Don’t worry, honey,” she whispers, her voice a husky promise that sends a shiver down Soyeon’s spine. “You’ll understand soon.”
Soyeon instinctively steps back, pulling away as if she needs air. Her expression flickers—confusion, frustration, something else she doesn’t quite recognize.
Younger Yuqi, who had been watching with furrowed brows, suddenly feels something twist in her chest. It’s a strange, unwelcome sensation, and she doesn’t like it one bit.
Clearing her throat, she forces a bright grin and steps between them, clapping her hands together. “Okay, future me, how about you show us some fun things instead?” Her voice is louder than necessary, a little too eager, but she doesn’t care. Anything to shift the mood.
Future Yuqi glances at her younger self, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Oh, sweetheart,” she purrs. “You have no idea what you just signed up for.”
-
Yuqi brings them to her penthouse, where they’ll be staying.
Future Yuqi’s penthouse is a perfect blend of effortless luxury and controlled chaos, reflecting her vibrant personality. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a breathtaking view of the neon-lit city skyline, while the sleek, high-tech interior is contrasted by her personal, carefree touch. A massive, oversized couch dominates the living space, covered in plush pillows and half-thrown blankets, with a cluttered coffee table nearby—littered with a futuristic tablet, random trinkets, and a half-finished takeout container.
A floating bookshelf holds a chaotic mix of comics, records, and odd objects like a rubber chicken and a disco ball, while a neon sign flickers against an exposed brick wall, boldly declaring, “NO RULES, JUST VIBES.”
The penthouse doubles as an entertainment hub, boasting a curved-screen TV loaded with video games and playlists titled “Bangers Only,” alongside a sarcastic AI assistant and a gaming setup that suggests Yuqi still enjoys destroying people online for fun. The kitchen, though futuristic, is clearly underused, with a fridge mostly stocked with energy drinks, instant ramen, and a handwritten note from Future Minnie scolding her to “Eat a vegetable.” Beyond the glass doors, a rooftop balcony offers a private escape, complete with a hammock, a few bean bags, and her sleek hover bike parked dangerously close to the edge. Every detail in the space radiates Yuqi’s signature mix of mischief, independence, and underlying sentimentality—proof that while the world around her has changed, she’s still Yuqi, through and through.
The time traveler's watches in awe and Future Yuqi just smirked amused.
The time travelers step inside cautiously, their wide eyes drinking in the chaotic yet strangely luxurious space. Everything about it screams Yuqi—unapologetically loud, effortlessly cool, and just the right amount of questionable life choices.
"Fun fact! Minnie and Shuhua used to live here! Not until those two idiots settled." Future Yuqi says taking off her blazer and rolling up her sleeves.
"Settle? Me?" Shuhua repeats, looking personally offended. "There's no way. I refuse to believe that."
Future Yuqi just grins, strolling past them and flopping onto her oversized couch, stretching like a satisfied cat. "Believe it, babe. One day, you trade in the all-nighters for cozy Netflix marathons and grocery lists." She wiggles her fingers dramatically. "Domestic life gets you eventually."
Shuhua looks horrified. "I feel betrayed by my own future."
"To be fair, you and Minnie used to treat this place like some Sawadeehao palace—parties, pranks, chaos. The good days," Future Yuqi sighs wistfully. Then she sits up suddenly, eyes twinkling. "Actually, hold on."
She reaches over to the coffee table, flicking through an old holographic device before pulling up a series of saved videos. The screen flickers to life, revealing a younger Future Minnie and Shuhua laughing hysterically while attempting to race on hoverboards indoors. The video ends abruptly when Minnie crashes into a floating bookshelf, sending comics and records flying.
"Classic," Future Yuqi snickers, turning the display toward the group.
Minnie pinches the bridge of her nose. "Great. So my future self is still dealing with your nonsense."
"You love it," Future Yuqi shoots back with a wink.
Meanwhile, Younger Yuqi is still standing near the doorway, eyes darting between the messy bookshelf, the dartboard covered in sarcastic sticky notes, and the ridiculous neon sign on the wall. There’s something weird about seeing this version of herself—someone who clearly made it, who lived the dream, yet somehow still felt… the same.
Younger Yuqi clears her throat. "Okay, future me, you promised fun. What’s next?"
Future Yuqi’s smirk deepens.
"Oh, sweetheart," she purrs, hopping to her feet. "I was hoping you'd say that."
She claps her hands, and suddenly, the penthouse lights dim, music kicks in, and a hidden section of the wall.
