Chapter Text
Oh god, he’s here again.
Sanghyeon nearly fumbled the ball when he spotted him at the edge of the gym.
The student body’s pretty secretary, He Xinlong, was sitting on the bleachers, legs crossed as he tapped away at his phone.
Sanghyeon had been doomed since the moment he saw him during the new student welcome ceremony at the beginning of the school semester. The reason was embarrassingly simple, Xinlong looked exactly like Maomao, Sanghyeon’s favorite game character of all time.
Sure, it had been years since he last played the game, but that didn’t matter. The resemblance had hit him like a truck anyway.
Xinlong didn’t just look like Maomao, the gap between his strong presence and soft demeanor, is also the same with Maomao's character. It's completely unfair.
Like, this was straight-up a fanboy’s dream scenario.
And now, for whatever reason, Xinlong had started showing up at basketball practice for two practices in a row. And it was completely ruining Sanghyeon’s game.
He looked ridiculously cute, as always. He's decked out in accessories with stacked rings and some necklaces, looking like he belonged in some cool delinquent drama. But the devil is in the details. He's sipping from a Pororo drink, the little cartoon penguin staring at Sanghyeon cheerfully from the bottle.
The gap moe is off the charts.
“Sanghyeon! Eyes on the court!” Geonwoo’s voice snapped through the gym like a whip.
Sanghyeon jolted at the booming voice.
“Eep—! Sorry, hyung!”
Their captain, Kim Geonwoo, stood near the three-point line with his arms crossed, staring at him with the exhausted patience of someone who had dealt with this nonsense many times before.
Practice resumed, but Sanghyeon could feel his focus slipping again.
When Anxin, the team’s point guard, ran past him during the next drill, he leaned over and whispered just loud enough for Sanghyeon to hear.
“…Dude, you’re down bad.”
Sanghyeon almost tripped over his own feet.
Practice eventually ended with the squeal of sneakers and the thud of basketballs rolling across the floor.
Sanghyeon grabbed his towel and immediately looked toward the bleachers. Right on cue, Xinlong hopped down and jogged across the court.
Straight toward Geonwoo and they started talking.
Sanghyeon’s mood immediately plummeted.
“…Do you think they’re dating?” he muttered to Anxin who's trying to catch his breath besides him.
Anxin followed his gaze, squinting slightly.
“Well,” he said thoughtfully, “Geonwoo’s the student body president and Xinlong’s the secretary. They’re probably just talking about school stuff.”
That explanation did absolutely nothing to make Sanghyeon feel better. He watched them laughing together and felt a sharp stab of jealousy.
Xinlong was a junior, Geonwoo was a senior, and somehow they still got to spend time together all the time because of student council work. It's so unfair.
“…Do you think I should apply for the student body?” Sanghyeon suddenly asked, brain whirring with ideas how to get closer to the older teen.
Anxin slowly turned to look at him.
“You?”
“Yes.”
“There is not a single student body bone in your body.”
“But you’re in it too!” Sanghyeon protested. “If you can do it, why can’t I?”
Anxin shrugged.
“Well, I’m basically just there as a mood maker.”
Then he paused.
“…Actually, you should apply.”
Sanghyeon blinked.
“Really?”
“Yeah.” Anxin grinned. “Maybe then he will finally know you exist.”
Sanghyeon shoved him as Anxin laughed loudly, catching the attention of everyone in the gym.
***
When Sanghyeon got home after practice, scarfed down dinner, and took a quick shower, he immediately glued himself to his PC.
The familiar hum of the computer starting up felt almost comforting. A few clicks, the launcher opened, and the login screen of Modyssey appeared.
He cracked his knuckles, “Alright… time to lock in.”
The screen flashed bright as he logged into the game.
[Baek9 (Lv. 919) has logged in.]
Light burst across the screen as his character materialized in the middle of the guild plaza, a tall warrior clad in white armor, guild emblem stamped across his cloak.
Before he could even move, a tiny fairy-like avatar zipped straight toward him, leaving a glittering trail behind. It was Roseee7, one of his guildmates. Her character hovered in the air, pastel wings fluttering impatiently.
