Work Text:
Kim Soleum gazed at a white lizard plushie sitting in a cardboard box near the trash bin. Its fabric was spotless, free of any stains, and appeared it had only just been discarded. He hesitated, weighing whether or not to pick it up. After all, he already owned a pink rabbit plushie at home.
Yet, for some reason, the lizard’s large red eyes captivated him. Its lolling tongue only added to its cute, adorable charm. After a moment of indecision, he chose to pick the lizard plushie.
Once inside the apartment, Kim Soleum washed the doll and set it out to dry. By the next day, the white lizard was dry, and he placed it beside his pink rabbit plushie.
As Kim Soleum slept, cradling both plushies in his arms, no one knew that one of them was busy talking.
—My dear friend, I feel like taking you to a talk show. Let this Braun bring you some happiness, instead of you working every day like a slave.
And no one knew that the white lizard plushie heard it, too.
___
Since then, Kim Soleum has hugged his two dolls every day after returning from work. Sometimes, he even chats with those plushies as if they were friends.
“I want to slap my boss. He dumped all his work on me. Unfortunately, I don’t have any powerful connections to back me up. I had no choice but to comply.”
—Bring him to my show. I’ll make the event a spectacular, blood-soaked affair. I’ll let the audience watch in awe.
“And earlier, the person next to me was badmouthing me, saying I was just trying to suck up to the boss. Yet, ‘he’ is the incompetent one! He got the job through a connection, and his salary is higher than mine!”
—Oh, my poor friend. It breaks Braun’s heart to hear that. You must be my guest star. Your story will touch the audience's hearts.
“I feel like crying! I want to quit, but I have no money! I wish I could just be a doll like you two—Good Friend and White Lizard.”
—As a host, I understand your suffering. The audience would surely grieve along with you if they heard this. Once I manage to break free from this curse, I’ll invite you to my show. Let yourself be bathed in the audience's applause and the spotlight shining on your beautiful face.
Meanwhile, thanks to the physical contact of being hugged, the white lizard doll began to regain a shred of consciousness. He even remembered his name, ‘Lee Jaheon.’ He remained silent, yet his mind was a whirlwind of noise.
From his observations, the entity named Braun inhabiting the pink rabbit doll was a dangerous figure to its owner—a cursed spirit sealed within the doll, capable of being released only by a drop of blood. Thus, Lee Jaheon vowed that once he fully recovered, he would protect Kim Soleum as a gesture of gratitude.
___
Day after day passed. Lee Jaheon’s body was slowly recovering. He could speak and transform into a human form if he wished, yet he chose to remain silent. He had his reasons. First, he wanted to keep an eye on Braun. Second, he didn't want to startle Kim Soleum. A doll transforming into a human was hardly a common occurrence on this planet.
From within his doll body, Lee Jaheon observed Kim Soleum’s daily routine. Waking up, showering, having breakfast, leaving for work, returning home, showering, eating dinner, reading horror stories, watching cartoons while hugging the plushies, and going to sleep. On days off, the man would simply lounge around on his phone or go out with friends.
Lee Jaheon studied the various expressions on Kim Soleum’s face—a face he considered far more beautiful than the average standard. There was the look of fear when he accidentally stumbled upon an illustrated ghost story; the look of exhaustion when returning from work; and the look of pure happiness when DER merchandise finally arrived in his hands.
Yet, what Lee Jaheon loved most was the moment Kim Soleum smiled, his cheeks flushing a soft peach hue.
Kim Soleum was unaware that this expression left onlookers spellbound, unwittingly captivated by his charm and overcome by an urge to hug him out of sheer endearment. Lee Jaheon was no exception; despite being an alien, he felt a strange, unfamiliar emotion stirring within his heart, something akin to attraction. ‘We’—sharing a collective consciousness—felt the same way.
Then, one day, while Kim Soleum was busy chopping vegetables, Lee Jaheon realized Braun was attempting to hypnotize the man into cutting his finger and touching the doll’s body. He didn't need to think hard to understand the motive: that entity wanted to break free from its seal.
