Chapter 10: Let me explain 😀

“Please trust me just this once. Since we promised to go to college, let’s keep that promise.”

After my conversation with Seoyeon about my feedback for Battle of Legends had settled,

I briefly came out to the living room and, as promised, I was trying to convince my mom about Seoyeon’s streaming.

“I worked hard, and the results turned out great. Seoyeon didn’t make any pointless effort.”

“What effort is there in streaming…?”

“It’s not easy to chat with people you don’t know, with no idea of their faces or names.”

I knew that for people from my mom’s generation, internet streaming was an unfamiliar occupation.

I wasn’t that different from my mom until recently, either.

However, based on what I had researched over the past few days, streaming wasn’t a job to oppose outright.

There were actually quite a few successful cases.

So, based on the information I gathered, I calmly tried to persuade my mom.

Seoyeon’s situation was definitely positive.

If she keeps working hard, streaming could become a stable job, and so on.

“I think Seoyeon has found something she really wants to do.”

“What if she gets tired of it and quits?”

“Seoyeon has been streaming for over a year. I think she’s passed the point of getting bored.”

I reassured my mom, not with Seoyeon’s words, but based on my own judgment.

In the end, no matter what, Seoyeon was still a child in my mom’s eyes.

It was better for me, as an adult, to take the lead.

“Mom, do I look like the kind of person who would lead Seoyeon down a bad path?”

“…Does streaming really make that much money?”

“If you knew how much Seoyeon made, you’d probably be shocked.”

After my continued persuasion, my mom reluctantly agreed to let Seoyeon keep streaming.

Technically, she had been streaming without permission already, but still, it was better to get her approval.

“Seoyeon…”

“Yes?”

“Seoyeon’s streams… she’s been doing strange dances and stuff…”

“If it were that kind of stream, I would’ve made her stop. It’s wholesome…”

“If you keep your distance from the warrior, you should die! Where do you think you’re running off to?”

“Aaaah! She died again!! No, you have eyes and ears, why aren’t you looking at the ping and listening?!”

“The ant…thud…today too…thud…working hard…farming…about to die!! Why is only the enemy team coming!!”

“…It’s not a weird stream, so don’t worry too much.”

In an instant, the YouTube videos of Seoyeon flashed through my mind, and I corrected what I had said.

It wouldn’t be wise to make up things that weren’t true and lower the credibility of my words.

Anyway, after the conversation about Seoyeon’s streaming was somehow settled,

I stood up to tell Seoyeon that I had received my mom’s permission.

Thud

“Wait, Seoyeon, I have a question.”

My mom stopped me and pulled me back onto the sofa.

Then began her barrage of questions.

“You’re not drinking coffee every day again, are you?”

“Don’t stay up all night because you can’t sleep, at least lie down in bed. No matter how late, make sure to sleep by 12.”

“I’ve made new side dishes, so take some. Those convenience store lunch boxes aren’t good for your health.”

Both of my hands had unknowingly ended up resting in my mom’s hands.

I had let my guard down.

Avoiding my mom’s gaze meant there was probably something she was worried about, so I had to keep my head up.

I thought Seoyeon was the only child in this house, but apparently, my mom sees both Seoyeon and me as children.

This is a disaster.

Her worried voice didn’t seem like it would end.

“Make sure to lock the door at night. If someone knocks, don’t ever open it.”

“Mom, I’m fine. You don’t have to worry that much…”

“Are you hiding a boyfriend at home?”

“…?”

Hiding a boyfriend at my place?

Hmm…

…I’m not sure yet.

Since I became independent, I haven’t really felt any strong romantic attraction to anyone, whether male or female.

“Mom, if someone suddenly shows up with a wedding invitation, I’ll really collapse.”

“Don’t worry. Even if the sky falls, that will never happen.”

Now that I think about it, I don’t think I’ve ever felt romantic emotions for a woman in my past life either.

And I’ve never been attracted to men, so maybe I’m asexual.

Or maybe I just haven’t had the desire to date because I’ve been busy.

“I’m going to chat with Seoyeon for a bit before I go to sleep. You should get some rest too, Mom.”

I reluctantly cut off my mom’s incessant, concerned voice, stood up, and made my way to Seoyeon’s room.

I gently knocked on the door.