As the wall slides open, the time travelers brace themselves—because knowing Yuqi, whatever’s behind it won’t be normal. And they’re right.
A hidden arcade flickers to life, filled with neon lights, old-school game consoles, and futuristic VR battle stations. But the true centerpiece?
A massive, high-speed hover racing track spiraling around the upper floor.
Younger Yuqi’s jaw drops. “Oh my god, I AM SO COOL.”
Future Yuqi throws an arm around her younger self’s shoulder. “I know, right? Now, who's ready for the most dangerous, high-stakes, potentially life-threatening race of their lives?"
Shuhua squints at the track. “This doesn't seem safe."
"It’s not ," Future Yuqi chirps. "Which makes it more fun. Now, pick your ride!"
With a snap of her fingers, a row of sleek, futuristic hover bikes rise from the floor, engines humming with raw power. The group exchanges looks—half excited, half terrified.
Soyeon crosses her arms. “Are there at least safety measures?”
Future Yuqi winks. “ You never cared about safety back in the day.”
Soyeon groans but hops onto a bike anyway. “Fine. But if I die, I’m haunting you.”
“Jokes on you, I’d love that,” Future Yuqi teases before jumping onto her own hover bike, revving the engine.
With a deafening roar, the race kicks off. The bikes speed through loops and twists, dodging holographic obstacles, zipping past the penthouse walls, and at one point, narrowly avoiding a very expensive-looking chandelier.
Younger Yuqi, laughing wildly, almost crashes straight into Soyeon, forcing them both into a chaotic spiral that ends with Soyeon yelling curses and Yuqi cackling uncontrollably.
Just as the race reaches peak anarchy, the penthouse doors slam open.
Future Yuqi abruptly stops, she knew that sound very well.
With a panicked expression, Future Yuqi immediately kicks her hover bike into reverse, trying to back away from the door as if that would somehow save her.
The time travelers barely have time to react before a familiar yet terrifying voice cuts through the chaos.
“YUQI.”
Future Yuqi freezes. If she were a lesser person, she might’ve flinched. But she’s Song Yuqi, so instead, she forces a very forced, very guilty grin as she turns toward the entrance.
There she is.
Future Soyeon, standing in the doorway, arms crossed, dressed in a sleek black coat and high heels that click ominously against the penthouse floor as she steps inside. She looks the same, but somehow sharper, colder, and much more powerful. The years have turned her into a presence that demands absolute control.
And right now?
She looks absolutely, murderously done.
“I knew I should’ve taken your key,” Future Soyeon sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. “What the hell are you doing?”
Future Yuqi, still hovering midair on her bike, kicks one foot against the floor, spinning slightly like an idiot trying to avoid responsibility.
“Uh…” she starts, throwing a lazy hand toward the scene of wreckage, neon lights, and one very broken snack table. “Babysitting?”
Future Soyeon slowly looks around. The penthouse is a disaster.
“Get down from there.” Future Soyeon demands. Future Yuqi, probably scared for her life, complied as Soyeon looked like she’d kill her any minute.The time-travelers, also scared, and followed. One by one they stood behind future Yuqi , who looked like a guilty dad who was caught giving her children energy drinks instead of milk.
Future Yuqi opens her mouth but was beat by Future Soyeon instead.
“Why didn’t you tell me the time travelers were here? “
Future Yuqi scratches the back of her head, looking anywhere but at Future Soyeon. "Uh… surprise?" she tries, flashing an unconvincing grin.
Future Soyeon does not look amused. If anything, she looks two seconds away from strangling her.
"You think this is funny?" she huffs, crossing her arms. "Do you have any idea how much damage control I had to do the last time you pulled something reckless?"
Future Yuqi holds up her hands in defense. "Okay, in my defense, that wasn't entirely my fault."
Soyeon raises an eyebrow.
Yuqi deflates. "Mostly my fault," she corrects. "But listen, the kids are fine! No one’s dead, no one’s stuck in an alternate timeline, and we even cleaned up the snack table—"
"That was Shuhua," Future Soyeon deadpans.
Yuqi turns to Shuhua, who just shrugs. "I like snacks," she says.
Future Soyeon pinches the bridge of her nose. "I don't have time for this," she mutters, more to herself than anyone else.
Future Soyeon studies her for a moment, then glances at the time travelers, who are all still standing awkwardly behind Yuqi like kids watching their parents fight. The tension in the air is thick, but despite herself, she cracks a small, knowing smile—especially when her eyes land on her younger self.
“Idiot,” she mutters, shaking her head. “This is not how we were supposed to meet.”