Lee Jaheon moved stealthily; his red eyes fixed on Kim Soleum, snapping the man out of his trance just as he was about to slice his own finger.
It was a subtle movement, but enough to make Braun aware of his presence. That night, while Kim Soleum slept, the two dolls quietly made their way to the living room. They fought one-on-one, hovering in the air and slamming their soft, cotton-filled bodies into each other. Neither paid any mind to the CCTV camera recording the action; anyone watching would have thought those dolls were possessed by ghosts.
___
Ever since then, they had been bickering whenever Kim Soleum was at work. Lee Jaheon felt his peace slightly disrupted because of Braun.
—Mr. Soleum is my friend. This Braun and Mr. Soleum are going to be the number-one talk show hosts in the ghost world. A brute, silent, and boring creature like you isn't fit to stand alongside us!
“...”
—Hey! How dare you ignore me! You know? Plenty of people want my autograph. This is the first time anyone has ignored me as if I were just a lowly extra.
—Anyway, I’m going to take Mr. Soleum to my world. I’ll turn him into a big star in a studio bathed in light. His captivating smile will dazzle the audience.
At first, Lee Jaheon wanted to ignore the ghost, considering the entity had nearly put Kim Soleum in danger. However, Braun’s final remark compelled him to respond.
“I may be an alien, but I know what happens when a human is taken to the ghost world.” Lee Jaheon paused. Information about the ghost world surfaced in his mind, thanks to ‘us.’ “Kim Soleum’s vitality would slowly drain away until he died. His spirit would be trapped in the ghost world forever.”
—So, a crude creature like you actually has a brain. I thought you were just a mindless thug, moving on instinct like an animal.
Lee Jaheon didn't care about the ghost's insults. He ignored Braun until Kim Soleum returned home. The peaceful moment had come back; the dangerous creature was busy chattering away at their owner, who was beaming with joy.
Kim Soleum hugged both dolls.
“I got a raise today!” he shouted cheerfully. “And I didn't get any extra work!”
Lee Jaheon hoped he could protect that smile.
___
The peace didn't last long. It all began when Kim Soleum—his hand accidentally cut by a shard of glass—touched the pink rabbit doll.
Braun finally revealed himself to Kim Soleum. A humanoid creature appeared, a vintage box TV with an antenna for a head. Kim Soleum studied the figure more closely. It had a large body and long legs and was dressed in a brown suit with black lace-up shoes. A smiling emoticon was clearly displayed on the TV screen.
[Mr. Soleum!]
Kim Soleum’s mouth fell open. The creature could speak!
[Oh, dear! You must be frightened. Let me introduce myself first. I am Braun, a famous host in the ghost world! And also Mr. Soleum’s best friend—the one you always cuddle while you sleep! We finally got to meet in person!]
The figure picked up the now-empty rabbit doll and placed it on the table beside him. He turned his gaze back to Kim Soleum.
[Mr. Soleum! You don't seem too happy to see me... Oh! Perhaps it's because you aren't used to it yet! Some audience members do prefer the old version when introduced to something new.]
The host snapped his fingers.
Snap!
[What do you think?]
The smiling emoticon on the TV screen shifted into the image of the pink rabbit doll, complete with a bow tie. The doll waved its hand as if greeting an audience.
[Look! Your beloved doll is back! Mr. Soleum! Your Good Friend. Isn't it adorable?]
“Good Friend...”
[Yes, this is your Good Friend, Braun.]
No.
“A Good Friend… ought to be a doll.”
Suddenly, the rabbit doll on the television screen vanished. The vintage TV displayed a black screen.
[Ah, I know! Mr. Soleum must be confused. It’s only natural for the audience to wonder and be curious when a new concept is introduced. Let this professional, expert host explain it.]
Snap!
Suddenly, the entire room transformed into a TV studio. Then, the screen on the head displayed the image of a beautiful woman declaring her love for Braun.
[You know, a famous figure like me has so many fans in the ghost world! I receive all sorts of flowers and love-filled gifts. Some come with perfume-scented notes, filled with beautiful, affectionate words declaring their love. One of them was this beautiful, enchanting audience!]
