The award ceremony went smoothly.
In a well-decorated auditorium, the ceremony began with a high-tension staff member from the game company introducing the streamers gathered for the event.
Considering the excitement from the successful game, the smooth and clean proceedings made me wonder if they had brought in a professional, but it turned out that the staff member was an experienced individual polished through events like weddings and first birthdays of acquaintances.
The atmosphere was also quite pleasant. After all, they were all people who broadcasted in front of others, so their reactions were outstanding and timely.
While the award ceremony was uneventful, it was not dull either.
Starting with a conventional greeting, they expressed gratitude to all the streamers who participated in the challenge and took time to review clips that recorded high view counts.
Most of the faces were new to me, leading me to think just how many streamers there really are. They seemed satisfied just to show their faces among fellow streamers.
As that time passed, a voice called out to me directly.
“The winner of the final ranking in third place, having discovered 2 Easter eggs and 1 hidden route… is Mollu! Please give her a warm round of applause!”
I stood up and walked to the stage. The applause was so loud that it made my ears ring; among them were cheers that were indistinguishable by gender.
Beautiful, cool. The best, I’m dying. Such words made my ears feel hot just to hear.
It turned out that there was no difference from the fans I met at the front gate earlier. The gazes directed towards me as I stepped forward were mostly friendly.
“Wow, I never imagined it would feel this disappointing to announce third place first. Judging by the atmosphere, you seem like the main character. Mollu discovered creative Easter eggs set up by the development team, such as the developer’s blessing and the secret contact methods of the information guild. Through that, you achieved a significant ranking of third place in the World 23 challenge, which is indeed no small feat. Would you please share a few words about your feelings on receiving this award?”
I received the microphone from the staff member who adorned my face with eloquent words.
“Um… to be honest, I wonder if I deserve this award. By playing the game, I ended up ranking third in the challenge. I simply got lucky discovering the Easter eggs while playing. I think it’s all due to how well ATX, the developer, made the game.”
The staff member, who had been quietly listening to my words, added a comment.
“In short, you’re saying you were lucky?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
I spoke without hesitation, and for a brief moment, a look of bewilderment crossed the staff member’s face before disappearing.
Was my answer too emotionless? Should I have at least pretended to be somewhat proud?
“Even this humble side of you! Now I understand why you are so popular. Truly a versatile streamer who fits the description of having no shortcomings, that was Mollu. Lastly, let’s give a round of applause for Mollu.”
I bowed my head slightly and stepped down from the stage. When I returned to my seat, Ryu-a greeted me with an amused expression.
“You’re still the same, Ji-eun.”
“Huh?”
“Nothing.”
What was that? So bland. I plopped down into my seat.
-Next, announcing the second place in the challenge-.
I focused back on the award ceremony along with Ryu-a, who was tightly holding my hand.
*
“Ugh…”
I stretched in my seat. This event was more tiring than I expected. It wasn’t exactly the award ceremony that drained my energy, but the various associated activities that came with it.
“Please smile a little… your expression is too awkward right now. Just lift the corners of your mouth a bit more. Relax your eyes. Yes, I’m taking the picture.”
I received the trophy, took a photo while receiving it, and had a brief conversation with someone who claimed to be my fan.
“Congratulations on third place! I always enjoy watching your streams. Ah, I’m streamer Hye-yeon-.”
“I’m a fan. Could I get an autograph? There’s nothing special for that? Then could I at least get a picture-?”
“Aren’t you being too humble, teacher? You’re a top streamer among top streamers, and you should own that.”
After the awards ceremony, I engaged in conversation with streamers who approached me wanting to get to know me better.
Most of it was just light small talk with congratulatory messages, but as it piled up, I felt mentally overwhelmed.
After all of that, I sat in my seat blankly like a robot with a drained battery.
No matter how much I seemed outgoing and often went outside, looking back at how drained I felt, it seemed I wasn’t an extroverted person after all. External activities simply wore me out.
“Ji-eun, can you join the after-party?”
“I’ll drive you home if you’re tired.”
Si-young said this while looking at me worriedly, holding my trophy.
