Former Hero Streamer – Chapter 52

Chapter 15: The Food of Gods

“Oh, I’m late introducing myself. I’m Jisehee.”

After introducing herself, Jisehee turned her head toward the member next to her.

“And this is Park Dayoung. She’s a friend of mine and currently active as a streamer.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Oh, yeah.”

As I listened to the two girls introduce themselves, I tilted my head at something I felt in my hand.

“…?”

What is this refreshing feeling filling my heart?

“Ahjin?”

“Oh, yes!”

“You seemed lost in thought all of a sudden.”

“Oh, no, I’m fine.”

What the heck is this?

‘My words actually came out right.’

Ajin covered her mouth with her right hand and looked down at her left hand holding Jisehee’s.

It felt like a pure white hand, sculpted from the eyes, was reaching out to save her from sinking into a swamp.

No, can it be okay just to hold this hand?

‘No way…’

If holding a hand could stabilize one’s mind, then the world would have already been rid of those suffering from depression.

“Is it because of holding hands? I’m sorry.”

Ah…

When Jisehee’s hand slipped away, my heart plummeted.

It felt as if I poured ink until it overflowed from an empty cup, crushing my chest with despair.

What was once a healthy tree basking in sunlight was now starting to rot due to a lack of light.

The creeping anxiety reached its height, and I felt nauseous at the thought of others rejecting me.

I tried to calm myself, asking when I was ever like this, but having tasted sweet tranquility just moments ago, Ajin’s mind craved it even more desperately.

Craving? What do I want?

As I asked myself that, my gaze fixated on the other person’s hand, and suddenly—

“No, what are you—ugh!”

Unable to endure any longer, Ajin instinctively grabbed Jisehee’s hand.

The warmth connecting through our hands heated my whole body.

This feeling of comfort in my heart. Is this what a world without anxiety feels like?

At that moment, an intrusive hand approached, snatching Jisehee away from the enjoyment of peace.

“No, wait. What are you doing?”

Dayoung intervened, unable to watch any longer.

When you say something, isn’t it obvious that you shouldn’t do anything unreasonable?

I was so dumbfounded I felt like pouring coffee on the audacity of it all.

Where does she get off being able to hold my sister’s hand without so much as a second thought!

“Ugh, what… what now?”

“Hah!”

Now she’s talking back directly.

Seeing Ajin respond with a tone like a loser made Dayoung snicker.

“That’s none of our business. But do you even realize how far you’ve crossed the line? What are you doing touching my sister’s hand?”

“J-Jisehee said… let’s hold hands…”

“If you pulled your hand away out of awkwardness, wouldn’t it be at least polite to ask again? What’s with suddenly touching her like that?”

Dayoung, who was relentlessly pressing her, turned to examine her sister, but what caught her eye was Jisehee’s unusual demeanor.

“Sis, get a grip.”

“Huh? Ahhh….”

What’s with that dazed look?

“Sis, why are you just sitting there?”

“Oh, it’s nothing….”

She looked like she was shocked by something. What is there to be shocked about? There’s no way she’d be surprised just by suddenly holding hands, right?

As I was about to say something, I heard Dayoung mumbling something in confusion by her side.

“I…I remembered something.”

The source of the voice was Ajin, who had her head bowed low.

“That… lame… Hako streamer, right? You….”

“…Hah!”

—Kek, this is pure gold, hilarious!

Dayoung was left speechless as the mocking echoed in her mind.

Meanwhile, Jisehee frowned at the escalating commotion.

Since it was already a quiet little café, any bit of commotion felt twice as loud today.

“Dayoung, calm down.”

“Hey!”

When Dayoung, unable to understand, turned around, Jisehee said…

“…Dayoung.”

She spoke again, her expression cold and serious.

“Stop it.”

“…!”

Dayoung hesitated at her sister’s unusual demeanor, finally turning her head and settling back down.

“…Tch!”

As she clicked her tongue in annoyance, it was clear that Dayoung was genuinely upset.

I thought I’d have to make it up to her later, but for now, I decided to focus on the little editor in front of me.

“Ajin, you should probably apologize to Dayoung.”

“Uh, yes… I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, yeah, just do a good job with my sis.”

Receiving an apology that felt like bowing down to me, I let it slide.

There’s no point in making a fuss any further here; it would only waste my strength and hurt my sister’s feelings.

Once the atmosphere settled, we returned to the original topic.

“Ajin, if it would make it easier for you to talk like this, it’s okay to keep holding hands.”

“Uh, okay. Then… excuse me….”

As soon as I got the go-ahead, I held her hand, my face lighting up.

Anyone would think I was high on something with this bizarre grin plastered on my face. But if it makes me happy, what can I do?

For normal conversation flow, one must endure a little sacrifice.

“Anyway, could you tell me why you did something so sudden?”

“Ah, well… it’s easier to speak now, but I have a mental illness. Usually, I can’t even speak in front of people and get scared easily, and sometimes I panic and act out when I feel too afraid… I’m really sorry….”

“Hmm, so you’re okay now?”

“Yeah, holding my sister’s hand makes it better. Sis’s hand is a healing hand~.”

‘A healing hand, what kind of healing hand?’

Ah, wait—is that referring to that weak punch from fighting games?

Why? Is she planning on punching my sister’s face with a weak punch or something?

Anyway, her light-hearted quip just further showcased her loser vibe.

“Seriously.”

Even with Dayoung’s frustrated remark, Ajin simply kept smiling.

“Well, if you get hired as an editor, the basic wage will be divided with the revenue generated from the channel. We’ll need to adjust the details, but roughly, it’ll be like this. Does that sound alright?”

