Getting Close to an A-Rank Hunter Wasn't in My Plans
On the morning of the day I was supposed to meet Yi Hayeon, getting friendly with an A-rank hunter wasn't part of my plans at all. I finished up a quick wash, got dressed, and prepared to head out. I glanced at the mirror for a moment.
The reflection staring back at me didn't look like someone about to collect a whopping 500 million won. A top that dipped unnecessarily low, exposing half my chest, paired with shorts so short they were dizzying. …When I bought clothes, I only picked short ones because it was so damn hot, and now I had nothing suitable for an important occasion like this. If I'd known, I would've gone shopping, but I don't know shit about women's clothes anyway, so what could I do? Still, I was on my way to meet an A-rank hunter—I should've put more thought into my outfit… Next time I get the chance, I should buy something neat like office wear. I might have to meet item buyers in person again in the future.
Anyway, I barely calmed my nerves, grabbed the pre-packaged Dragon Dick Whip, and stepped out the door.
Why so tense? Obviously. Even after years of gate cleanup side gigs, this was my first time seeing an A-rank hunter in person. That's what an A-rank is—a dream rank achieved by only a thousand hunters out of countless ones. And since she wasn't just any A-rank, but the famous Yi Hayeon, it'd be a lie to say I wasn't nervous.
Alright, just hand over the item and head straight home. If I mess up even a little, burying me alive would be nothing to Yi Hayeon. …She doesn't seem that ruthless, but better safe than sorry.
As I walked down the street, more people recognized me than I'd expected. Some stared openly, faces flushing, while others approached outright asking for a photo. I'm still not used to this… It felt a bit awkward, but having people recognize me was surprisingly nice. So I didn't turn down the photo requests.
…Among them were some stunningly pretty people, and I couldn't help fantasizing: What if I were still a guy?
But that's meaningless now… Haa, so annoying!
Damn, I cursed this changed body once more. I didn't want guys blushing and approaching me.
Ten minutes early, I arrived at the meeting spot and scanned for a good seat. Then, someone at the corner table caught my eye. That shimmering silver hair and a beauty that demanded a double-take. No doubt about it—that was Yi Hayeon.
She got here early? I took a deep breath, approached the presumed Yi Hayeon cautiously, and spoke up.
"Um… are you Yi Hayeon by any chance?"
"Ah, autographs are a bit tricky… Huh?!"
Yi Hayeon turned, saw me, and her face lit up in shock. …Why's she so surprised? Oh, did I get too close? I stepped back a bit and said,
"Hi, Hayeon. I'm Han Semin."
"…Wow."
Yi Hayeon stared at me blankly, like she was amazed by something. …More precisely, at my chest.
Is there something on my chest? Why stare like that? It's embarrassing.
Realizing her mistake, Hayeon made an "oh crap" face and said,
"S-sorry, Semin. It was just so surprising, I zoned out… Nice to meet you! I'm Yi Hayeon. Uh, have a seat first?"
What's so surprising? Seeing a streamer in person? If anything, I'm the one surprised to meet an A-rank hunter.
I set my shopping bag down and sat. Soon, my iced Americano arrived. I cooled off my sweat with the chill drink.
But seriously, why's she staring so much? Is meeting a streamer that novel?
Then Yi Hayeon muttered under her breath.
"…No padding or anything, huh?"
"Pardon?"
"Oh, nothing. Anyway, Semin, your stream was so fun."
"Glad you enjoyed it—means a lot. I really cheer for your hunter work too."
…I didn't catch her mutter, but it broke the ice. We chatted about my streams and her hunter life. We clicked more than expected. She'd watched my broadcasts from start to finish, and I knew her activities well, so conversation flowed.
Yi Hayeon propped her chin, gazing at me.
"Item extraction ability… I've never envied anyone else's power before, but yours? Kinda jealous, honestly."
"Ahahaha… I just awakened recently, so I don't know much myself."
"Figured. You didn't even know how to use that item."
"…Can we forget about the headband incident?"
"How could I? Stream highlight! …Sorry, though."
"Nah, even without you, I'd have tried it eventually."
…Damn. Hearing it from someone else brought back memories, and it felt weird. So she saw all that live? Suddenly, I wanted to crawl into a hole. Like all my flaws were exposed.
Yi Hayeon sighed and continued.
"…And something else I'm jealous of."
"Huh? What…?"
"Your boobs! Boobs! What do you eat to get them that big? I know it's rude, but I gotta ask."
…Ah, so that's why she'd been staring. I eyed Yi Hayeon. Yeah, she was maybe a B-cup at best.
But I couldn't tell her how to grow hers—I had no clue. I looked at her honestly.
"How to make boobs bigger…?"
"Yeah, please tell me!"
"No idea."
"…Pardon?"
"I don't know. I've always been this size since… well, I can't help you there."
"……"
Yi Hayeon stared at me in disbelief. …No matter how you look at me, I woke up like this—what can I do?
"Big boobs aren't all great anyway, Hayeon. Uncomfortable sleeping, shoulders ache from moving a bit, food spills right on top messily, and…"
"Stop, stop! That's all lies, Semin!"
…Lies my ass! I'd kill for small ones like yours. Wait, is B-cup too small? Nah, still a million times better than this hassle.
Alright, vibe's good now—time to show the item.
"So, Hayeon? Wanna check the item first? Oh, you brought an appraiser, right?"
"Of course."
I handed her the Dragon Dick Whip. She scanned it carefully with the appraiser and nodded.
"…No need to look further. It's exactly what I wanted!"
"Phew… Glad."
One worry down. Thought she'd nitpick, but she really needed it. Curious what for, but that's her business.
Hayeon pocketed the whip.
"I'll transfer the deposit now, and the rest after I clear the dungeon…"
"Ah, Hayeon. About that—no need for the extra."
"…Huh?"
"I'm not greedy for cash, and honestly, 500 million is plenty—too much even."
I have a conscience. Fair price is mid-300 millions; 500 plus extra is pure gouging. Trust matters in deals. Even if I didn't set the price, starting with insane profits would bite back later. Plus, I kinda like Yi Hayeon.
"Try it first. If you change your mind, just contact me later. Money whenever."
Deal done—time to go. Wanted to chat more, but she's busy.
I said to the still-stunned Hayeon,
"Hope you use it well, Hayeon."
As I stood, she grabbed me.
"W-wait, Semin!"
"…Yeah?"
"You can't just decide that and leave! I can't live owing debts!"
"N-no… It's not debt, that's the fair price…"
"Anyway! And I thought we clicked so well—don't wanna end it here. Right?"
…Honestly, yeah, but aren't you busy? As I hesitated, she pressed,
"See? You're reluctant too. Since we're here…"
Yi Hayeon smiled at me.
"How about we get close, you and me?"