Roseee7 (Lv. 777):
Baek9!!! You finally came!!!
The fairy like character circled him dramatically like she was inspecting him.
Baek9 (Lv. 919):
Sorry for the delay >_<
Had basketball practice today. Got home late.
Roseee7 (Lv. 777):
We’ve been waiting FOREVER
You know what today is right? Da1gi level up time!!!
Baek9 rolled his shoulders, adjusting his headset.
Baek9 (Lv. 919):
Relax, relax
Did Da1gi log in yet?
Roseee7 stopped mid-air.
Roseee7 (Lv. 777):
Obviously
He’s been grinding mobs outside the cave for like thirty minutes
Sanghyeon snorted.
Yeah. That sounded like him.
Da1gi was the newest member of their guild and currently its weakest link, someone the others practically had to hard-carry through every dungeon. Still, he was thoughtful and unfailingly polite, which made it hard for anyone to truly mind. At first, Sanghyeon had been annoyed by their guild leader’s decision to accept him, convinced the guy would just slow them down. But over time, he found himself gradually warming up to Da1gi. Of course, that didn’t stop him from teasing the poor mage whenever the opportunity presented itself.
Across the plaza, another player character approached, slender build, dark robes fluttering behind him. Silver lightning effects flickered faintly around the staff he carried.
The name above his head glowed softly.
[Da1gi (Lv. 311)]
Sanghyeon felt an automatic grin tug at his face when Da1gi stopped a few steps away from his character.
Da1gi (Lv. 311):
Took you long enough.
Baek9 (Lv. 919):
You missed me that much?
Da1gi (Lv. 311):
Don’t flatter yourself.
Roseee7 suddenly interjected, spinning her character between them like a referee.
Roseee7 (Lv. 777):
HELLO??? What is this tension???
She immediately opened the party interface before they could answer and started bantering again. A quest window popped up in front of them.
[Quest: Echo Cavern Exploration]
Difficulty: High
Reward: Thunderheart Crystal
Sanghyeon whistled. The Thunderheart Crystal was a rare drop, the key item needed to unlock Da1gi’s next lightning skill. He’d been trying to get it for weeks without success, until he finally asked the guild to help with a joint exploration.
Roseee7 clapped her tiny hands to get everyone’s attention. They had gathered quite a few experienced players from the guild tonight, including [1Won] and [LionK].
The quest is going to be a breeze in this case.
Roseee7 (Lv. 777):
Okay listen up!!
Once we clear Echo Cavern, the boss has a chance to drop the Thunderheart Crystal.It’s reserved for Da1gi (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧
Anyone who tries to steal the loot is getting kicked from the guild!
1Won (Lv. 1000):
Da1gi ♡ Don’t worry, we’ll power-level you tonight.
LionK (Lv. 822):
Let’s go!!
Da1gi (Lv. 311):
Thank you so much, everyone! m(_ _)m
Sanghyeon's character stretched his arms over his head.
Baek9 (Lv. 311):
Alright then. Let's get this done with.
He stepped toward the cavern entrance marker glowing outside the city gates.
Baek9 (Lv. 919):
Let’s go get your shiny rock.
Da1gi (Lv. 311):
It’s not a rock.
Sanghyeon grinned. For some reason, he really enjoyed getting under Da1gi-nim’s skin. The way he reacted to the teasing was just too entertaining.
Baek9 (Lv. 919):
Sure it isn’t.
Roseee7 opened the party portal with a dramatic flourish.
Roseee7 (Lv. 777):
Party ready!! Moving out!!
The five of them stepped through the glowing gate together.
A moment later, the bright plaza disappeared, replaced by the cold darkness of Echo Cavern. Jagged rock walls stretching deep underground, faint blue crystals lighting the path.
Monsters stirred in the shadows.
Sanghyeon leaned back slightly in his chair, a grin lingering on his face as he watched the chat window flicker with new messages.
On the monitor, their party gathered at the mouth of Echo Cavern. The entrance yawned open like a jagged wound in the mountainside, dark mist slowly spilling out across the rocky ground. Dim blue crystals embedded in the stone walls cast a faint, ghostly glow over the area, making the shadows shift and stretch in uneasy ways.
