Cocktails, Confessions, and the Onahole Prompt
It works on people too...?
"One Blue Sky each, please."
It was a cocktail that stuck in my memory because of its unique look. The blue upper layer evoked a clear, sunny sky.
"It's pretty."
An Jeong-hwa took a sip again, then quickly downed the whole glass. She seemed in high spirits, even humming a little tune.
I'd been the same way the first time I tried cocktails. It wasn't so much being drunk as just the thrill of discovering how tasty this new booze was, putting me in a great mood.
Seeing her so happy, I figured it was time to pull out the gift I'd prepared.
"Uh, hold on a sec."
I slipped off to the bathroom, retrieved the gift box containing the dagger Abigail had given me from my inventory, and brought it back. Carrying the box openly drew her attention right away.
"What's with the box?"
"It's a gift for you, Jeong-hwa. Open it up."
Even with the sudden present, she seemed pleased as she unwrapped it.
"A dagger?"
"An E-rank one. Last time, I noticed you were just using a standard-issue dagger with no backup. Figured you could use a proper main weapon."
"E-rank?! Isn't that expensive?"
"It's dwarf-made, so yeah."
Of course, I'd gotten it for free, but no need to mention that.
No point in stepping up and cheapening the gift by admitting I got it for nothing.
Abigail had said his cut was a million won, so retail was probably two or three hundred. Even if it was free for me, the weapon's value didn't change, so Jeong-hwa handled the dagger like a precious gem, carefully drawing it out.
"First time touching dwarf-made gear."
"Don't like it?"
"No! I love it!"
She genuinely seemed thrilled, which satisfied me as the giver.
"Oh, and I mentioned you to the dwarf who made it. He said to bring you along sometime."
"Really? When?!"
Excited at the prospect of meeting a dwarf, she leaned in.
"Not right away—he's got his own stuff going on. I'll let you know in advance, and we can head over when he's free."
"Promise you'll tell me. I never dreamed I'd get to see a subrace in person..."
"You met Master Hose earlier today."
"Oh... yeah, but he popped up out of nowhere and vanished just as quick. And elves? Aside from the pointy ears and good looks, they're basically human. Like seeing a hot celebrity in real life. But dwarves are different! You can instantly tell they're another species!"
That was a typical reaction—most civilians rarely saw subraces up close. Usually, people were more eager for elves, but after actually meeting one, they got blasé and hyped up dwarves instead. Kinda cute, in her own way.
Calming her excitement, she finished her cocktail and fiddled with the new dagger, then stared straight at me and sighed.
"Sigh. Okay, straight talk. Why are you being so nice to me? We just met yesterday, right?"
She locked eyes with me, not breaking contact until I answered.
Thinking about it, yeah, that question made sense. A stranger showers you with expensive gifts and kindness? Suspicious as hell. I'd had women approach me nicely on the street before, but after Jeon So-young warned me they were all cult recruiters, I ignored them. I must've looked shady to her too.
Of course, it was all because Jeong-hwa hadn't realized her own talent yet—a simple misunderstanding.
Earlier than planned, but I'd laid all my cards out. Time for the main pitch.
"How about forming a fixed party with me?"
"W-Wait, are you... like, into me or—huh?"
Caught off guard by my sudden proposal, she froze mid-sentence. I pressed on with the explanation.
"I'm not some weirdo. Truth is, I spotted your talent in the dungeon yesterday and wanted to invite you as a fixed party member."
"......"
"My goal is to build my own party and conquer the Tower. I'd love for you to join us. You've got real Tower-level potential. And I'll take good care of you financially, of course. The dagger's just the start. If you say no, keep the dagger and the training hall access anyway. Your call."
I finished and waited for her response. Accept? Decline?
After hearing me out in silence, she stared into my eyes, then muttered in exasperation.
"That's it? I thought... haa..."
Deflated, she sighed and pinched her temples like her head hurt.
"One more of the same, please?"
She slammed the fresh cocktail and turned to me, resolved.
