The Second Day
Gurgle.
His stomach let out a loud rumble.
"...I'm hungry."
Kang Do-yoon checked the time.
It was already evening.
But he soon frowned.
The cafeteria.
He had to go, but he really didn't want to.
The stares he'd gotten all day flashed through his mind.
And the guild community posts.
"They're definitely gonna stare again."
Lying on his bed, Kang Do-yoon stared at the ceiling.
Honestly, it was overwhelming.
Then, one person popped into his head.
"...Ah."
Yoo Chae-won.
"Should've gotten her number."
If they'd gone together, at least the stares would've been split.
Two's better than one.
Probably a little, anyway.
Kang Do-yoon let out a long sigh.
"Gotta get it tomorrow."
They were in the same guild anyway.
No reason to run away.
He sat up.
"Time to adapt."
He had to live with this face now.
Couldn't hide in the dorm forever.
With a determined look, Kang Do-yoon opened the door.
And five minutes later...
He regretted it a bit.
The more he walked the hallway, the more people there were.
And the more people, the more stares.
Glance.
Glance.
Staring outright.
"......"
Kang Do-yoon kept a straight poker face.
Pretend not to notice.
Act like nothing's wrong.
I'm used to this.
Don't care at all.
He walked on with that expression.
Of course, inside it was different.
It's driving me nuts.
He finally reached the cafeteria.
"Whoa."
It was way bigger than expected.
Kang Do-yoon headed straight to the kiosk.
And checked the menu.
Broth Tteokbokki (Wheat Cakes)
Salmon Salad
Tomato Pasta
Arugula Sandwich
Set Meal
Kang Do-yoon looked at the menu again.
And again.
"This is really the menu?"
Where's the pork cutlet?
Stir-fried pork?
Kimchi stew?
Gone.
Really gone.
What's an arugula sandwich?
He was dumbfounded.
"...Just you, then."
Set meal it was.
Oddly, the set meal line was empty.
Meanwhile, salad and tteokbokki lines were packed.
Hope the menu isn't always like this...?
Kang Do-yoon felt uneasy.
A moment later.
Rice, soup, sides.
A familiar setup on his tray.
He sighed in relief.
"Now this is food."
He scanned for an empty seat.
Spotted one in the corner.
Perfect. Eat quiet and bounce.
Kang Do-yoon grabbed his tray and headed there.
Sat down, set the tray.
Spoonful one.
"...Oh."
Tasty.
Spoonful two.
"Oh?"
Soup was good too.
Spoonful three.
"Whoa."
Sides were solid.
Kang Do-yoon was impressed.
As expected from a big corp guild.
Cafeteria quality was next level.
Good hire.
He dug in happily.
Then.
"Excuse me."
An unfamiliar voice.
Kang Do-yoon looked up.
A woman stood there with her tray.
"Mind if I sit next to you? Seat's empty."
"Ah."
Kang Do-yoon glanced around.
Plenty of empties.
Tons.
But before he could think why she asked him,
the answer slipped out.
"Sure, go ahead."
"Thank you."
She sat with a bright smile.
And thirty seconds later.
"Is this seat okay too?"
"Can I sit here?"
"Pardon the intrusion."
Kang Do-yoon blankly looked around.
It'd been empty moments ago.
Now every seat was taken.
All women.
"......"
Kang Do-yoon quietly ate.
Said nothing.
But the stares...
Dead ahead.
From the side.
Diagonal.
Across.
From every direction.
Help.
He'd never been surrounded by women like this.
Never gotten this much attention up close.
Especially those eyes.
Like predators spotting prey.
Am I the only one feeling this?
Kang Do-yoon focused on food