episode_0145

Kim Dae-yoon was completely absorbed in the broadcast, laughing and enjoying himself for a while.

Before he knew it, the broadcast had already passed the 2-hour mark and it was nearing 9 o’clock. It was just about the time when Jo-raeng-i would wrap up the broadcast.

As the game he had been enjoying came to an end, the atmosphere of the broadcast winding down began to form. It was a bit disappointing, but Kim Dae-yoon knew that it was the reason why he enjoyed her broadcasts even more, just like how food tastes even better when you eat it with a hint of regret.

“I should start studying soon.”

If his mom overheard him, she would surely burst into tears, but what could he do? It’s not like he wasn’t working hard at school, he just needed a 2-hour break every day.

-“Alright, then let’s wrap up the broadcast for today….

Just as Jo-raeng-i was about to finish his closing statement, Kim Dae-yoon’s finger hovered over the ‘close’ button to exit the app.

-“Oh, wait! I almost forgot. I have something to announce.”

-Click!

Huh? An announcement? What announcement?

Although the app had already closed, he quickly reopened the broadcast.

-“So, you understand, right? Tomorrow’s broadcast is a must-watch! You have to tune in!”

Just as he finished speaking, the screen froze, indicating that the broadcast had already ended.

“What? What was that about?”

He was curious about what was said, but the train had already left, and his curiosity only grew, making it hard for him to focus on studying.

Frustrated, he dove onto his bed, pulling at his hair.

-Squish!

“Son, have some fruit and study…. What are you doing right now?”

His mom walked in just in time, and Kim Dae-yoon quickly got up from his seat.

“Uh, I’m just having trouble with a problem, so I’m feeling frustrated.”

He quickly came up with an excuse, but his mom looked at him with a worried expression. After a few fake coughs, she understood that he didn’t want to talk about it and placed a plate on his desk.

“I know you’re going through a hard time, so I try not to bother you too much. But your friends are all studying hard to get into college. You know that, right? So, try to work hard without me nagging you. Okay? And who’s this in front of you? Even Ji-ho….”

“Got it. I got it. I’ll handle it myself!”

Kim Dae-yoon ushered his mom out of the room and let out a sigh.

“Ugh, moms….”

Like any other mom, she was just worried, but he couldn’t help feeling frustrated when compared to his friends who were doing well in their studies. Thankfully, his dad was there to keep things in check.

“If only our mom was as beautiful as Jung Da-young’s mom….” he thought for a moment before shaking his head vigorously.

What a perverted thought to have. He realized he was a high school senior after all.

He let out a deep sigh and focused on his studies.

And so, the day passed, and the next day.

“Dae-yoon, did you watch the broadcast yesterday?”

“Yeah? Of course, why do you ask?”

It was Dae-yoon’s friend, Kim Ji-ho.

“Ah~ It was fun yesterday too.”

“That’s right. Haha, wasn’t it hilarious when she suddenly popped up and started screaming, even though it wasn’t a horror game?”

“Oh, that! Since I saved that clip, I’ll send it to you later.”

“Great. I’ll use it when I edit videos later.”

“Haha, of course! I always enjoy watching your videos. Hey, I find it really hard to find editing points, but you seem to have that sense.”

I wonder if his mom knows. That the Kim Ji-ho he mentioned shares the same hobby as him.

Well, these days, watching internet broadcasts is not such a rare hobby among his peers… or rather, it can be considered quite mainstream, but it seemed like the older generation didn’t easily understand that.

Just looking at it, it seems like everyone is doing the activity of editing clips from internet broadcasts they started as a hobby and uploading them to NewTube, commonly known as clippers or keyrinukis.

One could say it’s a bit strange, but I thought it was natural for anyone to invest time in something they enjoy. Moreover, when Kim Ji-hwan, who his mom highly praises, looked at him with slightly admiring eyes, I even shrugged my shoulders.

“Anyway, I have to watch today’s broadcast. Yeah. Oh my, I really don’t know how I came up with that idea.”

“Huh? What?”

Kim Dae-yoon tilted his head in confusion at Kim Ji-hwan’s sudden words.

“Hey, didn’t you watch the broadcast yesterday?”

“Oh, I was trying to catch the end of the broadcast to get into the mood, but suddenly there was a notice. But the app was already closed, and when I went back in, the broadcast was already over.”

“Huh, you missed the most important part. That was the highlight.”

What kind of notice was it? Did they manage to collaborate with a big company for the broadcast? Or did they get a chance to participate in the recent trending show, “Wow, Amazing”?

“What’s up with that? Just tell me.”

“Today, a special guest is appearing.”

“Huh? A special guest?”

Is there someone worthy of being called a special guest? It seems like they’re going to collaborate with a really famous streamer.

“Who is it?”

“I don’t know.”

