Chapter 81
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 81
Chapter Title: Birthday Cafe Outing
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Her reaction was so unexpected that it caught me even more off guard. After all, I'd tagged along with Oh Hana's fandom activities once before.
"Why... Why are you coming along?"
Just from that, I could tell.
Before, when I'd simply asked if it was okay to follow her, she'd nodded like it was no big deal. But now she was actually asking why.
"Why? Because I want to. Last time I trailed after your fandom stuff, it wasn't boring at all. Plus, it's just a Saturday—plenty of time to spare. I hear all the Genesis Eleven fan club folks from Luxury show up to these birthday cafes, and I was a bit worried about you going alone."
"......"
Even I thought it was a perfect excuse—flawlessly delivered, with my real motives completely hidden.
Of course, the quest and all the suspicions I had were the actual reasons, but no need to mention that.
'If I were someone spying on Oh Hana, I wouldn't miss a personal outing like this.'
No doubt about it.
"Uh, um. Well... if you're coming with me, oppa, that makes me feel secure. Sounds good."
She seemed happy yet a little uneasy as she spoke, but I just nodded casually.
"Alright then. We'll head out together on Saturday."
"Great!"
Oh Hana nodded, quickly regaining her usual rhythm, then hopped over and threw her arms around me.
"Hehe, that means we can snag extra freebies—one per person. Whoa! Or maybe oppa should join the Genesis Eleven fan club, Luxury?"
"No way."
What a horrifying suggestion. As if I'd ever become a fan of a group that includes that scumbag Riki. Even now, whenever he popped up in my dreams, my teeth ground together in rage.
"I'll give you all mine."
"Woohoo! No take-backs on that, okay?"
"Sure thing, you little rascal."
I was trying to play it cool, but just hearing the name Genesis Eleven left a bitter taste in my mouth. On the flip side, there were things I'd never learn without hearing it straight from Oh Hana herself. Why on earth did she like that Riki guy so much?
We'd seen his stalker-ish behavior toward other girls together, proof his personality was trash—yet Oh Hana still adored him. No, that garbage. She even dreamed of marrying him.
'No clue at all.'
Maybe something happened between them in the past? Come to think of it, some Genesis Eleven members had given her a subtle nod of recognition before.
[Investigate the Purposes and Circumstances of Cohabitation for Those Living Together in the Studio Apartment]
[1/3]
[Reward: 3,000,000 won, Stamina +3, Virility +3, Strength +3, Intimidation Skill]
By the time I complete this quest, I'll probably find out. Tch.
I smacked my lips and waited for Saturday to arrive. My life right now was so fulfilling—and flying by at breakneck speed.
[AM 08:10]
I got home from my convenience store shift, and the place was already chaos early Saturday morning. I'd noticed it before when we went to that wedding hall, but Oh Hana's full makeup routine was insane.
Cosmetics and clothes scattered everywhere—it was impressive. Objectively, she didn't have that many outfits, but she masterfully combined tops and bottoms from her few pieces to create the perfect look.
And the hairstyle and makeup to match? On another level.
"......"
No wonder even Han Aebom and Yoon Sua—women themselves—watched Oh Hana with awe. In a way, it proved she was the youngest in our studio apartment. Her energy was overflowing.
Watching her transform step by step from the sidelines, I couldn't help but marvel. This wasn't makeup; it was straight-up magic.
"Smack smack."
Right after clocking out, the post-shift cigarette craving hit like clockwork. I popped a nicotine gum in my mouth, plopped down by the front door, and watched Oh Hana go about her routine.
Today, her earrings and nails stood out unusually. Tiny heart-shaped studs and ten nails in soft pink, each with a unique pattern.
"......"
I used to not get why women spent time and money on that stuff. But watching Oh Hana, it started to make sense.
Her already pretty fingers looked even more stunning.
"Ugh! This'll do!"
She tried on something sexy and mature, but apparently wasn't feeling it—tossed it aside and switched to a casual vibe.
I thought the first one was fine.
White pants, black T-shirt, light windbreaker on top, white headset around her neck. Perfect coordination.
"Whoa, time's flying! Gotta line up for the birthday cafe!"
Opening was at 10, as far as I knew, but Oh Hana was freaking out like she was late already. As I stood to open the door, she grabbed me.
"Oppa! You can't go out like that."
"Huh?"
"Take off your shoes and come in. I'll do a quick minimal makeup job on you! And change your clothes!"
"Hey, I don't need it. It's not like we're going to a wedding."
"No way!"
"......"
Resistance was futile against Oh Hana's resolute gaze. I ended up dragged in, enduring nearly 40 minutes of makeup and outfit selection.