Without sparing Future Yuqi another glance, she steps forward, her attention now fully on the group of wide-eyed time travelers.
Younger Yuqi straightens up instinctively, heart pounding as Future Soyeon’s sharp eyes lock onto hers. There’s something incredibly unnerving about being scrutinized by an older, more powerful version of your leader.
“I-uh—” Younger Yuqi stammers, completely at a loss for words.
Future Soyeon tilts her head slightly, amused. Then, suddenly—with no warning—she reaches out and pinches Younger Yuqi’s cheek.
“You were so cute back then, Song Yuqi,” she smirks.
Younger Yuqi freezes. Her brain short-circuits. Her face heats up so fast she feels like she’s about to explode.
She might’ve liked that a little too much.
“W-Wha—” she sputters, wide-eyed. “What are you—why are you—??”
Behind her, Minnie and Shuhua are barely holding back laughter.
“Oh my god,” Soyeon snickers, nudging Younger Yuqi. “You’re flustered.”
“I AM NOT—”
Future Yuqi suddenly steps between them, scowling. “Okay, nope, absolutely not, we are not doing this.”
Future Soyeon raises an eyebrow. “What? Jealous?”
“I—NO,” Future Yuqi huffs. “This is just weird. And illegal. Probably. There’s gotta be some time-travel rule against flirting with your ex from the past.”
Future Soyeon just smirks, eyes gleaming with mischief. “Relax,” she hums. “I’m just reliving old memories.”
Younger Yuqi looks at Future Yuqi in shock. “Wait… We dated?!”
The room falls silent.
Future Yuqi visibly tenses. Future Soyeon only tilts her head, looking incredibly entertained.
“Oh,” she muses, smirking. “She doesn’t know yet?”
“…We’re leaving.” Future Yuqi grabs the back of Younger Yuqi’s hoodie and starts dragging her away.
“HEY—”
“Nope. We are not unpacking this today.”
“BUT I WANNA KNOW—”
“TOO BAD.”
As Future Yuqi drags her younger self toward the door, Future Soyeon simply crosses her arms, watching with amusement.
“See you around, Yuqi,” she calls out.
Future Soyeon turns her attention to the rest of the younger time travelers, her sharp gaze sweeping over them like she’s assessing their worth.
Minnie shifts uncomfortably but holds her ground, curious but cautious. Shuhua, of course, meets her stare head-on, arms crossed like she’s challenging Future Soyeon to a fight she clearly wouldn’t win. Younger Soyeon, on the other hand, watches with an unreadable expression, clearly trying to figure out how she feels about meeting herself in the future.
“Well,” Future Soyeon hums, eyeing her younger self with interest. “Aren’t you a sight?”
Younger Soyeon stiffens but keeps her expression neutral. “Not what I expected either,” she mutters, her voice carefully controlled.
Future Soyeon chuckles. “Yeah? What were you expecting?”
Younger Soyeon doesn’t hesitate. “Someone less tired.”
Minnie chokes on air. Future Yuqi mutters a “yikes” under her breath.
Future Soyeon merely smirks. “Well, you’ve got a lot to learn.”
She turns to Minnie next. “And you,” she muses, tilting her head. “Have you met your wife?”
Minnie blinks. “I—uh—”
Future Soyeon just chuckles, shaking her head. “You’re in for a surprise.”
Shuhua, growing impatient with all the cryptic remarks, steps forward. “Okay, enough with the vague future talk,” she huffs.
Future Soyeon studies her for a moment before letting out a small laugh. “Totally forgot how cute you were Shuhua-yah.”
Shuhua scowls. “I- I am not..”
Future Soyeon leans in slightly, smirking. “Sure.”
Future Soyeon turns back to Future Yuqi.
“I still have an important meeting. Take care of them for now.” she says before patting younger Shuhua’s head and leaving.
Everyone didn’t realize they were holding their breaths as Soyeon exited the penthouse.
“Holy shit.”
“What the fuck?”
“Why and how did I turn into a bitch?” Soyeon asks, furrowing her eyebrows at future Yuqi.
Future Yuqi just shrugs and scratches the back of her neck.
“I-uhh.”
“Holy crap, you messed up big time with her dude.” Younger Yuqi sighs and just patted her future self’s back.
Future Yuqi groans dramatically, rubbing her face. “Yeah, no shit. Thanks for the reminder, me. ”
Shuhua, still flustered from the unexpected head pat incident, shakes herself out of it and crosses her arms. “Okay, but can we talk about that? Why is she—like that ? Why does she act like she owns the world?”
