Chapter Text
Hoyeon Student Residential Complex, Veritas Dorm, 4:06 a.m
"LOVE GAMEPLAY! DATING SIM - EXPERIENCE A REAL ROMANCE!"
I should’ve known something was wrong with that game when that flashy ad sparkled at me on the thirty-fifth page of Google search results. Nothing good ever comes after the second page (that’s an unspoken rule of the internet), but in my defense, it felt like I’d already played every yaoi game available, so I thought it wouldn’t hurt to ignore the warning signs just this once. All the links on the previous thirty-four pages were purple, I’d clicked them all. Except for that one. That untouched link — virgin, I’d say — was a blue beacon of hope amidst all those games I’d already explored. I couldn’t resist.
Clicking it took me to a website that looked like it was made in 2008. Neon pink and purple text, gaudy glitter falling like virtual snow… it was just ridiculous. But I kept on going because I was just as ridiculous and drew my vitality from consuming made up romances rather than, you know, living my life.
I settled into my leopard-print pajamas, sitting cross-legged on my bed, suddenly euphoric. The adrenaline rush of clicking a suspicious link on some obscure corner of the internet was more intoxicating than certain drugs.
EXPERIENCE A REAL ROMANCE! CHOOSE YOUR LOVE INTERESTS AND START YOUR STORY!
So I clicked, my finger hovering nervously over the laptop’s power button in case a suspicious page popped up so I could shut it off before some malicious hacker stole all my info. I sighed in relief when the game’s surprisingly modern interface appeared on the screen, displaying a list of romantic interests for me to choose from.
The Sentimental Musician: sweet, deep, and artistic!
The Cold Gangster: dangerous, mysterious, and reckless!
The Single Dad: shy, caring, and needy!
The list seemed endless. Eventually, I chose the three options that intrigued me the most:
The playboy: confident, temperamental and flirty!
The CEO’s son: serious, wealthy, and caring
The puppy: clumsy, caring and cute!
Good thing being basic and predictable wasn’t a crime.
I giggled, moving on to the next customization phase. A “The Sims-meets-Metahuman” interface popped up, and I realized I’d have to design my characters appearances. I started with the CEO’s Son. Intuitively, I navigated the editing tools, deciding on a medium build: 6'f tall, lean yet toned (the hottest type). Lightly tanned skin for that sexy touch, intense eyes, and small lips. For the Puppy Boy, I went further: 6'2f tall with defined abs because there’s something about an athletic yet cute guy. I gave him a rounded face, full lips, and an innocent, square smile. At this point, I surrendered completely to that game. When creating the Playboy, my heart raced as I realized he was, unintentionally, the most gorgeous of the three. Beauty marks, vampire-like canines — a tribute to Edward Cullen, of course — a sharp jawline, and lips perfectly balanced between thin and full. Smiling proudly at my creations, I clicked ‘Continue’.
A lengthy list of terms and conditions popped up, but I didn’t think twice before ticking the "I have read and accept" box. I hadn’t read anything, but nobody ever does, right? I couldn’t imagine what kind of recklessness I had just signed up for.
I bit my lip, embarrassingly excited, as the game loaded. My three romantic interests stood side by side, with the word "loading" going up and down above them.
And then... nothing. The next message read: “GET READY FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE ROMANCE. COMPLETE THE LOVE MISSIONS AND CHOOSE YOUR LOVE WISELY.” It was displayed in the same gaudy pink and purple font as the homepage. Then the site disappeared.
A shiver ran down my spine. I opened my browser history.
The site was gone.
I went back to Google.
"Yaoi dating sim"
I jumped like a kangaroo from page to page until I reached the thirty-fifth again. No sign of “LOVE GAMEPLAY! DATING SIM - EXPERIENCE A REAL ROMANCE!”. Panic set in. I scoured pages 34, 33, 36, 37, and finally the last page, 38. Nothing.
A dramatic whimper escaped my lips, and out of sheer stubbornness, I turned off the computer, deciding to finally go to sleep — something I should’ve done hours ago since I had class later that day. I carefully placed the laptop on the bedside table and laid down, closing my rebellious eyes. "I didn’t want to experience a real romance anyway," I muttered to myself before relaxing and drifting off.
