In what are commonly referred to as social communities, two distinct tendencies typically emerge.
The first involves maintaining relationships purely within the community, engaging solely in activities that can be enjoyed without direct, face-to-face interaction, such as gaming or watching movies.
The second, however, aims to expand these connections into the real world, fostering closer friendships through offline interactions.
‘……’
Shin Yirin’s channel on the Archive, strictly speaking, aligned more closely with the latter type.
Given that it was a space for Awakened individuals, encounters through external activities were not uncommon, often leading to relationships akin to real-life friends or acquaintances.
Perhaps, though unspoken, a considerable number of them had already formed acquaintances and grown familiar with one another’s faces.
“Alright, look here and smile brightly! Just one big smile!”
“…I haven’t even picked out my clothes yet.”
And now, even I, who had consistently avoided external activities, found myself attempting to forge a similar bond with Cha Sera, a user from the channel.
This was, in fact, my very first offline friend, a connection forged a mere month after I had settled into the channel.
While it could certainly be considered a meaningful connection in its own right, observing her grin foolishly and thrust the camera into my face made me disinclined to bestow such a significant title upon her.
‘Yes, ‘Disciple’ suits her perfectly.’
A devotee of my transcendent cuteness, and incidentally, a highly functional and well-funded camera stand.
Within my mind, I thus decreed Cha Sera’s role.
“So, what kind of photos do you want to start with?”
“……”
Numerous ideas had already taken root in my mind.
A shot capturing the casual essence of brunch, another portraying the focused absorption of reading a book.
Alternatively, capturing images that convey a sense of dynamism, such as jogging or playing badminton, would also be a worthwhile endeavor.
‘The problem is… there’s no point in taking them all in the same outfit.’
Though I had acquired several sets of outfits for the shoot with the funds provided by Full-time Farmer for this very day, I found myself pondering which ones to actually bring.
What would my Disciples truly like?
In truth, discerning the answer to that question proved to be no great challenge.
“Huh? Can I really choose…?”
“For now.”
By enlisting the input of Cha Sera, who actually followed my Clam account, I could at least avoid any detrimental outcomes.
While failure was an impossibility for one possessing my celestial cuteness, there was, nonetheless, no detriment in exercising caution.
Swish.
Rustle.
“Then I’ll take this one, and this one, and that one, and that one…”
“Don’t just spread them out haphazardly; tidying them up is work too.”
Even a cursory glance at the photos circulating online made it clear that Cha Sera possessed a rather commendable sense of fashion.
After meticulously sorting and classifying each recommended garment, the full-fledged photoshoot finally commenced.
Click!
Click, click!
“……”
“What’s wrong all of a sudden? Aren’t you taking the next one?”
Indeed, that was the case.
I had, in fact, overlooked a single, profoundly significant truth.
Namely, that performing such actions in front of someone who was, in essence, a friend, proved to be far more mortifying and self-conscious an act than I had ever anticipated.
“…This isn’t easy.”
Though it may seem belated to mention, I assure you, I do not merely snap photos haphazardly and upload them indifferently to my account.
Rather, they are the culmination of continuous effort and exploration, a result of agonizing over how best to present myself and which expressions and gestures would convey the utmost cuteness.
Such, indeed, were the photographs uploaded to my Clam account.
“Come on, you were doing so well! Did I make a mistake?”
“……”
When taking photos alone, one could simply repeat trial and error, shooting until a satisfactory scene emerged; however, now, Cha Sera stood before me.
The thought of me contemplating adorable expressions and gestures, failing, and then attempting them anew.
Every humiliating step of that process would be laid bare before an acquaintance.
‘Hmm.’
I’ll admit it. I was short-sighted.
It was a miscalculation born of my past self, who had merely presumed that having an extra pair of hands for the photoshoot would be a convenient boon.
When shooting alone, I had no cause for concern whether my underwear peeked out or if I struck an awkward pose, but the mere thought of being observed by another completely altered the dynamic.
To be frank, this was… a task with an exceptionally high psychological barrier, quite apart from any considerations of my cuteness.
“Are you really going to stop shooting?”
“…I don’t like it because it’s embarrassing.”
“You can’t exactly shoot with your eyes closed, can you? What’s the fuss? You’re simply adorable.”
True. I wasn’t specifically blaming Cha Sera. Yet, once that awareness settled in, how was I to contend with the sudden surge of embarrassment?
As I seriously began to contemplate halting the photoshoot, Cha Sera, sensing my hesitation, started muttering to herself, initiating a form of persuasion that was not quite direct.
“The plan’s start date has already been announced… people are waiting…”
“……”
“My follower count will dwindle… my earnings will diminish… my reputation will suffer… and even my day off, for which I took a vacation, will be utterly squandered…”
Listening to Cha Sera’s incessant whining, I, being human myself, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt.
