Chapter Text
Exiting the MinoSoft building, Kim Dokja was leaving another long day at work. The bustling street greeted him, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. As he made his way towards the subway station, he couldn't help but notice the couples walking hand in hand, friends laughing together, and families sharing tender moments. Seeing these scenes, Kim Dokja couldn't shake the pang of longing in his chest. Witnessing strangers' close relationship, he couldn't help but feel envious. How could he ever feel like he belonged in such a world?
"Oppa," a little girl asked a guy walking up to her with two ice cream cones, "why does that ahjussi look so sad?" She pointed towards Kim Dokja as she spoke. The obvious attention drawn from the targeted male prompted the girl's assumed guardian to awkwardly hand her the ice cream and hurriedly lead her away, hushing her as he scolded her for her bluntness.
As the pair walked away, leaving the question suspended in the air, Kim Dokja felt a mix of emotions swirling within him.
With a heavy sigh, he continued on his way to the subway station, the warmth of the setting sun casting long shadows across the pavement. Each step felt heavier than the last as he pondered the little girl's question and the unexpected encounter that had left him feeling strangely exposed.
Phone. Internet. Web novels. A distraction. That's what he needed, so right as he entered the train, his eyes were glued to a web novel he had grown attached to throughout the week. People got off and on with every stop, but the tired office worker paid them no attention. He let himself escape reality by reading letters on a screen, it was a habit he's grow accustom to.
ding!
new message from HSY
Just when Kim Dokja thought he could finally relax in peace, she shows up. Han Sooyoung, a wannabe writer, whom he had the delight of crossing paths with all thanks to a poorly mischaracterizing fanfic she had written about one of his favorite web novel. Who knew a simple comment would lead to an online feud, which slowly to his surprise, turned into friendship.
-
HSY: yah, you should download this game. me: and why the hell would I?
HSY: They are collaborating with your favorite web novel, plus it's a fun game, trust me...
DOKJA: the last thing I'd do is trust you.
-
With a soft, discontented tsk escaping his lips, the tired office worker pocketed his phone and disembarked the train at his stop, making his way through the packed station and out into the evening skies. The light spring breeze greeted him, tousling his hair as he walked along the familiar path towards his apartment.
As he stepped into his complex, the city noise gradually lessened, drowned out by the sound Kim Dokja's steps walking up the staircase leading up to his unit. With a swift jangle of keys, he unlocked his front door and stepped inside, slipping off his shoes. As the door shut behind him, the abyss welcomed him home with silence, leaving him all alone with his thoughts.
Thinking about his empty fridge took the edge off his hunger, leading him to opt for crashing on his bed instead. Once again, he found himself in front of a blue screen, scrolling as he read paragraph after paragraph.
ding!
New message from HSY
-
HSY: it'd be better than spending your evenings rotting on your bed...
HSY: C'MON! they adapted YOUR favorite webnovel into a game, you have to play
Despite working for as a video game tester, the last thing he would want to be doing on his time off, was playing games. Dokja liked to keep his personal interests and work separate, which explained his hesitation towards this recommendation. However, he couldn't deny that upon further inspection, the mentioned collab piqued his interest. He resisted the urge to give in, but ultimately succumbed with a crushing sigh as he sat up reaching for his laptop to install the game.
DOKJA: fine.
HSY: ?!?
HSY: are you being serious right now? me: yes, don't make me change my mind
HSY: OKAY
HSY: MAKE SURE TO USE MY INVITATION CODE
HSY: I need the free gems to get the new character
DOKJA: alright
-
Tossing his phone aside, Kim Dokja couldn't help but shake his head in disbelief; of course she had an ulterior motive with said recommendation, and he had fallen for her trap. Nevertheless, he couldn't back out now; the launcher had already launched, and he had already created an account.
- Game ID: guwon, Avatar type: swordsman -
His character was dressed in a casual-chic attire of all black garments, complimented by a long white trench coat and a sleek tie. Satisfied, Dokja's journey within the game commenced, and 'breathtaking' would be an understatement to describe the experience— from the mesmerizing graphics to the carefully crafted attention brought onto the web novel's lore, including easter eggs for readers.
While he progressed through the story quest, he unlocked a boss, that no matter how hard he tried, kept seeking defeat to. That's when he realized that the game allowed newbies to coop with other players to defeat the challenge. Noticing that the invitation code automatically added Han Sooyoung, he deliberately texted her in game, noticing that her status showed activity.
-
guwon: help me
BF.EMPRESS: huh?
guwon: with a boss
BF.EMPRESS: YOU'RE STUCK ON THE FIRST BOSS!?
guwon: yes, now join and help. please.
BF.EMPRESS: HAHAHA
-
"Yeah, forget it," he muttered to himself. "I'd probably have better time teaming up with a complete stranger than dealing with her teasing"
And so, that is how he found himself accompanied by a random player who goes by S.PLOTTER. They were quiet but nonetheless quick and efficient. If only Han Sooyoung were like them. Together, they managed to beat the challenge. Content to have finally conquered this boss, he opened the in-game chat and swiftly typed. -
guwon: gg! had a great time play│
Midway through writing his message, his co-op partner finally manifested themself.
S.PLOTTER: your build is so shitty
dumbfounded, Kim Dokja couldn't help but wonder if every player shared the trait of toxicity.