Of course, the members of The Dawn were the first targets.
Since the quest was given by the system window, it was only natural to assume the targets were people somewhat connected to the main scenario or becoming a first-tier idol.
So, with the intention of testing the waters by throwing out some light affection, I tried saying something like, "Our XX is~" and got this reaction:
"Are you insane?"
"Ah, uh. Why?"
"What, what, what are you doing? Seriously?!"
"Yup, this is Lee Chae from Hoyoon hyung~"
And that was the end of The Dawn.
The "designated" close person seemed to be someone outside the group, so I next tried reaching out to Im Hyunsoo, who probably grabbed his neck in frustration because of me and got taken advantage of first.
[Me: Composer-nim]
[Me: You know I care about you a lot, right?]
The read receipt came instantly, but his reply only came hours later.
[Lim Hyunsoo: WTF, do you need another song or what?]
Ding!
[The person is not a "designated close individual" for the player.]
'So it's not him.'
Ignoring his message, I searched for a new target.
Next: sucker #2, Joo Woosung.
[Me: Sunbae]
But no reply came for a while.
Meanwhile, I messaged Min Jiheon, who I wasn't exactly close with but had crossed paths a bit. I asked what he was doing and got some trashy bait like:
"Uwu ㅠㅠ I miss you too~"
And then:
[Me: Yo]
[Little brother bastard: Yo?]
I even sent a message to my younger brother.
[The person is not a "designated close individual" for the player.]
'Thank god, shit.'
[Me: *middle finger emoji*]
[Little brother bastard: Here we go again…]
Even though I'm pretty shameless, the very idea of expressing affection to my own sibling gave me full-body chills. Well, if the system told me to, I would, but still.
Then who the hell is it?
After thinking it over repeatedly, a worst-case scenario came to mind.
'No way…'
It better not be Kim Heeyoung.
I really didn't want to get involved with her if possible.
Surely the system window isn't that heartless.
"Shit, what if it really is her?"
I kept coming up with and dismissing possibilities as I paced the room with my phone in hand, when it buzzed.
[Joo Woosung: ;;; What the hell, you crazy bastard]
[Joo Woosung: That was creepy as hell]
Ding!
[The player has contacted a "designated close individual."]
> "Ah, come on."
So it was Joo Woosung?
I grinned.
'If it's Joo Woosung, this quest's a 5-second clear.'
I had thought the quest was trying to screw me over, but it turned out to be this easy.
When I called, he picked up almost immediately after just a few rings.
[…What is it? What's with you all of a sudden?]
He sounded full of suspicion and caution.
"I really respect you, sunbae-nim."
[I'm hanging up.]
"Wait."
I was going to bring up some nice topic, but the truth is,I didn't know a single thing about what Joo Woosung was up to these days. I'd never cared, after all.
"…Woosung-ssi, what've you been up to lately?"
[…Is this for a broadcast?]
"It's not, so don't worry."
[If not, why are you calling me? Do you need something?]
"Why? We're not even at that level?"
[Hell no, bastard.]
Guess that's enough build-up?
To be honest, I was already getting tired of all this and just wanted to get it over with quickly.
"Hyung, I really care abo—"
I tried to start off smooth with a safe choice of words, but the word "care" wouldn't come out so easily.
Frankly, the guy acts childishly at times, but he's actually better at taking care of himself than I am. Objectively speaking, I had no real reason to care for him or chase after him like this.
[Woosung: Huh? What.]
It wasn't hard for me to throw out empty words when needed, but somehow this time, it stuck in my throat.
"I f-freaking care about you, alright."
I ended up stammering—totally unlike me.
A long silence followed. I even checked the screen, thinking the call might've been cut off, but the call timer was still going.
Just as I was about to ask what he was doing, Joo Woosung spoke up in a soft voice.
[Did you lose a bet or something?]
Ding!
[The other party does not acknowledge your expression.]
[Not counted as an affection expression.]
[Affection Expression Count: 0/5]
What the hell? Why?
