Chapter 44: Shopping, Fans, and Unexpected Encounters

“Sorry?”

Dajang’s face turned blank with confusion.

Then, she pressed her lips together and turned her gaze toward me.

Her eyes were hidden beneath the shadow of her hat, but I was certain she was glaring at me like she wanted to kill me.

Still, her reaction was entertaining.

Watching her tiny clenched fists trembling was adorable.

It made teasing her so worthwhile.

I decided to occasionally mess with her in the future, depending on the situation.

“Oh, so that’s how you’re going to play it?”

“Well, Dajang, you teased me first. I’m not one to just sit back and take it.”

“Fair enough. I have no reason to refuse, then. Didn’t you say you’d buy me something I like?”

Dajang smirked and handed me the camera before striding confidently into an accessories store.

Something felt off.

Just how expensive of an item was she planning to pick? I might have poked a sleeping lion.

“This emerald brooch is beautiful, don’t you think?”

“Yes, it’s lovely.”

2.3 million won.

A bit more expensive than I expected, but still manageable.

How could I not do this for Dajang?

She’s not just a top-notch video editor but also a skilled personal stream manager.

With the amount of money she helps me earn, I can buy her this without hesitation.

“You seem so relaxed. I don’t like it,” she muttered to herself before walking to the next display case. Lowering her head to inspect the accessories, she suddenly smiled brightly.

“Take a picture of this one. I really like it. I’m going to get it.”

“Hmm, this doesn’t really suit your style, Dajang.”

“And why does Yuseong get to decide that? I said I like it.”

White gold and diamond ring, 6.4 million won. The price had nearly tripled.

Why is this so expensive?

It costs more than my luxury apartment’s rent.

Sure, I can afford it, but this is excessive.

I’ve never spent this much on luxury goods before.

Had I underestimated Dajang?

I told her to pick something she liked, thinking she’d stay within reasonable limits.

This was definitely payback for my earlier teasing.

She was enjoying watching me panic.

I shouldn’t have provoked her; now, I’m paying the price for my mistake.

I frantically tried to convince her it didn’t suit her, but my words didn’t get through.

One careless comment and I might lose a month’s rent.

With no other choice, I waved the white flag.

“Dajang?”

“Yes?”

“I was wrong. I won’t mess around again.”

“Pfft! You surrendered so quickly. I thought you’d hold out longer, given your financial status, but you really are stingy.”

“Apologies.”

She tried to stifle her laughter but ended up bursting out.

Then she reached out and patted my head.

Her touch was soft and warm, surprisingly pleasant.

I realized teasing Dajang was a dangerous game.

“I’ll choose this ear cuff, then.”

“Are you sure? Something around the price of the brooch you first chose is fine.”

“No. This one is my favorite.”

A silver ear cuff for 170,000 won.

She picked something surprisingly cheap.

I wondered if I’d given off the impression of being too stingy, but her expression was genuine.

After making the payment, we left the store.

“By the way, what’s an ear cuff?”

“It’s a type of accessory for people who don’t have pierced ears.”

Dajang immediately put on the ear cuff.

It didn’t sparkle, but the intricate design added a stylish touch.

It suited her well, complementing her slightly brooding aura.

“It looks great on you.”

“Really? Thank you. I never expected to receive a gift like this.”

“It’s just a small token of appreciation. You’ve helped me so much. I hope we continue to work well together.”

Our connection had started by chance—me as a streamer, her as a manager—and she’d been an immense help ever since.

I’d always felt a bit indebted to her, so I was glad to lighten that burden, even just a little.

“You don’t need to say that. As I always tell you, I do this because I enjoy it. So don’t feel obligated.”

She shook her head firmly.

She always said that—she does it because she enjoys it.

That made me feel even guiltier.

“Isn’t that outfit a bit too thin?”

“I’m planning to film a lookbook at home, so I need clothes that can double as innerwear.”

“Oh, I see! Then why don’t you try it on? We need to see if it suits you.”

“Should I?”

A ‘lookbook’ is a content format where you showcase various outfits in one location.

Normally, it involves wearing only undergarments, but since I prefer to avoid excessive exposure on my channel, I planned to substitute with thin T-shirts and shorts.

