Updating KakaoTalk Reveals Status Windows

A lion reigns at the pyramid's peak because hyenas support it from below, impalas below them, and rabbits below those.

I had been a rabbit. A life without fangs or claws, existing only to be someone's meal or stepping stone.

Some might dismiss it as self-pity born of inferiority, but it was plain fact. Son of a modest farming family, never wealthy. Born with average looks and average talent. I didn't blame my parents. They probably hadn't wanted a kid like me either. Poor souls who struck out even in the child lottery—their last shot at changing their fate.

But if that's the case, then whose fault was my life? These feelings of mine? Who the hell was I supposed to vent them on? How?

I'd finally found the target.

"You fucking shitty dark god bastard!!!"

Rage poured out, bringing sweet relief. My pathetic existence wasn't my fault. My dreams and efforts hadn't failed because I was lacking. Just realizing that made me laugh. My soul was still bound by curses and a wretched fate. But now... I had a breakthrough.

Tapping the text brought up detailed explanations.

Real Profile: View profiles of everyone registered on KakaoTalk.

'So that's why status windows appear over people's heads.'

Real Profile had two main functions. Check people's info via profile windows and read their inner thoughts via status messages.

Fiddling with the profile window to get used to it caused it to expand.

Just one app update, and I could access people's personal info and read minds like some fiction psychic.

"With this power, I can change,"

My grip tightened on the smartphone. Luck I'd never dared hope for had arrived. I wouldn't let this chance slip.

And with that, I blacked out.

Since my desires were crushed, I often had dreams like this.

The beautiful girl who was my first love. Holding the dandelion I'd shyly given her, she lit up and ran off when the handsome popular guy approached.

I stared blankly at the discarded dandelion.

The scene shifted.

Kim Hyeonseo. The woman who first taught me love and affection as an adult—and the one who ruined ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠my third attempt at the civil service exam.

The dream ended.

Waking with heavy fatigue, I murmured softly.

"I'll define my own place."

The future me would forge my path. And now, I could.

I knew instantly why I'd fainted.

In short, forcing out desires had strained my mind, causing blackout.

Re-reading the app usage, I ate first.

'Efficiency sucks.'

I started masturbating. On ejaculation, GP rose to 5.

'...Even lust relief only gives this much? It's the only desire registered.'

The app popped up in response.

Masturbation didn't fully satisfy lust, so low GP. In other words.

'Contribute to others' desires... Ah, sex fulfills both mine and hers simultaneously.'

Realizing sex was the fast track ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠to GP got me excited, my crotch stirring—

"Wait. I'm broke..."

Reality hit, and it deflated meekly. I'd forgotten sex wasn't something I could just do on a whim.

'Can't give up, though.'

Calmly thinking, one idea emerged. I could read minds via status messages. If I found an open-minded, free-spirited woman, I might score. Like a club girl.

'Yeah. A mind reader can't fail to pick up one girl.'

Decision made. Head to the club now.

I opened my tiny closet, grabbed the newest clothes. Headed to the bathroom, washed my hair too. Unlike usual, I blow-dried carefully.

Thinking of the club tensed me up. Ask any adult guy his top fantasy—five fingers up: picking up girls at a club. It's a dream for most because it's impossible for most.

'No. I can read minds. It'll work.'

Despite the dread, I steeled myself. Got ready and headed to Hexagon, the hottest spot near Sinseol-dong.

"Entry fee: 25,000 won."

"Huh? There's a cover?"

"Yes. Step aside if not entering."

"...I'll pay."

Broke as I was, if it led to sex, worth it. Got the wristband, entered.

'Flashy as hell.'

Dim overall, but vibrant spotlights lit the club. Eardrum-shattering electro blared.

Profiles and status messages floated over everyone. I'd set to full profile to check mine, blocking my view. Switched to simple.

'No time. GP at 5, but won't last.'

Profiles draining GP already down to 4.

'Solo girl for higher success?'

Approached her.

"Excuse me, here alone?"

She glanced, turned away.

"No, with friends. Just dancing solo a bit. Sorry."

Stunned silly. Her status updated.

Face burning with shame.

Crushed the urge to bolt, tried another.

"Hi. Wanna dance?"

"Sorry, promised someone else."

Seemed impossible barehanded, so bought beer. Picked carefully—girl with boredom in status.

"Hi! Alone and bored? Beer?"

"Uh... sure?"

Managed side-by-side off-stage, but that was it.

Mind-reading info useless without skills to use it. She left after beer.

After fails, crushing conclusion: Even mind-reading average joe can't pick up.

So what? No looks, no charm. Status wasn't cheat key. No meant no.

Hunting was preying on weaker. Club stage full of animals higher on pyramid than me. None I could hunt.

Handsome guy with woman, drunk—carried her off piggyback. Impala hunted.

Deep relative deprivation and self-loathing. Sigh escaped.

'Got power, forgot my place.'

Despair wrapped me. Scanning desperately, spotted a woman. Flower-print dress for outings. Clearly chubby.

'Not club attire.'

Amateur makeup and style screamed club newbie.

'If not club-savvy, maybe I can.'

Closer, profile visible.

Long hair half-hid her face, but features were cute. Body too plump for "pretty," even politely.

'Not in position to be picky.'

GP still dropping. Desperation hit; approached her.

"Excuse me, wanna have sex with me?"

Realized too late.

"No, I mean... that's not..."

Squeezed eyes shut. 'Panic made me blurt it.'

Last chance gone. Despair crushed my shoulders.

"...Yeah. Sure."

"...Huh?"

Head snapped up at unexpected yes. She blushed, head slightly bowed.

Shin Yeona accepted my absurd proposition. Her status showed baffling words.