LS 89

If you think about it, there’s no real downside. If Moonhyuk moved in with him, his living expenses would be lighter, and maybe he wouldn’t have to work himself to the bone with part-time jobs anymore. The apartment was spacious anyway, and the gaming room even had a setup customized just for Moonhyuk. With more time, they could enjoy a drink together, maybe spend weekends lounging around, watching TV or playing games.

Most of all… if Moonhyuk lived with him, he didn’t think he’d ever feel lonely. Just imagining that large frame wandering around the house or sitting at the living room table reading made him feel unexpectedly warm inside. But Dohee’s fantasies ended there.

“Ugh, it’s freezing…”

As soon as the passenger door opened, Moonhyuk shivered and complained about the cold instead of saying hello. A puff of white breath escaped his lips. He quickly closed the door and buckled his seatbelt. As always, he was dressed like a little cocoon. Dohee sighed silently so he wouldn’t hear.

How far was he going to run with this delusion, Baek Dohee? The person who might give the rice cake wasn’t even thinking about it, and here he was throwing a solo party. …Baek Dohee’s fantasies never came true.

“Did you wait long?”

At Dohee’s question, Moonhyuk shook his head. Cold air still clung to him every time he moved, so Dohee reached out and turned the heater up another notch.

“No, it was fine! But now that it’s dropped below zero, it feels like my lips are freezing, I was thinking I should start wearing a mask. Still, the scarf you got me is big and warm, so it’s perfect for burying my face in.”

He said that with a gentle smile.

“I’m glad.”

“Did you keep gaming after you got up?”

After spending more time together – sleeping over, gaming – Moonhyuk seemed to initiate conversation a lot more. Dohee nodded and sped up a little toward the store.

“I did some grinding. I gained around 30% EXP, so I should be able to level up next week.”

“Nice!”

The reply came back cheerfully.

Moonhyuk chatted away from the passenger seat, he’d been given a massive tangerine today during tutoring, his student was stressed because they were about to become a senior, he’d gone out early so he’d actually had breakfast… He babbled on with all sorts of stories. Dohee wondered when he’d gotten so talkative. He used to flinch and mumble every time he was spoken to. Dohee glanced out the window. Still, it meant Moonhyuk had gotten more comfortable around him. He wasn’t sure whether to feel happy or a little sad about that. Maybe both. It was a mixed emotion.

“Let’s get out.”

The store’s parking lot was packed. Maybe because it was a weekend evening, the place was full of people doing their shopping. Moonhyuk got out of the car without even unwrapping his scarf.

They considered bringing a basket, but decided on a cart instead. Moonhyuk went ahead and grabbed it first.

“I’m stronger than you… So I’ll push it.”

He said it with such conviction that Dohee could only nod. When they got on the moving walkway down to the basement, Dohee let out a half-laugh in disbelief. Even an elementary schooler could push a cart, you know? But he didn’t say it aloud. He had no idea just how weak Moonhyuk thought he was. He was still a proud soldier of the Republic of Korea, you know. And a damn good marksman.

“You take the lead.”

Since Moonhyuk had already decided on the menu, it made sense for him to guide them. Moonhyuk shopped efficiently. He carefully checked the condition of fresh ingredients, hunted down items on discount like a pro. He even spent forever agonizing between regular and organic eggs – until Dohee, unable to wait any longer, grabbed the organic ones for him. Moonhyuk’s brows had been knitted tightly the whole time.

While Moonhyuk shopped with that serious face, Dohee buzzed around the tasting stations, feeding him samples. If he liked something, he’d raise his eyebrows and nod. If he didn’t, he’d furrow his brow. It wasn’t hard to tell how he felt. It seemed like something he did unconsciously, a habit. Every time Moonhyuk nodded, Dohee tossed the item into the cart without hesitation. Eventually, the cart was full of things Dohee had thrown in. Moonhyuk stared blankly at it for a moment before turning to look at him silently.

‘…Are we really buying all this?’

He didn’t say it out loud, but his eyes were clearly asking. Embarrassed, Dohee quietly pulled out two packs of dumplings. Even though Moonhyuk would probably eat them all if they brought them home, he still felt a little self-conscious.

“What kind of cereal do you like?”

With dinner ingredients chosen, Dohee led Moonhyuk to the cereal aisle. There were too many kinds, so he decided to ask directly. Moonhyuk blinked blankly at the waves of cereal boxes.

“I’m not picky…”

“Still, I’m buying it for you to have an easy breakfast. Pick one.”

“Huh, you’re buying this because of me?”

“Should I get it for myself instead? I don’t really eat breakfast.”

