TGMND 133

Just then, Yeo-woon’s phone rang.

‘Yoon Ji-gu’

Yeo-woon quietly looked at the name displayed on the screen, turned the game volume to minimum, and answered the phone. Didn’t he say he was going to eat? Yeo-woon wondered why Yoon Ji-gu was calling. It seemed like he might be asking to eat together.

“Yes, Ji-gu.”

-Hyung. Want to come over and eat ramyun at my place?

Yeo-woon burst into laughter involuntarily at the words as soon as he answered the phone. Seemingly upset that he laughed loudly before even replying, Yoon Ji-gu asked in a blunt tone.

-What’s so funny?

“Because you’re using such a classic pick-up line…”

Yeo-woon couldn’t gather his thoughts at the sudden line that came out of nowhere. It didn’t seem like Ji-gu said it knowingly, but he didn’t know why it was so funny. Huhuhuk. At Yeo-woon’s voice which was almost coughing, the voice on the other end of the receiver grew louder. It seemed Ji-gu finally understood the meaning.

-You’re crazy!

“Why are you trying to seduce me? Suddenly in the mood?”

-Ah, it’s not like that, so hurry up and come!

“Want me to svck you off?”

-Ah, no. I didn’t shower after this morning, but if I rush, I could finish in about five min—wait, what am I saying…”

“Why are you stammering, I was just joking…”

-…

“Are you going to get completely n4ked and shower now?”

-…Why do you keep talking about getting completely naked!

“Then do you shower with clothes on?”

-I just asked you to come over for ramyun, why do you always have such trashy thoughts at the wrong time? Not that I hate it, but… Oh, this is so frustrating!”

The end of his voice cracked with a mix of embarrassment and defeat. His true feelings were obvious. Yoon Ji-gu wanted to emphasize that it really wasn’t his intention, but it seems he realized at the end that he had overreacted a bit. Yeo-woon barely suppressed his laughter and nodded while answering.

“Alright, I’ll be a trash then.”

-…I take back what I just said. I can’t date trash either.

“Oh my, I’m honored. What were you doing?”

-I was playing a game and got hungry. I just put the water on, so if you don’t come within 5 minutes, I’m changing the house password. If you’re late, figure it out yourself.

“I’m hungry though.”

-I’ve only got one pack of ramen, but there’s rice.”

“I’ll come now.”

Yeo-woon sat his character next to Earth Star, who was sitting quietly, and placed an “Away!” sign in front. Like Earth Star, the character entered standby mode and fell asleep sitting with eyes closed. Yeo-woon got up from his seat and slipped his feet into the slippers he had worn out of Yoon Ji-gu’s house. 

Ding. 

The front door that had opened with a small mechanical sound soon closed with a thud, and the footsteps heard from beyond the door stopped after a few steps.

Click. 

After the door lock engaged the locking bolt, silence fell throughout the house. The slightly crooked shoes in the shoe rack seemed to indicate a hasty departure. In the house devoid of any presence, only the faint whirring of the computer could be heard.

In the monitor glowing alone in the empty room, male and female characters sat leaning against each other, nodding their heads to the BGM.

***

Two days later, Yoon Ji-gu finally reached his goal of level 100. Yeo-woon felt a little disappointed in him. Usually, on weekday afternoons, he would send messages to the point of annoyance and chatter about his daily routine, but lately, Yeo-woon felt that Yoon Ji-gu had changed a bit.

-Hello?

“Ji-gu, I called because it’s raining.”

-Rain? Why the rain?

“If you left the window open, water might come in, so close it. I thought you’d be sleeping, but you’re not?”

-Ah, yes. I have something to do.

“Did you eat?”

-Earlier. What about you?

“I’m about to go down with my team members.”

Yeo-woon glanced around the office, thinking he didn’t need to hang up yet, and moved towards the window. Through the corridor window, he could see the cloudy sky. Looking at the rainy cityscape naturally dampened his mood.

“What are you doing?”

Even after a long silence, only the sound of something being tapped could be heard from the other end of the receiver.

-Ah, I’m pulling weeds.

“Weeds?”

What would he be pulling weeds for in the middle of the city? The café didn’t have a garden, and his apartment was on the 9th floor…

“Are you growing cat grass at home?”

Yeo-woon didn’t know the name, but he felt like he’d heard about it somewhere. There were many people who grew grass that was good for cats to eat at home.

-Huh? No? I even buy lettuce from the market.

