Male Support Fund (2)
I headed to the nearby District Office with Jung-ah. Fuck! It actually exists! The Male Support Fund! You were hiding it here? Like some goddamn treasure in a novel, it really fucking exists!!
Brimming with joy, I strode right into the District Office. And... as soon as I stepped inside, all eyes turned to me.
"Whoa... a guy. A guy's out and about?"
"Why's he here...?"
"Probably applying for the support fund."
Spot on. I knew most welfare stuff like this gets handled at the District Office. Since I had zero clue about this world's social services, I dragged along Jung-ah, figuring she'd know something. Luckily, she offered to help and came with me. I've owed her so many favors already—gotta repay her somehow. Once I snag this support fund, I'll treat her to something nice for real.
"Yes, what can I do for you?"
"Uh... I have some questions."
After waiting my turn, I approached the counter as directed.
"Oh. You're a male?"
"Yes. I'm male."
Unlike usual, I stated it upfront. Had to—no beating around the bush if I want the fund. They need to confirm I'm legit male.
Three minutes of silence, then I bellowed at the clerk like it was a declaration of war.
"I'm here to apply for the support fund!"
"Pardon?"
"For the Male Support Fund, I said!"
"Ah... yes, yes."
The clerk looked flustered at first but straightened up and faced me.
"Um... could I see some ID?"
"Is the resident card absolutely necessary?"
"Pardon?"
I don't have ID right now. Lost my wallet—and the card with it—back in the day. Always meant to reissue it, but that costs 1,000 won. That's a bowl of ojang cup ramen, enough to get me through a day. Never really needed it anyway. Aside from buying booze after turning legal, I hardly ever used it. Bankruptcy filing? Yeah, maybe then. Of course, I knew support funds would require ID.
"Ah... then we'll reissue it for you. Please wait a moment."
"Sure."
Thank fuck—she started typing and looked back at me. I was sweating bullets, wondering if no ID meant no fund.
"Don't worry too much. We'll issue a temporary ID."
"Thank you!"
She must've noticed my tension and offered the temp card. Looks like I can still apply.
"Phew, that's a relief. Guess you won't have to worry about money anymore, oppa?"
"Uh... yeah, something like that."
Jung-ah, who'd watched the whole thing, grinned and congratulated me. She's such a good kid—helped me out when I first got here and knew jack shit. Warned me how scary women could be when I was clueless. Owe her big time. Once the fund hits, I'll treat her properly.
"Hmm... we have some verification to do, so it'll take about 30 minutes. Is that okay?"
"That long?"
"Lots to check. Sorry for the inconvenience."
How much checking could there possibly be to eat up 30 minutes? Didn't expect it'd drag on like this. Fine if it was just me, but dragging Jung-ah along and making her wait feels shitty.
"Then... wanna grab lunch while we wait?"
"Huh? Is that cool?"
"Ah, yes—take your time, it'll be fine."
"Alright then. Thanks."
I gave a quick bow and stood. As I did, I overheard the clerk I'd been talking to.
"Whoa... first time talking face-to-face with a guy like that."
"He thanked us? Without avoiding eye contact?"
"Up close, he's kinda handsome too."
Should be working, not gossiping with the coworker. Whatever—as long as they hurry. But hearing them talk about me from behind? Not the best vibe.
We left the District Office and ducked into a nearby cafe. Planned on a restaurant at first, but I wasn't starving, and 30 minutes was better spent on coffee and a light dessert than a full meal. Got two Americanos and some snacks.
Could've paid myself, but lots of places use kiosks and don't take cash. Jung-ah covered it, and I paid her back in bills. We chatted while I pulled out my smartphone to dig for info on this world. Searched for other guys besides me.
"What a shitshow."
Most hits on "little brothers" or guys were your typical hikikomori shut-ins rotting in their rooms. The ones I saw outside? Probably popular or protected, that's why they could roam. If even those timid eye-avoiders are hot shit... yeah, explains why Jung-ah told me to watch out. Felt grateful to her again as I pocketed the phone.
"Oppa, find everything?"
"Yeah... think I got the basics."
I set the phone down, and there was Jung-ah smiling at me. Does her face just default to smiling? Grins every time she sees me. Still ten minutes left, so we chatted lightly, about to head out—
"Jung-ah?"
"Ah... oppa, we should go now."
"Why...?"
She'd been all smiles seconds ago, now packing up to leave. Caught me off guard.
"Whatcha doing here? With a... guy friend?"
"Huh?"
A woman who looked like Jung-ah's friend approached with a friendly wave. Spotted me and asked if I was a guy—I nodded on reflex.
"Whoa... haven't seen a real guy in forever. Um, how old are you? Mind giving me your number if you're cool?"
"Pardon? Uh, sure?"
She came on so strong my brain blanked. Phone in hand, but what do I even do?
"Seo-ah, sorry, but we gotta go. Can you move?"
"Aww, c'mon—is he your boyfriend?"
"No... not like that yet..."
"Then it's fine! Oppa, mind if I join?"
"Oppa's super tired right now, so no."
"What's the big deal? Just for a bit."
Sparks flying between them. Time to bail—I stood up.
"Sorry, can't just hand out my number. Jung-ah, let's go."
I gently took Jung-ah's hand and eased her up. Fresh number, better not spread it. Even to her friend—can't risk it. We headed out.
Back at the District Office, sat down. Five minutes to go... feel bad for Jung-ah. Did I ruin her chat with her friend by dragging her away?
"Uh... sorry. Hope I didn't mess up your friendship."
"Huh? No, it's fine."
She kept saying it was okay, flashing that smile again. Guess I didn't screw things up.
"She'd understand anyway—not giving your number to a girl is normal."
"Really? Then good."
Phew, no drama. Could brush it off easy.
"Mr. Oh Seong-hoon? Can you come over?"
"Ah... yes."
Time up—they called my name. Heart pounding—fund time? Headed to the welfare counter.
"What's this?"
"Ah... read it and you'll see. You missed something important. There's a clinic nearby."
"Pardon?"
Clinic? Medical check? Only healthy males qualify? I scanned the paper.
And saw the bold title.
"Holy... shit."
Couldn't hold back the curse at those huge letters.
Sperm Donation Guide
Sperm donation—saw it on the news my first day here. No fucking way... gotta do this for the fund? My head's burning up—gonna fucking explode.