When I finally stood before the mirror, my jaw dropped. I'd felt it before, but who the hell was this guy?
An idol-like hairstyle and sleek makeup made me look at least five years younger—and way more handsome.
I didn't even know I owned clothes like this. Sky-blue jeans, white tee, aviation hoodie on top. Even I had to admit, no one would call this guy underdressed.
"Phew! Okay. Let's head out, oppa!"
"Yeah."
Our outfits matched perfectly, come to think of it. Had Oh Hana tweaked her planned look after seeing me?
"Alright. We're off!"
"We're off!"
"Have a safe trip."
Han Aebom and Yoon Sua saw us off as usual, but I caught a sharp edge in Han Aebom's tone. Oh Hana flinched too and bolted out the door.
"Let's go, godori!"
"That's ancient slang."
I chuckled and followed behind her.
It was familiar now. The stares that followed us on the subway, getting off, everywhere. All glued to Oh Hana.
"Wow, that girl's seriously pretty."
"What? Is she a celebrity?"
"Too young for that? Maybe an idol?"
"No way."
The unfamiliar part?
"Isn't the guy next to her kinda annoying?"
This kind was familiar.
"But their style matches pretty well overall? Makeup's on point. That's decent couple fashion, right?"
"Yeah, I'm okay with it. He looks kinda buff."
"Face is scary, but as a boyfriend, he'd be reassuring."
Never dreamed I'd overhear girls whispering about me like that. My expression was stiff from the makeup—lips locked in place. And honestly feeling good about myself today, my shoulders squared up naturally.
'Now I get why people dress sharp and do makeup.'
Dressing up nice.
It boosted your confidence just like that.
"Damn, weekend crowds flooding the underground mall. No choice—let's take the stairs and walk."
"Got it. Know where it is?"
"Just that it's on a street lined with cafes. That's enough— we'll spot it right away."
"Ah, makes sense."
Trailing Oh Hana's fandom had taught me why some fans get labeled 'crazy fans.' To me, they all seemed pretty intense, but a select few crossed the line.
'They say love blinds people to even murder.'
But could you really get that immersed in an idol? I'd gush over hot girl group shorts on NewTube, but never fell that deep.
Unless they were right there beside you, like Oh Hana...
"Ugh! Too many people! Oppa, stick close—no getting separated. Right up against me!"
"Uh, uh, okay."
She slotted my arm snugly between her breasts, and I mentally recited the national anthem for the first time in ages. No erections today, especially. Still a long walk ahead, and bulging jeans wouldn't fly.
[Walking up stairs increases your lifespan +2 seconds]
As we climbed the stairs, Oh Hana said,
"Hoo, honestly, having you here makes me breathe easier. I'd go nuts coming alone."
Yeah, it'd be mayhem. Everyone from dogs to cats hitting on you. Even women, like that one time.
She was too pretty and smiled too much. She could pass for a delinquent from some rough school, but Oh Hana pulled off zero thug vibe—that was her real charm.
"Hey, pretty noona over there! Free phone screen replacement. Just a sec."
"No thanks!"
"It's really free..."
"We're good!"
She firmly shut down the clingy phone shop guy, who eyed her regretfully before spotting me, smacking his lips, and backing off.
Not everyone who approached was like that.
"Wait, miss—could you buy me a coffee?"
"Sorry! We're in a rush!"
Oh Hana clung tighter to my arm, and the persistent beggar slunk away.
I scratched my cheek lightly.
"Was I always this reliable-looking?"
"Hmmmmm!"
Oh Hana let out a little moan, groping me here and there as she said,
"You weren't quite this level before. How to put it... your dick got bigger, and so did the reliability? Not like you bulked up hugely, but you know? Like, solid inside? Ah, yes! Functional muscle! Real-deal compressed muscle! That vibe!"
"Hm, functional muscle, huh."
I did home workouts in the studio to boost my value, but that alone wouldn't explain this change.
Had to be the Strength +2 and Stamina +4. Quest rewards were seriously OP.
"Sniff sniff, ugh... that egg bread smells killer."
"Want one?"
"Nah. Gotta save room for all the birthday cafe freebies—we'll order a ton anyway. Stuff ourselves there! Can't eat now."
"Gotcha, gotcha."
Mention of the birthday cafe made me uneasy, nodding vaguely. I'd rather ditch it and just date like this.
But then I saw the massive line—full of people as serious as Oh Hana.
More precisely, the moment I caught their hostile glares aimed at her, I knew a hundred times over I'd made the right call coming along.
"Ugh, she's here again. Gross."
We were standing quietly in line when that voice rang out from somewhere. Loud enough for us to hear.