I Became the Eldest Daughter of 10 Siblings - Chapter 121

You, Become My Comrade (7)

"As if that could happen!"

A cry in the silence spread like mist through the quiet dorm.

The sound was quite loud, causing Hyun Junho to flinch as if he'd seen a severed head.

"Ah, you startled me..."

"I'm really going crazy!"

I jumped around wildly like a live fish.

Seeing that, Hyun Junho muttered with a dumbfounded expression:

"At this rate, it seems like nothing I do will calm you down."

"..."

I buried my face in my hands.

As someone said, I felt like I wanted to die by burying my nose in cold water.

Since there's no cold water, I feel like I should bury my face in vinaigrette dressing and suffocate myself.

Haha. I'm really going crazy.

Now I'm even seeing hallucinations.

A strange pop-up window flickered like a mirage in front of my eyes.

[Warning!]

[If you keep living like this, all your masculinity will be depleted!]

Something like this bright red warning light.

The mental warning about losing masculinity was more chilling than the body's warning about gaining weight.

Have I finally reached the stage of mental illness?

Then the text in the pop-up window changed.

[Do you want to continue?]

[Y / N]

Of course my answer is...

No! No! No!

I'm sick and tired of it now!

Without me realizing it, this femininity was growing like a cancerous tumor. Enough to destroy the balance and shatter the equilibrium.

It's hard enough to take care of my own body, but now I have to deal with inner conflicts and finding myself too.

If it's going to be like this, I think it would be better if my heart just burst like fireworks.

"Are you okay?"

Hyun Junho asked creakily.

"...Hmph."

I turned my head away primly and avoided eye contact.

Where does this air raid siren-like guy get off pretending to be kind like a fox?

From now on, this man has become the number one person of interest in my heart.

I chewed roughly on the salad with dressing.

One bite of humiliation.

One bite of anger.

One bite of shame.

One bite of regret.

With each swallow, I tasted various flavors.

And as I lifted my head and habitually glanced at Hyun Junho, oh no!

As our eyes met, my hand holding the fork trembled like an aspen leaf.

"Ugh..."

They say a state of feeling fear or aversion to something is often called a "phobia".

It seems I've developed "Hyun Junho phobia".

Because I'm overwhelmed by anxiety that this man in front of me will destroy my balance.

Scary guy...

Not understanding my inner thoughts at all, Hyun Junho asked worriedly:

"Why are your hands shaking so much while eating salad? Are you really not feeling well?"

Don't smile so kindly like that.

"Should I go buy some energy supplements from the pharmacy? It should be open now even though it's morning."

Don't wag your tail so carelessly, you bastard!

"Ugh..."

Fox-like guy.

I knew he was formidable from the moment he charmed my little sister Bom with just one smile, but he's a tougher opponent than he looks.

Anyway, I had to maintain this precarious and delicate balance. Absolutely.

I started frantically and forcibly filling myself with masculinity, like someone with low blood sugar looking for chocolate.

First, I leaned back arrogantly against the backrest and spread my legs wide. Then I deliberately lowered my voice and spoke heavily:

"I'm. Fine."

At that, Hyun Junho made an absurd expression.

"Why are you suddenly lowering your voice?"

"This is my original voice."

"It's not at all."

"It totally is."

"I'm sorry but it's not cool at all."

Shut up! I'm a manly man from now on!

I recited the "manly man's creed" inwardly.

From now on, I'll rip open snack bags with my fist instead of opening them neatly. I'll jump out of windows for buildings less than 3 stories high.

When I'm thirsty, I'll drink toilet water, and from today I'll replace my pillow with a brick.

Because that's what manly men do.

Is that all?

Like a manly man, I'll wash my face with ice water in winter and shower with boiling water in summer.

Forget Pilates. I should do macho combat sports full of sweat smell. Like a manly man.

"...Ah, damn."

Even after telling myself all that, I still feel so awkward and unnatural.

Actually, even when I was a man, I was far from macho and had a naturally gentle personality.

