Chapter 13: Forced Conscription (2)

I was floored. I’d never heard of assistant mods getting paid. I felt like I’d been sucker-punched.

Regardless, I’d accepted the position; there was no going back. I’d joined the moderators’ group chat, and it felt too late to say I didn’t want to do it.

I still complained bitterly about Hwajuyeon tricking me. Baek Hwayeon laughed heartily before asking for my forgiveness, saying Hwajuyeon was always like that.

Once the gossiping began, we quickly bonded. It’s true what they say: people become friends by gossiping. I dropped the formalities with Hwayeon; we were the same age.

Cho Hyeseol was intimidating, playful, even. No matter the conversation, she skillfully kept it going, adding mischievous, albeit harmless, pranks.

Finally, there was one member whose name and personality were impossible to guess. Their KakaoTalk nickname was just a period (.), and their profile picture was an unidentifiable character. Crucially, they never spoke or reacted.

Everyone was strange, but the group chat was lively. Watching them, I realized it wasn’t so bad.

My phone buzzed. A message from Mom.

[Mom: Jia. Your sister and I are at the supermarket; want anything?]

[Can I come too?]

[Mom: Aren’t you tired after your first day of school?]

[Mom: You can rest at home. I’ll buy you whatever you want.]

[I’m totally fine after my first day! Can I come?]

[Mom: Hmm… If you want… You know where Hanawon Mart is, right? I’ll wait at the entrance.]

I cheered inwardly, having secured Mom’s approval. You could criticize it as inefficient, but I had my reasons.

My memories of family shopping trips were vague. Before the transformation, as a hikikomori, I’d longed for those simple moments.

But now I didn’t have to. I excitedly put my school uniform back on. I had a feeling there wasn’t much else to wear, and the uniform was the closest option.

I grabbed my phone and left. The weather seemed brighter, enhancing my good mood.

…And then I got lost. I’m sure this was the right way, but I ended up on an unfamiliar street. Even for me, that was ridiculous. My confident walk turned sluggish.

What do I do now? Should I call Mom? I’d insisted on family shopping, and now I can’t even find the supermarket? I was a complete burden.

I had no other option besides calling for help. My instincts had led me here. I was completely stuck.

As I tore my hair out in frustration, I saw a group of four or five people in the distance.

Should I ask them for help? Asking strangers was terrifying, but I had no choice. Groups were particularly intimidating. I decided to keep my eyes down and ask quietly.

I waited for them to approach, phone in hand. It seemed better than acting strange. It certainly wasn’t because I was scared.

Of course, I didn’t realize that standing awkwardly alone would attract more attention. The group noticed me; they stopped and whispered.

This is bad. They were staring at me strangely. What do I do? My head spun. I was too afraid to approach them.

As I froze, they finished their hushed conversation and approached. I’m terrified. I closed my eyes.

When one was close, I grabbed my phone, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Excuse me… I… I’m lost…”

“What? Kim Jia?”

“Huh…?”

The voice interrupting was familiar. I’d heard it today. I opened my eyes.

“H-eek…”

“Why are you so surprised? Did you see a ghost?”

Jihyun, her hair rollers gone, her yellow bangs down, stood before me, hands in her hoodie pockets.

She was scarier than strangers. I gasped, and her expression darkened. Those were her friends? They looked like typical popular kids, even bullies.

“Ah… no, it’s just… I didn’t expect to see you here…”

“Yeah, what are you doing here?”

The question finally came. I’d felt more comfortable asking strangers, but Jihyun was embarrassing. But I was afraid she’d get angry if I didn’t answer.

“I… I was going to the supermarket, and I got lost…”

“Huh? Which supermarket?”

“Hanawon Mart…”

“…Huh?”

Jihyun’s surprised tone was audible. I felt mortified. My face was probably bright red.

Seeing my silence, Jihyun explained the way. The surprise hadn’t vanished, but her kindness was appreciated.

I understood her surprise. The supermarket was incredibly close. I wanted to disappear.

“I… I’ll go then… Thank you…!”

“….Oh.”

Mortified, I fled in the direction Jihyun indicated. I’d at least thanked her properly. I glanced back; her group was talking.

Were they making fun of me? Calling me stupid? Or laughing? I felt uncomfortable and looked away.

Han Jihyun disliked the early dismissal. It meant less time with Jia.

She abandoned her friends to stay with Jia. She was being selfish, but she was content with Jia’s goodbye.

Her group planned dinner and karaoke to celebrate the first day. She just wanted to see Jia.

Then, incredibly, she encountered Kim Jia. It was unexpected; she smiled.

She approached, and Jia explained she was lost. It was absurd, but she liked her clumsiness.

Jia, embarrassed, ran away, yet properly thanked her. It was endearing.

“Wow… isn’t she super cute and pretty?”

“Agreed. She’s my type. Should I say hi?”

“Haha! She’ll probably freeze if you do.”

“She’s so cute, what do I do?”

It wasn’t just Jihyun; all her friends were commenting on Jia. Jihyun felt annoyed.

So she said,

“She’s mine. Don’t touch her.”

***

Aside from getting lost, the shopping was successful. Shopping with Mom and my sister was great, as expected.

My earlier worries completely vanished.

Dinner was grilled pork belly from the market. It was delicious, and the evening ended pleasantly.

After dinner, I prepared for bed. I had school tomorrow. I had to see Jihyun, and the thought made me cringe.

…Time to sleep. I turned off the lights and lay down.

I woke at 3:00 AM. I must’ve slept too early. But that wasn’t important.

[f*cking mods, show yourselves!!!][6]

[Older, same age, younger? Which is best?][24]

[The post above has NSFW pics; be careful.][9]

[Why the f*ck do I have to see NSFW pics?][2]

The Yuri Gallery was in chaos.

…