The TV screen then showed the beautiful woman dressed as a witch. She pointed her magic wand at Braun.
[However, beneath that beautiful face lay a deep obsession. As a professional host, I had, of course, anticipated this parasocial relationship. I turned her down as gently as I could, but she couldn't accept it.]
A soggy pink rabbit doll lying in a wet cardboard box appeared on the screen. Beside it stood Kim Soleum, holding an umbrella.
[I was cursed and turned into a doll, left in a squalid place—hardly a fitting setting for a famous host like me. Then, Mr. Soleum came along and rescued Braun.]
[From that day on, I listened to Mr. Soleum’s stories every day. As a good host, I desperately wanted to respond to what Mr. Soleum shared with me. But alas, my physical condition wouldn't allow it. Until, finally, the curse was broken.]
The TV screen then zoomed in close to Kim Soleum’s face, stopping just inches away.
[Now, I want to offer Mr. Soleum an eternal friendship! I will be your Good Friend forever! Let’s put on a spectacular show in the ghost world! I am sure the audience will love your everyday stories! Leave that monotonous and miserable life behind!]
That cheerful tone did nothing to put his mind at ease. Kim Soleum wanted to run away right then and there! Yet, he had a hunch that doing so would offend the entity standing before him. “I’m sorry, Braun. I need to think about it first.”
[But Mr. Soleum, you once said you wanted to be my friend forever! You were always complaining about work every single day, too!]
“But that was back when you were still just a doll.”
[And what about all that unwavering support and dedication as your hugging and sleeping buddy?]
Gulp.
Kim Soleum swallowed hard. Cold sweat trickled down his skin. He forced a smile. “I’m just not used to this yet, Braun.”
[Mr. Soleum, isn't friendship supposed to be about mutual support? This unilateral, emotional rejection! It’s... It’s absolutely heartbreaking.]
To be honest, Kim Soleum was a little touched by the ghost's words. Braun was the doll that had kept him company for three years—no short amount of time. That rabbit doll had been witnessing his moments of turmoil, anger, and joy. Still, he valued his life. Besides, he was a coward; he might well faint the very second he arrived there.
Someone, please save me!
Just as Kim Soleum was about to reply, the door suddenly opened. The TV studio illusion vanished, restoring the room to its original state. A white-haired man appeared and immediately attacked the ghost.
Kim Soleum breathed a sigh of relief—ignoring the fact that his savior was naked.
[Ow! How rude!]
“You were trying to influence him,” Lee Jaheon said, as he tried to pry off Braun’s TV-head.
[Get your hands off me! You crude lizard!]
“In ‘our’ assessment, you are an entity that poses a danger to Mr. Kim Soleum. You must be eliminated.”
Kim Soleum watched the two beings fighting. Panic washed over him. He wanted to run away right then and there, but he didn't want his apartment destroyed.
“Can you two just stop?”
The two beings ceased their bickering.
___
“So, your name is Lee Jaheon, and you’re an alien?”
“Yes.”
Kim Soleum rubbed his temples. He hadn’t realized that all this time, he’d been sleeping while cuddling two otherworldly entities—a ghost and an alien.
“You turned into a white-lizard doll because you ran out of energy, and you need human touch to restore it?”
“Yes.”
“You’ve actually recovered your energy by now, so why are you staying here?”
“My presence here aligns with ‘our’ mission to observe humans. Besides, I want to protect you from that ghost.”
[How rude! I wouldn’t hurt Mr. Soleum!]
Lee Jaheon turned toward the ghost. “But you wanted to take Kim Soleum to the ghost realm. I won’t let that happen.”
Kim Soleum knew the ghost realm; knowledge of other worlds wasn’t taboo here. He was just surprised to encounter a ghost for the first time—though fortunately, this one was friendly enough compared to what he heard from others.
In reality, humans visiting the ghost realm wasn’t strange, as long as it was just for a brief time. One might feel a bit weak upon first entering, but with sufficient rest, energy levels would recover. However, staying there for an extended period without returning would lead to a slow death and leave one trapped there forever.