“But you just said you’re pulling weeds…”

“Assistant Lee! Let’s go down. I’m here.”

Assistant manager Kim, who had come out at some point, dangled his wallet in his hand and raised it slightly.

“Ah, yes. …Ji-gu, I have to go eat, so I’ll hang up.”

-Okay.

Yoon Ji-gu hung up first without hesitation. Usually, he would say things like “enjoy your meal” or ask what Yeo-woon was going to eat, but today his voice seemed a bit perfunctory. Yeo-woon could hear some sounds like he was doing something. Surely he’s not playing games again…

Yoon Ji-gu: (Photo)

A message arrived while he was going down in the elevator. Yeo-woon quickly glanced at his team members before checking the photo Yoon Ji-gu had sent.

A black cat was sitting between the keyboard and the person taking the photo. And behind the cat, the monitor screen showing Little Forest’s vegetable garden was visible. As expected, it seemed Yoon Ji-gu was once again absorbed in Little Forest while cuddling Bbosong.

Yoon Ji-gu: Yes, I’m pulling weeds >_< lol

Yoon Ji-gu: Enjoy your lunch

Yoon Ji-gu belatedly sent messages saying what he couldn’t over the phone. Yeo-woon looked at those texts, feeling an inexplicable uneasiness.

‘Why is he so obsessed with LiFo?’

These days, Yoon Ji-gu was absorbed in the game. Even when Yeo-woon casually asked why he was playing so hard, Yoon Ji-gu just awkwardly evaded the question. Considering his perfunctory attitude on the phone earlier, it meant he was focusing more on the game than talking to him.

What could it be? What made Yoon Ji-gu like that? There must be something, but…

Yeo-woon had spent a long time in useless worries.

***

/Whisper/<YourDreamIsGradSchool>: Sous Chef!

/Whisper/<YourDreamIsGradSchool>: That newbie is at the Skyland general store

/Whisper/<dldudns>: Thanks

/Whisper/<YourDreamIsGradSchool>: If you’re thankful, please log in with your main character later and make me some food…. *bows repeatedly*^^

/Whisper/<dldudns>: Okay lolololol I’ll call you when I switch to my main later^^

/Whisper/<YourDreamIsGradSchool>: Yay!!!^0^

After returning home and logging into the game late in the evening, Yeo-woon asked YourDreamIsGradSchool about Earth Star’s location and moved there.

‘Found him.’

Yeo-woon jumped up and sat above the person selling items at the town’s general store and spoke to Earth Star.

/Whisper/<dldudns>: We meet again lol

Pretending it was a coincidence, he spoke while sitting on the stair railing. Earth Star, who was standing in front of an NPC, turned to look up at Yeo-woon.

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Oh, hello >_<

/Whisper/<dldudns>: Your level….

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: I told you I’d reach 100 within this week!

/Whisper/<Ji9star>:Super fast, right? lol

It was fast, indeed. But why was he in such a rush to level up?

‘Is this game so fun that you’re even reducing the time you spend with me to play it? You’ve changed…’

Yeo-woon muttered, not realizing he was jealous of the game he used to love so much.

/Whisper/<dldudns>: But why did it have to be within this week?

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: ?

/Whisper/<dldudns>: The level

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Huh

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: It’s a secret lol

“…This guy.”

Yeo-woon wanted to grab him by the collar and threaten him to spill the truth, but he had no grounds to do so. After all, Yoon Ji-gu, or Earth Star, didn’t know that ‘dldudns’ was Yeo-woon.

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Are you that curious?

/Whisper/<dldudns>: A little…

In fact, he was extremely curious. To the point where he wanted to do anything to find out the reason.

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Then

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: If you tell me something, I’ll tell you too >_<!!

He suggested they exchange one question each. There was nothing for him to lose. Seeing no reason not to, Yeo-woon nodded, and Earth Star jumped up to where Yeo-woon was sitting.

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Do you have a lover?

“…?”

It’s you. It was somewhat amusing that he was asking about his own existence, but Yeo-woon frowned, wondering why he was asking such a thing.

“Is he hitting on a complete stranger while I’m right here?”

It felt strange. Yeo-woon wasn’t sure how to feel—whether to be angry or amused. On one hand, the person Yoon Ji-gu was flirting with was still himself. He wondered how Ji-gu would react if he ever found out.

/Whisper/<dldudns>: What if I do?