I shot the system window a suspicious glance.
This was the same guy who puffed up with pride the moment I gave him the slightest compliment. Why wasn't it working?
[Ugh, Seo Hoyoon, you're always the same.]
[I'm busy. Hanging up now.]
The call ended just like that, leaving me holding my phone and wandering the dorm for a while.
All the members were at the practice room, and I'd stayed back, telling them I'd follow shortly.
My phone was blowing up with messages and missed calls from the people I'd poked earlier, but Joo Woosung stayed silent.
I pushed down my irritation, got dressed, and pulled my cap down low.
"So that's how it's gonna be, huh."
There was no way Joo Woosung was actually busy.
These days, Black Call had no external schedules except for a few members doing solo gigs. In other words, it was their off-season.
Just to be sure, I searched up Woosung's schedule and even casually asked Kim Seonghyeon, his hardcore fan for confirmation. Then I hopped straight into a taxi and headed for Joo Woosung's place.
With practiced ease, I greeted the security guard, rode the elevator, and stopped in front of his door. Having visited a few times before, I punched in the door code I'd memorized and waltzed in without hesitation.
"Your junior's here~!"
I shouted grandly as I stepped onto the marble floor and made my way into the living room.
There on the sofa, Joo Woosung's head shot up with wide, startled eyes.
"What the—shit!"
"So much for being busy, huh? Watching a movie, I see."
As expected, the bastard was totally free.
His cat, recognizing me, purred and rubbed against my legs.
"Hey, Nyangnyang. Hello."
"You scared the hell out of me! Why are you here? How'd you even get in?"
I flashed a genuine smile at Woosung, who was now glaring at me with half-lidded, sleepy eyes.
"I just wanted to stop by and show my heartfelt appreciation to the senior who's been supporting me body and soul."
"Wow. At least try to make your lies believable."
"Relax. Sit back."
Joo Woosung only ever had good timing when it didn't matter, and never when it did.
From his expression, he clearly didn't like what I'd said.
"Haven't seen you around League lately, so I thought I'd come check in."
At this point, I just wanted to finish the damn quest quickly and get it over with.
I plopped down on a single-seater armchair and continued:
"Also, I was kinda curious why you've been so hard to reach lately."
"Oh god. Here we go again."
Magenta had failed. "I respect you" didn't work either. What else was left?
Not like I went around saying affectionate things normally, so I had no clue what might hit the mark.
I took a moment to choose my words carefully.
"So, uh, the thing is, we—"
But before I could even get it out, Joo Woosung pulled a full-on disgusted face.
Even so, I pressed on.
"Seriously, if it weren't for you, I don't know what I would've done."
"....."
"....."
"...."
A long silence hung in the air.
Joo Woosung, who'd been lazily picking at his ear with his pinky, tilted his head to the side.
"Are you sick or something?"
But after checking my complexion, which, let's be real, was healthy, glowing, and annoyingly full of life, he gave me a look, spun his finger near his temple, and basically called me crazy.
"Or did I just lose my mind? Or is this a show? Is this some kind of hidden camera prank?"
"Is that even possible?"
"Hmm, so I have lost my mind then."
The corner of my mouth twitched slightly.
"Ha, don't you know how much I respect you?"
"What are you saying?"
"I said, I respect you."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
My attempt to try again completely fell apart.
"You're not even gonna listen till the end? Are my words a joke to you?"
"What is wrong with you? Seriously, did you eat something weird?"
"Ah, Pola! Can't you just shut up for a second?! I just don't want you to be in a dating scandal article as a New Year's Day couple!!"
"You crazy bastard, why don't you just curse me while you're at it!"
LOL this is too good, where's the popcorn ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
'I'm going insane!'
I thought I could handle this faster than the first ticket sales for Black Call's Tokyo Dome concert that Joo Woo-sung told me about.
"Ugh, seriously."
The image he had of me was functioning like a solid defense mechanism.