“Alright, that’s enough.” Kim Soleum tried to mediate between them. Then, he turned to the ghost. “Braun, why did you want to make me the host of your talk show?”
[Because I can sense the aura of a future superstar in you, Mr. Soleum! Plus, we’re good friends!]
“...”
[I want to free you from a monotonous life filled with maddening office politics. Mr. Soleum, please come closer!]
Kim Soleum complied and stepped closer. His eyes focused on the dead TV screen.
Suddenly, however, the screen flickered.
A special message just for you!
Cheerful music began to play. A black-and-white film started rolling, showing him going through his daily routine as a corporate worker.
Kim Soleum watched scenes of himself being scolded by his boss, gossiped about by coworkers, and saddled with extra work just as he was about to leave for the day. It was then that he realized just how exhausted he looked, living his life like a mere NPC.
Are you tormented by a job that fills you with anxiety and stress? Unable to trust anyone because of exhausting office politics? Kept working, trapped inside the monotonous cycle to receive a paycheck?
Don't worry! A new path is opening up just for you!
Kim Soleum saw himself and Braun hosting a talk show. He was stunned by the sight of himself there—cheerful, happy, and carefree. He was smiling warmly at the audience—a genuine smile, not the fake one he wore while secretly wanting to punch his coworkers.
Kim Soleum reached out toward the television screen. He yearned for a happy life free from the grind of earning a living. Braun had appeared, offering an alternative to his stressful routine.
“Kim Soleum-ssi.”
The talk show in Kim Soleum’s mind vanished instantly, snapping him back to reality. He looked at Lee Jaheon, who stared at him with a blank expression.
“Can I punch that TV screen?”
[You rude, brute alien!]
Lee Jaheon ignored the ghost. “That entity was trying to hypnotize you, Kim Soleum-ssi.”
The man then stood up and walked toward him. A hand held the blanket wrapped around his body, while he extended the other toward Kim Soleum.
“Kim Soleum-ssi, take my hand. This will make you immune to that ghost’s hypnosis.”
Kim Soleum complied and took the man’s hand. His mind became clearer and sharper. He looked at Braun and tried to mend their fraying bond by speaking to the ghost and engaging in a sincere conversation free from any hypnotic influence.
“Braun, I like you as a Good Friend, whether in your doll form or your true form. I appreciate the time we’ve spent together. You’ve always cheered me up and witnessed my silly antics, even when you were just a doll that couldn't speak.”
[...]
“But I can’t be a co-host with you.”
[...]
“You said earlier that you liked the stories about my daily life. If I became a spirit, you wouldn't get any more inspiration for the show. Besides, I’d automatically lose my consciousness and become like a zombie. I’m sure you’d get bored of that quickly.”
[...]
“That’s not how friendship works, Braun. Friends need to understand and empathize with each other. Besides, we can still be friends even if we’re in different worlds.”
For the scaredy-cat Kim Soleum, Braun was perhaps the only ghost he didn't fear. His Good Friend had kept him company and always been a good listener.
[Oh… Interesting.]
That response made Kim Soleum breathe a sigh of relief—until Braun took out a contract.
[We certainly can remain friends, Mr. Soleum. But try reading this contract first. I’ve put together an attractive offer that addresses your concerns.]
Kim Soleum read the contract. There were some changes this time. Instead of being a regular host, the ghost was offering him a role as a guest star, invited once a month. Upon arriving in the ghost world, he would be transported directly to Braun’s TV studio. The audience members' faces would be made to look human. All of that was for the comfort of Kim Soleum.
His gaze shifted to the sum of money he would receive. His eyes widened. If he had been drinking, the liquid would have shot right out of his nose. The fee for a single appearance was enough to support him for a year without working.
Just as he was about to agree, a deep voice suddenly echoed in his mind.
Kim Soleum-ssi. It’s me, Lee Jaheon.
Kim Soleum instinctively turned his head. Just as he was about to speak, the alien spoke again.
As an alien, I can use telepathy. You don’t need to speak. I can hear your thoughts.
Kim Soleum then asked.
Lee Jaheon-ssi, what did you want to tell me?