"Alright. Fixed party? Let's do it. You'll pay up properly, right?"
"Haha, naturally. Looking forward to working with you, Jeong-hwa."
"Just call me casual like in the dungeon yesterday. You're the leader now, and older than me anyway."
"Fair enough. Party formed—let's toast to that."
"Leader's buying?"
"Obviously. Two Rusty Nails here."
We kept ordering and knocking back cocktails—one, two at a time—and before I knew it, we'd passed ten glasses.
Around then, the alcohol hit Jeong-hwa hard, and she started spilling her life story.
"Ah, home life's been rough."
"Yeeah~ My parents wouldn't listen when I begged them not to go, but they got sucked into that weird cult, donated every valuable thing in the house... Haven't had good meat in forever, so it was so tasty. Cocktails too~ That's why I'm in such a good mood. Hehe..."
Head half-bowed as she spoke, she glanced up at me and grumbled.
"But seriously~! Who talks in a way that makes people misunderstand like that? This thiiing... Still, your face is kinda? Handsome, so I let it slide~"
By fifteen empty glasses, she was hitting her limit, nodding off and mumbling incoherently.
"Aigoo, she's totally wasted."
"Whaa~? I'm not drunk at aaal~?"
She perked up indignantly at that, her voice louder. No more drinks—she'd blow up if I pushed.
Tch, just getting buzzed and feeling good, too.
I was riding the pleasant wave, but we couldn't both be trashed. Time to call it.
"Ehehe~. Spiiin, spiiin~."
Jeong-hwa could barely walk, so I ended up piggybacking her out.
"I'll settle up."
The bill was way higher than expected. Jeon So-young usually handled tabs, so this was my first time. Cocktails must cost a fortune—felt like juice while drinking. Maybe stick to vodka next time.
"Need a taxi, sir?"
"Nah, we're good."
As I paid and headed out with her on my back, the staff offered. I said I'd manage, but he eyed me like trash.
What? Why the look?
A bit offended, but I chalked it up to booze making me sensitive and stepped outside.
Now to get her home... except I had no idea where she lived. Asking was pointless—she was out of it, just giggling drunkenly.
Taking her to my place felt off. What now? As I pondered, she started sobbing on my back.
"Waaah~. I wanna be happy too~. No boyfriend, no money, no boobs... Why's my life like this? What'd I do wrooong~?"
"Haa, Jeong-hwa, quiet down, yeah?"
She was the one embarrassing herself, but somehow I felt the shame. Eyes from passersby stung.
Needed to get out of sight before more misunderstandings. Scanning around, I spotted an unmanned motel nearby.
Jeon So-young's old advice flashed back.
"If a girl's drunk, don't send her off alone—it's dangerous. Basic manners to get her somewhere safe. Like... that motel over there."
"Can't she just tell me her address?"
"Yeah, right. You think I'd give out my home address knowing what you'd do?!"
Her treating me like a potential creep was annoying, but the etiquette tips were solid gold. Motel for a drunk girl? Straight from her playbook.
Should be fine...
Unmanned, so I grabbed the cheapest room and laid her on the bed.
"Phew. No need to undress her fully, right?"
Jeon So-young's words again: "Just drop her at the motel and done? How clueless are you? Common sense to loosen tight clothes for a passed-out girl so she sleeps comfy."
Shoes and socks were basics, obviously. Jacket off, loosen collars, unbutton tops, unzip pants—standard stuff.
"Jacket at least?"
Shoes and socks were already off when I put her down.
"Uhnng..."
As I removed her jacket, she grinned sleepily like the tears never happened. Couldn't help but chuckle.
Not seeing her romantically, but was this too vulnerable in front of a guy? Or had I earned that trust in our short time? After her drunken confessions, she felt like a little sister.
Done with what I could, I turned to head home.
Time to crash and maybe use an onahole.
Suddenly, a system message popped up.
Name: An Jeong-hwa
Status: Unconscious (Onahole Conversion Conditions Met)
You can use Onahole Conversion on the target. Proceed?