🎮🎮🎮
Korea University, Sejong Campus. 9:30 a.m.
I was thirty minutes late for the lecture being given by Park Jangmin, the famous CEO of Lee SK. As a Communications and Media student, I should’ve been thrilled to hear insights from someone working at one of the country’s biggest advertising agencies. Unfortunately, I’m also the kind of idiot who stays up all night gaming and wakes up just in time to miss something important like that. Practically running, I dashed through the university gates and sped across campus. Pulling out my phone to check the time again — though I’d already done so five minutes prior — I was greeted by texts from Jungwon, notifying me that the lecture had already started.
I kept walking, eyes glued to the screen, as if that would freeze time. I regretted not looking ahead when my body collided against something — or rather, someone — and I was thrown back, my phone flying out of my hand and smashing onto the ground with a dull thud. I stayed there on the floor, a curse caught in my throat, as I felt my hands brush over my off-white coat, now damp and reeking of caramel machiatto.
— Are you ok? — a startled voice snapped above me. I looked up, unprepared for the sight that awaited me. — Shit, my coffee.
The annoyingly familiar boy stared down at me, with no intention of helping me up. Instead, he held an empty Starbucks cup in his hand, whining. I squinted to make out his details more clearly.
No way.
The boy made a move to leave, and I panicked, grabbing his black boot. He looked at me like I was wearing a bikini and a cowboy hat.
— Let go of me, kid! — He shook his leg, forcing me to loosen my grip, and I stood up.
— Wait!
I called after him, and he turned back impatiently. Now that I was closer, I noticed the moles on his face and the features that made him seem so familiar. My mind raced back to the mysterious game from the previous night, and I felt the air leave my lungs. How could he look so identical? Something was happening. Someone was messing with me.
The boy's ironic laugh snapped me out of my daze.
— Fell in love?
— Huh?
— The last time someone looked at me like that...
He smiled, his sharp canines showing. Even the canines?
— Who paid you? You're an actor, right? Tell me right now!
I whipped my head around like a maniac, searching for cameras. He looked around as well, as if he was also searching.
— Don't play dumb! I know there's no way you came to life.
His mouth opened and closed a couple times, before he finally spoke: — I think that hair dye seeped into your brain, pink boy.
— I know who you are. — I whispered
— Oh, that’s it? — He ran a hand through his black hair, looking incredibly smug. — Everyone knows who I am. Former professional skater and currently one of Instagram’s most-followed influencers: Park Sunghoon! The Ice Prince.
He ended his speech with a dramatic pose.
My mouth dropped open, and I slapped my forehead for being so deluded. Of course, I’d seen him before. It was impossible to work in communication and not know Sunghoon; he was one of the most talked-about influencers today. I laughed in pure relief. I’d unconsciously created a game character who looked exactly like Sunghoon, that’s why the resemblance was so uncanny. How could I have thought a game character could come to life? My God, I needed to go out more.
Embarrassment washed over me.
— Right, I do know you.
— Well, I’ll be on my way. — He gave a mock salute. — No need to apologize for bumping into me, ruining my coffee and acting like a freak.
He rolled his eyes, tossing the cup to the ground and walking off with carefree strides. My gaze fell on my dirty coat and my broken phone on the ground, anger rising like heat
up my neck.
— Wait!
I heard myself shout for the second time that day. Sunghoon turned slowly, looking at me with a bored expression.
— Look, nobody takes more than ten minutes of my time without talking to my agent first.
I huffed, my patience wearing thin. — You ruined my coat and broke my phone. Are you seriously not taking responsibility for this?
He looked me up and down before laughing.
— No.
My mouth dropped in shock, and a psychotic laugh escaped me. He couldn’t be serious.
— If you don’t want to pay for cleaning, fine. But you’re paying for my phone. It’s a new one, and I just bought it!
Sunghoon picked up the phone from the ground, inspecting it with precise eyes. — How expensive can a Samsung be?
I narrowed my eyes, consumed. I walked over, snatching the broken phone from his hands roughly. He let out an “ouch!” as he waved his left hand in the air, probably cut by a shard of the screen.
