Chapter 78
As the sun completely set, I returned home.
I stepped into the shower booth and turned on the water.
Opening and closing the showerhead’s switch, I squeezed and scrubbed various shower products I had grown accustomed to, washing, squeezing, applying, and rinsing several times.
And finally, just as I was about to wash once more the areas where I felt sweat coming easily due to my body’s changes—
I recalled what had happened with the male students.
“……”
– Swish swish
My hand brushing over that place sped up.
It seemed my recognition had definitely increased a lot lately. Initially, I wasn’t very aware of it since I hadn’t particularly felt that much attention, but this incident made it clear.
Hearing others mention the name Moon Si-hyun, as in the broadcaster Moon Si-hyun, was a first for me.
Originally, I thought it wouldn’t matter much even if acquaintances in real life knew I was broadcasting.
But…… now.
– Swish swish swish
It felt like the opposite was true. As I imagined it, it definitely was.
If my acquaintances knew I was broadcasting, some would likely seek it out directly.
Then……
“……”
– Swish swish swish swish
In that moment, various incidents I had caused that had made me toss and turn in my blanket passed before my eyes like a slide show.
Yeah. It seems Lee Da-ram’s judgment was right. I had undeniably caused too much trouble here now.
After finishing my shower, I compulsively dried off every inch of my body.
Once I confirmed multiple times that I was completely dry, I opened the shower room door without putting on any clothes.
There was something I absolutely had to do when I felt a little off.
I checked if there was anything slippery on the floor.
– Thud
I dove onto my bed’s bear doll.
The bear doll received my fall with utmost ease.
“Hmph……!”
Once again, fireworks exploded in my head.
This time, it wasn’t just my face but my whole body that rubbed against it.
My heightened senses were further stimulated by powerful sensations.
The soft nose of the bear doll touching my cheek, the pleasant aroma of well-maintained fur, the bear doll looking even cuter as it grew larger.
And what stimulated my senses the most was—
– Rustle
“……”
…… the fur of the dolls that softly brushed over my completely unclothed body.
An indescribable satisfaction filled me.
It was ticklish and felt incredibly good. The sensation I felt when stretching while lying down, rubbing my body against the bed, was maximized.
I gathered all the dolls into my arms, staying like that for a while.
…… Had I developed a habit?
After securing the bear doll on my body with my arms and legs, I turned my head to operate the air conditioner.
As I stared blankly at the titles, a thought suddenly crossed my mind, and I checked my email again.
Inside the link were detailed information about the competition and the contract.
The participation prize wasn’t small, and the prize money given based on the competition results was significant as well.
It certainly seemed to be a competition with a lot of attention from viewers.
But honestly.
“…… Hmm.”
…… I wasn’t sure if I should participate.
I was already gratefully receiving enough money for my living expenses, and even if I were to get paid, the preparation and start time for the competition would stretch over several weeks, which could interrupt my broadcasts.
As I read through it, I saw there was still time for a few days, so I thought I’d take my time to consider it further.
“Okay.”
Deciding so, I closed the email and neatly arranged my dolls before watching a video on YouTube with cute dolls.
I remained like that for a while, blankly staring at the bear doll in the video.
…… Bear doll…… bear doll.
Suddenly, I remembered my neighborhood fan cafe.
Should I check it out once?
In the bear doll neighborhood fan cafe’s free board.
There were really various discussions just like the name suggested.
People chatted among themselves or joked about when I’d start my broadcast, yelled at me if I played Fiore without broadcasting, or teased me.
Or, perhaps, there were quite a few people who casually shared slightly embarrassing expressions as if they weren’t embarrassed at all.
But today was a bit different.
―――
Bear Doll Fan Cafe
[Free Board]
―――
So, is Moon Si-hyun attending the Demons Competition? [5]
But even if we join, we won’t know until the announcement unless Moon Si-hyun does something stupid [4]
Did that girl come out for the Demons? [4]
Is Moon Si-hyun going to the Demons? [4]
I really hope Moon Si-hyun shows up for the Demons [17]
Ah, I really want to eat warm squid bread, crap [12]
I registered today, is the manager going to the Demons? [6]
―――
“…… Hmm.”
There was sporadic talk about the Grand Master, but most of the conversation revolved around the Demons Competition.
That was a bit surprising.
The viewers were particularly indifferent to external matters concerning me, or the broadcasters I was associated with.
In fact, I was worried they might end up arguing over the Demons Competition.
I first entered the post with the most hearts today.
―――
– I really hope Moon Si-hyun shows up for the Demons
If she goes out as a Grand Master in the Demons Competition, it’s a seriously heavy role due to the logs, so the competition will be tough, but
I feel like if it’s Moon Si-hyun, she’ll really light it up as a key player.
People criticize the underwhelming Grand Master characters, but I see it differently.
I’m really certain Moon Si-hyun’s performance in the Demons is unpredictable.
She’s truly a talent to look out for; I’m really excited.
Si-hyun,
Spark the flame of passion I had for Fiore again.
– For real
– Moon Si-hyun is really different, for real.
That whole thing about being an underwhelming Grand Master is just funny, lol.
But why do you think she’ll be different? The scores are the lowest among all Grand Masters, after all.
– ‘Instinct’
– I’m talking about pure talent, Moon Si-hyun’s genius intelligence is totally different.
– In fact, these folks don’t care about that; they just want the manager to show up.
– Ah, just come out, lol.
– I feel like I’d like to see her pair with the Squirrel and interact with others.
– For real.
– I give it a great thumbs-up (heart).
– In the Demons Competition, the Grand Master isn’t really that high up, but I feel like Moon Si-hyun will do something great.
– Yeah, just this feeling.
– For real.
