Chapter 52: Scared?
“Thank you!”
With permission granted, Lee Tae-ri plopped herself down a little away from Yena and immediately opened her sketchbook, starting to draw without hesitation.
It seemed like a tactic to grab Yena’s attention, and it was working. Yena slowly began to inch closer to her.
Before long, Yena was squatting right next to Lee Tae-ri.
“She’s pretty good with kids.”
“I heard she works part-time as an art teacher at a daycare center.”
“…Freelance work and a part-time job? Does she even have time to rest?”
“For her, sleeping time is rest time.”
Back in my university days, I juggled two or three part-time jobs, including tutoring, so I could easily imagine Lee Tae-ri’s daily life.
Maybe that’s why I felt a mix of pity and admiration for her. Her personality might be a bit quirky, but she was polite enough that I wanted to help her if I could.
“Yena, do you want to try finishing this part here?”
“Yes!”
Yena quickly brought her own art tools. Lee Tae-ri’s eyes went wide when she saw them, and she turned to us in disbelief.
“A-are those… Yena’s personal tools?”
“Yes. They were all gifts for her.”
“…”
Lee Tae-ri glanced back and forth between Yena’s brushes and her own before suddenly pulling out her phone. After some intense searching, her jaw dropped open in shock.
Woo-oong!
A message notification suddenly popped up. When I checked it, I couldn’t help but laugh.
– I will pledge my loyalty! (`Д´)ゞ
Curious, Kang Bada peeked at the message, and her expression mirrored my disbelief.
But Lee Tae-ri didn’t seem to care. She was now watching Yena with eyes burning with even more determination and passion.
“…I like how straightforward she is.”
“And she seems pretty skilled, too.”
“That’s the most important part.”
Her experience working at a daycare was showing. Lee Tae-ri didn’t interfere unnecessarily and simply observed Yena drawing in silence.
She understood that when it comes to kids, regardless of their skill level, the most important thing is to let them draw freely.
Too often, adults step in with unsolicited corrections or suggestions, thinking they’re helping. But that usually only discourages kids and makes them put down their pencils.
“Is something not working out?”
“I want the tail to move.”
“Oh, you want to add some motion to the drawing? Then try this here… How about this?”
“…!!”
Yena’s eyes grew wide with surprise. The problem she had been struggling with had been solved so effortlessly that she was clearly amazed.
As before, Lee Tae-ri carefully observed Yena while she painted. Whenever Yena’s brush stopped, Lee Tae-ri immediately noticed the issue and offered a solution.
“Yena, you haven’t read many comic books, have you? Next time, I’ll bring you some fun ones.”
“Okay! Smart unnie!”
“How about calling me a pretty and smart sister?”
“Smart unnie.”
“…”
Yena had drawn a clear line.
It seemed like she already had firm standards for beauty—perhaps a natural trait for an artist.
Lee Tae-ri briefly wore a gloomy expression but quickly bounced back and continued drawing. She really was an interesting person in so many ways.
“Why don’t you two step out for a while and go on a date? I think I’ll be here drawing all day.”
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
“Yes. Honestly, it’s hard for me to focus when someone’s watching me the whole time. Right, Yena?”
“Mmm.”
Yena glanced at Kang Bada and me before slowly nodding her head.
That subtle nod made us tilt our heads in confusion. It felt as if she was saying, “I’m fine, so don’t worry and go.”
“Alright then, we’ll be back in a bit, okay?”
“Mmm.”
“Yena, is there anything you’d like to eat?”
Yena shook her head firmly and turned her attention back to her drawing.
At her clear dismissal, Kang Bada and I exchanged amused glances and tried to hold back our laughter.
** ** **
After that day, Lee Tae-ri started visiting Yena daily to draw with her. Yena didn’t seem to mind and followed her around happily.
I heard that Yena was progressing so quickly it seemed like she’d finish everything within a month or two. However, a small issue arose during this process.
– Please don’t come into the studio for a while.
– What? Why all of a sudden…?
– Yena is more ambitious than I thought. This is just my guess, but I think she wants to surprise you two with the finished piece.
After some thought, we decided to respect Lee Tae-ri’s opinion. From that day on, we avoided going near the studio entirely.
Yena was so focused on her work that she didn’t come outside except during meal times. There were even days when we visited the orphanage but couldn’t see her at all.
– She doesn’t suddenly dislike me, does she!?