Kim Soleum-ssi, take me to that studio. I will protect you from that ghost. That entity nearly harmed you. It is displaying an extreme obsession with you.
Kim Soleum thought for a moment.
Alright.
Kim Soleum looked at the ghost. "As long as I’m not tricked into staying in the ghost world, I don’t mind. But I have an additional condition."
[I have no problem with that, as long as it doesn't disrupt the show, Mr. Soleum.]
"I want to bring Lee Jaheon-ssi to the studio as my bodyguard."
[To think you’d bring that brute to my prestigious talk show! I’m afraid he might blow up my studio!]
The host clutched his TV-head as if suffering from a headache while deeply considering Kim Soleum’s request.
[Very well. As long as that brute doesn't interfere with the show, he may observe from backstage. As a professional host, it’s my responsibility to accommodate certain guests’ requests, even when they conflict with my own wishes.]
Kim Soleum nodded and smiled. "Thank you, Braun."
[You're welcome, my friend. In that case, I’ll head to the ghost world to attend to my studio. I’ll return later by transferring a portion of my consciousness into that doll.]
Braun snapped his fingers.
Snap.
[See you later, Mr. Soleum.]
A black portal appeared behind him. The ghost stepped inside, and the portal slowly closed. Now, only Kim Soleum and Lee Jaheon remained.
“Kim Soleum-ssi.”
“Yes?”
“I was nearly too late to save you because of the hibernation process. I apologize.”
Kim Soleum smiled. “It’s alright. Thank you for saving me.”
“Yes.”
___
From then on, Kim Soleum appeared as a guest on Braun’s show once a month under the stage name "Roe Deer", while Lee Jaheon watched from backstage.
Whenever Braun was busy managing the studio set and couldn't keep an eye on his guest, Kim Soleum would sometimes be approached by audience members—who were ghosts—and Lee Jaheon would immediately step in to protect him.
Even though Lee Jaheon had become a model because of his flawless and handsome face, he always managed his schedule to ensure he had time to look after Kim Soleum.
Honestly, being treated that way made Kim Soleum feel safe. He even began to overlook the differences in their species and Lee Jaheon’s peculiar and rigid way of speaking.
Whenever danger arose, Lee Jaheon was always ready to protect him, acting as a shield. If Kim Soleum were about to fall into a river, the alien would likely dive in without a second thought to save him.
Kim Soleum never gave it much thought; he saw it as repaying a debt. Yet, at some point, he grew accustomed to the man's presence. Whether at the office, at Braun’s studio, or anywhere else, Lee Jaheon was always on his mind.
However, that sense of security slowly began to change.
[Friend, your taste is truly terrible. That brute may have the looks of an A-list actor, but his personality and the way he speaks are incredibly rough!]
Kim Soleum gazed at Braun. Lately, he had been pouring out his feelings to the host—who took the form of a rabbit doll.
“What can I do, Braun? I love Lee Jaheon.”
[It seems that brute doesn't know anything about love.]
“That’s exactly why I don’t want to tell him, Braun.”
Braun reflected on the situation. Although he disliked the idea of his friend being with someone else, he had learned that friendship meant helping one another. He also suppressed his obsessive desire to possess Kim Soleum.
Consequently, Braun decided to help Kim Soleum, even if it meant dealing with his own sworn enemy. A brilliant plan suddenly appeared in his mind.
___
The studio lights blazed brightly. The audience's applause filled the room. Braun stood holding a stack of cue cards, while Kim Soleum sat on the sofa.
[Good evening, everyone!]
“Good evening!” the audience shouted back.
[Tonight, we welcome a guest who is a favorite of us all! Stunningly beautiful, handsome, and utterly charming! Mr. Roe Deer!]
The audience cheered. Kim Soleum smiled. Meanwhile, Lee Jaheon sat among the audience, directed there by a crew member.
[As for tonight’s show, the theme iiiiiis…]
The large screen behind them turned pink. The word ‘Love,’ accompanied by a heart symbol, was clearly displayed.
[That’s right! The theme is ‘Love’! We’re going to ask our beloved Mr. Roe Deer all about his love life! Wow! I’m getting so excited!]
