A World with a Fucked Gender Ratio (4)
I arrived at the goshiwon from the flyer. Even on the way here, I could feel all sorts of stares from the people around.
"Hey, look at that—a guy's here."
"Is he a guy studying? Why would a guy study? Trying to get into college?"
"A guy studying to get into college? Don't they have special admissions for males?"
As soon as I got to Noryangjin, the female students around started whispering about me. Right now... I just let it slide in one ear and out the other, ignoring them as I headed straight into the goshiwon.
"Um... hello."
"Yes, hello... Huh? You're a guy, student?"
"Ah... yeah."
The manager auntie was staring at me. She looked a bit shocked at first.
"Um... do you have any rooms available?"
"Huh? Oh... yeah, we do. 150,000 won."
Not bad for 150,000 won a month, especially since goshiwons don't require deposits or extra fees. The only problem was...
"Um... this is really embarrassing, but I only have 120,000 right now. Could I pay the remaining 30,000 next month all at once?"
I knew something like this might happen—I should've saved more. Was it the damage from that convenience store lunchbox yesterday? I was short 30,000 out of the 150,000 rent. In this situation, I had to ask if I could get a break just for this month.
"Ah... normally no, but you're so handsome, I'll take just 50,000."
"What?!"
I wasn't just surprised—she was saying she wouldn't take 100,000, a huge sum in this world. Just for being a guy, she was knocking off 100,000? My dick might as well be a gold bar. I handed over the crumpled 50,000-won bill.
"You here to study, kid? You could just say you wanna go to college and they'd let you in. Planning to apply to some fancy university?"
"Nah... I'm not here to study."
I chatted briefly with the auntie as she showed me to the room. I couldn't figure out why everyone was so shocked about entrance exams, but apparently most universities have special admissions for males. Back in my old world, tons of kids slaved away just to get into college once. Here, you get in automatically for being a guy. Made sense—there were so few men in this world... Maybe having a male student was actually a good thing for them?
"This is the best room in our goshiwon. I don't usually give it out, but you're a guy and you look pitiful, so here."
"Ah... thanks!"
She said it was the best room, but I had my doubts. It was about one pyeong—tiny. The bed and desk were combined, so to lie down, I had to tuck my legs under the desk. Bed, table, chair—that seemed to be it, but looking closer, there was a mini-fridge on the floor like the ones in motels. Reminded me of those times when some random rich uncle who'd made a killing felt sorry for a young guy like me and put me up in a motel. Uncle Kim or whatever his name was... wonder how he's doing now.
I checked in and plastered on a smile, saying it was great. At first, I doubted it was really the best room, but for 50,000 won a month? Hell yeah, I was grateful.
I smiled at the manager auntie. "Yeah... good choice, kid. But... could you do me a little favor?"
"Sure? What is it?"
"I need to promote our goshiwon. Mind if I use you in some ads as our male resident?"
"Ah... yeah, whatever."
Makes sense—men were rare, so advertising me would help. Plus, she knocked off 100,000. Promoting? No big deal. I nodded and was about to crash on the bed.
"Kid... you're tall as hell. And look at those arms—muscular. Got a girlfriend?"
"Uh. No."
Once we got a bit chummy, the manager auntie started prying into my life. I gave short answers and tried to shut the door. Sensing it, she backed off. Finally, I climbed onto the bed and lay down.
Fuck... this is so goddamn soft.
The words slipped out as soon as I hit the mattress. Compared to the bare ground or cardboard I'd been sleeping on, it was heaven. No wonder everyone sleeps in beds. Having a space that shielded me from wind and rain, an actual home—it made me feel safe. In my old life, I couldn't have dreamed of affording a goshiwon like this. This world... wasn't half bad.
* * *
I woke up and checked the time. The huge electronic clock on the goshiwon wall read 10:11.
"Fuck..."
When you're homeless and wake up, you always curse at the shitty reality—it's a habit. Was this one of those times?
"Hey! I'm heading out now, so wait—grab those oppas!"
"Babe, I'm going. Fifth girlfriend today? Yeah! Call her over!"
Were men really that scarce? As evening hit, I could hear the women in the hallways on their calls. Goshiwons had crap soundproofing, sure, but this was ridiculous. Exaggerating a bit, I could hear the mosquitoes buzzing in the next room. Fuck... better head out till it quiets down.
I got up, grabbed an empty can, and decided to go beg. Yeah... I only had 70,000 left. Sounds like a lot, but for food and basics, I needed more. Time to earn a little. I opened the door.
"Huh?"
"Ah... hi."
A woman with brown hair stood there. Bad timing—we'd opened our doors at the same time. At least it felt neighborly, so I greeted her.
"Whoa... no way, for real?"
"Pardon? What's up?"
She stared at my face for a good while. Wondering if something was wrong, I asked. She kept gawking.
"Heard rumors a guy moved into our goshiwon, but damn, it's true."
She eyed me up, knowing I was a guy. This was getting awkward—better bail quick.
"Wait. Is this you in the photo?"
"Huh?"
She showed me a pic on her smartphone.
"Uh... yeah, that's me."
It was the one the part-timer who'd given me ramen snapped yesterday. I'd said post it wherever, but it was on some concept post. Just my back and her selfie—how'd it blow up?
"Seriously... a real guy."
"Right? I'm a guy."
She kept glancing between her phone and me, amazed. Super embarrassing. I started edging away to leave.
"W-wait a sec!"
"Yeah?"
I turned at her voice. More to say?
"Uh... where you headed? Restaurant? Or just out?"
"Ah... yeah, gotta work, so heading out."
She was grilling me on where I was going. Saying "off to beg" proudly would've been too pathetic, so I bullshitted and tried to leave.
"W-wait! Hold on just a bit!"
"What?"
She grabbed me again, telling me to wait. What now? If you're gonna call someone, spit it out. She was fumbling, hesitating—maybe I should just go.
"Um... could you do me one favor?"
"Pardon?"
I tilted my head at the sudden request for help. Absurd—what the hell? Why should I? We just met today. You think I'd jump to help a stranger for free? I'm no sucker or volunteer. Thought I should firmly say no.
"Money! Help me out and I'll give you 100,000 won! Deal?"
"...Deal."
Fuck, too much cash to turn down. Rent here's 50,000—100,000? Add my 70,000 and that's 170,000. No reason to say no. Money talks.
* * *
I followed her to the station packed with internet streamers. Heard there was drama about this place before, but seeing all these people with selfie sticks and camera stands broadcasting...
"Whoa... is that a guy?"
"A guy where?"
"Real guy? Or just a tall chick?"
Streamers and passersby started staring. What the hell was I supposed to do here?
"What're you doing?"
"Ah, gotta set up. Wait a sec."
She planted her camera stand and told me to hold on. Was this the favor? Hope it's legit...