We Are Live
Just as the cultural norms of my past life differed from this one, so too did people's perceptions. In particular, the ways men and women viewed one another were practically polar opposites.
Women in this world tended to scrutinize a man's body through an intensely sexual lens. Even parts casually exposed in day-to-day life—ears, the nape of the neck, arms, and legs—were fair game. Some women even claimed to get turned on by hair, fingernails, ankle bones, and heels.
Aside from such niche tastes, there were anatomical areas universally recognized as sexual targets on a man: the genitals, naturally, alongside the collarbones, chest, abdomen, waist, and buttocks. Though the stomach and waistline fell into somewhat ambiguous territory.
"So you're saying it wasn't because my stomach showed?"
"Yeah. That much is totally fine."
Having returned home from work, I was sitting with Yeo-eun noona, discussing what had happened yesterday—specifically, the real reason Pajijik had suspended her broadcast. When I had slipped into the scorpion pose during the stream, my shirt had ridden up slightly, baring a strip of skin along my midriff. I had assumed that flash of belly was the culprit, but apparently not.
"It's not the damn Joseon dynasty," she scoffed. "Slapping someone with a ban just for flashing some belly is ridiculous."
"Then what was it? You freaked out, too."
"Ah, well, I panicked thinking your chest might pop out... but no, it was the pants."
"The pants? What was wrong with them?"
Noona held out her smartphone to show me the clip right before the stream got cut. On screen, I was wearing long black slacks and socks.
"Right here. See this part?"
"Yeah. What about it?"
Her cheeks flared red as she hesitated, before pinching the screen to zoom straight in on my crotch.
"If you look really closely... you can sort of see the outline of your, uh... thing."
"An outline? Of this? Isn't that just a crease in the fabric?"
"No, look closer!"
It wasn't as though I had been wearing skin-tight leggings. They were ordinary slacks made of lightweight fabric. But examining it closely, just as she said, the contour of my groin was indeed visible. It was enough for someone to reasonably guess, Ah, that's where his dick is. Mine was exceptionally large to begin with, and as the fabric pulled taut during the pose, the shape had inevitably pressed through. Even so, it wasn't like the explicit shape of my shaft and balls was on full, vivid display.
"Fine. Let's say that's true. But are you sure that's why? The ban came down way too fast."
"One of the platform mods must've been watching our stream live."
"Were they just staring at my crotch the whole time? How else could they spot that and ban you on the spot?"
Yeo-eun didn't answer.
Her sheepish expression said it all.
"Seriously? Were they really just staring down there?"
"Haaah... Jeongseo. Most of the viewers were probably doing the exact same thing. That's just how women are."
"Do they have X-ray vision or something? They were all really just staring at that? Everyone?"
"Probably... yeah. Most of them, at least."
I was still heavily influenced by memories from my past life, making it difficult to take her words at face value. All I could do was try my best to understand based on the cultural knowledge I had pieced together so far.
Not so long ago, male fashion had been shackled by strict modesty codes. Men were expected to wear exclusively loose, wide-legged trousers and long tunics that draped past the buttocks—much like traditional Hanbok. Simply put, men had to dress so that neither the outline of their genitals nor the shape of their buttocks could ever be discerned. Baring skin on almost any part of the body had been considered equally taboo.
"So that's why the chat was making a fuss about my clothes yesterday."
"Yeah, pretty much. Even with the times changing, eyes are bound to wander."
The shirt I had worn yesterday didn't drape over the fly of my pants, leaving the zipper area completely exposed. The chat had zeroed in on that immediately.
All my clothes were bought by Mom and Noona. They were standard department store pieces, identical to what other young men wore every day. In modern times, male fashion had become vastly more liberalized. Yet certain factions of society still took issue with that freedom, and men frequently policed and shamed one another's outfits just as fiercely.
"That's why I bought you that crossbody bag," she explained. "Guys usually carry bags in front to block the view."
"I know. I get it, but I didn't realize it was this bad."
There was still a nagging disconnect between understanding the theory and accepting the reality.
"So, does this mean you can't stream anymore? Because of me?"
"Hehehe, nope! They reached out earlier. The suspension's lifted, and they even apologized."
"Huh? Really? Thank goodness."
The ban had been a mistake on Pajijik's part—or more precisely, a blunder by an overzealous moderator.
"We didn't actually violate any terms. And apparently, they got hammered with complaints all night over my ban."
"Why?"
"Because the rules are vague. Direct exposure of nipples or genitals is an automatic ban, obviously, but you were completely clothed."
"Right, but didn't you say the outline caused the issue?"
"That's where the gray area is. The policy only states that action can be taken if someone intentionally displays an explicit shape or bulge."
It was internal platform regulation. While Noona hadn't quoted it verbatim, that was the general gist. For instance, if a male cam streamer did a broadcast wearing nothing but sheer stockings, that would clearly violate terms.
"I ripped into them properly," she said proudly. "Plus, my furious viewers provided some heavy artillery support."
"Can a small-time streamer like you really push platform support around like that?"
"Hey, it's not like Pajijik is the only platform out there."
Pajijik had acknowledged their fault and even put together a compensation package. They had scrambled to make amends in under twenty-four hours.