The audience laughed again. Meanwhile, Kim Soleum broke into a cold sweat. He stole a glance at Lee Jaheon, looking like a thief trying not to get caught red-handed.
Braun picked up one of the cards.
[First question. Is there someone special in your heart?]
“WOAAAAAH!” The audience erupted. They looked incredibly curious and enthusiastic, eager to hear about the guest star's love life.
Kim Soleum screamed internally, yet he had to remain professional. “I don't think that needs to be discussed.”
“AWWWWWWWW!”
[Ouch! Mr. Roe Deer, your answer is breaking the audience's hearts. Come on, answer it. Don't be so shy!]
“...”
[Oh! Are you hiding it? Could it be that the person is right here?]
Kim Soleum laughed. “You really love putting people on the spot, Mr. Host.”
[Okay! Okay! Let's move straight to the second question!]
Braun picked up another card.
[Have you ever dated anyone?]
Kim Soleum shook his head. “Never. So far, my dates have all failed.”
“Awwwww!” The audience groaned in disappointment.
[Huh? Are you serious, Mr. Roe Deer?]
“Yes. I once called my date by the wrong name because I was so nervous.”
“HAHAHAHAHAHA!” The audience laughed.
[Aw! What a tragic love life our guest star has! Aha! I have a solution!]
Braun then stepped closer to Kim Soleum and leaned in slightly. He gently tilted the guest star's chin upward with his finger.
[If you don't have a partner tonight...]
The TV screen on Braun’s head shifted from a smiling emoticon to display a heart symbol.
[I’m willing to be your partner.]
“KYAAAAAAAAAA!”
“Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!”
The studio erupted with laughter and thunderous cheers. Braun glanced toward the audience, spotting a white-haired man staring at him with a deadpan expression—yet, for some reason, it felt as though the man wanted to kill him on the spot.
Braun stepped back, removing his hand from Kim Soleum’s chin.
[Relax… As a legendary host, I pride myself on professionalism. I was merely teasing you as a guest, Mr. Roe Deer.]
“Aw!”
“They actually make a good match, though.”
[But if you ever get tired of pining for that person, I wouldn’t mind taking their place, My Deer.]
A playful winking emoticon flashed across his TV-head, soon shifting back to a smile. The host turned to the audience and clapped his hands twice.
[Alright, before things heat up any further in the studio, let’s take a quick break for commercials!]
Braun pointed dramatically at the audience.
[Don’t go anywhere! We’ve got a special segment coming up next!]
Applause filled the room. Afterward, the studio atmosphere relaxed. The crew went about their work, while Kim Soleum headed backstage.
___
Lee Jaheon was still dwelling on the way Braun had flirted with Kim Soleum. Unfamiliar emotions stirred within him.
Unease. Agitation. Possessiveness.
Yet, to Kim Soleum, Lee Jaheon was nothing more than a bodyguard and a sounding board for his confidence. He wanted to scoop the man up and carry him away from the studio. According to ‘us’, that feeling wasn't normal for a platonic relationship.
Neither Lee Jaheon nor the ‘us’ collective recognized this unfamiliar emotion. Until Braun summoned him to a room. There, they spoke privately.
Lee Jaheon immediately voiced Kim Soleum’s discomfort.
“From my observations, Mr. Roe Deer felt uncomfortable when you teased him earlier.”
[And what about you, Mr. Lizard? Did you feel uncomfortable?]
“I felt uncomfortable because you crossed Mr. Roe Deer’s boundaries.”
[Anything else? Any strange sensations... like annoyance or anger?]
“Yes.”
[Do you know the name of that feeling?]
“No.”
[...]
[I don’t know why Mr. Soleum likes a blunt, brute, unrefined creature like you. Someone who doesn't even know what jealousy or love is. Isn't that right, Mr. Lizard?]
Lee Jaheon tilted his head.
[Very well, Braun will explain it to you. I’m only doing this as Mr. Roe Deer’s good friend.]