Roseee7’s fairy-like avatar hovered a little above the ground, wings fluttering as she finished organizing the party. Nearby stood 1Won, his towering warrior character clad in heavy armor that gleamed faintly under the cavern’s eerie light. LionK’s character bounced in place impatiently, while Da1gi’s mage stood slightly behind the group, staff glowing faintly with static energy.
And then there was Baek9.
Sanghyeon’s character rested his sword casually over one shoulder at the front of the party, positioned right at the edge of the darkness. Compared to the others, his avatar looked almost relaxed—like he was about to take a stroll instead of walking into a dungeon.
Baek9 rested his greatsword on his shoulder.
Baek9 (Lv. 919):
Alright, Da1gi.
He glanced over at the mage’s avatar.
Baek9 (Lv. 919):
Try not to die before the boss this time.
Let this hyung hard-carry you.
Da1gi (Lv. 311):
I’m gonna PK you if you keep this up, Baek9.
There was a brief pause while he waited for Da1gi to type.
Da1gi (Lv. 311):
And I’m pretty sure I’m older than you.
Sanghyeon laughed. Yeah right, that's really cute of him thinking he could PK a top player like Sanghyeon. Even without seeing Da1gi’s real face, he could practically imagine the guy sputtering behind his screen. It was strangely satisfying. Teasing him had become something of a small tradition during guild runs. He was about to tease him again but [1Won] beat him to it.
1Won (Lv. 1000):
Da1gi-nim let's focus and try not to die in 10 seconds ಠ_ಠ
Da1gi (Lv. 311):
That only happened once!! ><
Before Da1gi could type anything else, Roseee7 clapped again, her tiny fairy wings fluttering impatiently.
Roseee7 (Lv. 777):
Focus, children!!
Echo Cavern isn’t going to clear itself!
The party finally began moving. One by one, their avatars stepped toward the jagged mouth of the cave, torches flickering along the damp stone walls. A cold blue mist drifted out from the entrance, giving the entire cavern an eerie glow.
LionK (Lv. 822):
Oooh… spooky.
Baek9 drew his sword and stepped into the darkness first.
Almost immediately, the system chimed.
[You have entered: Echo Cavern]
A distant screech echoed through the tunnel, reverberating through Sanghyeon's headphone. Baek9 drew his sword and stepped into the darkness first.
The party moved in right behind him.
The deeper they went, the colder the air seemed to get, the echoes of dripping water stretching endlessly through the tunnels. The first wave of monsters crawled out from behind the rocks as thin, long-limbed cave wraiths with hollow glowing eyes.
Sanghyeon didn’t even hesitate. His character dashed forward, sword flashing in a clean arc. The blade cut straight through the first wraith, its health bar dropping sharply.
Behind him, LionK followed up immediately, his own sword carving through the remaining enemies with wide sweeping attacks. The two of them formed the front line, cutting through mobs before they could even reach the rest of the party.
From the back, Da1gi’s mage raised his staff.
Bolts of crackling magic shot forward, slowing the wraiths and amplifying the damage Baek9 and LionK dealt. Every now and then a burst of lightning chained between enemies, softening them up before the swords finished the job.
Further behind them stood 1Won, the group’s tank. His massive shield absorbed the occasional monster that slipped through the front line, drawing their attention away from the others with heavy taunts and shield slams.
Floating slightly above the ground, Roseee7 kept everyone alive. Gentle green light pulsed from her staff whenever someone’s health dipped, restoring it almost instantly.
It was a smooth run.
The kind that came from players who had played together dozens of times before.
They cleared chamber after chamber and before long, they reached the final chamber.
At the center of the cavern stood the boss, a massive thunder beast made of jagged crystal and flickering lightning. The air crackled with static as it roared, its claws digging into the stone floor.
The fight started immediately.
Attacks flashed across the screen. Lightning bursts, sword strikes, glowing spells. The boss’s health bar steadily dropped as the party coordinated their attacks.
Then suddenly, at the last moment, the boss lunged. A bolt of lightning shot straight toward the back line.
Sanghyeon reacted on instinct.
Baek9 dashed sideways, shoving Da1gi’s character out of the attack’s path just as the lightning struck.