— You’ll see! — I shouted, out of breath, backing away from him. — I’ll tell the entire internet about this. I’ll drag your name through the mud! I’ll ruin your prince reputation!
I flipped him off as I hurried to my destination.
I arrived at the auditorium just as the coffee break began. My eyes searched for Jungwon among the students, and when I recognized his slender figure near a table of snacks, I rushed over, ready to spill out the chaos.
I lightly tapped his shoulder when I got close, and he widened his eyes at the sight of me, slightly sweaty, with my pink hair out of place and my coat messily wrapped in my arms.
— Sunoo, what happened to you? — he asked, still chewing on shrimp crackers.
— Everything — I exhaled heavily. Now that I had stopped shouting and running, my head was pounding. — I woke up late and—
— Because you stayed up late again — he finished judgmentally.
— Yeah — I admitted begrudgingly. — But that’s not all. On my way here, a guy bumped into me, spilled coffee on my coat, and made my phone fly out of my hand and break. — I gave a bitter smile, pulling my phone from my pocket to show him the completely shattered screen. Jungwon covered his mouth in shock. — And you know the worst part? The jerk won’t pay.
— You’re kidding — Jungwon frowned. — What an ass. What does he look like? Maybe I know him.
— Oh, you definitely know him — I laughed humorlessly. — His name is Park Sunghoon.
His expression turned to utter disbelief, and I would’ve laughed if I weren’t so mad.
— Sunghoon, like... the influencer? Ice Prince?
I rolled my eyes. — That’s a ridiculous nickname. He might be icy, but there’s nothing princely about him.
— I’d heard he wasn’t as nice as he seems, but I thought it was just jealous rumors.
— It’s probably all true.
— You sure you didn't do anything weird to set him off? — He raised an eyebrow.
Well... About that. Ok, maybe I freaked a little. But still, who ruins other people's stuff and doesn't even worry about making up for them? I might be a paranoid weirdo but he is an ass, which is way worse.
— I mean, if I had done something weird, it still wouldn't justify his manners — I shrugged.
Jungwon gave me a knowing look but didn't say anything, just handed me a package from the snack table — a mint choco chocopie — and for the first time that day, I smiled, momentarily forgetting the source of my headache. I opened the package, feeling my stomach burn with anticipation. He motioned for us to return to our seats, as the coffee break wouldn’t last much longer.
— I knew you hadn’t eaten — he commented, his tone carrying its usual judgment.
I took a bite of the cake, sighing with contentment at the taste. — I didn’t eat because I was trying to be as little late as possible, but I didn’t even make it to the first part.
— The first part was like any other businessman’s talk. He went on about how he went from rich to millionaire — Jungwon said with a smirk. — But if it makes you feel better, CEO Park hasn’t talked about Lee SK yet. He left that for the second part. He’ll present it with his son.
— Oh, I didn’t know he had a son.
— Apparently, he spent most of his life in the U.S.
I grimaced. What must that life be like? Living abroad and coming back already guaranteed a high-ranking position at a company as prestigious as Lee SK? I considered myself lucky enough to study at a SKY* university.
— In my next life, I want to be born as a CEO’s son.
That comment sparked a memory in me. The CEO’s son: serious, wealthy, and caring! My feet started tapping restlessly. Seeing Sunghoon almost made me believe it was possible that the playboy character had really been invented by me. But he was famous his face must have been imprinted on my subconscious. That wasn’t hard to imagine, considering he was absurdly good-looking even if absurdly obnoxious. But meeting both a playboy and a CEO’s son under such circumstances was enough to set my overly imaginative mind on fire.
I opened my backpack, pulling out my laptop to take notes on the lecture’s key points. As soon as the screen turned on, a notification in pink and purple appeared in the lower-left corner: LOVE MISSION 1: ACCEPT THE CEO’S INVITATION OR FACE A LOVE CONSEQUENCE.
Just as quickly as it had appeared, it vanished before I could click it. What the hell...?
I searched through my browser history again, looking for any trace of the game. Nothing. How was that possible?
— Jungwon...
He turned to me.
— What?
— I think there’s some weird virus on my computer.
His expression turned mischievous, and I instantly regretted bringing it up. — Visited some shady sites, didn't you?
— Yes — I admitted through gritted teeth — but it’s not what you think.