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Ah lol I guess you do lololol

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Are they pretty?

Earth Star poked his own cheek, pretending to be cute. This bastard is losing his mind and flirting with a stranger! Instead of answering, Yeo-woon stood up abruptly and smacked Earth Star on the head. Seeing the red text showing 1 damage, Earth Star giggled again.

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Why did you hit me!

/Whisper/<dldudns>: Deserved

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Wow, that’s harsh

/Whisper/<dldudns>: We agreed to ask one question at a time, so it’s my turn

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: ㅜㅜ I know….

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: But what was your question????

/Whisper/<dldudns>: You said before that Little Forest wasn’t that fun

/Whisper/<dldudns>: Why are you so obsessed with reaching max level?

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Well lol Actually, I recently

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Started this game following a certain hyung…

“A certain hyung?”

That phrase strangely irritated Yeo-woon. Not a lover, but ‘a certain’ hyung?

If he was a stranger he wouldn’t even know if Ji-gu’s lover is a man, woman, or monster anyway. Yeo-woon wondered why he would introduce him as ‘a certain hyung’ when he could just say he started following his lover.

Yeo-woon suddenly felt like he had become Yoon Ji-gu. He quickly admitted to the obvious. He didn’t like Yoon Ji-gu showing interest and flirting with someone he perceived as a stranger other than himself. To be honest, he might even be jealous. He glared at Earth Star with annoyed eyes.

‘Alright, let’s see how far this goes.’

Yeo-woon smiled inwardly, grinding his teeth. It was quite a sinister smile.

/Whisper/<dldudns>: And?

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: It’s a bit of a long story

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: I have some revenge to take care of lol

Revenge?

/Whisper/<dldudns>: Against that ‘certain hyung’? lol

That made sense. Yoon Ji-gu, who was upset with him for some reason, was preparing for revenge. No wonder his attitude had been unusual lately.

/Whisper/<dldudns>: What kind of revenge are you planning?

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Questions are one-for-one!!

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: If you’re curious about that, you have to answer one more!

/Whisper/<dldudns>: ㅡㅡ

/Whisper/<dldudns>: Fine

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: lololololololol

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: You know….

/Whisper/<dldudns>: What?

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: You have to answer honestly???

/Whisper/<dldudns>: Okay

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: What turns you on the most when your lover does it?

“Huh?”

Yeo-woon stared blankly, completely caught off guard by the unexpected question.

…What’s with this guy? Does he just ask such things to strangers?

“I won’t let this slide…”

He needed to correct this bad habit. Yeo-woon’s character raised his hand and hit Earth Star’s head hard. Earth Star didn’t even try to dodge the consecutive smack to his head and just laughed ‘lolololololololol’ again.

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Why do you keep hitting me!

/Whisper/<dldudns>: Why do you think?

/Whisper/<dldudns>: You

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Can’t I ask things like this?ㅡㅡ You didn’t say it wasn’t allowed beforehand

/Whisper/<dldudns>: Of course not, ask your own lover directly

/Whisper/<dldudns>: You

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: You’re subtly speaking informally lol

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Actually

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: My lover’s birthday is coming up soon

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: You might have similar turn-ons, so I wanted to ask for advice

“…You said revenge, but what’s this situation now.”

Come to think of it, his own birthday really was coming up soon. Yeo-woon checked today’s date and nodded in understanding.

“If you’re curious, you could just come and ask me directly…”

Why would he ask a third party about something like this? Yeo-woon muttered thoughtlessly and then realized something.

“Is he planning to do exactly what I tell him?”

Thinking about it, Yoon Ji-gu’s specialty was finding strange information on the internet and then acting awkwardly in front of him until he was found out. Yeo-woon wondered where Ji-gu got that information, but now he thought maybe he asked random strangers like this. Before, he had picked up some strange ideas and asked to be hit or called Yeo-woon a pervert, maligning an innocent person.

“This little…”

Yeo-woon felt annoyed for a moment and hit Yoon Ji-gu’s head hard.

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: What’s with you, seriouslyㅡㅡ

Even though each hit only took 1 HP, his HP had been reduced to half from being hit continuously. Earth Star drank a recovery potion to restore his health, and Yeo-woon followed him to punch his head once more.

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Why are you seriously doing this!!!

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Do you have a grudge against me????

/Whisper/<dldudns>: You asked first~ What situation turns me on the most

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: What does that have to do with me getting hit now?ㅡㅡ

It has everything to do with it. A whole lot, in fact.

