TGMND 109

Last night’s defeat by the final boss, and missing out on the rewards, still lingered in Yeo-woon’s mind, haunting him. He couldn’t understand why Earth Star insisted on meeting only him and not other guild members. They weren’t enemies like when they first met, so what did he want to do meeting just the two of them?

“Ji-gu.”

“Yes?!”

Yoon Ji-gu, about to put on his swim cap over his wet hair, was startled when his name was suddenly called. He blinked with wide eyes. Was he that surprised…? Yeo-woon smiled awkwardly and asked casually.

“Have you ever met someone you know online?”

In that short time, Yoon Ji-gu’s expression changed quite dramatically. He furrowed his brow as if to ask what he meant, then took a sharp breath. Trying to hide his wavering gaze, he strode over to him. He grabbed his hand and opened his mouth.

“Hyung, I…”

“Yes?”

“I don’t date people through apps.”

“Huh? Apps?”

“Why are you asking me that? Do I look like that kind of person?”

“What I meant was…”

“I don’t know how you’ve been playing around until now, but… Just because I like you doesn’t mean I like everything with a d1ck. You’re my first. I’ve never dated anyone else, and I don’t want to.”

“…Oh.”

“So don’t say things like that, it really upsets me.”

Yeo-woon finally realized his words could have been misunderstood. Especially given the nature of his relationship with Yoon Ji-gu, it was quite understandable. Yoon Ji-gu had interpreted “meeting someone online” in a different way.

Seeing the tension in Ji-gu’s eyes, Yeo-woon felt his heart sink. He worried, wondering if Ji-gu might start crying again. Because of the memory of him crying once before, Yeo-woon always felt cautious, feeling like Yoon Ji-gu might burst into tears at any moment. Yeo-woon looked around to see if anyone had heard this conversation, then shook his head vigorously.

“No, no, that’s not what I meant, Ji-gu.”

“…”

“Oh my… I didn’t mean it that way. I was asking if you’ve ever had an online friend ask to meet up.”

“…What?”

“Not apps like you’re thinking of, but, you know, something more innocent, like a hobby or…”

“Hobby?”

“Or maybe a guild member you met in a game?”

“…!”

Finally realizing he had misunderstood, Yoon Ji-gu closed his mouth tightly and trembled. It was only a matter of time before his ears turned red. He could feel a faint trembling in Yoon Ji-gu’s hand that was tightly holding his. Yeo-woon asked with a hint of amusement:

“So, what exactly do you think of me—?”

“…”

“Did you think I would ask you something like that?”

If one watched quietly, it was quite easy to make Yoon Ji-gu blush. Even without saying much, you could see him turn red somewhere at least once a day.

“So have you ever met someone?”

“Ah, no!”

Due to Yoon Ji-gu’s suddenly raised voice, an elementary school student who was just climbing out of the water was startled and fell back in with a splash. Yeo-woon turned his head at the loud noise and asked if he was okay, and the student gave a thumbs up, trying to act tough.

“But why suddenly? Is someone asking to meet you?”

“Don’t worry, he’s a guy.”

Yoon Ji-gu snorted at the words added out of concern that he might misunderstand again and dig himself into a hole.

“I’m a guy too.”

“…Huh?”

“I’m a guy too. But I like you, hyung.”

“…..”

Maybe he should’ve just asked his friends. This definitely wasn’t a conversation he should’ve had with Ji-gu, given the almost-romantic tension between them.

“So… should I not meet him?”

“Oh, no, that’s not what I meant. What kind of person is he?”

“He says he’s a college student. We met while gaming and got into an argument, but somehow we became friends.”

Just in case, Yeo-woon omitted to mention that they were in-game couple.

“At first, he was kind of annoying, but he’s been helping me out a lot and is actually really nice.”

“…..”

“He’s kind of cute too.”

Yeo-woon looked up after staring at the pool tiles for a while and noticed that Yoon Ji-gu’s face had turned red. …Why is he like that? He must still be embarrassed about his misunderstanding.

“Well then… maybe you should meet him.”

“Are you okay with that?”

There was no point in hiding anything now that he’d already mentioned Earth Star. Ji-gu might feel bad about it too. When Yeo-woon asked if it was okay for him to meet Earth Star, Yoon Ji-gu’s lips quivered.

“Me?”

“You’re not upset?”

“…Just as friends is fine.”

“I see….”

“…..”

This atmosphere was awkwardly uncomfortable. Maybe he shouldn’t have brought it up….

“I don’t get it. What does he want to do by suddenly meeting up with me?”

“…Have a meal together.”

“We can eat separately. That’s not something we have to meet up for.”

“If you meet, you can get closer.”

“We’re already close.”

“Then maybe he has something he wants to talk about in person.”

“I guess so….”

If it was a group hangout with others involved, it wouldn’t be a big deal, but the idea of meeting one-on-one didn’t sit well with Yeo-woon. It seemed like it would be awkward, and he wondered if Earth Star would be as playful in person. Seeing how he kept pestering him even after he had indirectly refused, he seemed a bit impatient. Even though there was no urgent matter at all.