— Uhum
— It was a game, okay? One of those dating games.
— Don’t you ever get tired of seeking romantic and sexual satisfaction in those things?
— Keep your voice down — I shot him a murderous glare. — I’m not seeking sexual satisfaction, I’m not a pervert.
— Uhum
The projectors and microphones were being set up at the center of the stage, signaling that the lecture would resume shortly. The room suddenly grew quieter.
— I played the game, but then it vanished. It disappeared from my history, from the internet! And now I’m getting notifications from it. How is that even possible? — I whispered.
He leaned closer. — What did the notification say?
— Accept the CEO’s invitation or face a consequence. Something like that.
— Oh my god — Jungwon suddenly looked alarmed, making my heart race. — Do you think you stumbled into some kind of deep web community? Like "Nerve" or something?
I looked around, trying to spot anything strange or out of place. The rows of seats filled with ordinary students didn’t raise any suspicions, nor did the university newspaper members scribbling notes and setting up cameras. I must have been losing my mind. A wave of applause filled the small theater, startling me. Now that paranoia had taken root, I would be on edge like a fugitive. I turned my attention back to the stage, where CEO Park stood in a navy-blue suit, radiating the eminence he clearly embodied.
— Did you enjoy the coffee break? — he asked with good humor.
I glanced briefly at the tables, now empty of snacks and drinks, wondering about the money spent on that small treat for the students. There must have been around a hundred of them there. The audience responded enthusiastically . The man nodded in satisfaction. — Well, in the first part of this lecture, I gave you some insight into how my journey in marketing and advertising began. It all started here at Korea University.
My heart warmed.
— And the highlight of my journey, for which I am best known, is my work at Lee SK. Now it’s time to talk about that. But before I do, I’d like to invite someone important to join me. Someone who is here to accompany me and, in the future, take over the management and planning of this vital company in the communications field. My son: Park Jongseong!
Another wave of applause swept the room as I felt myself pale at the sight of the boy walking towards the center of the stage.
Familiar.
I was sitting in the second row, about three meters away, desperately trying to find some sign that, no, this wasn’t the CEO’s son. That CEO’s son. But the similarities were undeniable — a haunting reminder of the madness I had indulged in. A spotlight shone on him in fluorescent white, highlighting his hawk-like eyes and thin lips. He was tall and lean, and, unlike his father, tanned and toned. He looked so familiar that I could swear I could alter his appearance to my liking, just as I had done last night. The boy — Jongseong — scanned the audience with a firm gaze, showing no emotion. His eyes briefly passed over me with disinterest, but that mere contact made my stomach churn. It was him: the CEO’s son. Just as Sunghoon was the playboy.
Or was he?
He must have appeared in some media outlet. Maybe I’d seen them before. Maybe the game messed with my memory.
Or maybe I was just losing my mind.
— ...the field of communication — Jongseong had started talking, not a glimpse of emotion in his voice. — It's easy to admire the beauty of a diamond once it’s been cut. But it’s up to us to see a rough stone and have the sensitivity to see beyond its coarse surface.
He cast a lingering glance at the audience, more specifically in my direction. His expression was strikingly similar to his father's, except he looked void, like a robot. I observed his face until I felt too intimidated to maintain eye contact.
— I dare say that this is the most important skill for a talent scout and social communicator: to take the world as your source of inspiration...
He continued, but I couldn’t hear the conclusion as Jungwon whispered beside me.
— What is it? I want to hear what he has to say! — I whispered back, annoyed.
— That was weird. That look he gave you — Jungwon commented, leaning towards me but keeping his eyes on the stage.
— He was just looking at the audience. Now shut up.
— I don’t know... I think you might be the rough diamond he was talking about.
I scowled. — Good to know someone looks at me and sees a coarse surface.
Jungwon stifled a laugh, resulting in a nasal sound that momentarily drew the attention of some people around us. He brought his fingers to his mouth, pretending to zip it shut as a promise of silence. I sighed, suddenly too drained to pay attention to anything.