Future Yuqi lets out a long, suffering sigh. “Because, technically , she does. ”
The room falls silent.
Minnie blinks. “I’m sorry. What? ”
Future Yuqi gestures vaguely. “You know… CEO. Multi-millionaire. Runs an empire. Probably has a private jet or two. The usual.”
Younger Soyeon’s eye twitches. “I don’t even like talking to people. Why the hell would I become some rich corporate tyrant?”
Future Yuqi smirks. “ Character development. ”
“ What kind of character development leads to that?! ”
Before Future Yuqi can answer, a loud chime suddenly rings through the penthouse. A robotic voice speaks through unseen speakers:
"Incoming call from: Miss Yontararak Miyeon."
Everyone turns to Younger Minnie, who immediately turns pale.
Shuhua’s jaw drops. “Oh my god.”
Minnie points a warning finger at the group. “ Not. A. Word. ”
Younger Miyeon, confused, frowns. “Why do you look like you just got caught cheating?”
Future Yuqi grins like a devil before pointing to Minnie. “Oh, because your wife is scary as hell.”
Minnie chokes. “ MY WHAT?! ”
Before she can scream any further, the call automatically connects , and Miyeon’s sharp, authoritative voice fills the room.
“SONG YUQI!”
Future Yuqi visibly sweats. “Uh. H-Hey, Miyeon.”
“Why did I just get an alert that Soyeon’s security system was triggered?”
Future Yuqi laughs nervously. “Soyeon has security?”
Future Miyeon does not look amused. “I don’t have time for your jokes, Yuqi. Where is Minnie?”
Younger Miyeon stiffens. “Minnie?”
Future Yuqi freezes for a split second before forcing a casual shrug. “Oh, you know… busy. Somewhere. Doing… important Minnie things. ”
Future Miyeon’s gaze sharpens. “You don’t know, do you?”
Future Yuqi physically shrinks.
Younger Miyeon, still stuck on the fact that she apparently has some kind of power over Yuqi in the future, hesitantly asks, “Uhm… why are you asking about Minnie?”
Future Miyeon finally acknowledges her younger self, and for a moment, her expression softens.
“She promised to make it up to me tonight, that idiot hasn’t called since noon.” she says simply.
Future Yuqi clears her throat awkwardly. “Uh… well, you know Minnie. She probably got caught up with something—maybe she’s planning some extravagant romantic surprise or something?” She forces a grin. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”
Future Miyeon does not look convinced. Her sharp eyes flick back to Yuqi, and the tension in the room thickens. “You’re lying.”
Future Yuqi visibly tenses. “What? Noooo—”
“You always lie when you start rambling,” Future Miyeon interrupts, her voice dangerously calm.
The younger girls exchange uneasy glances.
Younger Miyeon, still processing everything, hesitantly asks, “So… Minnie and I… I mean we’re —”
Future Miyeon sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose like she really doesn’t have the patience for this. “Yes, yes, you’re married, and no, we don’t have time for your existential crisis about it right now.”
Younger Miyeon chokes. “I—”
“ Married? ” Shuhua echoes in disbelief. “Like, legally?”
Future Miyeon deadpans. “No, Shuhua, we exchanged friendship bracelets and called it a day.”
Younger Soyeon snorts , but quickly shuts up when Future Miyeon’s glare swings to her.
“Look,” Future Miyeon continues, clearly losing patience. “I don’t have time for Yuqi’s usual bullshit. If Minnie doesn’t call me back in the next thirty minutes, I’m coming to find her myself. And trust me, Yuqi—if you’re hiding something, you don’t want me to be the one to find out first. ”
Future Yuqi swallows hard. “Duly noted.”
The screen abruptly shuts off , leaving the room in heavy silence.
Younger Yuqi finally exhales. “Sooooo… we’re all thinking the same thing, right?”
Younger Soyeon crosses her arms. “That you’re completely terrified of Miyeon?”
“Nope.” she says almost eagerly.
“But Future Minnie has a problem.”
“Oh shit, is Minnie cheating on Miyeon?” Shuhua gasps.
Everyone turns to younger Minnie who’s soul looks like it was taken away.
“Wha- No! Knowing that idiot, she’s too awkward for women that it took her years to woo Miyeon. She isn’t as suave as me.” Future Yuqi smirks.
“Is that why I left you in the future?” Soyeon deadpans and Future Yuqi fully ignores her.
“ANYWAY! Minnie is just somewhere. She tends to usually overwork and forget about her responsibilities soooo. Let’s go."