Creak

“…What happened?”

“I got permission.”

Upon hearing that she could continue streaming, Seoyeon’s eyes widened in surprise.

She looked dazed, but since the permission wasn’t without conditions, I spoke in a slightly serious tone.

She had to keep the promises we made before.

If she broke those promises, I wouldn’t be able to help her anymore.

“No high school diploma, no.”

“…There are so many people who do well without going to college…”

“The chances of doing well are higher if you go to college.”

I made it clear that there was no room for negotiation.

After that, Seoyeon stopped grumbling, which was a relief.

“By the way, sis.”

“Yeah?”

“Are you really going to stream?”

Her gaze was half curious, half doubtful.

I nodded lightly, as if to say “Yes.”

“For my advice to be useful, it needs to be under the same conditions as yours.”

“I can’t imagine you streaming…”

“I couldn’t imagine you streaming either, so I guess we’re both the same.”

Seoyeon, still looking doubtful, kept asking about my plans.

It was a good attitude.

If there’s something uncertain, it’s wise to keep checking until it’s clear.

“How are you going to set up the stream?”

“I told you, I know someone.”

“Does that person stream too?”

“I don’t know yet. All I know is that their Battle of Legends tier is Diamond.”

“Wow…”

Seoyeon, who looked a bit taken aback, soon said she would help set up the stream herself.

Since I had to play under the same conditions as Seoyeon, I didn’t refuse.

“Sis, honestly, I don’t understand why you’re doing all of this…”

“Your gaming skills will improve faster if I teach you directly than if you try to learn naturally.”

“Do you really have to teach me? By playing a game I’ve never played before?”

“She says you have talent. It’s better to use the talent you have rather than letting it go to waste.”

“…That’s so like you…”

With a faint sigh, Seoyeon gave up on trying to stop me and opened her mouth again to ask.

What about the computer and VR equipment?

Are you really planning to leave everything to that acquaintance, the one called ‘Diamond’?

“Well… for now, yes.”

“Are you close with that person?”

“I’m not sure if we’re close… but they’re the only people I know around here who plays games.”

I’ll ask Manager Kim about what I need to do, and I’ll look up what I can find on my own.

It was a simple and clear plan.

Of course, I shouldn’t just keep asking Manager Kim for favors.

I should show some effort on my part too.

But, it wasn’t difficult.

In a way, it was something I had to do.

‘Should I treat him to a meal? Or should I ask if he needs anything else?’

I pondered what I could do for Manager Kim in return for his help and eventually fell asleep.

***

“Um, the ceiling light above, it seems a bit dim.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll check it out.”

The short weekend ended, and Monday arrived.

Having just arrived at the Yeoryeo Hotel’s Seocho branch, I began inspecting the venue for the upcoming ‘Rev’ launch event scheduled for this Friday.

Of course, other staff members also contributed.

That’s why Manager Kim was in my sight.

When the general inspection was over, I took the opportunity and casually approached him.

I handed him a 500ml bottle of water and asked if it was okay to ask him something. “Something… you’re curious about? About me?”

“It’s personal, so it’s not urgent.”

I spoke lightly to avoid burdening him.

My tone and expression were light.

It was light, but… -Tap tap. “…Manager Kim?”

“Ah, yes. Yes. Um… let’s go to the emergency exit first.”

For some reason, Manager Kim seemed tense.

He only moved after I lightly tapped his shoulder as though we were playing a game of freeze tag.

Could it be that he’s not feeling well today…?

“Manager Kim, I have something personal I’m curious about…”

His face seemed to be checking for hints.

At the same time, the cold bottle of water I handed him.

Could it be that there was a bit of warmth left from the bottle I had received from Yoo Seoya?

But above all, the fact that I had something personal to ask him kept echoing in my ears.

Maybe that’s why.

-Tap tap.

“…Manager Kim?”

“Ah, yes. Yes. Let’s go to the emergency exit first.”

Kim Seokhwan, filled with unrealistic hopes once again, led Yoo Seoya to the emergency exit.

He thought that Yoo Seoya’s personal conversation shouldn’t be overheard by others.

Thus, they arrived at the quiet emergency exit.

Then, her small lips parted.

***

“Manager Kim.”

“Yes.”

