I Became a Malicious Streamer

It’s the end of the year, and outside, Christmas carols are playing alongside the glowing trees as the white snow falls from the sky every day like it’s in a winter wonderland!

Despite the freezing weather, people bustle about, caught up in that special festive vibe. They’re meeting friends they haven’t seen in ages and local governments are throwing events—it’s a party for everyone!

For me, it was just the same old, same old. Well, maybe the only difference is that I was watching it all unfold from a distance. I sat sipping a warm cup of coffee, staring out the window of my newly moved-in apartment. Sigh

A slight crack of the window let a chill breeze slip into my cozy space. It’s nice and soothing, really. I mean, isn’t this enough to claim I celebrated the year-end, even if I’m stuck on the couch, munching on tangerines?

That was the plan until the phone rang.

“Party?”

– “Yep! It’d be great if Ji-eun came too. What do you think?”

It was Ryuah’s call about some party. I was confused at first, but it turns out it’s a year-end bash hosted by Switch. Just a gathering for streamers—sounds like a dizzying convention bustling with the “in” crowd.

– “Our team members are all coming too!”

“Really?”

Upon checking my notifications, I saw Ryuah and Tex had already laid out their plans right down to the minute.

“Are you okay with taking all these breaks?”

I noticed Ryuah had been slacking off lately. It seemed like her social media was on fire, but…

– “Ugh, Ji-eun, you gotta take breaks too!”

“Me? Well…”

I had been irregularly streaming anyway, and folks got used to it. Now they’d be grateful if I left even a pre-stream notification. Meanwhile, Ryuah had been the opposite—a dedicated streamer who never streamed less than eight hours a day.

Though people say she’s become a bit lazy since teaming up with EOW at the tournament, compared to her strict past, I guess that’s still pretty hard-working.

“…You don’t wanna see me?” Ryuah managed to hit me right in the feels.

It had been about a month since I last saw her, which felt like ages to her but not so much to me. I couldn’t deny that I missed her.

“…I’d like to see you. It’s been a while.”

– “Took your sweet time answering, didn’t you, I Ji-eun?”

She laughed like a kid who got her way, but her voice had a touch of happiness hidden beneath it.

I guess she knows that I usually cave when she pleads like that. They’ve all figured me out—Si-young, Ji-yeon, Ryuah—they know I’m a pushover.

“Where is it?”

– “You’re going, right? Or how about I just come to your place and we go together?”

Ugh, she’s terrible with directions.

“Did you get lost last time?” I wanted to protest, but the embarrassment of that time stung too much.

And honestly, having someone with me at a party sounded way better. I could already picture the unwanted attention I’d draw on my own.

I could already picture it—the curious stares from strangers. What if someone decided to pry into my life like last time at dinner?

I almost declined Ryuah’s offer, but then she hit me with the bomb:

– “…Don’t you wanna see me?”

That one cut deep.

“…I do want to see you. It feels like ages since we’ve met.”

– “Slow to answer, huh? You’re so rude.”

She pretended to sulk, but I could hear her giggling on the other end.

I knew if I said this, she’d almost always agree. Ryuah, Si-young, and Ji-yeon—they all knew me way too well.

“Is there a dress code?”

I remembered reading somewhere that if you didn’t match the dress code, you’d look like an uninvited guest.

– “Um… yeah, there’s a dress code…”

“…Guess I gotta prep for that.”

I nearly dodged a bullet there. I just wanted to chill with familiar faces, but I was about to become the center of attention!

I might need to swing by Eun-ha’s boutique again. She’d definitely help me pick out something presentable.

– “Let’s prepare together! We can match our dress codes. I’ll come over early.”

“Sounds good.”

Ryuah sounded like a pro at this, making me think she’s done this many times. Honestly, teaming up with someone experienced really made things easier for me.

*

“Wow, Ji-eun, your friend is stunning! They say pretty people hang out with pretty people, and it really shows!”

Back at Eun-ha’s boutique, Ryuah brought a few outfits for herself, but they weren’t right for me in any sense.

They looked great, but they felt way too revealing. I mean, wearing something that emphasized my chest and hips—two steps outside, and I’d probably feel like I was going to get mauled!

Ryuah sighed, assessing the situation and suggested we needed to buy something new.

Eun-ha welcomed us with open arms and a voice that sounded oddly like a caring auntie. Probably best to keep my thoughts to myself.

“Ji-eun’s even modeled before!”

“Yep! All of Ji-eun’s clothes sold out instantly!”

Eun-ha showed Ryuah the photo catalog of me, and Ryuah’s eyes were wide-eyed and scanning with shock.

We always turned into a formality at this boutique, huh?

“Wow, all these clothes are fab! No wonder Ji-eun was a model; she doesn’t usually step into the spotlight!”

“Thanks to her, my store got bigger, and now we have more options!”

That’s when it clicked—they’d really expanded. The place felt more grand, not just a trick of the imagination!

“If you want a year-end look, this is your safest choice.”

Eun-ha pointed to a selection of dresses—all in classic, vibrant holiday colors: red, black, white, gray.

But man, most of them had at least a hint of reveal. I mean, some of them were really on the edge!

“That one looks good!”

“True, but…”

Ryuah checked me out and nodded knowingly.

I was starting to think I might just stand still, and my outfit would be decided for me again.

“How about this combo? It gives a vibe!”

“As long as I don’t freeze, I’m good.”

In the midst of the busy chatter, she pushed some outfits towards me.

“Let’s go with this one, how about?”

Even I could see it wasn’t flashy or anything—sleek, black, and perfect. It hugged just right without shoving me under the spotlight.

I nodded, signaling Ryuah I was in approval.

*

“Do come back anytime!”

Leaving Eun-ha’s boutique, heading to the venue was quick since we hopped into a cab and chatted away.

Before I knew it, we’d arrived at the party venue.

Right from the entrance, the place radiated a nightlife vibe that made me a bit anxious.

“Everything checks out.”

After confirming our identity at the entrance, we walked in. The staff glanced at us wide-eyed but just waved us through, with no fuss.

The inside was surprisingly cozy, different from my initial thoughts—like a standard venue transformed for a party.

People mingled, some chatting freely and others sipping drinks. I felt those eyes on me—strange how people notice newcomers!

Guess folks really do care about who walks into a party.

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