Damn. I heard Wego-B diet pills are popular these days...

Is there a pill to fill up masculinity somewhere?

Steroids...?

Ah, that's going too far.

Anyway, I feel so depressed I could go crazy.

I want to drink from the River Lethe.

It would be bitter but my mind would be at ease if I could just neatly cut out the memory of being a man.

"Hey, sunbae."

I glared with harsh eyes and warned Hyun Junho.

"Please don't come close to me from now on."

"...Huh? Why?"

"There's a reason. Anyway, no approaching within 1 meter."

"Come on. Why are you suddenly like this?"

Hyun Junho staggered towards me. I hurriedly stretched out my hand to maintain distance.

"Don't cross that line."

"What happens if I cross it?"

...If he crosses it?

Well, what should I do?

"I'll fine you 100,000 won each time!"

"...Really?"

Hyun Junho quietly pondered, then took out 100,000 won from his wallet and held it out to me.

"Here, 100,000 won."

"..."

"Now it's okay if I approach, right?"

This, this, would-be criminal!

As my mind went blank at Hyun Junho's brazen solution.

A commotion was heard from the entrance.

"Hey! Where's Son Yena right now?!"

Park Mutae entered the dorm in workout clothes, panting heavily.

Whether from intense exercise or anger, his face was flushed red and blue like a volcano about to erupt.

Hyun Junho asked Park Mutae with a confused expression:

"Hyung, why are you suddenly like this?"

"Hey, you!"

Park Mutae pounded his chest a couple times with his fist as if frustrated and raised his voice.

"Yujin and Yena's replays have already been leaked on the site! Just one day after sharing!"

Oh. I didn't expect it to be this fast.

At the unexpected good news, my cheekbones twitched uncontrollably.

Park Mutae shoved his phone at us and spat fire:

"Hey, hey, Han Yujin. Look at this, look. The seller is selling one replay for a million won because you lost. Is this some kind of Han Yujin defeat premium?"

Hyun Junho and I poked our heads out like twins and looked at the screen.

-[ELF] Han Yujin(Loss) vs Son Yena(Win) Starting sale from 1 million won

Oh? It really starts from 1 million won.

Looking at the comments, everyone is full of shock.

-Oh new release lol

-1 million won is too expensive ㅠ

-Why is some girl's replay worth 1 million won

-Han Yujin's replay is finally released;

-Gotta watch it hard and reach Challenger

-These bastards talk like it's a leaked new AV actress release, disgusting guys tsk tsk

└Who are you to call others disgusting when you're also lurking on a replay black market site lol

└Don't curse... This place is full of idiots crazy about ranked games...

-Replays of girls who haven't even debuted starting at 1 million won lol Do you have any conscience, seller? The Galwapan market has really gone to hell

-Is this a lie? It doesn't make sense?

└I know right... Son Yena is someone HaYoo already beat in the pro selection tournament.

└Given the seller's credibility, it probably isn't a lie...

└No. Both their IDs are real.

-Han Yujin was all hype lol

└After Kuk Geobak, now Kuk Gehan lol

└It's obvious she'll go on a losing streak after officially debuting in the league, retire early after 1 season, and enjoy celeb life

-Wow... Did THE Han Yujin get completely destroyed one-sidedly by a second string player?lol

-Soccer players get worse when they go to Man U, pro gamers get worse when they go to ELF, this is science

└Lololol that's so funny

-I heard from an inside source that she's been so busy lately she's barely practiced... I guess it shows in things like this...?

-But who on earth is the seller?

└I heard it's a hacker

Park Mutae burst out in anger:

"How are we going to deal with this? I know Son Yena was excited about beating you, but what was she thinking sharing the replay with the whole team? Where is she? I need to scold her."

Seeing that he was about to grind Son Yena to dust, I urgently grabbed Park Mutae's collar and said:

"Calm down for now."

Hearing my words, Park Mutae threw his gym bag as if venting his frustration.