“Oh…”

“You always wake up earlier than I do.”

“Uh… I mean, no, it’s okay.”

Moonhyuk looked like he wanted to say something but gave up midway. Dohee was about to ask what he meant, but stopped when Moonhyuk gestured toward something.

“Chocolate flavor…?”

He pointed at a box covered in brown. His eyes slid away bashfully. How could someone’s tastes be so childish? Still, Dohee grabbed the chocolate cereal without hesitation. It was one of those brands full of round choco-balls. He wondered if this really counted as breakfast, but didn’t think too hard about it and dropped it into the cart. Better to buy what Moonhyuk liked than something “healthy.”

After checkout, they had two large bags’ worth. “Can I get pay-per-use bags?” Moonhyuk asked, and carefully packed their groceries.

“Give me one.”

“I can carry both!”

Moonhyuk said it so confidently that Dohee had no choice but to walk to the parking lot empty-handed. While Moonhyuk was busy organizing the bags, Dohee had already paid. When Moonhyuk said he’d send him money later, Dohee just nodded vaguely. Sure, do whatever. Not that he’d actually take it. Not that he’d say that out loud.

The drive home felt much shorter than the way there. Probably because Moonhyuk was with him. They got out of the car together, arms full of groceries, and walked back. Dohee felt strangely emotional. Standing by the door, he watched as Moonhyuk entered, took off his shoes, and hauled the shopping bags inside. At least now, he didn’t just stand there blankly in the living room like a lost puppy waiting for Dohee’s next move. Moonhyuk quickly walked to the kitchen, and Dohee followed slowly. He still hadn’t taken off his coat or scarf.

“Take off your coat, hyung. I’ll finish putting everything away.”

“Oh…! And I need to wash my hands. I forgot. I was just in a rush…”

“What’s the rush? Take your time.”

Moonhyuk peeled off his padding and scarf and rushed to the bathroom. While he was gone, Dohee sorted and put away everything except the dinner ingredients.

“Oh, I was gonna do that…”

Moonhyuk looked sheepish when he returned, drying his hands. Dohee just shrugged. Eventually, he was kicked out to the island table while Moonhyuk busied himself in the kitchen, buzzing around like a bee.

“Can I use this wok!?”

Moonhyuk turned around, voice a notch higher with excitement. His face was lit up with joy. Dohee pushed down the stir of emotions in his chest and nodded.

“Hyung can use whatever you want.”

Soon, the kitchen was filled with a warm, savory aroma.

💎

Monday came quickly. When Dohee woke up, Moonhyuk had already left. Maybe it was partly his fault for waking up when the sun was already high, but still, it was hard not to feel a bit disappointed. A small bowl was upside down on the drying rack, so Moonhyuk must’ve had some cereal.

Dohee had planned to wake up early today. But his body didn’t cooperate. He’d been too caught up running dailies and gathering with Moonhyuk right up to maintenance time, and in the end, he forgot to tell him about the stream comeback altogether.

Even when he saw Moonhyuk’s GameTalk message – saying he left quietly so he wouldn’t wake Dohee, since he needed to stop by the library early – his mood didn’t improve. Seriously, why leave without saying anything? Couldn’t he at least have eaten with him before going?

It wasn’t that he didn’t understand, maybe Moonhyuk felt bad, or didn’t want to disturb him. But understanding and not feeling hurt were two different things. Every time he realized how naturally Moonhyuk kept a bit of distance, Dohee wasn’t sure what to do with himself.

He grabbed a cold glass of water and turned on his computer. It was SoGod’s weekly maintenance day, so he should check the patch notes. If there had been a big update, Yeohoo would’ve called by now. Since there hadn’t been any messages, it probably meant nothing major.

[Notice] February 13 (Mon) Update Notes

Hello, Adventurers! This is GM Saena.

The February 13 maintenance is complete!

Here are the update details. Have a great week of adventuring! ♥

– The second Winter Festival has ended. Unclaimed rewards will be sent via in-game mail.

– The drop rate of Skyborne Scales, a level 140 enhancement material, has been slightly increased.

– A bug where the Sorceress’s Ice Field did not properly apply in the world raid Snow Witch of Vengeance has been fixed.

– The dialogue of Bark Merchant Guild’s Deputy, who appears in the prelude quest In Search of the Sacred Relics #1 in the world raid Lost Demon Hunter, has been slightly refined.

We will always strive to make SoGod more enjoyable and convenient for all adventurers.

Wishing you happiness always! ♥

Dohee stared blankly at the monitor, then chugged his cold water.

“…Fuck.”

Still the same old no-pdate nonsense.