Still, there was no way I would miss out on such a day. I wasn’t in such a serious state.
“Wahaha, I’ll treat you all to drinks and meat today!”
Tex, who achieved first place in the challenge and won 8 million won along with World 23 merchandise.
He looked happier to have gained the World merchandise than the 8 million won. With the sudden influx of money, Tex spontaneously made a promise for the after-party.
As the third place winner, I also received a considerable amount of 2 million won, so I thought I might cover the bill if we went for a second or third round.
The participants were the team from the previous Eo War streamer competition, colloquially known as the Mollu faction. Si-young, my editor, would also be included.
“It’s okay, I can go.”
Going to the after-party was an easy task. There weren’t any strangers, and everyone knew my personality to a degree, so I wouldn’t need to expend much energy. If I were to miss out on such a day, it would indeed be a sad thing. Thankfully, my usual workouts had helped build up some stamina.
As I pressed on my tired eyelids, I stood up and headed outside.
Ryu-a decided to accompany me. Since we were only three in Si-young’s medium-sized car, we wouldn’t lack for space.
Thus, we moved together in Si-young’s car.
Even in that short moment, I was able to face my fans.
“Please look this way!”
“Mollu, I love you!”
“Congratulations on third place-!”
I had met people who claimed to be my fans before. My personal trainer, who helps with my physical stamina, said he was my fan, and many streamers I saw just inside also claimed to be fans.
But it was the first time I saw fans waiting specifically for me like that in a group. I can’t describe it any other way than feeling the raw, unfiltered reality.
Even after a substantial amount of time passed, seeing them still holding their ground to catch a glimpse of me made me feel… not too bad.
However, considering that this was not my fan meeting but rather an award ceremony gathering other streamers, I knew I couldn’t oblige most of their requests.
Like signing autographs, taking pictures, or shaking hands.
Still, I could do a little of this. Taking a brief deep breath, I waved my hand lightly to the group staring at me eagerly.
“Waaaah-!”
Just a simple greeting elicited such a reaction. It felt like a sight you’d see when a celebrity returned to the airport.
I guess I should be grateful that there were no unruly fans disregarding the staff’s guidance. If they had rushed at me resisting the staff’s attempts to control them, it would have been quite overwhelming.
Maybe that was why I felt somewhat pleased, and I approached the student in front of me.
“How old are you?”
“Um, I’m… 17 years old…”
She blushed, surprised that I would speak to her.
A petite girl who seemed to be the same age as Ji-yeon. Seeing her holding paper and a pen, I figured she wanted an autograph, so I simply wrote “Mollu” in English for her.
“Shall we take a picture too?”
“Y-yes, please!”
She suddenly shouted, pulling me by the wrist and shoving a phone in front of me that I hadn’t noticed where she had gotten it from.
She seemed to have a quiet personality, but I suppose she’s still a high school girl. Surrounded by her bright energy, all I could do was draw a peace sign with my hand.
“Um, is it possible to get a hug…?”
Her excitement shifted to shyness as she cautiously gave me a sidelong glance and asked.
The moment she said that, a squirrel emoji that just wanted a hug popped into my mind, making me chuckle.
I paused for a moment but thought since she was not a boy and was just a girl like me, asking for a hug wouldn’t be that difficult, since it wasn’t asking for a kiss after all.
Nodding, I stepped closer and gave her a light embrace. It wasn’t long, just enough for a friendly greeting.
When the hug ended, the girl’s face lit up with joy as she repeatedly thanked me, still holding tightly onto my hand.
“Thank you, thank you!”
“Um, I get it, so can you let go of my hand?”
“Ah, yes!”
As she backed away following my words, she fidgeted her hands as if worrying that my hand was sweaty.
“Teacher, me too! -Please shake hands, please give an autograph!”
Since I had set a precedent, perhaps? More people began to crowd behind the student who stepped back.
… I might have made a slight mistake. I shouldn’t have given them an opportunity like this.
With Si-young and Ryu-a waiting, I decided to oblige a few more requests before cutting it off decisively.
It wouldn’t take long. This was just a simple fan service after all.