– It’s probably the opposite.
– But…
-.I think she wants to show only her best side to the people she cares about. Maybe Yena feels the same way.
On days when we couldn’t see Yena, Kang Bada would voice her worries like this, but those concerns always disappeared quickly.
-Unnnieeee-!!”
The moment Yena heard we had arrived, she came running out and threw herself into Kang Bada’s arms.
I later heard that Lee Tae-ri had taught Yena the importance of rest. Since then, the looks they exchanged seemed to carry a subtle closeness, as if they shared a secret bond.
Especially when Lee Tae-ri started calling Kang Bada ‘Madam,’ it felt like some kind of deal had happened behind the scenes—something I wasn’t aware of.
– I drew Princess Bada today! With Tae-ri unnie, using black paint like this…
– Yena, shhh.
– Oh my god!
Anyway, the results were good.
Sometimes, it was fun to hear these little slips of information from Yena. I had been watching her for over a year, but recently, she looked happier than ever.
Naturally, seeing her like that brought smiles to our faces as well. Thanks to Lee Tae-ri, we also felt much more at ease.
“Now I can focus on the match without any worries.”
Kang Bada clenched her fists with determination. The long-awaited final match of Soul Fighter, which had been postponed before, was finally approaching.
The date was set for next Saturday.
Because of this, we were visiting the VR room for practice. As always, Mun Young-chul, who was at the counter, greeted us.
“Did that thing I mentioned last time get sorted out?”
“Yes, thanks for your concern.”
“You’re always so smooth with words. I had a feeling you’d come today, so I set aside a room in advance. I’ll keep it reserved until the competition, so use it as much as you need.”
“You really didn’t have to go that far…”
“No need to be modest. Thanks to you two, business has been booming lately.”
With that, Mun Young-chul showed us the occupied rooms and the reservation list. Every room was fully booked except for the one he had kept open just for us.
I had worked part-time here before, so I knew it was rare for the place to be this packed on weekdays.
“What’s going on here?”
“Do you not even check the internet?”
“I’ve been so busy lately.”
“Look at this.”
Mun Young-chul pulled up a community website on the monitor. The forum was overflowing with discussions about the upcoming final match.
[Title: Who do you think will win?]
: I’m definitely on Team Rocky, but I think Cloud Jin might take at least two sets. Their recent performance has been insane.
└ Rocky hasn’t even logged in for two weeks.
└ He’s just making excuses because he’s washed up.
└ Lol~ He logged in after five years and went on a 49-win streak. Even brought along a newbie girlfriend, lol.
└ How do you even know if it’s a girl or a guy? It’s just a basic avatar.
└ If it’s a guy, even better.
[Title: Rocky is Rocky]
: I watched his match against the second-place player last time, and his skills are still top-notch. Those who haven’t played against him wouldn’t understand, but he’s on a completely different level.
└ Exactly. Only bronze and silver-tier players talk trash about Rocky. If you face him, you’ll want to quit the game.
└ So, what’s your rank?
└ [Picture] Challenger 500 last season.
└ Isn’t that ‘Road Manager’?
└ Wait, is that really him? I’m a fan!
└ How do you think the match will go, Road Manager?
└ 4:1 Rocky team victory. Cloud team’s recent performance has been incredible—they’ve been called ‘complete’ by many. I think they can definitely take at least one set from Rocky.
The forum was flooded with posts like these, and the updates were happening so fast that the page count was increasing in real-time.
“They’ve even filled the crowdfunding goal.”
“Crowdfunding? For what?”
“Well, technically, it’s called ‘funding.’ People pooled their money voluntarily to rent a stadium and add prize money for the match.”
“How much did they raise?”
“100 million.”
“…How much?”
“100 million.”
Even after hearing it twice, I couldn’t believe it. I thought they might have raised a few million won at most, but this was on a completely different level.
I was planning to tell you today anyway. The Soul Fighter team and the platform officially requested a broadcast. If you accept, they want to hold an official tournament and livestream it.”
“Isn’t this getting a little too big?”
“Well, it’s not a bad thing, right? You’ll make money too. Oh, and by the way, they’ve already said yes.”
“Seriously?
Kang Bada and I exchanged glances, our eyebrows twitching in sync. They wouldn’t have agreed unless they were absolutely confident in winning.
Seeing our expressions, Mun Young-chul smirked and handed us a sheet of paper. When I looked at it, it was the detailed structure of the tournament.
