Chapter 48: A Kiss, A Movie, and Unsettling Realizations

After that, Yoo Ji-eun and I spent a lot of time together.

We ate meals together, held hands, and even went on dates.

Secretly, I enjoyed the thrill of holding her hand.

So, what exactly is this feeling I’m experiencing?

Is it normal for girls to feel this way when holding hands?

I’ve heard that it’s not uncommon for girls to date each other at all-girls’ schools.

If that’s the case, then maybe feeling a flutter toward another girl could also fall within the realm of normal for women.

After all, while it’s rare for men to like male idols, it’s very common for women to admire female idols, isn’t it?

I used to think there shouldn’t be much difference between men and women in this regard, but Ji-eun’s words and this newfound fluttering made me wonder if something has indeed changed.

… Though I still refuse to admit I’ve become more affectionate or cutesy.

While lost in these thoughts as I walked with Yoo Ji-eun, her phone suddenly rang.

“Ah, just a moment,” she said, pulling out her phone.

The moment she looked at the screen, her expression stiffened. She answered immediately.

“Yes, Father.”

Her voice was calmer, more composed.

“Yes, I understand. I’ll handle it and get back to you.”

She slightly lowered her head as she spoke.

After ending the call, she placed her phone back into her bag and let out a quiet sigh.

“I-hyun, I’m so sorry. My father just called about something urgent, and I need to go.”

Ah, it was her father again.

I smiled and shook my head.

“It’s okay. It’s about time we parted ways anyway. Take care on your way.”

“My father’s a bit of a strict man… haha…”

I carefully observed Ji-eun’s face.

I knew.

Whenever Ji-eun brought up her father, her expression would slightly distort.

What kind of relationship do they have? What could be going on?

Of course, I knew better than to ask such questions.

“Ehehe… My dad used to be like that, too,” I said.

As I spoke, Ji-eun seemed about to apologize, as if realizing she’d made a mistake.

I quickly shook my head, signaling that it was fine.

… That wasn’t my intention, though.

After saying her goodbyes, Ji-eun left. I waved at her retreating figure.

But she looked so exhausted.

She seemed like she was withering, fading more and more each time I saw her.

The feeling was stronger than before—much stronger than in the past.

I needed to find a way to lift her spirits, even just a little.

“Unnie!”

I called out to her, who was now about ten steps away, walking sluggishly.

Then I jogged toward her.

By the time she turned to look at me, I had buried my face into her back.

My arms wrapped around her waist and abdomen.

“I-hyun?”

Ji-eun spoke in a slightly startled voice.

I stayed silent for a moment, savoring the sensation of her slender back, and then spoke.

“Cheer up, unnie. Let’s meet again next time. I had so much fun today.”

Ji-eun stayed silent for a moment before turning around to face me.

The hug that was on her back shifted to her chest.

She began gently patting me, her voice soft as she said,

“Thank you for saying that.”

“Hehe…”

Ji-eun’s voice had softened, and I felt a sense of pride as I smiled.

“I-hyun.”

“Yes?”

“Let’s kiss.”

“Huh?”

Ji-eun didn’t respond to my questioning tone.

Instead, she gently grabbed my hand and started walking somewhere.

“Uh, where are we going?”

“To somewhere quiet.”

“W-what?!”

Not long after, Ji-eun and I ended up in a secluded alley where we exchanged cheek kisses.

Ji-eun pushed me lightly against the wall and, with slightly excited breaths, pressed her lips against my cheek.

This time, the kiss lasted much longer than before.

***

Ah, once again.

“Today, we’re going to watch a movie together.”

On Bell, there are people who occasionally watch movies or dramas with their audience.

I found out that if you link a streaming site you have a subscription to, you can stream the content directly. So, I decided to try it out too. It wasn’t all that expensive.

I don’t love movies, but I don’t dislike them either.

I hadn’t watched any since high school.

I just thought it’d be nice to watch one after such a long time.

Suddenly, the comments started pouring in.

• What movie?
• Why are we doing this?
• This sounds boring; I’m out.

Just as I expected, the reactions weren’t great.

But I was prepared for this. I had picked a movie specifically tailored for Bell’s vibe.

“Then, do you not want to watch this either?”

With that, I displayed the poster for the movie on-screen.

[Your Child]

The chat exploded.

• “Whoa.”
• “Let’s go!”
• “I’m in. This movie deserves chicken!”

People immediately started typing “seated and ready” repeatedly in the chat.

As expected, the crowd was happy.

I know Bell’s culture well. They don’t usually mind subculture content.

Feeling satisfied, I added,

“This one’s supposed to be super emotional.”

• “Oh, I cried watching that!”
• “Yeah, it’s really sad!”
• “Pfft!”

…?

Why are they laughing?

