Chapter 41
Chapter 41
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 41
Chapter Title: 40. The Fugitive's Beach
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◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ It's my first time seeing the ocean, but I can't really make it out.
Looking beyond the beach in the distance...
Moonlight draws white streaks across pitch-black blackout curtains, and beyond that, the waves sparkle.
There's plenty of glittering, but the sea itself is nowhere to be seen.
Still, it must be out there somewhere.
Hoping that the things invisible to my eyes match my imagination,
I send out a telepathic message in my heart.
Oh.
That was meant for Seonghyeon. Not for all of you.
Hee hee. Just kidding.
Come sit here.
You showed up at just the right moment.
I'm sitting by some nameless Busan beach right now.
My belly's full and warm, and running around made me sweat,
but the sea breeze feels so cool and nice.
Seonghyeon's right beside me,
and there are a few people around... but their voices get swallowed by the waves, so they feel like shadows.
So let's pretend it's just the two of us in this dark night sea.
What a day.
I hopped on a KTX train on a whim because I missed Seonghyeon so much, and look at all the chaos that unfolded.
Just this morning, I was Rosanne.
For real.
People called me Rosanne, snapped photos with me, screamed when I said hi.
Rosanne's presence was way bigger than I'd imagined.
I'd borrowed her mask, and just like that, I became someone amazing in an instant.
Whenever it slipped even a little, I'd feel suffocated, but I had to hold on somehow.
Because that's how I could help someone.
But it was all for nothing, I guess.
The truth is, the one I wanted to shine for was Seonghyeon.
Out of all those people at the event hall, he was the only one who wouldn't look at Rosanne.
I could tell from his face.
He wasn't making that "you're amazing" or "you're pretty" expression—he had his thumbnail in his mouth, looking anxious.
Even I, who can't read minds, knew right away.
No matter how firmly I wore the mask, Seonghyeon's affection pierced right through it to touch my skin.
The moment I saw that look, the mask I'd been desperately holding onto flew away.
I couldn't breathe and sat down, then grabbed Seonghyeon's hand again and dragged him somewhere.
With the mask gone, I pulled the coat over my head like a criminal and slipped offstage.
I wanted to be helpful.
But stealing someone else's mask doesn't change who I am.
I'm no protagonist of this world, no princess. Not even a cosplay model.
Just a shut-in gamer.
The coat slips off, and a cold water bottle presses against my cheek.
No one's around now.
The criminal lifts her head.
And looks into his eyes.
But... why does Seonghyeon look so bright?
I'd worked so hard to become Rosanne.
Why show me now the smile he wouldn't give when I was her?
Seonghyeon fans me, blasts me with AC, wipes the sweat trickling down my neck.
Onstage, I was a total nerd hiding behind the mask.
Here, I'm the star.
And he says,
"Stop possessing Rosanne. Just be Park Dahye."
Right.
Of course...
Why do I always stumble around like an idiot?
Seonghyeon has always liked me.
Without asking a thing, no matter who I was, blindly.
Just because I was me—that was enough.
That's what made him special.
I must've gone blind trying to rush to him.
Maybe I got intimidated by giant Rosanne.
Ha...
It was a foolish thing, but fun.
I got to be the Rosanne I'd chased so hard, tucked in a worn-out Seonghyeon in Busan, ate delicious pork soup rice,
Time vanishes when you're happy, but today every moment drags on like it'll last forever.
So I'm happy.
I wanted to send this feeling to Seonghyeon via telepathy, but it didn't get through, huh.
Even this seemingly eternal moment will fade into memory someday.
With no diary now, I'll just say it out loud.
"It's nothing big. Just... meeting you... I've been so happy lately. Wanted to say thanks."
Seonghyeon doesn't say a word.
Hm...
I figured he'd hit me with a cheeky joke or tease me.
Silence isn't bad, though.
Though deep down, I hoped he'd say softly,
"Dahye. I'm happy too, meeting you."
How great if Seonghyeon felt the same.
But even if not, I'm not worried.
Think about it.
A week ago, I was alone in a gositel.
My phone was just an ATM, no friends to even exchange a word with daily.
Now here I am, alone with Seonghyeon by a gorgeous sea.
Huge progress, right?
I warped from tutorial field straight to Logtown.
I'd prayed to God for more time with Seonghyeon, and luckily it's lasted till now.
But that prayer and luck end here.
At Seonghyeon's silence.
God's done the heavy lifting, now it's my turn.
Remember?
