77 - Murim Login

Chapter 77 When two men get together for drinks, all sorts of topics inevitably come up—money, people, the future... But among these, the topic Jinho hyung favored most was women. With a drink in hand, he often became the world's saddest man, reminiscing about his first love. “I first met her in my second year of high school.” “He’s drunk again.” “It was a fresh new semester in March, when the flowers were in full bloom. She walked into the classroom, and...” “Your head spun, right? You heard the bells of heaven ringing?” “Huh? How did you know?” “Because you’ve told me more than a hundred times. Heaven’s bells, my foot. You could write a novel with it.” “You don’t understand love, man. Not that someone who’s eternally single like you would know.” “It’s not that I couldn’t date, I just didn’t.” “That’s what single folks always say. Is there some sort of handbook for lifetime singles? You’ve never even liked someone, have you?” “...Maybe.” Oh well, what's the point of saying it a hundred or thousand times? You have to experience it yourself to understand. Let’s just have another drink.” The reason this drinking memory resurfaced after months was simple. “Hyung was right.” Ding-dong— I hear it. The sound of bells. Song Yang. A delicate frame and a tiny face. A vision of an angel with bags filled with groceries dangling from both hands stopped when she spotted me. “Who?” Her voice was at once alluring and refreshing, making me feel dazed, and my heart pounded at her doll-like features. Incredulous. I swallowed dryly, realizing that being single for the past 27 years had led to this very moment. My mind was already running a simulation. “A countryside house with a garden, two kids, one cat. Perfect.” Even my dormant romance cells that didn’t budge during meditation are stirring. I opened my mouth, trying to speak in the low voice Jinho hyung, the self-proclaimed romance expert, always advised me to use with women I liked. “I am...” “This is Jin Taekyung. You know her too, right? I told you about my treasured younger brother who reawakened as a C-rank Hunter.” “Oh, it’s you? You seem younger than I expected.” As I gently stepped on Im Geokjeong's foot, who had rudely jumped in, I opened my mouth again. “Yes. I am none other than—” “Why did you bring so much? We have a reservation at a restaurant.” “Why go there when it’s expensive and the portions are small? We can just grill some meat inside.” Manager Choi, you're a dead man. I’ll kill you for sure. I glared at the interrupters one by one. Kim Butler, about to say something under my fierce gaze, quietly closed his mouth. “Now’s the perfect time.” No one is interrupting. Even Song Yang is looking at me. I spoke in my most appealing low voice. “Hello. I’m Jin Taekyung, a newly minted C-rank Hunter, 27 years old. Born on April 22nd, Taurus, RH+A blood type. My hobbies include reading and movie critiques. I look forward to working together.” No one spoke in the heavy silence, until finally, her red lips parted. “Oh, okay.” Song Yang looked at me with doe-like eyes. She seemed completely enamored with my deep voice. And by emphasizing my intellectual hobby of reading and movie critiques, it was a full success. "Thanks, Jinho hyung. If this works out, I’ll buy you drinks." In my heart, I was cheering when Manager Choi interrupted with a stuttering voice. “Should we discuss it over a meal? Miss Song must be tired from shopping.” The anger at yet another interruption vanished without a trace upon hearing her name. “Miss Song?” “Song Song-i. My name is Song Song-i.” Calmly, Song Yang—or rather, Miss Song—replied before disappearing inside the store. I stood there, stunned, repeating her name. “Song Song-i…” Wow, even her name is beautiful. So charming. From head to toe, she was my type. Just as I was half-dazed thinking she was my fated partner, Manager Choi’s voice brought me back. “Taekyung.” “Yes, yes?” “Uh... never mind. Come in slowly.” Manager Choi turned away with a deep sigh. What’s up with him? “Did I do something wrong?” My question made Kim Butler, who was following Manager Choi, stop. “Well... stay strong.” Once the two left, only Im Geokjeong and I remained. “Hyung, did I make a mistake?” “You made a mistake? No, you committed a sin.” “A sin?” “Yes. You committed an unforgivable sin.” “Huh.” Did I really make a mistake? My heart sank as Im Geokjeong continued with a solemn face. “You stole a woman’s heart.” “…” “Kiddo, even I almost fell for you. Did you see Song Yang’s expression? She was completely taken. Game over, man, game over!” “Really?” “Congratulations, Taekyung! Let’s have a wedding!” “Hyuuung!” I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I hugged Im Geokjeong. Laughing heartily, he patted my back. “How many kids will you have? What? Two? Make it three instead! Hahaha!” Inside the shop. Manager Choi and Kim Butler, who had been standing near the door, looked at each other. “Kim Butler, what do you think?” “I’m just impressed by the young master’s wise use of a magic item to mute the sound.” “Right?” “Indeed.” As if rehearsed, they both glanced back. Song Song-i was busily preparing the meal. “If Miss Song heard the conversation, she might have left the guild immediately.” “If that happened, we’d have to pay the penalty for breaking the contract.” “Where did he learn such lines? Maybe a romance guidebook?” Kim Butler spoke with a serious face. “Sir, I find that suggestion quite unpleasant. Those lines didn’t even exist before the Cataclysm.” “Do you think Taekyung is really a lifelong