“Yes, of course. No editor in their right mind would refuse such conditions.”

The enthusiastic nodding was practically shaking her head for confirmation.

Whoa, now, she’s even getting a grip on my wrist?!

“Originally, we were supposed to sign a contract and start working officially, but as you know, Ajin had an accident on the broadcast yesterday and the public opinion isn’t too great. So, um….”

Pausing her words, Jisehee cast a casual glance at Ajin.

The confusion and anxiety I had seen initially were completely vanished, replaced now by her lively demeanor, almost sparkling.

Having organized her thoughts, Jisehee turned to the beaming editor and smiled gently.

“Could you make an apology video for my channel? Of course, your face will be kept private.”

“An apology video…?”

“Yes. As you know, image is important for a streamer. Since Ajin has stirred up controversy, it’s essential to properly address it. What do you think?”

So, what do you think?

It’s not just a regular apology; it’s an apology video.

This request seemed excessive for Jisehee, and under normal circumstances, she would’ve never brought it up.

Who’d want to have their mistakes immortalized on video for the internet to see?

Even if she wouldn’t actually film a real apology video, simply hearing that would likely make the other party uncomfortable.

However, depending on how the current Ryu Ajin responded, it would become a significant deciding factor for whether I would hire her or not.

Since it was her own mistake for whatever reason.

I was a bit curious as to whether she’d step up to the plate and take responsibility or run away in reality.

Besides…

‘There’s something about this girl.’

As I held Ajin’s hand, some kind of sensation struck my hero instincts.

At Jisehee’s suggestion, Ajin gave a slight dazed expression and asked.

“If I make an apology video… can I meet you often, Sis?”

“If it’s for work-related meetings, then absolutely.”

Jisehee’s confirmation made Ajin cry out in an excited tone.

“I’ll do it right away! If you tell me to film naked, I’ll do it!”

“?!”

At her response, both Jisehee and Dayoung, who had been casting a sharp gaze, widened their eyes.

This friend had a sense of responsibility that was definitely over the top.

* * *

Afterward, things went smoothly.

“Ugh!”

After exchanging contact information and parting from Ajin, Jisehee stretched her body, relaxing her tense muscles.

Once the editing issue was settled, a sudden wave of boredom washed over her, and thoughts about skipping tonight’s stream began to seep in.

“Was that editor acting weird earlier something you did, Sis?”

When Dayoung chimed in from the side, Jisehee smirked and replied.

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“Seems like you liked her?”

“Well, I’m not sure.”

If judging purely by first impressions, there wasn’t much to say; she was just an ordinary(?) socially awkward loser, and if she had shown even the slightest sign of wanting to back out, Jisehee would’ve canceled the contract immediately.

But…

“Dayoung.”

“Huh?”

“Didn’t you feel something when you saw Ajin?”

“What should I feel?”

It seemed Dayoung really didn’t know. Strangely, Ajin didn’t seem to notice Dayoung either…

Maybe this connection would last a bit longer than expected.

“More than that, Sis. Just a moment, excuse me.”

“Huh?”

Dayoung suddenly slipped under Jisehee’s arm.

As they formed a soft embrace, Jisehee looked perplexed, and Dayoung took out her smartphone to snap a selfie.

What’s going on, why is she doing that?

* * *

“Haha, heehee….”

It’s done.

I finally became the exclusive editor for Friede’s channel.

With a stuffed teddy bear squeezed tightly, rolling around on the bed, Ajin’s mouth was filled with an endless grin.

How could it not be wonderful?

The conditions Jisehee, or rather Friede, had presented were simply incredible… I felt like if I just did my job well as an editor, I could live a blissful life happily feasting on honey.

And that wasn’t all.

“Jisehee….”

Sucking on her fingers, I called her name.

The fingers I was nibbling on just a few hours ago had caressed Jisehee’s hand.

I still recalled the warmth and texture, and Ajin couldn’t shake off the feelings of peace that moment had instilled in her.

Jisehee was definitely someone special, Ajin was certain.

Yet, there was no sense of unease. Why?

“Because I’m a hero.”

How could someone who heals a hero’s heart be a villain?

It was indeed sentimental and simple, but Ajin trusted her instincts.

She was sure Jisehee was someone to rely on.

Well, unless you just look at her face; who wouldn’t trust her then?

She was the very embodiment of plausibility.

“Ugh, I mean… we’ll meet again, right? Surely… we will?”

As she was an editor, it wouldn’t be strange to have regular office meetings with clients.

If I show enthusiasm, she’d surely be happy too. Yes, that’s definitely the case.

As an editor, maybe I could even participate in project planning for videos. Perhaps I could suggest a broadcasting appearance.

Oh, what if we go camping together someday?

Car camping streams are hot these days.

Grilling meat and watching the night sky together with Jisehee…

Just as those happy fantasies were taking flight,

—Vroom!

A familiar vibration resonated from the desk.

Who could it be? Could it be Jisehee?

My fluttering expectations came crashing down. The number displayed was an unknown one.

Thinking it might be spam, I tilted my head in curiosity and clicked on the message, and what greeted my eyes was…

“?!”

It was a picture of a short-haired girl, cozying up to Jisehee in a selfie.

Jisehee’s friend.

A pathetic and insignificant Hako streamer.

It was none other than Park Dayoung.

Underneath the intimate photo of the two, the message she sent was shockingly straightforward.

—You’re the pathetic one~♥

“Eek!”

Unable to contain myself, I threw the teddy bear I had been clutching.

* * *