“By any chance…”

In that brief moment of silence, all sorts of scenarios flashed through Kim Seokhwan’s mind.

The sound of his heart beating clearly in his ears felt like more than a momentary illusion.

However, despite that… What Yoo Seoya said next was enough to drain all of Kim Seokhwan’s energy.

“Do you know how to build a computer? One optimized for broadcasting Battle of Legends.”

“…What?”

“I’m thinking of starting Battle of Legends, but I don’t have anyone else to ask.”

Still a calm expression.

Calm voice.

It was indeed a personal matter.

“Of course, I need a computer that can handle broadcasting as well.”

“Broadcasting? Seoya, are you planning to broadcast?”

“I’m thinking of trying it.”

“??”

In the end, nothing was gained from the conversation at the emergency exit.

He scolded himself for his foolish imagination.

And the only thing that came out of it was a promise to help with Yoo Seoya’s broadcast computer specs.

It was somewhat of a relief to hear that Yoo Seoya also wanted to repay him in her own way.

“Manager Kim, if you need any help, feel free to ask. I’m sorry for always asking you for favors.”

“Yes, yes… if I ever need Seoya’s help, I’ll definitely contact you.”

Then, Yoo Seoya and Kim Seokhwan returned to their duties as Yeoryeo Hotel employees.

Yoo Seoya had no particular thoughts, and Kim Seokhwan felt that he should focus on his work.

At that moment, there was a bit of commotion near the entrance to the banquet hall.

Then, a familiar silhouette appeared.

Especially with the appearance of someone familiar to Yoo Seoya, her steps instinctively moved toward them.

“Good morning, Executive.”

“Ah, Seoya. I just stopped by on my way.”

White blouse.

Beige wide pants.

A generally neat and tidy outfit.

Then, upon Executive Jeong Hwayeon’s request to be updated on the situation, Yoo Seoya began to guide her around the banquet hall.

The entry flow for the launch event day, the reception area, table arrangements, lighting adjustments, and more.

She informed her of nearly everything she could.

However, just as they were about to move toward the stage.

-Sway.

“!!”

Executive Jeong Hwayeon’s high heels caught on something, and she lost her balance.

At the same time, Yoo Seoya reached out her arm.

Thud.

Yoo Seoya grabbed Executive Jeong Hwayeon’s wrist just before she fell and pulled her back.

Then, with a calm voice, she asked if she was okay.

“Are you okay?”

“Ah, yes… Thank you, Seo-ah.”

Her breath, which had been slightly disordered.

The red, swollen heels of Jeong Hwa-yoon were caught in Yoo Seo-ah’s glance as she quickly looked down at her feet.

“Executive Director. Wait a moment…”

Then, Jeong Hwa-yoon’s shoes were removed by Yoo Seo-ah.

At the same time, the wet wipes she took out wiped the injured part of her heel several times.

It was a sight that felt… quite familiar to Jeong Hwa-yoon.

‘Even if it stings, please bear with it a little longer, Miss.’

“Even if it stings, please bear with it for just a moment.”

For a moment, Jeong Hwa-yoon forgot to breathe, as the images of the two of them overlapped.

A tickling sensation deep inside her chest.

The way Yoo Seo-ah skillfully treated the wound.

Her eyes focused with no hesitation at all.

…What on earth is this déjà vu?

“Instead of shoes, I think it would be better to wear something more comfortable.”

“Band-aids… do you always carry them around?”

“It’s a habit. I used to fall often when I was younger.”

That natural answer made Jeong Hwa-yoon pay more attention to Yoo Seo-ah.

After all, it was as if the answer had been prepared in advance.

What exactly is this person?

Yoo Seo-ah had perfectly applied the band-aid, and Jeong Hwa-yoon made a complex expression.

However, the words that followed were enough to make her flustered.

An unexpected, somewhat unexpected comment.

“Do you think I’ve earned some points now?”

“…Huh?”

“I came here to flirt.”

I told you, right?

Her calm yet provocative answer made Jeong Hwa-yoon’s eyes narrow instantly.

So, was that confession from last time serious?

Did she not give up even after being rejected?

After all, she was just a new employee who hadn’t been with the company long.

What confidence did she have to be so forward with someone like me, the Executive Director?

I still don’t know her personal preferences.

Still, a thank you is a thank you.