"You really don't believe me? Do you think I came all the way here just to spout some useless lie?"
"You barged into Ginza talking nonsense, think about it. Put yourself in my shoes, brat. If I did this to you, would you believe me?"
"Damn it, I would!"
"What?"
Joo Woo-sung blinked in confusion.
Honestly, even I wasn't 100% sure I'd believe it if the roles were reversed.
But this gullible idiot had always helped me during every Shining Star episode and even looked after the other members, no matter how absurd it sounded, he deserved to be believed at least once. Whether it was true or not-
"Of course I'd believe you! After everything you've done for me, Woo-sung!"
[Ding! Affection expression counted.]
[Affection Expression Count: 1/5]
At the same time, a bright ding sound rang out and a system window popped up, and I couldn't believe my eyes. The impulsive words I blurted out in anger had been counted as an "expression of affection."
But there was no time to be surprised. This was a chance.
"Got it?"
I looked Joo Woosung straight in the eyes and spoke seriously.
"I respect you, and I'm really thankful for you too."
Ding!
[The other party does not trust the player's words.]
[Currently thinking: 'Of course this bastard's up to something, sigh.']
[Affection expression failed. Count has been reset.]
[Affection Expression Count: 0/5]
The rage shot straight to the top of my head, but I just snatched off my cap and threw it to the floor, glaring while Nyangnyang circled my feet.
"Screw it. I'm done!"
This felt even more hopeless and difficult than that stupid aegyo quest.
Joo Woosung mumbled under his breath like he was looking at a crazy person.
"…This bastard's seriously lost it."
At this rate, I wasn't just failing the quest-I'd be lucky to even get two affection counts.
---
"You again?"
It was already the third day.
Aside from schedules, practice, and sleep, I'd been sticking to Joo Woosung's place like glue.
He walked out of the bathroom holding Nyangnyang, wrapped in a towel—probably just gave the cat a bath.
"Hoyun-ah. I'm tired of this."
"Wanna die?"
Woosung just snorted and placed Nyangnyang into the pet dryer.
The guy adjusted way too fast.
At first, he'd act like he was choking on whatever I said, telling me to knock it off.
Now? He didn't even let me start. The moment I opened my mouth, he'd shoot down everything with a "Not buying it," "Nope," or "Denied," dodging me like I was some random sketchy guy near the train station.
'Damn it.'
I didn't care what happened to Joo Woosung, but I had no more time to waste.
If I didn't finish this today, I wasn't going to get another chance for a while.
As I stood there, frustrated and stuck in my own head, Woosung casually looked at his phone and spoke nonchalantly:
"Hey, psycho, wanna eat? I'm gonna order something."
"What are you ordering?"
"How about jjajangmyeon?"
"Meh."
I replied indifferently then quickly shifted gears.
"I seriously hate to say this, but I respect you enough to agree on jajangmyeon, sunbae."
"Even your bullshit is creative."
[The other party does not acknowledge your statement.]
[Not counted as an affection expression.]
I clicked my tongue in frustration, then suddenly remembered Seong Ji-won's tear-streaked face after getting hit by a car.
That helped me pull myself together.
"Seo Hoyun, sometimes you're funnier than an actual drama."
"Yes, same here."
That's my life right now.
Way more spectacular than any drama, honestly.
I was sprawled on the couch in Woosung's living room, watching him brush his cat, Nyangnyang, when a message from Seong Ji-won popped up.
[Seong Ji-won: Hoyoon, where are you?]
[Seong Ji-won: Are you busy?]
[Me: Why]
[Seong Ji-won: Nah, it's nothing. If you're busy, don't worry about it.]
[Me: Okay]
She clearly wanted to talk about something, but right now, the quest took priority.
I decided to put Ji-won off for later and lowered my phone, just in time to see Nyangnyang, annoyed by Woosung's brushing, swipe at him and bolt.
Serves him right, I thought.
Woosung, frowning and rubbing his arm where a long scratch now marked his skin, asked:
"Is this your house or something? And how the hell do you even know my door code?"
