First Visit to Jiyeon's Home
Siwoo stopped in front of the entrance to the apartment complex. His feet simply refused to take another step.
'This is where the rich people live?'
The air was quiet. Car noises and people's conversations drifted in only from afar. Instead, a refined rhythm of daily life flowed through the stillness.
Immaculately maintained gardens, cleaning robots patrolling on schedule, air free of even a speck of fine dust.
Even as the outside city buzzed with activity, this place felt like a separate world running on its own tempo.
The buildings themselves looked different from any other apartments, too. It was hard to call the ordinary complexes he passed every day "apartment complexes" in comparison.
And it seemed they guarded against outsiders—without an access card, even entering the grounds was impossible. Makes sense, since celebrities probably lived here.
Anyway.
Siwoo pulled out his smartphone at the entrance.
The reply came immediately. It was like she'd been waiting for his message.
As he stood at the entrance taking in the scenery, a familiar silhouette appeared in the distance.
"Siwoo!"
It was Han Jiyeon. She was dressed casually in light clothes—a fresh look for her.
"You got here early?"
"I left early."
"Yeah? Must be tiring. Let's head in quick!"
Siwoo followed Jiyeon into the complex.
Passing the security gate, the wide driveway was flanked by neatly aligned ornamental trees, and the seasonal flower beds were perfectly tended without a single disturbance in the soil.
"……Feels like I've stepped into another world."
"Haha, it is well-maintained."
Jiyeon seemed unfazed, as if this was all normal. Well, it was her home…….
'But the rumors didn't do it justice…… it's even more impressive.'
There were all sorts of rumors about Jiyeon. Chaebol heiress, astronomically wealthy, father heads a massive corporation…….
They weren't exaggerated.
Not when she lived in a place like this.
Anyway.
Siwoo followed her into the apartment building and soon reached the front door.
"Dad's inside, okay? He's probably gonna pester you a ton. Don't feel pressured. He just loves games."
Siwoo nodded that he understood. Then the front door slid open.
Beep-beep-beep—.
As they entered, a man who looked like Jiyeon's father greeted them warmly.
"Oh! Come on in, Siwoo."
"Hello. I'm Lee Siwoo, Jiyeon's friend."
"Haha, I've heard all about you. Watched the Gyeonggi match, too."
Her father shook Siwoo's hand vigorously, showing his enthusiasm.
"Not too tired? Long trip out here."
"I'm fine! It wasn't that bad."
"Haha, good to hear?"
Her father smiled softly.
"Make yourself at home today."
"Thank you."
Siwoo smiled awkwardly as he took off his shoes.
He entered the living room stiffly and sat on the sofa. His body sank into the plush cushions.
Her father asked,
"Eaten yet?"
"Not yet."
"Then food first. Jiyeon, I'll get dinner ready—entertain him a bit."
"Got it~."
With her father heading to the kitchen,
Siwoo sat on the sofa, glancing around.
"What're you staring at? Something catch your eye?"
"……Just how huge the place is."
Siwoo voiced his honest impression.
This apartment. The exterior was already impressive, but the interior was on another level. It felt like stepping into a futuristic facility built with cutting-edge tech.
And spacious? Spacious enough for friends to play hide-and-seek.
"Yeah, it's big. Feels like showing off, so I don't bring friends over much."
Jiyeon shrugged.
"Thanks for coming today. Dad's been dying to meet you."
"Really?"
"Yup. He loves OCK, and when I said you're my friend, he insisted on inviting you."
He'd noticed before, but surprisingly, adults loved games too.
They used to treat it like a disease, but perceptions change.
"Not too overwhelming?"
"Nah. Grateful for the interest."
"Haha, pro gamer life's improved your charm."
Jiyeon chuckled.
"Anyway, relax today."
"Will do."
Siwoo quietly admired the expensive-looking furniture, then asked Jiyeon,
"But have other friends been here?"
"Nope. You're the first."
"……Really?"
It wasn't a big deal, but it made him quietly happy.
Her father had suggested it, but she'd agreed.
"Isn't it tough sneaking out like this as a pro? Gangnam to here is a haul."
Jiyeon asked.
"Not really. Feels refreshing, actually."
"Good. Was worried it'd be a hassle to meet up."
"Haha, no worries there. If I hated it, I wouldn't come."
This time was something Siwoo always looked forward to.
Pro life was fun, but it wore on you. Coach had warned about burnout—these breaks were key.
"Heard the latest? North American and Chinese teams are after you."