Jeong Hwa-yoon gave a faint smile and spoke.

“You’ve earned some points.” Congratulations.

“Oh. Thank you.”

That was the last conversation between Yoo Seo-ah and Jeong Hwa-yoon.

Both of them had their own schedules, so they had to part ways.

Jeong Hwa-yoon left the grand hall, walking with a calm pace, different from before.

And, Kim Seok-hwan cautiously approached Yoo Seo-ah, who was silently watching Jeong Hwa-yoon.

“Seo-ah, um… It seemed like the atmosphere with the Executive Director was a little different…”

“Not yet.” It’s unrequited love.

“Ah, yes. …Huh?”

Kim Seok-hwan’s eyes widened.

He couldn’t understand the meaning of what he had just heard.

“Well, love comes in many forms. Right now, I’m just pursuing her, as an employee.”

“Oh, then. It’s not like that.”

Yoo Seo-ah neither confirmed nor denied it.

She didn’t add any further explanation.

Kim Seok-hwan, who hadn’t fully understood, awkwardly nodded his head, thinking it was
inappropriate to press further.

***

Though he had come up with his own conclusion, he thought it would be best if Seo-ah also looked into it on her own.

“Ah, yes. Thank you.”

Kim Seok-hwan’s computer estimate arrived earlier than expected.

Thanks to that, they were able to quickly get the broadcasting equipment, including VR treadmills.

It seemed I would have to buy a slightly more expensive meal for her.

The broadcasting equipment occupying one side of the officetel caught my eye.

I was now ready to start broadcasting anytime.

But there was no need to rush.

The broadcasting software – apparently, it’s mainly OBS – still wasn’t installed.

A test broadcast needed to be done as well.

Above all, I had to raise my rank in the games first.

My goal was Emerald Tier.

At the very least, I needed to start one tier above Seoyeon’s Platinum rank so that my coaching and advice would have more credibility.

After all, a person with a lower rank can’t teach someone with a higher rank.

Unproven advice is just nagging.

“First, let me turn on the power…”

I fiddled with the VR equipment, putting on parts for my arms and legs.

Then, after putting on the VR headset, I logged into Battle of Legends.

‘I wonder how long this will take.’

First, I need to get familiar with the ranked games of Battle of Legends.

Once I’m used to it, I can start applying the concepts I’ve learned to increase my score.

With that in mind, I began playing Battle of Legends based on the plan I had laid out.

My main role was Archer.

Among the roles in Battle of Legends, the Archer had the longest range and could survey the entire battlefield with their wide field of view.

[TrialAccount01: I’ll play as Archer]

[No??] Don’tFightWithinTeam(Warrior):

[What do you mean Archer?; G1W1M2S2 don’t know?] PleaseStop(Healer):

[OneSlap(Mage): Ah]

Moreover, the Archer had the strategic advantage of being able to cover their allies’ crises
effectively and hit the enemies’ weaknesses from the safest position.

[TrialAccount01(Archer) GoldenAnswer(Warrior)]

[TrialAccount01(Archer): Warrior left]

[FierceCaterpillar(Knight) Don’tFightWithinTeam(Warrior)]

[DongGrangDengDeng(Mage) OneSlap(Mage)]

PleaseStop(Healer) FierceCaterpillar(Knight)

[PleaseStop(Healer):ᄌ]

The Archer’s long range was a huge merit.

So, even if the damage was a bit weak, or the peak would come a little later…

[(All) OneSlap(Mage): Archer please report ᄌᄇ]

[(All) FierceCaterpillar(Knight): I’ve never seen an Archer using their skills like this ᄏᄏᄏᄏᄏ]

[(All) DongGrangDengDeng(Mage): Archer, I’ve deposited money. Please take care of me next time ^^7]

It didn’t seem like there was any reason to give up the advantage of long range.

Among the roles, the Archer, which could cover the largest area, seemed like a good choice.

Even so, the reason they lost the game was because everyone was too hasty.

If they had taken their time and gradually gained control of the battlefield, they would have won easily.

[TrialAccount01(Archer): I think there’s some misunderstanding here]

[TrialAccount01(Archer): open.mamao.com/o/adi2e0]

[TrialAccount01(Archer): Please join]

[TrialAccount01(Archer): I’ll explain :D]