episode_0006

“When you turn on the computer and press the Delete button….”

A cafe on the first floor of a building. The soft orange lighting and the darkening weather outside create an elegant atmosphere.

Taking a seat, Suhyun took out her personal laptop and was in the middle of explaining overclocking.

“It seems like it’s not possible with a laptop….”

“Well… laptops don’t really support overclocking on their mainboards….”

Overclocking.

It is the act of increasing performance by sending more current than the current set on computer equipment to raise the clock speed. It is usually divided into CPU or RAM overclocking.

Suhyun wanted to know if she could overclock her laptop.

To cut to the chase, it’s almost impossible. This is because there are very few laptops that support it. Even if you manage to overclock successfully, there have been cases where components melted due to heat.

“Thank you for explaining.”

“Oh no, don’t mention it. I enjoyed talking about computers after a long time.”

Back in school, Suhyun used to recommend computers to others and even upgraded her own computer to better specs than PC bangs, but as she graduated, there were hardly any friends left who shared similar interests.

So, having this conversation with Suhyun after a long time gave me a sense of excitement.

“But why suddenly overclock with a laptop…?”

“Ah… well….”

Seemingly unable to disclose something, Suhyun ran her hand through her hair and averted her gaze.

“If it’s uncomfortable to talk about, you don’t have to.”

“No, it’s okay. I’ll tell you.”

“Yes….”

“In fact, I… am doing internet broadcasting….”

“Internet broadcasting?”

I’ve heard that many people nowadays work and do XTube, but seeing someone doing live broadcasts is a first for me. Balancing work life must be tough, so I worry about the stamina required for broadcasting. Usually, those who do live broadcasts are mostly full-time streamers.

“So I thought of doing outdoor broadcasts… but when I broadcast with this laptop, it lags a lot.”

“I see. Are you okay physically? It must be tough.”

“Well, I only do it for about two days during weekdays.”

“I see… Why did you come here for this? You could earn decently from broadcasting.”

“Oh, that’s….”

I suddenly realized. If she were known as a ‘hakko’ streamer, it could damage her pride.

“You should start thinking about the future. Since I probably won’t be broadcasting for a lifetime… I need to practice in advance so I won’t be clueless in society later on.”

“That makes sense.”

I thought she had a reasonable set of values. It’s not my place to meddle, but I can’t help but wonder what these people will do once they quit streaming….

“Oh, would the manager like to join us sometime?”

“Me?”

“Yes. I’ll invite you if the opportunity arises.”

“Oh, someone like me─”

“No.”

“….!”

Suhyun clasped my hand with both of hers. I instinctively pulled back slightly as my heart raced, but she pressed closer to me without hesitation.

“If it’s you, people might like it.”

“Me…?”

“Yes.”

Her eyes were those of a successful entrepreneur anticipating something. They seemed to suggest that I could be profitable.

“….Not today, maybe next time.”

“Thank you! I’ll treat you to dinner.”