"Huh? News to me."
"You never check communities. It's just rumors, anyway."
Jiyeon pulled out her phone and showed him a sports article.
"Check this."
Siwoo scanned the screen.
Rumors are swirling that China's prestigious pro gaming team, IBG, is targeting OCK's hottest attacker right now.
The man in question is Lee Siwoo.
Word is, they're offering him around 6 billion KRW in annual salary, with the proposal coming in the transfer window after Round 1.
Kaiserst is scrambling to re-sign him…….
"Hmm."
Siwoo's lips twisted.
Interest from China was nice, but he had no desire to go. Overseas meant no friends, no family.
Just chasing team wins and money? Not yet.
"What if China offers? You going?"
"Nah, not really interested."
"Why?"
Jiyeon tilted her head.
"Says 6 billion here. Isn't that a no-brainer?"
Not just her—anyone would jump. It was 30 times his current pay.
But…….
"China sounds exhausting."
Siwoo had zero interest.
Learn the language, adapt to food. Culture too.
He was just starting as a pro, barely keeping up with the game—when for the rest?
"Hmm, they do crash language courses now, even hire Korean chefs for adaptation. Less hassle than you think?"
Jiyeon saw it differently.
"Still think China'd be better. For your future."
Siwoo smiled lightly.
"I wanna play in Korea."
"Yeah?"
"Yup. Korean teams have no Worlds win. I wanna make that happen."
Not the whole reason, though.
"Plus, in China, no time to meet you like this. That's the worst part."
Having bared his heart, Siwoo held his breath, peeking at her reaction.
"Wh-what?! Anyone'd think I'm your girlfriend……!"
Jiyeon huffed, smacking his back repeatedly.
"Don't say that elsewhere?"
"……Why, you hate it?"
"No, not hate……."
She covered her mouth with her hand, eyes darting.
"Makes it sound like I'll misunderstand."
"Misunderstand what?"
"You know!"
Smack!
Jiyeon hit his back again. Her small hands didn't hurt much.
"Jeez, where'd you learn to be so smooth?"
"What?"
"That!"
Whoosh.
Jiyeon turned away.
Her ear peeking through her hair was red.
Only then did embarrassment hit Siwoo. He cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Ahem."
Still, glad he said it.
Got to see this reaction.
'Does Jiyeon like me back?'
Or just embarrassed talking like this as friends?
Hard to tell.
"Busy now?"
Her father emerged from the kitchen.
"Nope!"
"N-not really?"
Siwoo and Jiyeon answered, masking their awkwardness.
"Dinner's ready. Wash up."
"Yes."
Shaking off the awkwardness, Siwoo stood and asked,
"Where's the bathroom?"
"Around the left corner there."
"Got it."
Close call on max awkwardness—perfect timing from Dad.
'Gotta be careful from now on…….'
Siwoo scratched his cheek and headed to the bathroom.
Dinner time.
Sitting at the table, Siwoo couldn't hold back his awe.
"Whoa……."
Even the meals at HQ were luxurious, but this spread was next level.
Just what he could see: braised short ribs, rolled omelet, kimchi stew, vibrant seasoned veggies…….
All his favorites.
"Hungry, right? Dig in."
"Thank you."
After thanking them, Siwoo picked up his spoon and took a bite of the short ribs.
"……!!"
The tender meat melted away, sweet-salty sauce coating his tongue.
Delicious!
"How is it? To your taste?"
"So good!"
"Haha, glad."
Her father smiled softly, nodding.
"Prepared hard knowing you'd come. Eat up."
"Why say it like you made it? The auntie did it before leaving."
"Ahem, some things are best left unsaid."
Not her dad's doing, huh.
Makes sense—busy guy, no time for this.
Siwoo quietly enjoyed the ribs.
"Siwoo, mind if I ask something?"
"Sure, go ahead."
"You dating my daughter?"
"Pfft!"
"Pfft!"
Siwoo and Jiyeon coughed at once.
"Dad, what……!"
"Hm, looks like not yet."
Her father nodded.
"Perfect timing. Just know Dad supports her relationships."
"Support what……!"
"That shyness won't last. Siwoo, enjoy the moment."
With ribs stuck in his throat, Siwoo gulped cool water and said,
"Not sure what you mean……."
"Hahaha, too old-man-ish?"
Hard to deny.
"Anyway, you'd pass muster."
"Dad……!"
No clue how it turned here, but Siwoo bowed his head and focused on the ribs.