When I met Seonghyeon in Billion Saga, an empty wish filled my heart.
I wanted to log into Billion Saga.
Even one more day. One more minute.
Thanks to that, I spent 8 happy years there.
And just now, a second wish was born.
I want to be someone worthy of Seonghyeon.
Confident around people, good at housework, earning money from a job,
Like the Seonghyeon I glimpsed at today's Gpex event.
I'll become a fine member of society.
And change that silence.
When I'm happy, he'll be happy too; when I love him, he'll love me back.
Even without words, closing my eyes will let me know his heart.
God's done enough; now I step up.
It seems daunting, but maybe not far off.
After trying to be Rosanne, I get it.
Only I can soothe a tired Seonghyeon to sleep, let him smell what he loves.
Rosanne? No way.
She doesn't even smell, and she'd just disturb his sleep.
So no backing down.
I'm so happy now, but I hope this eternal moment flies by quick.
When I reach the next save point, Seonghyeon will be there waiting.
I'll make it happen.
But...
Hm...
God.
Are you taking my rice bowl?
"I'm happy too. Meeting you. Every day feels like a dream. For real."
Those words slip from Seonghyeon's slowly moving lips.
Ugh!
Got me again.
Just say it normally.
Seonghyeon always picks the moment I'm off guard to punch me right in the solar plexus.
I grabbed his cheeks with both hands and started inspecting his face.
Mouth full of complaints, eyes darting everywhere—can't read him.
I can't tell if those words were sincere or not just from his expression.
Then, with his smooshed lips, Seonghyeon said,
"I'll use my wish."
"Oh right, granting wishes... But you cheated."
"Whoa... Park Dahye, that's low. You brought up Logtown first."
"Ugh... Fine... What is it? If it's sniff-sniff, I'll do it right now."
"Please, not outdoors... No, make me forget what I just said. That's my wish."
"What? Ugh! Fine, be grateful. I'll try."
I grumbled and let Seonghyeon go.
Whew... The pain in my solar plexus won't fade.
From the way he said it, I get it.
Seonghyeon meant it when he said he was happy.
Guess I need to take back what I said earlier.
I hope this moment drags on slower.
I lean on Seonghyeon's knee, pretending to be exhausted.
Dawn breaks, and finally the pitch-black sea comes into view.
So that's what a horizon looks like.
Having the ocean right in front of me wasn't new from before dawn.
But seeing sunlight shatter on blue waves makes me want to cry.
I'm lucky to be here today, but next time, I'll come on my own two feet.
Holding Seonghyeon's hand, shouting "Seonghyeon, to the sea!", driving myself, arriving at the sea.
The view then will be prettier than now.
To make that happen, no time to stop.
"Seonghyeon."
"Yeah?"
"Can I do cosplay again today?"
"...You serious?"
"Yeah."
"You sure you'll be okay?"
"I'm doing it. This time, no Rosanne acting—just me."
"What if you get scared again."
"Hm... Can't you just stay by my side? That might make it better."
"What am I supposed to do? Photographer?"
"Bodyguard? All suited up, sunglasses, weird earpiece. That'd feel reassuring."
"...I'll ask Manager Kwak."
"Yeah!"
We head back to the hotel, sea behind us.
Eat a delicious breakfast with Seonghyeon, then off to the event.
Since I said I could do it, Manager Kwak gave me just two hours.
They set up a fancy chair in the photo booth, and I just sat there.
When people came, I'd nod and pose for pics.
No need for impressions—just a slight smile.
Luckily, some even prefer the grumpy look.
When it got tough, I'd grab the hem of the clothes beside me.
A face full of annoyance turns to me.
Seeing that... feels like just me and Seonghyeon on the beach, gazing at the sea.
Not that Seonghyeon agrees.
Right now, Seonghyeon's cosplaying.
Character named Ragnar—summer vacation skin, so just a floral shirt and shorts.
No one cares about Eternal Free male chars.
Even low-quality, no one calls him out.
Of course, the two managers were thrilled.
"Assistant Kwon! Look here a sec! Hurry!"
"Ah, don't take pics!"
"Hey! Where's your professionalism! Look over here quick!"
This morning, my pics are all over the internet.
Thinking tens of thousands saw me makes it hard to breathe, but...
Still...
Isn't it okay?
"Seonghyeon, V-sign! V!"
"Haa..."
"Quick! V!"
"V..."
Even if I'm embarrassed, Seonghyeon's way more so.
Feels reassuring.
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