A Massage Fixes Everything
I stared blankly at the message on my phone screen.
Invalid Access
Invalid access? What the hell was that supposed to mean?
I'd just been trying to check the status of the new building I'd bought near the university. The one I planned to turn into a proper branch of Cafe Serer. Everything had been going smoothly until this error popped up out of nowhere.
"This is ridiculous," I muttered, tossing my phone onto the couch. "The system never used to glitch like this before."
Maybe it was because I'd been using my powers too casually lately. Or perhaps the World Management System was throwing a tantrum because I'd been ignoring the main quest line. Either way, this was annoying as hell.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
I opened the door to find a familiar face standing there with a bright smile.
"Hyunjin sunbae! I brought some snacks!"
It was Han Seowon, looking as cute and energetic as ever in her casual hoodie and shorts. Her long hair was tied up in a messy bun, and she was holding a plastic bag filled with what smelled like freshly fried chicken.
"Seowon? What are you doing here so late?"
"I heard from the others that you've been stressed out about the new store. Thought I'd come cheer you up!" She grinned, pushing past me into the apartment like she owned the place. "Plus, I brought beer. The good kind."
I couldn't help but smile. Ever since we'd started getting closer, Seowon had been dropping by more often. Not that I minded. Having a beautiful girl like her around was never a bad thing.
She kicked off her shoes and made herself comfortable on the couch, already pulling out containers of food.
"You look tired, sunbae. Have you been sleeping properly?"
"Not really. The system keeps giving me weird errors lately."
Seowon tilted her head, her big eyes sparkling with curiosity. "The system? Like your special ability thing?"
I nodded. I'd explained bits and pieces to the girls about my return from another world and the strange powers I possessed. They all took it surprisingly well. Probably because they'd seen me do impossible things with their own eyes.
"It says 'invalid access' when I try to check on the new building. I don't get it."
Seowon patted the spot next to her on the couch. "Come here. Let me help you relax first. All that stress isn't good for you."
I sat down beside her, and before I could protest, she was already pushing me forward and climbing onto my back.
"What are you—"
"Shh. Just trust me. I learned this from my mom. She says a good massage can fix almost anything."
Her small hands pressed into my shoulders with surprising strength. I let out an involuntary groan as she worked on a particularly tight knot.
"Wow, you're really tense here. Have you been working out too hard again?"
"Maybe... ah, right there. That feels amazing."
Seowon giggled softly, her breath warm against my ear. "You sound like you're enjoying this a little too much, sunbae."
Her fingers moved down my back, pressing and kneading with practiced motions. The scent of her shampoo—something sweet and floral—filled my senses. I could feel the warmth of her body through her thin hoodie as she leaned over me.
"Seowon... you don't have to do this."
"But I want to. You've done so much for all of us. Let me take care of you for once."
Her hands slipped under my shirt, making direct contact with my skin. The sensation sent a shiver down my spine. This was definitely crossing into dangerous territory.
"Your back is so wide and strong," she murmured, almost to herself. "I like it."
I turned my head slightly to look at her. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes had that familiar mischievous glint.
"Are you trying to seduce me right now?"
She laughed, but there was a hint of nervousness in it. "Maybe? Is it working?"
Instead of answering with words, I reached back and pulled her into my lap. She let out a surprised squeak but didn't resist. Her hands came to rest on my chest as she straddled me.
"Sunbae..."
Our faces were inches apart. I could see the way her pupils dilated, the slight tremble in her lower lip.
I kissed her.
It started soft, almost tender, but quickly grew heated. Seowon's fingers curled into my shirt as she pressed closer. Her body was warm and soft against mine, and I could feel her heart racing.
When we finally broke apart for air, her eyes were glazed with desire.
"I've been wanting to do that for a while," she whispered.
"Then why didn't you?"
"I was scared you'd think I was just another girl throwing herself at the hero."
I cupped her face gently. "You're not just another girl, Seowon. You're special to me. All of you are."
Her smile was radiant. She leaned in again, this time initiating the kiss herself. Her hands explored my chest and shoulders, tracing the muscles she'd just been massaging.
Things were heating up fast. My hands found their way under her hoodie, feeling the smooth skin of her waist. She shivered at my touch.
"Hyunjin..." she breathed against my lips.
The way she said my name, without the 'sunbae' honorific, sent a jolt straight through me. It felt more intimate somehow.
I was about to suggest we move to the bedroom when my phone suddenly buzzed on the coffee table.
I ignored it at first, but it kept vibrating insistently.
With a groan, I reached over and picked it up.
The error has been resolved.
Massage therapy detected as valid access method.
New Building Status: Fully operational
Bonus: +5 to all relationship stats with Han Seowon
I stared at the message in disbelief.
"What... the actual fuck?"
Seowon peeked over my shoulder, her arms still wrapped around my neck. "Did it work? The massage?"
"Apparently my system thinks your hands have healing powers."
She burst out laughing, the sound bright and infectious. "See? I told you a massage fixes everything!"
I set the phone aside and pulled her closer again. "In that case, I think I need a much more thorough treatment, Doctor Seowon."
Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she pushed me back against the couch cushions.
"As you wish, hero. This treatment might take all night though."
As her lips found mine once more, I couldn't help but think that maybe having a glitchy system wasn't so bad after all.
Not when the cure was this much fun.