Former Hero Streamer – Chapter 117

“Look, I came early, right?”

“True. I don’t know whether to be grateful for the car or not. I never knew that miracles like Moses could happen on the roads of Seoul.”

Dahyung, shaking her head in disbelief, suddenly turned her head as if recalling something and asked with wide eyes.

“How did you get a car now? It doesn’t look like something you bought.”

“It was all set up when I returned.”

“Not only did you get your house, identity, and money taken care of, but you also got a car? What kind of goddess are you living with?”

“Just know that I’ve worked hard enough for it.”

“I mean… it’s hard to explain it all here. Hey, Ahjin. Edit this part out.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Having entered Warfare Mark, we soon met with the event organizers.

After a simple identity check, we arrived in the waiting room, having received permission for Dahyung and Ahjin to accompany me.

Once inside the waiting room, we occupied a decent spot and kept our mouths shut, as if the chatter we had in the car was a lie.

It was a space filled with players and staff. Only streamers were present; I couldn’t see any STK members, our opponents.

Could they be in another waiting room? I thought about how it’d be nice to talk to Eunha if she was there, but felt a flicker of disappointment.

Except for Ahjin, who occasionally nudged me to film a vlog, Dahyung and I were dazedly staring into space or glued to our smartphones.

Ahjin, even in that situation, was diligently moving and snapping pictures of me from various angles.

Now that’s what I call professional dedication. I really should give her an award later.

Award, huh… What kind of award should I give?

While pondering what kind of award I could give Ahjin, Dahyung leaned in closer and whispered in my ear.

“Everyone’s looking at you.”

It sounded like a warning or a caution, but what bothered me more was how her whisper tickled my ear.

Ah, Dahyung… that tickles. Ugh.

I forced myself to relax my twitching shoulders and casually glanced around.

“……”

They really are looking over here.

A group sneaking glances at me while muttering quietly among themselves.

The hushed murmurs felt like a low, heavy rumble vibrating through the floor.

It struck me that it seemed like an excess of self-consciousness, that I was the reason for the awkward silence in the waiting room.

‘No, they really are looking at me.’

They weren’t staring outright, but the way their eyes furtively wandered was quite amusing.

If it were anyone else, they likely wouldn’t notice those covert gazes, but for me, they were impossible to deny.

With this kind of self-obsession, I figured it was okay to indulge a little without crossing any lines.

Well, sure, sensitive people might feel uncomfortably exposed by such stares, like they were zoo monkeys struggling for privacy.

But that’s none of my business.

Then, someone approached.

“Oh, um…”

A guy with an overly styled hairstyle that looked like it could have been made into a rice cake timidly made his way toward us.

Who are you?

“Are you Friede?”

“Yes, that’s me, but what’s up?”

“You’re really Friede! I’m Gunder. We faced off in the brawl tournament before.”

Gunder?

Who’s that?

I couldn’t immediately recall, my head tilting slightly in confusion.

Then Dahyung stepped in and whispered, “That’s the guy I eliminated.”

Oh, now I remember.

“Was it you that got unsightly thrashed?”

“……”

“……”

It’s quite entertaining to witness a face display surprise, embarrassment, anger, and disbelief all in a second, rapidly changing expressions.

The guy Gunder introduced himself as was exactly in that state, and I wondered if Ahjin had filmed it for the vlog.

What a regrettable moment; yeah, it’d make for a great meme.

“Ahem, I’ve also been invited as part of the streamer team this time. I feel reassured having you around, Friede. Haha.”

“Oh, I see.”

If he’s the guy I remember who got thrashed, he must have some skill as a user.

He’s not a bad team member.

After all, it’s better to have a good relationship with teammates, so I smiled warmly and replied.

“Please take care of me too.”

“Oh, yes. Well then, I’ll be on my way.”

I expected he’d say something more, but the conversation ended there.

He took his leave with a small bow, waddling away awkwardly.

His gait reminded me of a penguin.

“Why is he walking like that?”

Did he slip a disc or something?

“Sis, these days even naturals get criticized.”

What nonsense.

Before I could retort, a cheerful voice that represented me cut in.

“That’s because Friede looks absolutely stunning in her outfit.”

From where the voice was coming from, a woman dressed in a shiny casual suit with sparkling eyes appeared.

Who is she? Looking back, the streamer team had only been guys, including me.

New faces always popped up unexpectedly.

As our gazes converged, she noticed and smiled widely.

She gave off a sun-like vibe. Wait, I feel like I’ve seen her somewhere.

“Hello, Friede. Isn’t it nice to see a familiar face?”

Based on how she knew me, it indicated that we must have some connection.

Digging through my memory, I suddenly recalled a vivacious woman who had a knack for generating energy.

An interviewer who asked interesting questions.

“Jiayeong?”

“That’s right! It’s my first time meeting you offline, Friede.”

Jiayeong winked at me in response to my answer.

“I’ve been watching you closely since you had that match with the SUHO user. You’re just as impressive in person.”

“Are you the interviewer for this event?”

“Of course! Jiayeong’s stocks are definitely on the rise these days.”

Jiayeong’s eyes were sparkling brighter than ever.

Or did she actually put some glitter on her makeup? I’m not well-versed in makeup, but the way she shined depending on the light was captivating.

Her appearance and charisma drew attention, easing the stiff atmosphere in the waiting room.

“Wow, I’ve never seen anyone pull off an outfit like that so well. Your taste is surprisingly adult, Friede.”

“Adult? Does it look suggestive?”

“Yes, a lot. But not in a bad way. It’s a seductive charm you’ve got going on. And….”

Jiayeong sneaked a glance around to check the vibe before whispering in my ear.

Oh man, my ears have been in quite a situation lately.

“The way Gunder and others were acting just now? It’s all because your alluring presence is so strong, Friede.”

“Huh?”

“Considering how stylish you look, it’s totally understandable.”

Her fox-like grin felt like a compliment, and honestly, I was a bit taken aback.

Sure, I thought my outfit was somewhat revealing, but I figured it was standard in today’s world and everyone could pull it off.

“Should I change to something else if I have leftover clothes?”

“Nope! That’s not the issue. The problem isn’t the clothing. It’s just the packaging material—what matters is this….”

Jiayeong pointed towards my chest.

Ah, I’m not oblivious enough to misunderstand that gesture.

I instantly understood what she was implying and her intention behind stating it in such a way.

“I think it’s inappropriate, but everyone would welcome it. Not to mention….”

Just as I was feeling slightly uncomfortable,

“You know, it’s rare to see someone create such a tasteful scene of ‘bothering’.”

Jiayeong sent a smile that felt more supportive than comforting.