Chapter 288
The spring scenery in May, just before summer arrived, was calm and picturesque. Fields of blooming canola flowers stretched out, and families strolled hand-in-hand through the streets.
The breeze was warm enough to make one forget the previous winter’s chill as it brushed against their cheeks. But for Sung-Min, who stayed behind at the daycare center, fiddling with his smartphone, it was always winter in his heart.
[You Win!]
The words declaring victory over an opponent appeared on the screen, but Sung-Min didn’t feel happy. Having reached the game’s max level of 99 and equipping his character with rare items purchased through countless in-app purchases, Sung-Min could easily defeat even top-ranking players. Yet, it all felt hollow.
“Sung-Min, whatcha doing?” someone asked him.
“Gah!”
Startled, Sung-Min turned to look at Byeol. He had thought that only the teacher was left at the daycare. Byeol crouched beside him. Usually, she would have gone home by now, but she had only just woken up after dozing off from eating too much lunch.
“U-uh, I’m just playing a game.”
“Okie. Is that your chawacter?”
Byeol pointed at the screen, where a stubby, 2D warrior character in shining armor and wielding a massive sword was smiling after winning a battle. The nickname “SuperSungMin” floated above the character.
Sung-Min nodded before slipping his phone into his pocket.
“Are you not going home, Byeol?” he asked.