So everything’s already been decided?”
“Only if you accept. And just so we’re clear, I’m not taking any cuts from this. So make your decision without any pressure.”
“Even if you say that…”
“Just skimming through the contract details, it was obvious. Mun Young-chul had worked hard behind the scenes to ensure everything was in our favor.
With things set up like this, there’s no way I can refuse.’
‘I’m not the type to back down from a challenge, and if winning one match could earn me 100 million won, who in their right mind would say no?
Unless you’re wealthy enough to casually turn down 100 million won, refusing would be nearly impossible. So, I asked Kang Bada for her opinion first.
“What do you think, Bada-ssi?”
“I’ll do whatever Ha-neul-ssi decides.”
“I’m in, no question.”
“Then I’ll follow you without hesitation.”
“Hehe—
Watching us, Mun Young-chul chuckled heartily before pulling out a prepared contract and handing it over.
Take your time, review it, and sign.”
“Hmm… There’s one part I want to change.”
“What is it?”
“The part where 60% of the sponsorship and ad revenue goes to us. Let’s include Monster hyung in the share, so each of us gets 20%.”
“60/20% At my suggestion, Mun Young-chul’s face crumpled. He looked ready to grab me by the collar.
I refuse.”
“Then I’m out too.”
“Hey! Are you crazy? Why would I take a cut from the money you two earned fair and square? The booming business is reward enough!”
“You said you’re having twins this time, right?”
“Mun Young-chul is a married man with three kids, and his wife is now expecting twins. Raising children is no small financial task, even if you own a business.
“I’ll handle it. And you’ll have your own wedding and kids someday too. If you make big decisions like this without discussing them with your wife, you’ll regret it.”
“I like this side of Ha-neul-ssi. And I really hope you’ll accept this money, boss.”
“No, you two… This isn’t just some casual game tournament. The ad revenue and sponsorships might even exceed the prize money…”
“Of course, it’s not free.”
“Kang Bada raised two fingers and smiled sweetly.
“First, give us unlimited access to the VR room. I really like it here. The games are fun too.”
“And second, you have to attend our wedding. Those are our conditions.”
“Hehe…”
At Kang Bada’s words, I grinned while Mun Young-chul burst into warm laughter.
“You’re a lucky guy.”
“That’s why I’m sharing a little.”
“Alright. I’ll gratefully accept it.”
Thump-!
Out of nowhere, Mun Young-chul bowed deeply. So deeply that his head almost slammed into the desk. Startled, we hurried to stop him.
“Thank you. Sister-in-law.”
“···Ah, hyung! Why are you crying!”
“Who’s crying! It’s just… some blood leaking out.”
“That’s even worse!”
After much back-and-forth, we finally managed to sign the revised contract.
** ** **
“He’s an interesting guy.”
“Sometimes he’s a bit too much, though.”
“Thanks to him, I’m completely stuffed.”
Kang Bada shook her head as she rubbed her belly. In front of her lay a feast of food prepared by Mun Young-chul.
These days, many VR arcades also run restaurants because game fees alone aren’t enough to keep the business afloat. This place was no exception.
Touched by Kang Bada’s words, Mun Young-chul had cooked almost every item on the menu, resulting in this overwhelming spread.
Don’t overdo it. He knows you won’t be able to finish it all anyway.”
“Yeah. I’m really full now! But honestly, I enjoyed it. Of course, Ha-neul-ssi’s cooking is still my favorite.”
“I’ll cook for you next time.”
“You better not forget that promise, okay?”
“Hehe-
Suppressing a laugh, Kang Bada stood up, stretched lightly, and grabbed a VR headset.
VR Alright, how about we burn off some of this food? Fancy a quick 1:1 match with me?”
“1:1 Bada, I’m Rocky.”
“And I’m Sylvia.”
“You’re not going to win.”
“Wow, someone’s confident today. Are you nervous?”
“Without another word, I picked up the VR headset. There was only one way to show her what it means to challenge this Rocky.
VR Let’s make it interesting with a bet.”
“What kind of bet?”
“Best of 7. Loser grants the winner a wish.”
“Are you sure you’re okay? If I win again this time, it won’t end as awkwardly as last time, will it?”
“Wow, you’re confident.”
“Hah!”
“We locked eyes briefly before putting on our VR goggles almost simultaneously. The signature BGM of Soul Fighter filled the room, and the game began.