Right, I should check if it suits me.

Since it would feature prominently in the video, I decided to try it on, paid for the clothes, and headed into the fitting room.

I removed my autumn jacket, long-sleeved shirt, and pants, leaving them on the floor.

Standing in just my boxers, I looked into the full-length mirror.

Not bad.

The workouts at the gym had paid off; my muscles were well-defined.

I didn’t want a bulky look, so I’d focus on adding more lean muscle.

Rustle!

“Huh, what the—”

“Wait, don’t say anything. Just stay like this for a moment.”

Suddenly, Dajang entered the fitting room.

Startled, I was about to shout, but she reached out and covered my mouth with her hand.

The scent of fragrant hand cream filled my nose.

The fitting room wasn’t even that small, so why was she pressed so close to me?

Her body was practically glued to mine, her soft warmth palpable.

Her breathing was heavy, likely from rushing in, and her breath tickled my chest.

This feels… odd.

Standing here in just my boxers, with her body pressed against mine—it’s a situation that required extreme self-control.

Think of something else.

Sing the national anthem in my head.

Imagine a serene forest scene. Anything.

“All done.”

Dajang finally stepped back, staring at her phone with an expression full of anxiety.

She adjusted her slightly tilted hat and lowered her head.

“Sorry, I was rude, wasn’t I? I shouldn’t have barged in like that.”

“No, it’s fine.”

She apologized again, bowing deeply.

She must’ve felt even guiltier since she, as a woman, had entered a man’s fitting room unannounced.

But that didn’t matter to me.

Dajang was someone I deeply cared about.

I could understand her, and honestly, it wasn’t entirely unpleasant.

What worried me was her anxious expression.

What had happened to make her act like this?

“What’s wrong? Why did you do that?”

“It’s just… I saw someone I didn’t want to see. That’s all I can say.”

Someone she didn’t want to see?

Maybe she ran into a friend who got a better job?

It seemed like such a trivial reason for all this commotion.

I’d been worried something serious had happened.

Why avoid people because you’re intimidated?

Dajang doesn’t seem like the type to lose confidence anywhere.

Since she’s my video editor, her salary is higher than that of most major company employees.

I’d like to tell her to have more confidence.

“I’ll wait outside by the main entrance. Let me know when you’re done shopping.”

Dajang placed the camera on the floor and left the fitting room.

I stayed behind and put on the T-shirt and undershorts.

The T-shirt was fine, but the undershorts were a problem—they were too tight.

The beads stood out so prominently that it was indecent.

Looks like I’ll need to buy another pair of shorts.

“We’ll wrap up the shopping content here. Please look forward to the next video, which will be a lookbook content.”

I finished shopping, said the closing lines, and pressed the stop recording button.

First, I need to call a taxi.

I hate waiting outside for long.

“Are you Yuseong? Can I get a photo with you?”

“I’ve been enjoying your streams.”

As soon as I hung up with the taxi service, people started to gather around me.

It seems they were waiting nearby for the video shoot to end.

There were at least 30 people, and more might gather during the photo-taking.

It would take too long—fan service is important, of course, but I can’t let it interfere with my main work.

“I’m so sorry. My schedule is too tight today. I’d love to take pictures with everyone, but I just don’t have the time. I sincerely apologize.”

I repeatedly apologized and declined.

The fans, though disappointed, dispersed.

It left me feeling a little guilty.

I’ll just have to prove that I’m not making excuses by uploading plenty of fun videos.

“Now, the problem is these shopping bags…”

I picked up the pile of shopping bags on the floor. Wow, they’re heavy—my hands already hurt.

“Let me help you with that.”

“Oh! Would you?”

Just as I reached the elevator, a staff member ran over to help carry some of the bags.

That made things much easier.

I made it to the main entrance with ease.

Standing by the road outside, I waited for the taxi to take me home.

But Dajang was nowhere to be seen.

Where did she go? I called her right away.

“Where are you? I’m outside, but I don’t see you.”

[Sorry. I took a taxi first. You’re heading home, right? I’ll wait for you there.]

“Oh, is that so? Alright, got it.”

She’s really impatient.