Right. When you think about it, I’m… a professional of sorts.
Does a professional ever shy away or flee simply because they are asked to perform something slightly embarrassing on a broadcast?
I wasn’t engaging in something shameful; rather, I was conducting myself with professionalism. As a pro influencer, I was merely fulfilling my inherent responsibilities.
“…I’ll go change, so just wait for now.”
If indeed I wished to avoid displaying my trial and error, then surely the solution lay in producing a flawless outcome with the fewest possible attempts?
Conjuring a dramatic soundtrack for a highlight reel within my mind, I swiftly resumed the planned photoshoot, employing the very essence of cuteness I had painstakingly cultivated thus far.
Click, click!
Click!
Rustle.
Swish.
Rustle.
Click!
“…?”
What is this? These aren’t the clothes I purchased.
As I tilted my head, examining the attire that seemed saturated with someone’s inexplicable taste, Cha Sera offered a sheepish smile, averted her gaze, and revealed the culprit’s identity.
“That… I secretly bought it because I thought it would suit you… *ahem*.”
What sort of individual is this, I wonder?
It was said that many high-rank hunters often defied common sense, and it appeared Cha Sera, too, was hardly in what one might call a state of sound mind.
Norsoop Guild, is this truly acceptable?
It was a moment that sparked concern for the mental well-being of the Norsoop Guild Leader, with whom I hadn’t even exchanged a single word.
‘Well, the clothes themselves are fine, but…’
The unnecessarily precise sizing, for some reason, instilled an even stranger sensation within me.
Surely this individual isn’t genuinely inclined towards *that* particular taste, are they?
Casting a subtle glance of suspicion, I then dutifully donned the attire Cha Sera had purchased and completed the final photograph intended for the plan.
“Hehehe…”
“Don’t make that weird face, just come quickly. There’s still one video left.”
Though I deliberated extensively on what to film for the video, my ultimate decision settled upon a single, impactful moment.
It involved, from a distance of approximately five paces, daintily raising my arms, then subtly advancing to deliver a surprise, heartfelt embrace to the camera.
‘It’s genius…’
I could guarantee it one hundred percent.
Disciples witnessing this would, without a doubt, react with utter frenzy, becoming my undeniable captives and irrevocably purchasing half a year’s plan in a single, lump-sum payment.
‘…This should be enough, right?’
The new legend of Clam commences now.
As I established my position and prepared for the shoot, I suddenly became aware of a critical issue, and with a subtle expression, I met Cha Sera’s gaze.
“…Why?”
“Set that up, and you go inside now.”
“Why? What are you going to do? I want to watch you shoot…”
No matter how pitifully she gazed, what was forbidden remained forbidden. A quasi-embrace delivered through the camera lens was far too lavish a reward to bestow upon a mere two-day Disciple.
‘…Perfect.’
Presently, after reviewing the recorded results, I nodded in satisfaction, bringing the lengthy photoshoot to its conclusion.
Cha Sera, her face contorted in a thoroughly sulky expression, voiced her displeasure, but it was of no concern to me.
She ought to be grateful that I even deigned to wear those garments, so clearly brimming with her personal inclinations; how dared she insolently raise her head?
“Give me the chip.”
“Here…”
Having transferred all the saved photos and videos to the computer and subsequently deleted the remaining data, I then confidently presented the solution to Cha Sera, who was reproaching me with a hollow, bewildered gaze.
“Buy it and watch.”
“……”
What could be done? Such, after all, is the inherent nature of the relationship between ‘Gap’ (TL Note: A Korean term referring to the party with superior power or influence in a relationship, often the client or employer) and ‘Eul’ (TL Note: A Korean term referring to the party with inferior power or influence in a relationship, often the contractor or employee).
As I shamelessly opened the Archive to check for any new, interesting posts, a sudden siren blared, pounding against my ears, and an evacuation broadcast, along with a warning message, began to emanate.
Wiiiiiiing!
Eeeeeeeh—!
[Warning. A Gate Break has occurred 400M from Bucheon Central Tower. Citizens are advised not to go outside under any circumstances. Those currently outdoors should swiftly move to nearby shelters… ]
The incessantly repeating warning broadcast, coupled with a barrage of disaster safety messages that began to pour in.
As Cha Sera and I exchanged a brief glance and shifted our gaze, outside the window, a flying manta ray was, by then, majestically showcasing its exceptional aerial prowess with its undulating body.
No, what on earth is that?
The manta ray, sensing my gaze just as I was about to let out an incredulous chuckle.
In an instant, the creature, contorting its already unsightly face into an even more grotesque grimace, began to rapidly close the distance, its sights set firmly on my small, cherished two-room apartment.