The lecture continued for another hour, and then a line formed for CEO Park to sign copies of his latest book, Communication: A Human Perspective. I grabbed my copy and waited in line with Jungwon, who was merely accompanying me, not particularly interested in Park Jangmin's signature. In fact, he had only attended the lecture because it counted for extracurricular credits. Jungwon had a certain disdain for businesspeople.
When it was my turn, he stepped aside, leaving me alone in front of the CEO, with only a rectangular table between us. I smiled nervously.
— Hello — I greeted awkwardly, extending the book for him to sign.
— Hello — he mimicked my tone with a gentle smile. — Your name is...?
— Sunoo. Kim Sunoo.
— Alright... Kim Sunoo... — He furrowed his brows, concentrating as he wrote my name on the book’s inner cover. — What did you think of the lecture, Kim Sunoo?
— Great, sir. I really admire your work and Lee SK’s as well — I replied sincerely. — I think it's amazing how Lee SK was one of the firsts that started to agency internet stars and work on social media presence the same way as traditional media outlets. To me, it was quite visionary.
— Oh, thank you — He gave an amused smile. — You know, Kim Sunoo, now that I see your face up close... You could be an idol.
I laughed, slightly incredulous.
— Thank you, sir.
— My son mentioned you’d make a great model.
— He did? — I asked, my voice trembling slightly.
— He pointed out that you have a youthful and innocent aura, and it’s true. You’re charismatic. — He smiled and discreetly pulled a card from the pocket of his blazer, handing it to me. — I’m going to trust his intuition. I stared at him in confusion, unable to believe where he was going with this. And then, the mental image of the pink and purple notification reappeared:
Accept the CEO’s offer or face a love consequence.
A shiver ran down my spine as I realized that, somehow, I had entered a game far more complicated than I’d imagined.
🎮🎮🎮
Media Room, Telecommunications Studies Center, Korea University, 1:26 p.m.
To an outsider, it might have looked like I was watching a movie, given my intense focus on the computer screen. Actually, I needed to finish the script for the podcast about cultural exchange at the university, a project I was working on with Jungwon, Seunghan, and Haewon, but absolutely nothing came to mind. After the lecture and my brief but intense exchange with CEO Park Jangmin, concentrating on the tasks that followed had become nearly impossible. A pink-and-purple haze hovered around me like a ghost, haunting me to the point where all I could think about was that damned game: Love Gameplay. Love missions and love consequences. What was all of this? How could a random game know that I’d receive an offer from a CEO? Why had I run into two boys who were so identical to the characters? Even if I had seen them before and they had influenced my choices, it still couldn’t be a mere coincidence to receive that invitation from CEO Park. And what kind of consequence would I face if I turned it down?
Thinking about all of this made my heart race. I felt on the verge of losing my mind.
— So... — Jungwon’s voice suddenly sounded behind me. — You do need to type for the words to appear on the screen, — he teased, pressing random keys on my keyboard. — See?
I shot him an annoyed look. A bit farther from us, Seunghan and Haewon were arguing over what tone to adopt for the podcast’s soundtrack and visual identity: something that conveyed “serious students analyzing the benefits of globalization” or a “contemporary sociocultural analysis disguised as a Gen Z conversation.” I thought about pointing out that the script would dictate the tone of the podcast, so their debate was pointless, but I was too exhausted for that.
Jungwon sat down beside me, leaning on the round table and staring closely at my face. His cheeks puffed slightly as they pressed against his forearm.
— Alright, are you going to tell me what’s going on?
I didn’t want to.
I'd sound ridiculous.
He wouldn’t believe me.
I needed to tell someone.
I glanced back at my groupmates, who were still comparing Pantone color palettes, seemingly at odds as usual. I turned back to Jungwon, who was waiting with large, gentle eyes and soft cheeks. And so, I told him everything. At least, everything I thought had happened. Meanwhile, Jungwon wore the same expression he had back in high school when I’d spent a week mourning my boyfriend Yoosung. Better put, when I’d gotten his bad ending on Mystic Messenger.
— And by that, you mean...? — he prompted me to reveal the embarrassing conclusion I’d reached.
With a heart swelling like a balloon and threatening to burst from my chest, I blurted out:
— Somehow, I’m living a dating sim in real life.
🎮🎮🎮
Drunk Bunnies Bar, 7:45 p.m.