– I get the feeling she might not participate based on her personality, but I hope she does, ㅠ.
– Seeing the conversation about San-deng and Cactus, I get the feeling she won’t come, but you should at least join us.
– For real, I’m only seeing those three.
– Our kid says they want to see the manager streamer participate in the competition…
―――
I read each post and the comments below them slowly.
“…… Hmm.”
“Uh? Manager, isn’t Da-ram coming today?”
“She’ll be here soon. Oh, Si-hyun, have you finished changing? Come help me here.”
“Yes.”
Moon Si-hyun quietly took a plate and headed to the kitchen.
“Hey! Hi, Si-hyun~ Did you come?”
When I turned my head, the piercing in the woman’s ear sparkled for an instant.
It was Park Da-hyun.
A little more time passed at the restaurant.
Moon Si-hyun was spending her time attending to customers when a break finally came.
– Clatter
Moon Si-hyun had been stacking the last used plates neatly.
“Si-hyun.”
However, she heard Park Da-hyun’s voice from behind.
“Yes?”
As she still hadn’t finished sorting the dishes, Moon Si-hyun pretended to turn her head politely while continuing to organize the plates.
“Is this you?”
– Thud.
But with those words, Moon Si-hyun’s heart sank.
Perhaps because of yesterday’s aftermath, she was slightly startled each time her name was called today.
But, the question she was about to ask was blatantly inferred.
Like a hinge that hadn’t been lubricated well, Moon Si-hyun’s neck creaked as she turned.
Park Da-hyun was showing her her phone.
On it……
Was a picture of Moon Si-hyun with her mouth full of dessert.
“Puhh!! It’s from Da-ram. It really doesn’t match your usual image when you eat something sweet. You’re just so cute, for real.”
“……”
It was a photo taken at the restaurant of Da-ram and Park Da-hyun, with Moon Si-hyun seen in the background.
“…… That’s me.”
“Of course, I know. Phew. Even your answer is cute.”
As Park Da-hyun gently pinched Moon Si-hyun’s cheek, she felt an inner sense of relief.
“Hello.”
“Hi, Da-ram.”
Moon Si-hyun was the first to greet the late-comer Da-ram.
“……?”
However, Da-ram seemed a bit off to Moon Si-hyun.
“Da-ram, are you okay? Are you sick?”
“Um, yes……”
But Da-ram’s complexion clearly suggested she wasn’t fine.
Worried, Moon Si-hyun wanted to ask a little more in detail, but Da-ram didn’t give her a proper response.
Then soon, the peak time at the restaurant arrived, so they couldn’t talk much.
Finally, the closing time arrived.
“Da-ram. Is something wrong?”
Moon Si-hyun approached Da-ram, who was weakly organizing her bags, and quickly asked what was on her mind.
“……”
Then Da-ram said.
“…… Unnie……”
In a voice mixed with a childish whine, she dove into Moon Si-hyun’s embrace.
“Why, why are you like this?”
“……”
However, Da-ram didn’t reply for a while.
…… It was as if she was choosing her words.
Then she opened her mouth.
“Unnie, are you going to the Demons Competition?”
“…… I’m not sure yet.”
“…… Ah…… Phew.”
Da-ram let out a deep breath while nestled in her arms.
“…… Da-ram. Are you okay?”
When Moon Si-hyun spoke, Da-ram suddenly pulled away from her embrace.
She wore an unnatural smile, one that didn’t suit her.
“Um, no. Just…… something…… I was just being a little spoiled. Hehe……”
Saying that, Da-ram walked a bit away from Moon Si-hyun.
“……”
Moon Si-hyun stared at that, then gazed at the dark sky.
The viewers’ wishes, and Da-ram’s gloomy expression, and her concern.
Those things swirled momentarily in Moon Si-hyun’s mind.
“Ha.”
After my morning run, I washed up, dried off, and picked up the air conditioner that was at my desk.
“…… Hmm?”
―――
[3]
―――
But there was a rare alarm notification.
It was from the voice chat with San-deng and Cactus.
The message had come in at 4 AM today.
Do these folks not sleep? I thought, clicking into the room.
―――
Cactus, San-deng, Moon Si-hyun’s group
Cactus: Si-hyun, I’m sorry to ask you again,
Cactus: you’re not coming to the competition, right?
Cactus: Oh, I’m just curious.
―――
“…… Hmm.”
I paused for a moment to think.
Then I placed my fingers on the keyboard.
The always peaceful SingleSmile DC.
―――
The thriving Minor Gallery
[1st] Pazzk Minor Gallery
[2nd] Fist of the Legend Minor Gallery
―――
Since it was a common hobby among young indoor men, it was usual for the galleries to compete with each other for 1st and 2nd place.
However, one was an internet broadcasting gallery, while the other was a gaming gallery, so they were similar yet different.
Yet this time, their bait aligned rarely.
―――
Pazzk Minor Gallery
Fist of the Legend Minor Gallery
―――
Didn’t they say they would announce it right on the dot? [5]
Oh come on, such lousy advertising hatred [3]
When is it going to come up, damn it? [4]
I regret waiting for no reason [6]
Anyway, since San and Duo won’t be showing up, why are we even watching? (Seriously no idea) [14]
Anyone watching this nonsense on a weekday must be a bunch of unemployed losers; just wait a little [7]
I hope the operational team gets into a traffic accident, thumb up if you agree, lol [0]
―――
And then, a little after the exact time had passed.
A post finally went up that excited their expectations.
―――
The list of participants for the Demons Competition has been confirmed.
―――
Director List
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San-su
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Player List
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Harris
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Squirrel
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Hu-ji
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Moon Si-hyun
Cactus
San-deng
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