/Whisper/<dldudns>: I

/Whisper/<dldudns>: Get turned on the most when my lover gets hit once…

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Huh?

/Whisper/<dldudns>: That’s just my preference, please respect it….

/Whisper/<dldudns>: I don’t know if this is the answer you wanted

/Whisper/<dldudns>: But since Earth Star is quietly letting me hit you

/Whisper/<dldudns>: Honestly, I’m a bit turned on right now…

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Whㅏt teh fcuk

/Whisper/<dldudns>: Sigh….

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Aaaaaaaaaaaaa

Seeing the typos, he must have been momentarily flustered. Yeo-woon felt the need to restrain Yoon Ji-gu from carelessly using such vocabulary with strangers in the future. He couldn’t understand how he could say things like “turned on” to someone he barely knew.

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Wow~~~you almost had me fooled into thinking you’re a complete pervert lol

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Don’t joke around about this kind of thing, are you making fun of people?

/Whisper/<dldudns>: I’m not joking though?

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Ah sh1t

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: Stop

/Whisper/<Ji9star>: hitting me!!!!!!!!

The problem was that looking at Yoon Ji-gu made him want to keep teasing him. As Yeo-woon kept flicking Earth Star’s forehead and persistently chasing him, other users in the town seemed to find it amusing and started flicking Earth Star’s forehead along with Yeo-woon. Sometimes they hit the wrong user, grabbed passersby to happily beat each other up, and the sound of flicking echoed throughout the town center.

At that moment, Yoon Ji-gu called. Yeo-woon stared at his phone quietly and only pressed the call button just before it was about to end.

-Hyung! Do you really get turned on when you hit me?!

“…?”

This was what he said as soon as the call connected. Yeo-woon was momentarily unable to assess the situation and asked blankly.

“What are you talking about?”

-You said you get turned on when you hit me. Are you really excited?

“When did I say that?”

-Why do you keep hitting me? Even now!

“…”

-This is you, isn’t it!

Thwack thwack thwack thwack thwack. Yeo-woon gently released his finger from the interaction emoticon button. Only then did the movement of flicking Earth Star’s forehead stop.

“How did you know?”

-How could I not? Your username’s literally spelled out as ‘Lee Yeo-woon’ written in English alphabet.

“…What?”

Yeo-woon looked up at the English nickname above his head.

dldudns.

Lee Yeo-woon.

…It really is?

-Did you think I was an idiot?

“When did you figure it out?”

-I knew from the beginning, you know?

Yeo-woon felt embarrassed. Now that he heard it, it seemed stranger not to have recognized it. He had forgotten that he typed his name in English because he often made nicknames like this. Most of Yeo-woon’s nicknames were randomly created English names. He thought this was just one of those many nicknames.

‘But he knew from the beginning?’

That meant he had been watching while Yeo-woon pretended not to know, using polite speech and acting like a stranger. That was a bit… annoying.

-Hey, are you mad? Why aren’t you saying anything?

“Ji-gu.”

-That was a lie, right? I can tell just from your voice.

“…”

-Ah! Quickly say it was a joke. Okay?

Seeing him urging for an answer with an anxious voice despite claiming to know everything made Yeo-woon laugh. It was absurd but also quite cute that he played along pretending not to know while knowing Yeo-woon’s identity. Just as he was about to say it was obviously a lie, a good idea came to him. He was very curious about what intention Ji-gu had in asking such questions and what the talk of revenge was about, but something else took precedence.

‘You’re not the only one who can take revenge.’

It was a small revenge for Yoon Ji-gu deceiving him. Yeo-woon deliberately sighed deeply and said seriously, removing all humor from his voice:

“Listen seriously. It’s all true…”

-What?

“You were in so much pain when you were hit before. It’s regrettable, but what you like is more important to me than my preferences…”

-L-l-lie!

“I’m sorry for hiding it. I pretended it wasn’t true because I was afraid you’d be scared, but I thought I should tell the truth someday. Now that it’s come to this, I’ll be honest.”

-Don’t, don’t do it! Don’t be honest!

“I don’t need anything else for my birthday gift, I’d like to receive your body…”

-Aah! Stop!

With a startled scream, the call ended. At the same time, Earth Star also left the game as if fleeing. He’s surprisingly naive sometimes. Yeo-woon laughed for a while holding the phone after the call ended.