The impact exploded against Baek9 instead, sending his health plummeting.
Da1gi (Lv. 311):
Baek9!!
Da1gi (Lv. 311):
Don’t die on me!
Da1gi quickly slid closer and lifted Baek9’s upper body, pulling him slightly upright before settling him down again. His character shifted so that Baek9’s head rested across his lap, the long folds of the mage’s robes pooling around them on the ground. The glow from the cavern’s blue crystals reflected off the polished armor, giving the whole scene an oddly dramatic lighting.
Baek9 (Lv. 919):
Don’t mind me...
Go take what you came here for...
Da1gi’s character leaned forward anxiously, staff forgotten beside him. Small glowing particles from his magic still floated in the air, drifting slowly around them. From the outside, it looked absurdly tragic. The mighty swordsman of the party lying motionless, head cradled in the mage’s lap, while Da1gi hovered over him like a character in the final scene of a melodrama.
Meanwhile Baek9’s avatar simply lay there, arms slightly spread, not moving at all.
If this were a cutscene, it would have been incredibly emotional.
Unfortunately for them, the rest of the party was still standing a few steps away watching the whole thing unfold. And Roseee7’s healing spell was already quietly restoring Baek9’s health bar in the background.
1Won (Lv. 1000):
…What are you kids doing? -_-
You’re fine, Baek9. Roseee7 already healed you.
Sanghyeon glanced at his full health bar.
Baek9 (Lv. 919):
…Oh.
The fight ended shortly after that.
With one final strike, the boss collapsed into fragments of glowing crystal. The cavern fell silent except for the familiar system chime when a shining item dropped onto the ground.
Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations!
Good things must be said three times.
[Thunderheart Crystal obtained]
Da1gi immediately dashed forward, unceremoniously dumping Baek9 onto the cave floor before sprinting toward the drop.
Da1gi (Lv. 311):
YESS!!!
Sanghyeon stared at the screen in disbelief. He couldn't help the exasperation he felt as his character was tossed aside the second the item appeared.
Baek9 (Lv. 919):
Da1gi you brat!!!
Meanwhile, Da1gi’s mage character stood in the middle of the cavern clutching the newly obtained crystal, practically glowing with excitement. The Thunderheart Crystal shimmered in his hands, arcs of faint lightning dancing across its surface.
One by one, the other party members gathered around him, circling him like some kind of strange ceremonial dance. Excited by the successful quest run.
Sanghyeon watched the scene unfold, still lying flat on the cavern floor where he had been unceremoniously dropped.
Baek9 (Lv. 919):
Hello?
I'm still here, by the way.
Not a single person noticed him.
Sanghyeon sighed dramatically and rubbed his face, though the smile tugging at the corner of his lips gave him away.
After they exited the dungeon, the guild chat lit up again.
Da1gi (Lv. 311):
Thank you so much, everyone.
I really mean it.
The others responded with casual congratulations.
A moment later, Sanghyeon saw a notification.
[Private message from Da1gi]
Da1gi:
Baek9-nim… thank you for earlier.
Da1gi:
For saving me during the boss fight.
Sanghyeon smirked at the screen.
Baek9:
Saving you?
Baek9:
I just didn’t want the crystal to disappear if you died.
A bright bolt of lightning suddenly exploded across the screen as Da1gi tested his brand-new thunder skill on him. Baek9’s health bar dipped, but thankfully, it wasn’t enough to PK him.
Baek9:
💢 what the hell Da1gi?!
Da1gi:
😛 Serves you right for calling me brat. I'm older than you!
His character marched over and promptly started beating Da1gi up, the two avatars clumsily swinging at each other while the rest of the party watched and threw in teasing comments. After a bit more banter and nonsense in the chat, the group gradually called it a night and logged out one by one. Sanghyeon exited the game shortly after, screen dimming.
He stretched slightly before heading to bed, but as he lay there staring at the ceiling, his thoughts drifted elsewhere. If he wanted to get closer to Xinlong, he’d probably have to find a way into the student body. He closed his eyes, already turning the problem over in his head.
Whatever, he'll figure it out tomorrow.