The voice thanking me was the brightest among all of Suhyun’s voices I had heard so far.

~~~

Suhyun took me to a restaurant and treated me generously. I tried to pay for everything, but she had already made reservations, so I had no choice but to accompany her.

“It feels awkward….”

From the prices to everything else, it all felt burdensome. Of course, I’m grateful to Suhyun, but excessive kindness can be burdensome for some people.

-“What kind of broadcasts do you watch, Manager?”

-“Oh, I’m close with that person. Should I introduce you?”

-“And also….”

Continuing the discussion about internet broadcasts. I’ve heard some stories that were unknown to them, but somehow they also seemed to include content that I shouldn’t know.

In reality, it felt like I caught a glimpse of the darker side of broadcasters, like secretly dating someone, breaking up with an editor, and leaving.

“Sigh….”

Thanks to Suhyun, I indulged in high-end food and returned home. The wallet used for payment was a luxury brand, and the wad of cash inside was substantial. Perhaps Suhyun came to our company not just for ‘money’ but for ‘social life.’

“Dad’s home…”

Upon opening the front door, Yuhee stood there, glaring at me with discontent, scanning me from head to toe.

Then, as if coming closer, she sniffed my body’s scent in every nook and cranny.

“Smells like meat….”

She muttered quietly and then sprayed air freshener on me from the shoe rack. The scent was strong, making me cough.

“Cough… Yuhee…?”

“Where did you go.”

“After dinner──”

“Where.”

“To a restaurant….”

“Did Dad buy it…?”

“No, that person bought it.”

“Who is that person.”

Yuhee asked persistently. It felt like the conversation was progressing well, yet the topic was slightly off, making it awkward.

Still, I couldn’t lie to Yuhee. There was nothing particularly bothersome about it.

“It’s the newcomer this time.”

“A woman?”

“Yeah.”

“What did you talk about?”

“Just computer stuff… and… maybe broadcasting… that person mentioned doing broadcasts.”

“Oh…?”

“Are you interested, Yuhee?”

“I’m not.”

“Uh, okay……”

The flow of the conversation abruptly stopped, making it awkward. I shouldn’t ask such questions… I felt like I was becoming an oblivious person trying to get closer and saying strange things again.

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight….”

With those words, Yuhee went into her room and didn’t come out.

Perhaps she thought I was meeting someone else… She might even think I’m raising her forcibly and seeing other women. But I hoped Yuhee would understand that it wasn’t the case. I have no intention of meeting anyone else until Yuhee gets married.

“…Sigh.”

Today, Yuhee didn’t engage in self-pleasure, so I comfortably lay down. I was relieved that there was no strange look in my eyes when looking at Yuhee.

Yet, I felt a bit bitter. Seeing her immediately go in after finishing business made me distinctly feel the nature of our relationship as purely business.

Of course, I have no right to blame Yuhee. The fact that she once discarded and then accepted herself was already a deep wound.

If only I could talk to Yuhee a little more, or even if I could see that sight for just a few more seconds, I would be satisfied.

‘Will there ever be a day when I can laugh and talk properly.’

Thinking about whether such a thing could happen, I quietly closed my eyes.

~~~

A week later.

“You’re here, Director.”

“Oh, hello.”

Today, Suhyun greeted me warmly. Perhaps because we’ve been discussing various topics related to computers recently, we seem to have become somewhat friendlier.

“Have some coffee.”

“Thank you.”

She knew I liked lattes and brewed the perfect coffee with the right sweetness. It woke me up from the drowsy morning with its sweet yet slightly bitter taste.

After finishing the coffee and about to throw away the paper cup, I noticed something written underneath.

“Are you free tonight?”

….

This is probably from Suhyun. Asking if I’m free tonight. Well… I am. How should I reply?

Looking at Suhyun’s gaze, I sent a message as if waiting.

“Have you seen it?”

“Just ask through chat.”

“I wanted to try something like this hehe.”

“Anyway… I am free. I’ll clear my schedule.”

“Okay~”

What… They’ll probably go to the cafe again to talk about the latest games or computer parts. We’ve been doing that during lunch and on our way home these days. Still, I don’t mind.

But that doesn’t mean I have any intention of dating Suhyun. She’s undeniably attractive, but I vowed that I wouldn’t meet anyone for Yuhee’s sake.

“Excuse me…? A TV appearance?”

“Yes. You promised to appear last time. You haven’t forgotten, have you?”

“Well, that’s true, but… being called in suddenly is a bit…”

And in the evening, I received a shocking request from Suhyun. Although we had promised to go out last time, it feels awkward to be asked so abruptly when I’m not prepared.

“Manager….”

“….!”

Suhyun grabs my hand without even realizing that his shirt is unbuttoned. Lately, the inside of his shirt has been showing, making things awkward, and now he wraps both hands around mine, blatantly touching chests.

The already arrogant impression now seems to border on sexy.

“How… can I refuse this?”

How can I reject something like this…