Jungwon's fit of laughter stayed with me for the rest of the day. It would probably follow me for the rest of my life.
“— I’m living a dating sim in real life! — His voice was high-pitched and mocking, with no air between his laughs. — I’m living a dating sim in real life!
I covered my ears, suddenly very aware of my madness.
— I’m living a dating sim in real life! — he continued, holding his stomach with his hands as his laugh turned into a perfect “ha ha ha,” loud and genuine. His squinted eyes were watering. — Ahh, ahh! — he gasped between laughs, taking deep breaths. — I’m gonna… I’m gonna die.
More laughter.
I whined, regretful and humiliated.
— Okay, hyung. I get it.
— Wait, wait! — Jungwon grabbed my arm as I tried to stand up from the table. His red face and tear-filled eyes met mine with an unexpectedly serious expression.
— What is it?
His lips slowly spread into a wide grin.
— I’m living a dating sim in real life!”
I groaned, a wave of secondhand embarrassment sending a chill down my spine as I balanced a tray full of somaek for one of the many tables packed with young workers enjoying happy hour at Drunk Bunnies. I didn’t hate the job; all I had to do was smile, take orders, and carry trays without making a mess. If I pretended to entertain a little flirtation, my tips could easily surpass 20,000KW. But recent events made the foreign music feel too loud, the neon red lights feel too blinding. The embarrassing moment with Jungwon kept replaying in my mind like a glitch in time-space, a looping mess of shame and humiliation. Something was seriously wrong with my brain.
Minju walked past me while also carrying a tray, but hers had bowls of fried chicken and spicy sauce.
— Just to let you know, you look like a freak right now, — she laughed. — Is it because of that offer? Take it, boy.
— I told you, that CEO and his son... They're not thinking straight, — I tried to dismiss her, walking towards the table I had to serve. — I'm far from being a model. I had pimples all over my face and was 60 pounds heavier up until yesterday, — I let out a laugh, though it wasn't funny at all.
Minju just flashed an empathetic smile and I hated it, because she knew I was right to a point where she couldn't even come up with a comeback. Who could guarantee I wouldn't fall back into old habits? Truth was: I could never relax enough to trust that people would still love me if I went back.
— Hey, Cheese ball!
I walked faster, trying to ignore the boys following my footsteps.
— Don't you dare ignore us, Cheese Ball.
One of them, Hyunsuk, screamed right behind me. I walked faster.
— My name is not Cheese Ball! My name is Sunoo!
My voice cracked, and I shut my eyes forcefully, cringing at myself.
— Really? Cheese Ball fits you better though, — Hyunsuk said, and the boys broke into laughter.
I was just a couple feet away from home, I just had to walk faster.
— Come on, I'm just wondering if you'll bounce if we kick you!
My eyes burned, begging me to let the tears flow. I didn't let them. Never would. Not even when they finally got to me. Not even when they kicked me until they were satisfied.
I sighed, leaving Minju behind to serve the glasses of somaek to a group of regulars wearing matching name tags with a plastic smile. After picking up the empty bottles from the table, I said:
— If you need anything else, don't hesitate to call me.
As I turned around with empty bottles on the tray, my body collided with someone. I shut my eyes as I heard glass breaking amidst all the background noise. Seriously, why is this happening for a second time today?
The screaming, however, made my eyes shoot open. The sight in front of me was enough to make my heart drop. The guy screaming had a hand over his left eye as blood painted the left side of his face red.
Oh no. No, no, no.
I panicked, rushing over to the small crowd that had started to form around him. He was screaming in English, and I couldn’t understand what he was saying until a girl — presumably talking to emergency — said:
— His eye is bleeding! I think it’s broken glass!
Sweat started creeping up my neck under the burning gazes of customers worried about the boy. From the corner of my eye, I saw my manager walking toward us with a startled look on his face, and immediately, I knew nothing good would come of this.
🎮🎮🎮
Some dark corner of Seoul, 1:32 a.m.
— And then, boom. Fired.
I chugged more Green Apple Soju, dried teardrops making my cheeks feel sticky and gross while I was sitting at the curb in the company of an old, stinky, overgrown-beard man, spilling about my misfortune.
— Oh... That's how I ended up homeless.