“Huh? But why are you making such a big deal out of it?”

“Well, people like Jo-rang-i don’t usually do collaborations. And honestly, the broadcast time isn’t that long. So when someone like that collaborates with someone in real life, it’s something to look forward to.”

Listening to him, that made sense. Even though having an average of 1000 viewers is considered good, back in the day, that number would have been considered around the level of a big company. Honestly, if you think about it, if you’re a high school student with no penalty other than the short broadcast time, it’s worth aiming for even more.

For Jo-rang-i to collaborate. And not just any collaboration, but an unprecedented real-life collaboration. While it might not be a big deal in the entire broadcasting industry, it would definitely be a big topic among the Jo-rang-i community.

“Wow, really?”

“Yeah, right?”

“So, are they doing a cam broadcast today?”

“Yeah, probably.”

“Oh, damn! It’s a must-watch today.”

“Oh, I can’t miss Jo-rang-i’s cam broadcast. Oh well, I’ll secretly turn on the computer and record it to watch later.”

Honestly, doing this seems a bit shady, but isn’t that what guys do? Jo-rang-i’s cam broadcasts always create a buzz. At 17, with that kind of body, how many guys will be mesmerized by her when she becomes an adult?

Even though she maintains good chat manners and a polite attitude, the adult jokes that come out every time during the cam broadcast were not too surprising for her.

Feeling happy all day after hearing the good news in the morning, Kim Dae-yoon was in a good mood.

At lunchtime, as the atmosphere became noisy.

– Bubbling, bustling.

Looking around at the commotion, it was clear that all eyes were focused on the entrance of the cafeteria.

Who could it be?

Concentrating and looking closely.

“Wow… she’s really pretty.”

Kim Ji-hwan, who was standing right behind him, exclaimed.

“Well, when people in school are asked who the prettiest girl is, there are usually 3 names that come up. Among them, she’s my type. 1st-year student, Jung Da-young.”

Jung Da-young entered the cafeteria, and naturally, many people’s eyes followed her, especially the boys.

“It’s not like she’s a character from a manga.”

But well, that was just a compliment, and Kim Dae-yoon fully agreed. But does everyone here know? The fact that her mother is more beautiful and charming than her.

Suddenly, Kim Dae-yoon remembered the moment in the elevator yesterday, and his eyes seemed to be dazed.

– Clomp, clomp.

Her unreal face.

– Clomp, clomp.

Enchanting voice.

– Clomp, clomp.

And sensual…

– Tap!

Lost in his own world, he was brought back to reality by the sensation of someone hitting him.

Turning to look, he saw Kim Ji-hwan hitting him earnestly.

– Smack, smack!

“Oh, why. Speak, man!”

His expression seemed genuinely surprised, and as he pointed with his finger, he turned to see.

“Hello, senior!”

A cheerful voice. Somehow, the voice seemed familiar to him.

“Oh, uh?!”

Jeong Da-young was standing there.

“Yesterday, my mom was very rude.”

Rude? What rudeness? It was a very pleasant time, with even recovery drinks provided.

“Really, you went to our school? Oh, right. Since you were in school longer, should I be the one to greet you?”

“Oh, uh… uh.”

– Smack!

“Pfft! What’s with that expression. Haha!”

What’s wrong with his expression? He absentmindedly raised his hand to touch his face, and Jeong Da-young showed him his face on her phone camera.

What a dumb expression.

Quickly composing himself, Kim Dae-yoon faced her again.

“Oh, well. Can you tell your mom thank you for me? I drank the recovery drink well and studied well because of it. Haha.”

With a grin, Jeong Da-young smiled at him.

Oh no. Pull yourself together! Kim Dae-yoon!

He mentally scolded himself and desperately tried to control his expression.

“Got it. I’ll tell my mom. Oh, right. We live in the same apartment, so let’s say hi when we see each other. Enjoy your meal!”

Then, Jeong Da-young went to the back of the line. Suddenly, it seemed like she was surrounded by friends, laughing and chatting, not like a typical insider. It was almost like a dream that she greeted him first.

“Hey, hey! Are you friends with Jeong Da-young? What was that about yesterday?”

“Who are you? Introduce me once.”

“Wow, who are you? The kid who usually keeps to himself is doing what?”

Even people who weren’t close to him before were now flocking to him, influenced by her. Was her influence that strong? Feeling a weight on his shoulders, Kim Dae-yoon quickly deflated.

Nevertheless, why did she greet him so warmly for no apparent reason? He wondered, but who can understand the intentions of a sparrow to a magpie. He just had to let it go. Although pretending to know her might make his school life a bit tiring.

Anyway, real-life girls didn’t interest him much. The only thing he was interested in was the streamer Jo-rang. All he could think about was finishing school and going home to watch her broadcast.