Braun gave a lengthy explanation of love and jealousy. The TV screen on his head cycled through various images to illustrate the story, making it easier for the lizard to grasp. Only then did Lee Jaheon understand. What he had felt earlier was jealousy. His feelings for Kim Soleum were love.
Braun snapped his fingers. A bouquet of fresh roses appeared and landed smoothly in Lee Jaheon’s hands. The TV screen on his head went dark, displaying nothing but black.
[Mr. Lizard, please declare your love for Mr. Roe Deer during the special segment when I invite you. Just say ‘I love you’ while handing over the bouquet. Understood?]
“Yes.”
[Very well, I look forward to your declaration of love, Mr. Lizard. I hope you won’t disappoint my dear friend. If you ever break his heart...]
The TV screen loomed closer. Lee Jaheon could see his own reflection in the vintage set.
[I wouldn’t hesitate to kidnap Mr. Roe Deer away. Bathe him in the spotlight and shower him with every luxury and happiness.]
___
The show resumed. Braun kept prying into his guest’s love life. Fortunately, Kim Soleum handled the questions well. The audience was delighted; they laughed, applauded, and occasionally teased him.
Then came the special segment Braun had mentioned.
[Mr. Lizard, please come up to the stage!]
The white-haired man stepped onto the stage, accompanied by the audience’s applause. His expression was impassive. In his right hand, he clutched a bouquet of roses.
[Right! Now you need to—]
“I love you.”
[...]
“...”
“...”
A sudden silence fell over the studio. But Braun was a professional host, a minor hindrance like this was no trouble for him.
[Aww! Mr. Lizard is certainly in a rush! That was a truly passionate declaration of love!]
“Hahahahahaha!”
Fortunately, Braun managed to liven up the studio atmosphere again. Meanwhile, Kim Soleum accepted the flowers. His cheeks flushed pink upon hearing the sudden declaration. “Thank you, Mr. Lizard. I-I love you too.”
“Aww!”
“So sweet!”
“My baby Roe Deer! He’s just so adorable~”
“He’s blushing!”
“So cute! Kyaaaaaa!”
Kim Soleum felt his heart race. A small smile played on his lips. Anyone looking at him could tell he was head over heels.
However, Lee Jaheon’s next words shattered his heart.
“Braun told me to confess my feelings to you.”
“...”
“...”
[...]
Silence fell over the studio once more. For a moment, Kim Soleum remained motionless. It was as if his heart had shattered into a thousand pieces.
All this time, Kim Soleum had secretly hoped Lee Jaheon would confess his love, even though he knew it was impossible. He had been overjoyed when that alien gave him flowers; his heart had blossomed. But knowing that confession was being forced by Braun, something inside him crumbled. The smile slowly faded from his lips, and a tightness gripped his chest. He wanted to cry, but he had to hold it back.
It was fine. He was used to this. He would treat it like the times his boss scolded him, or his coworkers gossiped about him behind his back.
Before Kim Soleum could even open his mouth, Lee Jaheon continued.
“The feelings I experienced were real.”
Kim Soleum couldn't help but ask, “What do you mean? Please explain.”
“When I saw you being teased earlier, I felt uncomfortable. As if I wanted to bring you away. Braun explained everything to me. I only just realized that the name for that feeling is jealousy.”
Lee Jaheon paused, then continued.
“Jealousy is something one feels only toward what one cherishes. So, I can conclude that I love you, Mr. Roe Deer. Braun gave me flowers and told me to confess my love to you.”
Kim Soleum fell silent. His cheeks flushed pink again, but this time a deeper shade. His heart, once shattered, began to mend. He immediately embraced the man, seemingly oblivious that they were in the middle of a talk show. He could hear the lizard’s heart pounding wildly—just like him.
Clap.
One.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Three.
Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap.
The studio was once again filled with the audience's applause. Occasional whistles could be heard. Braun watched as his show’s ratings soared—surpassing all previous episodes.
[What thunderous applause! Let’s congratulate this newly formed couple! An alien unfamiliar with love and the savior who harbored secret feelings are finally together!]
“Congrats!”
“May it last forever!”
That night, Braun’s Late Night Talk Show once again claimed the top spot.