"How can I calm down? This season is my last as a player. Even if I can't win, I wanted to end on a good note, but how can I save face in front of fans like this? Huh?"

"I understand you're angry, but if you want to blame someone, blame me. It was my idea to share the replay."

"...What?"

"Actually, I wrote the KakaoTalk message too."

At my words, Park Mutae's mouth opened and closed as if he was at a loss for words.

"Hey... why did you send that?"

"To catch the build leaker."

"As if! It just got leaked without catching anyone!"

"But I did catch them."

"...What?"

Park Mutae and Hyun Junho looked at me with puzzled expressions.

I emphasized again:

"The build leaker. I caught them."

Park Mutae asked with wide eyes:

"So who's the culprit...?"

After pondering for a moment, I held out my phone and pointed at the leaker with my finger.

"This person."

After confirming the leaker's name, Park Mutae and Hyun Junho burst out laughing.

"Hey, Junho. She says this person leaked it. Should I believe this?"

"Yujin-ssi. I think you've really barked up the wrong tree this time. I've known this hyung for over 10 years and he's not that kind of person."

"That's right. This person makes no sense no matter how you look at it."

"Yeah. This hyung was known as a great person when he was active, his personality is at least decent."

"The legendary story of him giving 20,000 won to each fan at a fan meeting because he was worried about their transportation costs is still talked about."

"That's right."

I don't care what his nickname was.

I smiled with satisfaction and said:

"Please call everyone to Meeting Room A by 10 o'clock. I'll discipline them there."

Park Mutae made a reluctant expression.

"I can call them, but... tell me what evidence you have that this person is the culprit. I'm worried we'll just embarrass ourselves if we gather people for no reason."

"...Evidence?"

I explained in detail how I identified the build leaker with a calm expression.

The faces of the two people who had been half in doubt gradually changed. To ashen gray.

Their eyes, which at first seemed to be listening lightly, slowly began to waver subtly.

Park Mutae opened and closed his lips several times, while Hyun Junho kept his mouth firmly shut.

And when my mouth finished its job and closed tightly.

"..."

"..."

Silence.

Both of them wore expressions of acceptance.

Silence fell over the dorm living room.

The warmth that had filled the dorm suddenly cooled down.

Just as their wide-eyed gazes lost meaning and were floating in the air.

Bzzt!

My sleeping phone vibrated. It was an unknown number.

I took a short breath and pressed the call button.

"Hello?"

After a sound of clearing throat and a moment of silence, a man's voice was heard softly.

-Um... This is the person from yesterday.

"Ah, that..."

-Yes. ELF Diehard Anti-fan.

For a moment, the corners of my mouth lifted slightly.

"You called at a good time."

-Ah, actually I called to refuse.

Hearing those words, I narrowed my eyes and tapped my phone with my finger.

"...Refuse?"

-Yes. I thought it would be polite to tell you directly over the phone like this.

"What's the reason?"

-My relationship with people was at its worst when I quit ELF. It's probably impossible to mend, I think.

There was a subtle distance in his voice.

"...Is that so?"

-Yes. I'm sorry.

That won't do.

This person needs to become the Zhuge Liang who will help our team win.

"Then... let's do this."

-Pardon?

I deliberately spoke lightly, in a nonchalant tone:

"I just found out who the build leaker is. I have irrefutable evidence too.

-...Really?

"Yes."

Unlike before, the man's voice seemed to have a bit of interest mixed in.

"Even if you refuse, come and take a look before you go."

-...

"It seems like you have a lot to say."

Breath appeared and disappeared dozens of times in the cool morning air.

"Can I really go in..."

Jung Hyuntak, who had just finished talking with Han Yujin, lingered in front of the ELF building for a long time.

Worried that someone might recognize him, he kept looking around nervously.

"Ah, I don't know."

Eventually he made up his mind and hesitantly entered the building.

"Oh my?"

"...Ah."

The female employee sitting at the front desk made quite a flustered expression.