“By the way, Ji-gu.”

“Yes?”

“Why didn’t you come to the pool yesterday?”

“…..”

Yoon Ji-gu’s face turned red again, even though Yeo-woon didn’t ask anything he shouldn’t have.

“You didn’t reply to my text either. I was worried.”

“…Ah, it’s nothing!”

Yoon Ji-gu immediately threw himself into the water. How far does he think he can swim from here…. Yeo-woon tilted his head, watching Yoon Ji-gu’s silhouette swimming away in the distance.

“What’s with him.”

Yeo-woon couldn’t figure out either of them. Why does Ji-gu blush so easily on his own, and Earth Star —what’s going through his head, suddenly insisting on meeting up like that?

***

Do other people’s lives feel this way too? Yoon Ji-gu wasn’t sure about that, but his life was too damn complicated. When one worry disappears, an even bigger one appears.

Yoon Ji-gu repeated the act of going to the swimming pool entrance and then trudging back for two days. He was terrified that if Yeo-woon suggested they shower together, he might embarrassingly get aroused right there.

If that happened, he would have to forcibly move far away, being rumored as a pervert not only at the swimming pool but in this local community. The real pervert was Yeo-woon, not himself. But there was also quite a problem with himself for falling for such a pervert.

Honestly… yes, he wanted to go all the way with Yeo-woon. Even though they hadn’t even gotten started, in his imagination, he had already embraced Yeo-woon multiple times—and had to be slapped for it. The more he learned about Yeo-woon’s hobbies, the more vivid those fantasies became. Violence scared him, but somehow, he felt like it would be okay if it was Yeo-woon. He’d read online that it was fine if you discussed boundaries beforehand. Just thinking about it made his heart race with a mix of fear and excitement. Of course, Yeo-woon would need to acknowledge his feelings and confess first, though…

“…?”

Turning his head at the sound, he met eyes with the cat. It hadn’t even been 30 minutes since he had given it food and treats. He felt embarrassed as if the yellow eyes were seeing right through him.

“…Ah geez, what are you looking at?”

The cat, standing in front of the wide-open door and staring at him, just blinked for a while at Yoon Ji-gu’s words, then turned around and left haughtily. Somehow, it felt like even the cat was treating him like an idiot, which made him upset.

Lee Yeo-woon should be held responsible for making him like this.

[Couple] neutaaaa: Gubyeol-ah

[Couple] neutaaaa: Please marry me please I’m begging you okay? Please marry me please okay?

[Couple] Ji9star: ;;

Unaware of his feelings, Yeo-woon kept begging him to marry at all times. His chest felt tight. If he hadn’t picked a fight with him and forcibly sent a couple request… Yeo-woon might have been begging someone else to marry him. The thought alone made his blood boil.

[Couple] neutaaaa: Because you won’t marry me

[Couple] neutaaaa: I’m dead ㅜㅜ

[Couple] Ji9star: Then give me your equipment

[Couple] neutaaaa: Sorry

[Couple] Ji9star: Lol if you’re that desperate, meet me ㅇ3ㅇ

[Guild] CatMeowMeowMeow: Helping low-level party, need 2 to fill spots

[Couple] neutaaaa: Ah Cat-nim is calling

[Guild] neutaaaa: I’ll go!!

[Guild] al0ha: Ah I’m bored lol me too lol

[Guild] Halloween Eggplant: Ah you guys really go all out on volunteer work lol

[Guild] CatMeowMeowMeow: Ok ok

That damned Cat is always causing a fuss, calling other people’s lovers at all times. …Well, potential lover and game lover. Yoon Ji-gu immediately sent a whisper to CatMeowMeowMeow.

[Whisper] Ji9star: Cat-nim lol me too

[Whisper] CatMeowMeowMeow: Sorry, all spots filled!!ㅠ

[Whisper] Ji9star: Kick one out (Al0ha) and let me in lol

[Whisper] CatMeowMeowMeow: ?

[Whisper] CatMeowMeowMeow: You should have said something earlier ㅠ

[Whisper] Ji9star: Whatever

[Whisper] CatMeowMeowMeow: ? Don’t talk to me

While he wasn’t paying attention, CatMeowMeowMeow had become quite arrogant. He needed a lesson. Yoon Ji-gu checked the location indicator in the guild window and warped to where CatMeowMeowMeow and Neutaaaa were.

[All] CatMeowMeowMeow: Huh? Why did Earth Star come?

[All] CatMeowMeowMeow: I told you there’s no spot for you in this 8-person party

[All] Ji9star: Just came to watch >_<

The 8-person party for the low-level dungeon that CatMeowMeowMeow was helping with consisted of three volunteers from Poseidon and five beginners.

