Chapter 33: Games Really Are A Sickness... I Made A Mistake. (2)
TL: looloo
Schedule: 4/Week Wed-Sat
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We had a brief disagreement, but quickly, we all focused on the game. Playing a game alone can surely make time fly, but when you gather with friends like this, it feels as if you've jumped into a time machine.
Before we knew it, hours had passed as we were deeply immersed in the game.
"Hey! They're pushing mid! What are you guys doing?"
"We've already lost, what can we do?"
"Honestly, we lost because the jungler sucked. Agreed?"
"I agree."
"Agreed."
"Alright, three of us agree! We lost because Han Yeonho really sucked."
"If these jerks who got solo kills in their lanes keep this up, I'll get really annoyed."
"I really want to abandon support and kill the ADC, but let's just surrender and play the next game."
We were constantly blaming and trash-talking each other. It might feel unjust when I'm the target of blame, but that's how it was.
Inwardly, I cursed at these conscienceless guys. I vowed to immediately lash out at anyone who made a mistake from now on.
But then...
A Legend Appears!
"..."
"Han Yeonho, stop feeding!"
"Sorry..."
It seemed like a lie, but from that moment...
First Blood!
"Why are they here..."
"Everyone, stay alert! Han Yeonho is dragging us down!"
"Ugh..."
Due to my mistakes or the skill gap in the jungle...
Double Kill!
"Wow, Master Han Yeonho! Not content with dying alone, you're taking me down with you! Your skills are truly commendable!"
"..."
We suffered defeat after defeat.
To be honest, a significant portion of the defeat was on me, and I had no excuses. However, even as they consistently berated me, they eventually stopped, realizing it was just unfortunate circumstances. We just kept encountering strong players, especially in my position.
"Sigh..."
After consecutive losses, I became even more focused on the game. I mindlessly queued up for the next one, but after the third straight loss, reality hit. It was already around 5 PM.
I quickly checked the time on the bottom of the monitor, preparing for the next game. Almost unconsciously, my gaze dropped to the phone I'd tossed beside my keyboard. I wasn't trying to check anything, it was just a habitual glance.
I swiftly swiped past the lock screen without even seeing the notifications.
But when I naturally went to the main chat screen, there it was.
[ Heena : I wonder when Yeonho will see this... (38) ] - 2:35 PM
"...Oh."
Thud!
A mix of regret and dread made me drop my phone.
The sudden sound caught my friends' attention.
"Han Yeonho, are you not ready? Got jitters?"
"...It's nothing. Let's queue up again."
It wasn't exactly "nothing", but it was too late to do anything about it. I remembered promising to reply whenever I had the time.
I was so focused in what I was doing that I only remembered our promise just now. Silently, I placed my phone back down.
If I responded immediately, Heena would probably reply quickly, and it would be hard to continue the game.
"Why the heck are you guys so upset about a valley?"
Sure, it's different from the sea, but valleys have their own charm. And don't just be against it, either give an opinion or don't.
I, who didn't understand English, continued to hear nonsensical chatter.
"We can't pick up girls in a valley, can we?"
"...Wait, what? Pick up girls?"
Have these guys lost their minds?
"Why are you suddenly talking about picking up girls? Let's just go to the valley and forget this nonsense."
There might be people who actually try to pick up girls by the beach, but that's not our style. In fact, I'd never heard them use the term "pick up" before.
Wondering why they suddenly showed interest in that now.
"Just because you have a girlfriend, you talk so freely. Jerk..."
"Loners like us should just shut up and hang out with our own kind."
"I appreciate your concern for us singletons. Truly grateful."
"......"
They're just jealous I have a girlfriend. It's hard for me to say anything since I occasionally post couple photos.
I should be more considerate in the future.
"Or..."
While reflecting on my behavior, the last member of our PC room and travel party, Hyunwoo, spoke up.
"What about your girlfriend's friends...? Maybe they'd be interested...?"
"Heena's friends?"
"It's not like we're planning to do anything. Just hanging out would be nice."
I blinked at that. Heena rarely talks about her school life. I know she has friends, but I have no idea who they are or how many she has. I doubt Heena, of all people, would have unpopular friends, but I don't know if they'd want to join us.
Anyway, it was an interesting idea, and I considered it for a moment.
Hmm, adding Heena's friends to our group might be a good idea. The challenge would be aligning our schedules.
If they're okay with it, these guys can be a bit immature at times, but they're not bad, are they?
Wait, I shouldn't be thinking about that right now. When is Heena going to read and reply to my message?
I'm losing my mind. She's probably mad, even if she is Heena.
Worries I had momentarily set aside began to resurface.
I felt shaky and rubbed my chin in anxiety when a loud shout came from beside me.
"If not that, let's go to the beach and try to pick up girls together!"
I'm already worried about how to appease Heena, and now I have to deal with this nonsense.
"Why would I do that, you maniacs?"
"Um... Fair point, Han Yeonho has a girlfriend. It would be weird. How about just hanging around while we try to pick up girls, and if any match happens, you stay out?"
"That's a good idea? This guy looks innocent on the outside, so it's likely girls will let their guard down."
"But we need Han Yeonho to open up a bit too..."
How am I supposed to stop these delusional ideas? Moreover, the biggest problem with this awful plan is...
"So, you're saying that regardless of its feasibility, if it succeeds, you'd just ditch me and have fun? Seriously, have you ever seen bigger jerks?"
"I thought some sacrifice would be...uh..."
When I criticized their heartless remarks, it seemed like an immediate rebuttal was about to be thrown back. However, Suhwang abruptly stopped speaking and, with trembling eyes, looked up above my head.
Realizing his gaze wasn’t directed at me, I wondered if the PC room owner had approached because we were too loud, so I slowly turned my head.
In that moment, I almost lost my breath.
"?!?!?!?"
Because right behind me stood my girlfriend, smiling as brightly as ever.
Author's Note:
Thank you always for the tremendous interest, recommendations, and comments!
This novel is suitable for all ages... but perhaps not for those under 19.
I always cherish you!
Lots of love and thank you so much!