single?” “If he isn’t, I’ll start going by Mr. Park Butler starting today.” “Hunter Lim posed his own issues, too.” “I don’t mean to be unkind, but I wanted to put a muzzle on him.” “Hmmm, Hunter Lim is still single, right?” "Unfortunately, he's married with two kids." "How on earth did that happen...?" "That's a mystery to me too." The guild's future seemed grim. It was at that moment, with dark expressions on their faces, that they heard a voice from behind. "Excuse me." Song Song-i stood with her hands on her hips, wearing an apron, looking at the two men. "What are you two whispering about? Not lifting a finger to help while I'm preparing everything." "Oh, Miss Song. It's just..." "We'll clean up after the meal." "Enough of that. The meal's ready, so come and eat. And bring that Mr. Im and..." With a sigh, Song Song-i continued. "That Taurus guy, too." Standing before a preheated grill, I spoke with determination. "Miss Song." Just as she picked up the tongs and scissors, she paused. “Yes?” “Please, let me grill the meat.” “It’s fine. Just help out with the cleanup later.” “My hobby is grilling meat, and my specialty is cutting it.” “...Wasn't it reading and film critique?” “That was just the tip of the iceberg.” I nudged Im Geokjeong under the table for backup. “Song, you might not know, but this guy grills meat like a pro. Once, he handled five grills at once, and when you bite into the meat, the juices just explode in your mouth. It’s like fireworks in your head!” I added calmly. “Taurus.” “Right! Taurus men, you know, they grill meat well and have pure, steadfast personalities... ouch.” Manager Choi mumbled as he put down the broken chopsticks. "Sorry, I couldn't control my strength." "There you go." Watching Song Song-i hand over new chopsticks, I felt a pang of jealousy. As much as I hated to admit it, the sight of a handsome man and a beautiful woman together was picture-perfect. 'No way, right?' I tried to dismiss the thought but felt uneasy. With a melancholic expression, I placed the meat on the grill. Sizzle. What’s Song Yang’s relationship with Manager Choi? Sizzle. It’s clear they’ve known each other for a while. He wouldn’t be a founding member of the guild otherwise. Sizzle. Now that I think about it, Manager Choi seems suspicious. Interrupting conversations and snapping chopsticks for no reason? Sizzle. A B-rank Hunter who says he can’t control his strength is ridiculous. Is he showing off his strength to Song Yi? I can tie knots with metal chopsticks... "Excuse me." I quickly looked up, met with her eyes, clear as a lake. “It’s burning.” “Pardon, what?” “The meat. It’s burning.” “Oh!” Sizzle sizzle. I flipped the meat quickly, but it was too late. “I’ll take over.” “No, I insist.” “Come to think of it, since it’s your first visit, it’s right that I grill the meat as your host.” She wasn’t just an angel in appearance. 'Oh, Song Yi, you're a paragon of virtue.' Once again, I was smitten by her golden heart. Slice. Slice. Sizzle. She handled the grill with finesse, cutting and grilling meat with ease. I watched her, entranced. 'Even grilling meat, she's beautiful.' Her simple tied hair and slender white hands moved gracefully, each action exuding a kind of light. “How long has it been...?” she spoke, cautiously watching the meat. “It’s done. Could you pass me the plate?” “Yes.” She filled a disposable container with the cooked meat. It was clear from her skill that she wasn't new to this. “You must’ve done this many times.” “Yes.” “Did you work part-time at a barbecue place?” “Yes.” “Wow. How long?” “Two years.” “Wow, in high school?” “Yes.” How impressive. Her strength and independence were totally my type. Though her answers were short, I figured it was just my imagination. I eagerly filled the conversation with more replies. ‘The conversation is going smoothly.’ Jinho hyung once said that finding common grounds is key to building rapport. Fueled by enthusiasm, I continued. “We're similar in that way. I once worked two, three shifts a day. There was one day I came home after work, and...” “Excuse me.” “Yes?” “You’re a bit too close. The grill is still hot...” Without realizing, I had leaned toward Song Yi. “It's fine. A little burn won't hurt, haha!” “Still, you should be careful.” “Really, it’s okay. No need to worry.” For some reason, her expression darkened. Could it be... 'Is she worried I might get hurt!' I was shocked. For someone I just met today to care this much about me... And I was certain then that she was interested in me. Jinho hyung's voice seemed to echo from somewhere, like a phantom. 'You know the most important virtue in forming a couple? It's courage.' ‘Taekyung, remember, fortune favors the brave.’ Hyung, I think I finally understand. And thank you. 'Yes. I’ll muster the courage.' I looked at her, heart racing. What I was about to say was something I had never expressed in my 27 years of life. “Song Yi, let’s start dating from today...” At that moment, Manager Choi suddenly stood up and shouted. “One day! Today marks the first day Hunter Jin Taekyung joins our guild family! Kim Butler?” “Yes, young master! The drinks are ready!” Kim Butler, usually so composed, began pouring soju at lightning speed. Glug glug glug! It wasn’t just a trickle but a torrent being dispensed. Despite it all, I had something crucial to say. “Song Yi, let me tell you again. Us—” Manager Choi lifted his glass. “To our guild!” “Song Yi, please ignore that and listen to me.” Song Yi responded. “To us!” She didn't hear me, did she? Yeah, she must not have heard.