[Couple] neutaaaa: Gubyeol-ah

[Couple] neutaaaa: Marry me

[All] Ji9star: ;;;;;;;;;

[Couple] neutaaaa: lololololololol

Meanwhile, Neuta, or rather Lee Yeo-woon, started talking about marriage again as soon as he saw him. After being rejected several times, he seems to have developed a stubborn streak and says such things at any time. Yoon Ji-gu pretended not to hear and swung his weapon at CatMeowMeowMeow.

[All] Beibeibei: CatMeow-na-rya-meow-meow-nim! I maxed out all my skills!! I’m ready to go now!!”

[All] Thousand Sunset: ㅇㅅㅇ;

[All] Thousand Sunset: It’s not CatMeow-na-rya-meow-meow, it’s CatMeowMeowMeow ㅇㅅ”ㅇ

[All] CatMeowMeowMeow: It doesn’t matter, just call me whatever…

[All] Thousand Sunset: Okay, Meow-nara-meow-meow-nim ㅇㅅㅇ

[All] neutaaaa: CatMeowMeowMeow

[All] Sticky Rice Noodles: Meow-rya-meow-rya-meow-nim, when are we going in?

[All] CatMeowMeowMeow: ㅡㅡ;

[All] al0ha: Cat, let’s go!

Among the five beginners, there was one familiar face. While the other beginners had picked up various fashion items to cover their ugly armor, one character wasn’t decorated at all, reminding Yoon Ji-gu of Yeo-woon’s beginner days.

Now he looked decent enough, but back then, Yeo-woon’s character looked so bad you’d wonder why he went around like that. Still, if he could go back to that time, he’d never bully him and treat him really well!

The 8-person party left him alone and entered the dungeon. He resented CatMeowMeowMeow for taking Yeo-woon, who was in the middle of talking to him. Because of that, the conversation about actually meeting and getting married was cut off.

‘Why won’t Lee Yeo-woon meet me? He said I’m cute and nice.’

Remembering Yeo-woon’s compliments about Earth Star based on his face, he found himself grinning without realizing it. He didn’t want to hide anything from him anymore. He wanted to reveal that he was Earth Star, laugh at Yeo-woon’s surprise, and make him realize how cruel it was to ask him to marry him.

“…Sigh.”

But why… didn’t Yeo-woon understand his own feelings? He literally made his character look just like Ji-gu’s real face. How could he not notice how his expression changed whenever he saw him? He didn’t even let go when Ji-gu would subtly hold his hand, and every night, he’d send a text wishing him sweet dreams.

If that’s not liking someone, then what is? What the hell is it?

[Whisper] Thousand Sunset: Hello, do you know where Meowmeow-nim are now? ㅇㅅㅇ

[Whisper] Ji9star: Aquarium bar, 2nd floor

[Whisper] Thousand Sunset: lolololol Thanks

It seemed the low-level raid party had ended. To prevent CatMeowMeowMeow from clinging to Yeo-woon, he gave CatMeowMeowMeow’s location to the beginner who always hovered around him. Soon after, Yeo-woon found his location and sat his character next to Earth Star’s. The characters wearing hanbok in different colors for the New Year celebration looked cute, so he took multiple screenshots.

[Couple] neutaaaa: What are you doing, Gubyeol?

Thinking he might be AFK since he was staying still, Yeo-woon suddenly stood up and started punching above his head. Yoon Ji-gu stood up and jumped, responding to his message.

[Couple]Ji9star: Thinking about you >_<

[Couple] neutaaaa: I see!

[Couple] Ji9star: But when will you be mentally prepared?

[Couple] neutaaaa: Huh?

[Couple] Ji9star: Mentally prepared to meet me

Given that Yeo-woon had asked him if he’d ever met anyone online, Ji-gu was sure he was debating whether to meet “Earth Star” in person. He just couldn’t figure out why it was taking so long.

[Couple] neutaaaa: What do you want to do if we meet?

[Couple] Ji9star: Marriage? I’ll do whatever you want lol

[Guild] CatMeowMeowMeow: I changed my clothes, anyone wants to see!!

[Couple] neutaaaa: Ah, Cat-nim is calling, bye

[Couple] Ji9star: Damn it

That damn cat. Yoon Ji-gu hoped only misfortune would befall CatMeowMeowMeow.

[Whisper] Ji9star: CatMeowMeowMeow, stop calling people so much

[Whisper] CatMeowMeowMeow: ? I’ve never called you, though.

[Whisper] CatMeowMeowMeow: Don’t come, bye

Life is really tough. There were too many obstacles to overcome before Yoon Ji-gu and Lee Yeo-woon could become the most special people to each other. The person he wanted to meet was hesitating, and now there were pesky obstacles in the way too. Moreover, Lee Yeo-woon didn’t seem to properly understand his own feelings towards Yoon Ji-gu. It was so obvious that even he, who had liked someone for the first time in his life, could notice.

“…No.”

No need to rush. Lee Yeo-woon is in the palm of his hand anyway. hey lived so close, practically within reach. There was still plenty of time, and the day when Yeo-woon would confess to him wasn’t far off.

It has to be. It has to happen.

Yoon Ji-gu nervously shook his legs as he spun his happy thoughts around in his head.