"You're just now curious about that?"
"So how did you get in?"
"I happened to catch a glimpse once, and it looked like a birthday or something. I mean, who wouldn't guess that?"
September 21st—it's the first thing that pops up when you search Joo Woosung online.
It was a part of his public profile ages ago, and I'd memorized it back then.
Might as well hang a sign on your door that says "Break in anytime," if you're going to be that obvious.
And then—
Ding!
[Affection Expression Count: 1/5]
I flinched at the system window that appeared.
'Why did that count?'
Even Joo Woosung looked at me with a strange expression.
"Wh-what? You even knew my birthday?"
"Wouldn't you be an idiot not to?"
Ding!
[Affection Expression Count: 2/5]
"Damn, that's actually touching."
What the hell is wrong with this guy?
Of course I remembered.
I had to do thorough research to make a living, so I knew everything—from his debut date and stage name to each album's concept, song titles, lyrics, and so on.
It wasn't out of any special interest. It's just that once I saw something a few times, it stuck with me like muscle memory.
But Joo Woosung, apparently not remembering anything from variety shows, was now quietly mumbling to himself, touched for no reason.
"Tch, kid… I guess only your senior sticks by you, huh?"
When did I ever say that?
Still, hearing that nonsense made me realize something.
'He's one of those "naturally connected" types!'
Someone who values natural, unforced interactions.
In other words, he was weak to people who approached him without seeming like they had a motive.
Even though he was totally indifferent to all my flashy, dramatic praise, now he was scratching his head and glancing at me out of the corner of his eye.
"I'm the only generous one who puts up with your nonsense when you barge in like this, right?"
"Well… yeah."
He was the type who usually kept strict boundaries, but I knew he always went easier on me.
Ding!
[Affection Expression Count: 3/5]
Wait—didn't I just reply casually?
Once the door was open, even the smallest words seemed to count toward the goal.
"No one's ever treated me the way you have, Joo Woosung."
"Damn, you bastard. You should get back into acting. You'd kill it as a chaebol heir in some over-the-top drama."
[Affection Expression Count: 4/5]
"You're on another level, man. I thought you were filming some melodrama. Just like that variety show you did with Kang Yeonhoo."
"That was a variety show."
I answered honestly.
"You think I go around saying stuff like this to anyone off-camera? It's annoying."
I'm only doing this because it's a quest.
Woosung, having no idea about the truth, covered his mouth with both hands and backed away like I'd just confessed something earth-shattering.
"Holy shit, you… you…!"
[Affection Expression Count: 5/5]
[Quest Complete!!]
> 'This guy's taste is hilarious.'
Maybe it's because he doesn't have many friends.
Then again, same could be said about me.
I didn't exactly relate to what earned his affection, but hey—if the result's good, then everything's fine by me.
"Well, guess I did raise Seo Hoyun."
Oh, shut up.
Acting like he didn't care when deep down, he'd been grateful all along. Talking like he'd fulfilled some mentorly duty. Feeling smug, he ran a hand through his hair and chuckled to himself.
I ignored him as he got hissed at by Nyangnyang for being too loud and got up from my seat.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm done here."
"…Huh??"
"Leaving."
Woosung stared at me with a dumbfounded look.
As I slipped on my shoes and opened the door, I felt a random mischievous urge rise up. I lifted one corner of my mouth in a smirk and stroked Nyangnyang, who had come out to see me off.
"You've got it tough too, huh?"
"Hey! Hey! Tough what?! Nyangnyang, I'm the one who feeds you, raises you, bathes you why are you snuggling up to him?!"
Ignoring Woosung's indignant wails, I shut the door without a word.
Anyway, the quest was a success, and I got the item I wanted.
___
['Pandora's Box']
Are someone's secrets always a curse?
An item that allows you to check one chosen person's social media account.
※ Restores all previously deleted posts and content.
※ Can only be used on one account.
---
Now it was time for me to show just how petty I could be.