She and Jung Hyuntak used to greet each other closely when he was working at ELF.

But since the employee was also aware that Jung Hyuntak had left on bad terms, she seemed to find it difficult to greet him comfortably.

Jung Hyuntak greeted her first with a sour expression:

"It's been a while."

"Ah, yes... Is there something you need?"

A subtle gaze. Awkward silence.

Jung Hyuntak clicked his tongue lightly and answered:

"Don't worry, I'm not here to cause trouble. I was called here."

"Ah, really? Still, I should check and give you a visitor pass just in case. Please wait a moment."

"...Sure."

Jung Hyuntak laughed dejectedly.

He used to come and go from this place like his own home every day, but now he had to enter with a visitor pass.

It felt awkward, like entering a restaurant with a fancy dress code alone in sweatpants.

At that moment.

"No. Please just let him in."

A refreshing voice suddenly cut in.

"I called him, so you can rest assured."

Han Yujin approached with leisurely steps, hugging a laptop in a pouch to her chest.

"Ah..."

He lost his words for a moment.

She was more ethereally beautiful than he had imagined.

Although he had seen her face plenty of times in YouTube videos and personal broadcasts, her appearance was unbelievable for a pro gamer.

Jung Hyuntak was suddenly reminded of when he took a picture of the full moon in the sky a few days ago.

The moon that had filled his vision couldn't even be captured 1/10th of its actual size in the camera.

It was the same.

Broadcast cameras couldn't fully capture this person's appearance.

Thinking that, he said to Han Yujin:

"I know it's not polite to say this at our first meeting, but you really live up to the saying that you're much prettier in person..."

"Ah, thank you."

After briefly exchanging introductions, Han Yujin checked the time on her phone.

"Let's talk about the details in the meeting room. Everyone's gathered there now."

"Ah, okay..."

Meeting Room A was at the end of the first floor hallway.

Jung Hyuntak swallowed hard through his parched throat and checked the participants in the meeting room.

The lineup was impressive across the board.

Players, coaches, managers...

Even front office staff.

To top it off, CEO Yoo Hyunsu, who was usually hard to meet, was seated as well.

As he opened the door and entered the meeting room, everyone's gazes turned towards Jung Hyuntak at once.

And they all raised surprised eyes and started whispering.

"Why is he..."

"Hey, why did you come?"

"What's going on right now?"

"Why is the guy who cursed us out when he left back again?"

The murmuring spread endlessly.

Hostile gazes rolled around too.

Just as Jung Hyuntak was inwardly lamenting and starting to regret coming here.

Han Yujin quietly opened her mouth.

"I called him?"

One sentence.

Just one simple sentence.

And that one sentence instantly silenced the noisy meeting room.

The murmuring, pointing fingers, gazes.

No one added another word.

It was easy to see Han Yujin's standing in this team.

Han Yujin said as she put her laptop down on the long meeting table:

"You all heard that we caught the build leaker, right?"

The people in the meeting room nodded while glancing at each other.

"Before we start in earnest, I want to make a proposal to the leaker hiding in this room."

Puzzled gazes focused on Han Yujin.

"I'll give you one last chance."

Then, Gil Taesung, who had been listening quietly with his arms crossed, raised his hand and asked:

"Chance? What chance?"

"Sorry, but let me talk about history once. In the old days when they were purging pro-Japanese collaborators, there was a system called 'tanbeak'. Do you know it?"

"I dropped out of middle school to prepare for being a pro gamer since I was young."

"Ah, I see."

At that moment, Son Yena, who was yawning, cut in:

"Wow, Taesung oppa was a middle school dropout?"

"Don't pick a fight over short education."

"Pfft! Your final education is the same as mine."

"I passed the high school equivalency exam, you know?"

Han Yujin smiled and continued speaking:

"It was a system where if a pro-Japanese collaborator publicly confessed their crimes first and repented, they would be forgiven to some extent."

"So you're saying if they voluntarily confess first, you'll reduce their punishment?"