— What?
— Don't worry, boy. If you don't find a job and inevitably end up leaving college, while also refusing to go back to your parents house cause your relationship with them went downhill when your dad cheated on your mom with your aunt and you ratted him out but your mom stayed with him and blamed you, so you start sleeping at saunas until you’re blacklisted from all saunas in the area when they realize you're leaving without paying everytime, so now you have no choice but to sleep in front of 24 hours C&Us... Wait, what was I saying again?
🎮🎮🎮
Korea University, Sejong Amphitheater. 9:00 a.m.
My head was pounding. Could be the sun shining bright over the university's amphitheatre, or sleep deprivation, or the hangover from spending the rest of the night drinking with a homeless man, or maybe that's what crying for hours on end caused. Whatever it was, it hurt like hell. The more I vomited the previous night's events, the more Jungwon's jaw dropped.
— Oh my God, Sunoo, — he grabbed me by my shoulders, pulling me into a hug. — You got shit-faced with a homeless man? You poor thing.
In his embrace, I felt like crying again. Being comforted always had that effect on me.
— He even walked me back to dorm, — I smiled faintly. — He also stole my wallet.
— Dear God, — Jungwon scoffed.
— I'm done. Seriously, I'm done.
I said, getting away from his arms before I started bawling.
— You know, yesterday my mom told me her neighbor was looking for a babysitter. I told her I wasn't interested, but I could tell her about you.
— Don't babysitters work full time? I have classes in the morning.
— Judging by what mom told me, her son is already at school and arrives in the afternoon. He's not... Exactly a baby.
I frowned at his words, but I wasn't in the position to deny anything.
— Tell her about me, please.
🎮🎮🎮
Drunk Bunnies Bar, 2:03 p.m.
After class, I headed to Drunk Bunnies to handle the paperwork and other bureaucratic nonsense. Minju gave me a pitiful look. I offered her a weak smile, hoping it conveyed “It’s okay”. Passing her, I went straight to Manager Lee’s office.
— Hey, Sunoo, — he said awkwardly. I knew Manager Lee liked me, and part of me wished he’d let the whole mess slide and take me back.
— Manager Lee… Do you know if he’s okay? The guy?
— He’s okay. I actually visited him early this morning. He’ll wear an eye patch for now, but he’s fine. — He gestured so I would take seat.
— That’s a relief.
We stared at each other for a moment before Manager Lee broke the silence.
— I know you didn’t mean it, but there’s no way I can take you back, I'm sorry. Did you know the guy posted everything on his Instagram stories? He’s a famous YouTuber, I guess.
I huffed.
— I understand. You don’t need to worry. Actually, right after this, I’m going to a job interview.
I didn't have to mention that the job wasn't as convenient as this one, nor that I would earn much less.
He smiled. — Really? That’s good to hear. I wish you luck. If it doesn’t work out, talk to me. My brother works at a big agency. It’d be hard to find you a spot, but not impossible.
— Thanks, Manager Lee. — I smiled, truthfully this time.
🎮🎮🎮
Nishimura's Residence, 1:30 p.m.
The address Jungwon gave me led to a typical Korean upper-middle-class house: minimalist but imposing, with vivid green bushes and a large wooden door. I took a deep breath before pressing the doorbell. Anyone could tell by my face that I probably couldn’t keep a child alive for more than a day — I could barely take care of myself — but I hoped to deceive Miss… Wait, what was her name again?
— Ah, you’re the babysitter? — A girl who looked my age asked, abruptly pulling me inside. —Try not to run away when you see him. — She gave me a mischievous look before plopping onto the sofa in the bright living room. Bags were scattered everywhere. I gave her a confused look, but she brushed it off.
— I’m off to college tomorrow, so I won’t be responsible for that little shit anymore, finally. — She winked. — MOM! THE BABYSITTER IS HERE!
Her scream pierced my ears. I stayed at the entrance, both scared and confused because:
- The kid (I was guessing her brother) already seemed like a lot, and
- She also seemed like a lot, which meant this was probably a family of weirdos.
A middle-aged woman dressed in loose pants and a white button-up splattered with paint came downstairs, skipping steps.
That confirmed everything.
