Chapter 87: Cosplayholic, Part 1

Hong Seo-hyun performed her role admirably, exceeding expectations in both dedication and results.

She had two main tasks for the Game Release Club:

First, generate substantial income.

Scarlet’s donations for the first month had reached around 2 million won.

After deducting the 600,000 won platform fee and splitting the remaining 1.4 million won, they each received 700,000 won.

While not a huge sum compared to professional streamers, it was a decent amount for a high school student. Moreover, the month wasn’t over yet.

With the original song release and live performance on Halloween, more donations would likely pour in, potentially pushing her earnings over 1 million won for the first month.

The outlook was bright.

Second, and related to the first, was promoting Cosplay Holic. Generating buzz and driving traffic to the game through organic information leaks and viral marketing was crucial.

-Remember this game?

-Isn’t this the one made by that high school streamer who was trending earlier this year?

-The one who draws, uh, suggestive art.

-I heard that Vtuber who debuted recently is singing the theme song.

-Oh, I have to listen to the original song. I’m already subscribed to her Utaite channel.

Hong Seo-hyun was excelling in this aspect.

The online community was almost certain that Scarlet’s original song was the ending theme for Cosplay Holic.

They had strongly hinted at it during the post-collab stream, and with Scarlet’s close connection to Haru, whose game was releasing on Halloween, the pieces clicked into place for the internet sleuths.

Since Hayoon and Hong Seo-hyun had been subtly dropping hints, it was a natural outcome.

With this organic buzz generated partly by their efforts and partly by the community.

“October 31st. That’s the turning point.”

That day would determine Cosplay Holic’s success or failure.

Hong Seo-hyun, the newest member of the Game Release Club, was working hard as Scarlet, and the game itself was the culmination of their efforts. They had reason to be optimistic.

October 30th arrived, the eve of Cosplay Holic’s release. Only 63 days remained in 2020.

“Now, listen closely.”

It was the last Friday of the month.

They were supposed to have club activities, but they were outside, having skipped lunch. The reason was simple.

Park Geun-soo, holding up a beer mug filled with barley tea, was hosting a celebratory dinner.

“Tomorrow, your efforts will bear fruit.

As you know, Hayoon, Arin, and Jin-ho have been working on this project since before online classes started.

Seo-hyun, who joined midway, has been working hard as a promoter and is now a proper singer with a song releasing on Watermelon.

I admire students with such initiative. This gathering is to show my appreciation for your hard work.

Think of it however you want. If you think this old man is rambling, so be it.

Just enjoy the food. Order whatever you want – beef, pork, anything. No alcohol, but order any drinks you like. It’s all on me. This is my way of thanking you.

Enjoy your meal, and you can leave school an hour early.”

“Uh…?”

“Yes, Do Jin-ho. Do you have something to say?”

“Well, that is…”

Do Jin-ho’s bewildered sound finally stopped Park Geun-soo’s lengthy speech.

The girls exchanged relieved glances, then turned to Do Jin-ho, their eyes conveying a silent message.

You had to interrupt him. Shut that old man up and let’s eat.

Their gazes were laced with slight annoyance.

Park Geun-soo hadn’t done anything wrong, but he had talked way too much.

They hadn’t interrupted him earlier, thinking they’d just let him ramble, but his speech had accelerated to the point where they couldn’t interject.

So, Do Jin-ho had to interrupt when he had the chance. He had to be the hero who stopped the verbal onslaught.

“…Everyone. There’s one thing the teacher forgot to mention. I’ll just say this and then let’s order some beef.”

Do Jin-ho spoke calmly.

“Even if our game flops, we’ve already made over 30 million won. We’re the best at the high school level. Even if the community doesn’t like it, the fact that we tried means our failure isn’t worthless. Let’s keep that in mind, and let’s eat.”

While Do Jin-ho’s pre-meal speech was long for a high school student, it was a welcome relief compared to Park Geun-soo’s.

The girls looked more relaxed than ever. However, one person wasn’t pleased. Park Geun-soo.

He drank his barley tea with a sullen expression, placing slices of beef onto the grill.

While he might not have liked Do Jin-ho’s speech, it wasn’t bad enough to warrant a rebuke, so he focused on the grilling.

“As expected, eloquence is silver, but silence is gold, Teacher.”

“Oh? Why do you say that?”

“Since you said everything, there’s only one thing left for me to say.

As someone who doesn’t like to speak up, your long speech was golden. It made my role clear.”

“Hmm, so that’s what you thought? A very good mindset.”

“Well, the reason why they say eloquence is silver, and silence is gold is…”

Do Jin-ho, barely suppressing a smile, continued to converse with Park Geun-soo.

Hayoon, the oldest among them (excluding Park Geun-soo), could read the underlying emotions.

Is he trying to subtly annoy him even now?

Do Jin-ho’s words weren’t out of respect.

He was subtly provoking Park Geun-soo for interrupting him. Of course, it was pointless against someone like Park Geun-soo.

It was even a blunder.

It resulted in a one-on-one mentoring session between Do Jin-ho and Park Geun-soo.

“This beef is delicious.”

“Unnie, try it with this dipping sauce. It’s special to this restaurant; it goes well with beef.”

“It melts in my mouth.”

“Ah, senior! Don’t take three pieces at once…!”

While the men chatted, the girls enjoyed the grilled beef, and the Game Release Club’s celebratory dinner continued.

An hour later.

“Thank you for the meal, Teacher.”

“Thank you, Teacher!”

“Alright, you’re dismissed.”

Park Geun-soo, who had treated them to dinner using the remaining club funds and some of his own money, waved them off, saying he’d see them next week.

Hayoon, feeling grateful for the feast, made a mental note to get him something for Teacher’s Day next year.

“I’m going home. I ate beef, but he kept talking to me, and I think I have indigestion. I need to rest; my stomach feels awful.”

Do Jin-ho, hoist by his own petard, went home looking miserable. His indigestion would probably go away after a walk. Hayoon wasn’t worried.

“I have a dentist appointment.”

Hong Seo-hyun left for her dental checkup. Only Hayoon and Choi Arin remained.

As Hayoon was about to say she was going home,

“Want to come over to my place tomorrow?”

Choi Arin, holding Hayoon’s sleeve, made an unexpected offer.