If we shared a taxi, it’d save money and be convenient, but I guess she must’ve really wanted to avoid running into someone.

I don’t get it, but everyone has their reasons, so I let it go.

“You called a taxi, right?”

“Yes, to Luxury The Hill.”

“You’ve got a nice place, young man. The trunk’s open—load up your stuff. Need help with that? Looks heavy.”

“No, I can manage it myself.”

Not long after, the taxi arrived. I loaded the bags into the trunk and got into the back seat.

“Hey, are you…”

The driver stared at me through the rearview mirror.

Oh no, I forgot to put on my mask.

At this point, it seems like almost everyone recognizes me.

The price of fame, huh.

“You’re that guy from the internet, right?”

“Yes, I suppose I am.”

“You look way better in person. If my son looked half as good as you, I’d have made him an actor. Really, it’s impressive.”

“Thank you.”

I wanted to say something encouraging, like how his son would find a good job soon, but I held back.

It’s tough out there, and empty words might rub him the wrong way.

I simply gave a polite reply.

“Young man, mind if I turn on the radio?”

“Not at all.”

On the way home, the driver turned on the radio.

The news was on.

The report said the ruling party’s leader had abruptly canceled their schedule and called an emergency meeting.

What’s going on?

I’m not into politics, so I didn’t really know.

“Wow, it’s chaos out there. The opposition party must be panicking too—they’re combing through Seoul.”

The driver drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, clearly caught up in the excitement.

His reaction piqued my curiosity.

What could have happened?

“What’s going on in Seoul?”

“It’s just one of those things. You men wouldn’t get it.”

What? He’s looking down on me out of nowhere.

Back in middle school, I made it to the top five in my class.

I can understand if you explain it! But whatever.

If he doesn’t want to explain, I’ll just look it up online when I get home.

I’m tired—might as well take a nap until we arrive.

“Young man, we’re here. But they won’t let me in unless you’re a resident.”

“Huh? Oh, hang on.”

I woke up, grabbed my phone, and quickly called Dajang.

“I’m at the entrance to the complex. Where are you?”

[Just wait for a moment. I can see the taxi now.]

“Okay.”

Click.

About a minute later, Dajang opened the door and got into the passenger seat.

She had leaves all over her—looked like she’d just been hiking.

Seriously, what goes on in her head?

“Driver, we can go in now. I’ll show my ID.”

The taxi entered the complex.

We got out in front of my apartment building, Block 102, and carried the bags upstairs together.

“Ah, I’m exhausted.”

Once inside, I dropped the shopping bags and collapsed onto the sofa.

Shopping is no joke—it’s more tiring than I expected.

“Mind if I shower?”

“Of course not. Want me to grab you some clothes? I do have a set of women’s clothes.”

“Women’s clothes?”

What’s this chilly feeling running down my spine? Is a window open? I looked around, but everything was closed.

“Oh, from that collab stream! The outfit Juarin gave me?”

Dajang, who had been staring at me blankly, suddenly smiled and clapped her hands.

“Yes! You and she are about the same size, so it should fit perfectly.”

“No way. Get me something else.”

“What? Oh, alright.”

Why is she so serious all of a sudden?

She was laughing just a moment ago.

I really can’t figure her out.

Women are so unpredictable—guess that’s a universal truth.

The sound of running water came from the bathroom.

While she showered, I looked for something for her to wear.

Honestly, she could just wear Juarin’s outfit—it’d be comfy.

But now I’ve got more work to do.

“I don’t have anything suitable. Guess I’ll have to go with this.”

There’s no way a guy who used to live in a goshiwon would have women’s clothes lying around.

And I can’t exactly hand her the new clothes I just bought at the department store.

In the end, I chose a plain white boxy T-shirt and a pair of shorts.

But will it be okay?

The clothes seemed too loose for her.

If she’s not wearing underwear, it could turn into a disaster.

Ugh, what am I even imagining?

Dajang is smart—she’ll only wash her outer clothes.

“Dajang.”

“Yes?”

“I left some clothes and a towel outside the door.”

“Thanks.”

Time to start getting ready for filming.

I went into the room with the broadcasting equipment and began dismantling it.