"Your noona is officially a Partner Streamer now! Well, I was almost at the threshold anyway."
"Congratulations. But is that all?"
"They're also giving me gift subscriptions and Quick View passes to distribute to viewers."
"Seems a little lackluster."
"Are you kidding? That's huge! Oh, and they promised to feature me on the main front-page banner, too."
To her, the compensation felt almost excessively generous for a single day's suspension. Having minimal knowledge of the streaming industry, I couldn't really gauge it.
"Even if there's no direct cash payout, this is a massive opportunity to blow up the channel."
"Ah, I see. Then that worked out great. That really puts my mind at ease."
"Pfft, 'puts your mind at ease'? You really are a kid who talks like an old man..."
Truthfully, my nerves had been wound tight all day. The thought of causing trouble for Noona had gnawed at me. My boss at the cafe had even expressed concern watching me obsessively clean and reorganize during my shift—my compulsive tendencies had flared far worse than usual.
Eventually, I had confided in the boss about Noona's streaming and the ban. She had told me to let her know if things went south, then sent me home early.
"Why? What's wrong with how I talk?"
"Nothing, just... you don't sound like anyone your age."
"Can't really help that."
"Oh, right! By the way, there were tons of comments about you. Want to see?"
"Sure. Show me."
Now that the matter was resolved, my neurotic restlessness dissipated. With a relaxed mind, I followed her over to the computer desk.
"Hm? Wait a sec. Let me just boot this up and move out of your way."
"No need. Let's just sit like this."
"Ah... okay! As long as you're comfortable, Jeongseo."
We shared a single desk chair. With Noona seated first, I spread her thighs apart and nestled down between them. Her face flushed crimson, practically glowing with delight.
"Look, starting from here... see how many posts mention you?"
"Indeed."
"Everyone's praising you. Saying you're well-mannered, and... so f—wait, don't read that one."
I leaned back against her chest. It felt like sinking into an overstuffed cushion, wonderfully soft and plush. At some point, her massive breasts had become a sanctuary for me, calming both body and mind.
"Ugh... Jeongseo."
"Hm?"
"If you keep rubbing against me like that, Noona's gonna have a rough time..."
"A rough time doing what?"
"I mean... it's getting really hard to hold back. Haaah..."
Her breath was already growing ragged. That was her biggest flaw: Yeo-eun noona got aroused far too easily from the slightest physical contact.
"Let me finish reading first."
"Hngh... okay. But your thighs..."
"I'll sit however I like. By the way, did you shower?"
"Yeah. Just a little while ago."
"I haven't showered yet. I worked up a sweat today, so I need to wash up."
She shook her head vigorously.
"It's fine! A little sweat doesn't matter."
"It matters to me."
"Then what if Noona helps you shower...?"
I considered the offer for a second. We had never showered together before, nor had I ever let her see me change. I believed keeping that boundary was essential—it kept her yearning for me, ensuring she remained wrapped around my finger. Even after she had seen me naked, preserving an aura of mystery was vital. Besides, she would undoubtedly become an unbearable nuisance halfway through.
"Mmm... no."
"Aww, why?! Noona's really dying here! Can't we just do it right now?"
Her hand had completely frozen over the mouse. Watching her fidget and squirm, she looked ready to pounce on me this very second, barely keeping her hands to herself.
"Seriously, it's totally fine! You don't smell like sweat at all. You just smell nice!"
"Still. I was at work all day, using public restrooms and everything."
"I don't care! I'd even drink your piss, Jeongseo!"
"Gross. Why the hell would you drink piss?"
"I'm just saying I adore you that much! Not that I'm literally going to!"
Ultimately, I threw up my hands and surrendered to her whining. Though somewhat reluctant, I settled for cleaning myself up downstairs with wet wipes. Giving her a hard time always had a way of easing my restless mind anyway.
Bzzzzt.
Her viewers were throwing a massive tantrum demanding my appearance. Yesterday's stream had ended so abruptly, after all. They were currently leaning on her, claiming the rapid unban was entirely thanks to their outrage and that she owed them.
It was something we had both anticipated before she went live.
Knock, knock.
"Noona. Can I come in?"
"Yeah! It's unlocked. Come on in!"
I headed straight into her room. The broadcast getting cut yesterday hadn't been my fault, and everything had turned out for the best, but a lingering sense of debt remained. Clearing it away completely was better for my peace of mind, too.
"Hm? Wait! Wait a second."
"What?"
"Is this... okay?"
"Yeah. No problem, right? Should I go change?"
"No, never mind. It shouldn't be an issue... You're wearing an undershirt beneath that, right?"
"Yeah."
I had showered a short while ago and slipped into pajamas—comfortable, long-sleeved loungewear. I assumed there couldn't possibly be any problem.
"Ah, shit. What the hell? Why is it lagging again?!"
This was my second broadcast appearance following yesterday.
The chat, which had been scrolling at lightning speed just a second ago, ground to an absolute, dead halt.
"Hey! Put your damn hands back on the keyboards! Type something!"
Noona suddenly shrieked as if having a seizure.
I simply smiled and stared straight into the camera lens.