"Yes, that's right. I said we should just cut their head off at once, but Hyun Junho sunbae, who has such a kind heart, earnestly asked me."

This time, gazes turned to Hyun Junho.

He looked deeply shocked.

Even when he repeatedly got second place and suffered false hope, his expression had never been this crumpled.

He looked vividly shocked, as if he had been painfully betrayed by someone.

"Well, enough with the long talk."

Han Yujin clapped her hands lightly.

"I'll give you 1 minute from now."

And.

"Start."

As soon as the words ended, the air in the meeting room stiffened.

A silent game of glances began.

Gazes mixed with suspicion and distrust floated around like lost stray dogs.

A situation where no one knew who was friend or foe.

Even breathing became precariously quiet.

It felt like if anyone uttered even one word, gazes would shoot at them like crossbow bolts.

Some deliberately hid their nervous looks by tapping on the table, while others avoided eye contact and stiffened their faces.

On the contrary, some crossed their arms and legs and twisted the corners of their mouths pretending to be composed.

Jung Hyuntak vaguely grasped Han Yujin's intentions and laughed inwardly.

Good cop, bad cop, huh.

Since there wasn't proper evidence, she was using a conciliatory approach to apply psychological pressure.

It was certainly not a bad strategy, but he didn't expect it would work.

At that moment, Yeon Jeongwook carefully spoke up while rubbing his mustache:

"...Sehun."

He looked at Ju Sehun next to him.

His eyes were clearly gentle, but his pupils held a faint suspicion.

Ju Sehun, who had been spacing out until now, suddenly lifted his head.

"What?"

"You..."

Yeon Jeongwook trailed off.

No words came out, but it was obvious to anyone that he was suspecting Ju Sehun.

Ju Sehun read the atmosphere and raised his voice, thrashing about:

"What, are you suspecting me now? I didn't leak the builds!"

Then, this time Coach Yoo Sangyeop asked with a stern gaze:

"Then since we're on the topic, let me ask. What's the reason you stay alone in the practice room late at night, and why aren't your results backing up all that practice?"

Ju Sehun pounded his chest as if frustrated:

"No, wow, this is ridiculous! You're asking why? Do you really want to know the reason?"

"Yes."

"It's because of that woman!"

Ju Sehun's finger pointed at Han Yujin.

Han Yujin tilted her head sideways, pointing at her own chest:

"Huh? Me?"

"Yes!"

"I didn't do anything though."

"Because of the builds you made, insect race players like me are in a total emergency!"

Jung Hyuntak, who was watching, swallowed his laughter.

As Ju Sehun said, insects were really going extinct in the league because of Han Yujin.

Because every player who participated was using builds Han Yujin made to kill insects, there was no way his results could be good.

Except for Jung Suhyeok, there were no insect race players doing well in the league.

...Because of Han Yujin.

Ju Sehun poured out the resentment he had been holding in, like spitting out chestnut burrs:

"When I meet aliens, they dry me up with Corsair Dark, when I meet humans, they crush me with 9 Barracks bunkering. How am I supposed to get results when builds are even being leaked on top of that?"

Han Yujin scratched her head:

"Uh, I'm sorry about that for now."

"Then make insect builds too. Isn't it insect discrimination to only make builds for humans and aliens?"

"...I'll think about it."

And again, silence began.

And as if to end that silence, Han Yujin slapped the table and said:

"1 minute has passed..."

It was a voice like giving a final sentence.

Then she turned her head to look at Hyun Junho and continued speaking:

"I told you, right? That they absolutely wouldn't come out."

"..."

Han Yujin sighed as she took out the laptop from her pouch.

It was a sigh filled with many things.

"It was the last chance Hyun Junho sunbae gave out of consideration for old times. Seeing them miss that chance, the build leaker seems quite foolish and stupid."

And when all gazes focused on Han Yujin at the head of the table.

She glared at someone and said:

"Isn't that right, Coach Yoo Sangyeop?"