“Ah, no, it’s just… pfft. Crying over a movie? It’s just a made-up story, you know. Are you guys even men?”

The truth was, I hadn’t really watched any movies recently.

Even back in high school, I didn’t cry over them.

Suddenly, a notification popped up.

• Tteokbokki has donated 1,000 won.
• “So, you’ve never cried watching a movie, huh?”

“Nope.”

Seriously, not even once.

Why would anyone cry over a fictional video? It’s meant to be entertainment.

“Anyway, we’ll start in 30 minutes. If you’re ordering food, do it now. And don’t cry, okay?”

By the time the movie ended and the credits rolled, the screen reflected my tear-streaked face.

“Sniff…”

• “Didn’t you say you wouldn’t cry, you fraud?”
• “What’s with the emotional faucet? LOL.”
• “Can’t concentrate when the streamer’s sobbing nonstop, LOL.”

“I mean… I usually don’t cry, but…”

Tears were flowing endlessly, like water from a purifier. I went through dozens of tissues.

“Why am I even like this…?”

I kept wiping my tears as I said,

“It’s just… this movie is uniquely sad. I’ve never seen something this heart-wrenching before. Isn’t it a masterpiece?”

• “Eh, I didn’t find it that sad.”
• “Hmm, I guess it’s okay.”
• “This is actually one of Makoto’s lowest-rated films.”

“There’s no way…”

There’s no way that’s true. It’s this sad.

I tried to argue, but my throat tightened, making it hard to say more than a few words.

It took me over ten minutes to calm down and rein in my overwhelming emotions.

“Ahem, ahem…”

I cleared my throat and wiped my tear-filled eyes with a tissue.

Then, I turned to the chat and, with a straight face, said,

“I just teared up for a moment, that’s all. Honestly, it wasn’t that sad.”

• “There she goes, acting tough again.”
• “At least wipe the tear marks off your face before you talk.”
• “Why’s she always putting on airs?”

I pouted.

“Ugh, what do you want me to do about it?”

Suddenly feeling hot, I fanned myself with my hand. I wanted to take off my mask but managed to hold back.

Glancing back at the chat, I noticed some heartwarming comments.

• “Honestly, it’s a masterpiece.”
• “I cried too, LOL.”
• “Watching movies with the streamer is so fun. Let’s do this often.”

Those comments warmed my heart.

It reminded me of how happy I’ve been lately.

But the higher I go, the more I fear the fall.

Still, there are things I should say.

“You guys… I’m always grateful to you.”

• “Why’s she suddenly all soft again?”

“Just… I’m always grateful. People like me.. even watch my stream… I’ve always wanted to say that.”

• This person got emotional after watching the movie.
• Estrogen in its purest form.

“Don’t say it like that, say something nice… I’ve always said nice things to you guys…”
Here it comes.

• Female move on.
• Pretty.
• Ah, so pretty~
• Pat pat~

“Hehe…”
At those words, I smiled, feeling happy.
It felt like I was about to cry again.

“Oh, and.”
I turned off the movie, took down the poster I had put up earlier,
then opened the notepad.
And started typing on the keyboard.

[Looking for a Recruit]
[Looking for an Editor]

• This person makes posters in real-time.

“What… what? Why don’t you make it for me instead? Anyway, I’m looking for an editor. You know my streams, right? Pick any of those and edit them into a 10-minute clip.”

• Is it okay to edit the por*n video that got caught?

Evil bastard.

“No, no!”

I screamed in surprise.

Just imagining it was horrifying.

• But you already have a lot of edited videos on YouTube
• Didn’t you know?

“Ah..No?”

Lately, I’m scared of getting hated, so I don’t watch communities or Bell’s YouTube much.

• But you don’t realize how many people edit your videos?
• I’m amazed you didn’t know.

“No… I didn’t know. Was I that popular…?”

• Does the proud beauty of Bell Gallery and Room Gallery look like shit to you?

“No… these days I don’t watch much on communities or YouTube related to Bell…”

• So what do you watch then?
• If a Bell fan doesn’t watch Bell’s YouTube, what are you watching?

“Uh… cat videos.”
Kkkkk
So cute.

• The cat video you wanted.

“Oh…”
I immediately clicked it when I saw it.

……?
But on the screen was my broadcast.

“What is this? It’s not a cat.”

Ah, could it be that you’re trying to compliment me, saying I’m as cute as a cat? That’s cute.

I was about to say that while smiling, but then…

“Ah, it’s a mistake.”

My voice was heard…And at that moment…The file explorer showed… my por*n video close-up…The next thing I heard was a scream.
“Ahhh!”

I screamed along with it, quickly closing it.

“Ban. If you post something like this again, I’ll really ban you!”

• Even though you said that, you didn’t actually ban me.
• Kekeke

“Anyway, send it to this email. I’ll watch and evaluate every single one.”