— Kim Sunoo, my dear! — she said in a thick accent, hugging me fondly.
I smiled awkwardly, not used to such greetings.
— Come on in! Have a seat.
She gestured to the couches, and I sat on the furthest corner, away from her and the girl.
— Do you want to meet my son? — she asked with a desperate smile.
— Well, yes, I—
— RIKI! THE BABYSITTER IS HERE!
Her scream was somehow even more piercing than her daughter’s, and I winced, my head still pounding from last night.
A deep voice sounded from afar, speaking what I was pretty sure was Japanese. I flinched. What kind of kid has such a deep voice?
— Wow, he sounds like a grown-up, — I said, dumbfounded, as the young girl laughed knowingly.
— Hm. — Miss Nishimura (I finally remembered her name) laughed nervously. — Ah, Riki, you’re here!
I followed her gaze until I saw him in the corner of the living room. Tall, slim but muscular, deep eyes, and a very familiar face. My stomach did a somersault.
—This is my son, Riki. As you can see, he’s a bit older than usual for a babysitter…
She kept talking, but I couldn’t focus. Not when he — the puppy — was standing in front of me in flesh and bones. Riki was staring at me with a huge, boxy smile and eyes bright as if he’d just found gold. Suddenly, he dashed toward me, hands under my armpits as he lifted me off the ground and pulled me into a hug.
— Hyung! Wow! I’m not sad anymore! Mom, I’m not against having a babysitter anymore!
Riki was at least three inches taller than me. Tan, muscular, and strong — I could feel the firmness of his arms as I gripped them to keep my balance. We looked ridiculous. It was even more ridiculous that it felt like he was my babysitter, not the other way around.
— Please, — I gasped. — Put me down.
— Oh! —He dropped me onto the couch, and I bounced like I was on a trampoline. — Of course, hyung. I’m sorry!
I groomed my messy hair, trying to look less disheveled. — Miss… What’s happening? He’s the kid I’m babysitting?
Miss Nishimura looked defeated.
— He’s only 17! — Her eyes were pleading. — And he has some… behavioral issues. But he’s a good kid! I just need you to keep him in check, that’s all!
I looked at Riki, who was sitting annoyingly close to me, flashing another excited smile. Could he be the puppy? First Sunghoon, then Jongseong, and now him?
— Are you famous, by any chance? — I asked, ignoring Miss Nishimura.
— Do I look handsome like a celebrity? — He winked.
I huffed. — What? No!
His smile dropped. — No?
Oh my god.
— I mean… I feel like I’ve seen you before.
— Ah! —His grin returned. — I appeared on The Aussie Boy a couple of times!
I nodded. — The gaming channel, right?
— Yes! Do you like gaming?
—I do, actually, but not the kind of gaming you're into, trust me. Also, I don’t watch gameplays, — I said, trying not to look stupid.
— Well, you should! Jake hyung is really funny. I hope he gets better soon so we can play again.
He leaned closer, as if ready to whisper in my ear. — Last night, this crazy waiter dropped some bottles, and a piece of glass got into hyung’s eye.
My stomach dropped. What’s with all these coincidences?
— Oh, really? — I replied shakily.
— Yeah, but don’t worry. I heard he got fired.
Oh, such good news.
— So, Sunoo? — Miss Nishimura interrupted, grabbing my attention. — What do you think? You're actually the only babysitter Riki hasn’t screamed at. And I'm losing hope already. Will you take him?
I looked around, trying to make up my mind. Was this some kind of joke? Did someone know about the game and think it’d be funny to make me stumble across character lookalikes? And what kind of behavioral issues did a 17-year-old have that required a babysitter? We were only two years apart, for God's sake! I glanced out the window, the late afternoon sky glowing pink and purple, a reminder of that damned game. Memories flushed through my mind, including “Accept the CEO's offer or face a love consequence.” Was losing my job that consequence? But how? How could something like that be real? Riki said he’d appeared on The Aussie Boy, but I didn’t think I’d ever watched it. I felt like throwing up.
I glanced back at Riki’s and Miss Nishimura’s expectant faces. No matter what was happening, I still needed a job. And, more importantly, I somehow also knew that Riki needed me.
—Yes, Miss. You can count on me.