DKM 2

The owner kicked us out without mercy. But I wasn’t one to be defeated by something like that. Myoryeong and I started entering shops indiscriminately. However, most of them threw us out before we could even finish our sentences.

“As expected, it’s not easy.”

“Still, there are so many shops. Surely at least one will take us in.”

“Right, since we’ve already started, let’s see this through to the end.”

I was truly glad I hadn’t fallen into this world alone. It was just as we were about to leave the thirteenth tea house that had rejected us.

“I heard the inn just ahead is recruiting waiters.”

What? Recruiting? My ears perked up. Two men were sitting by the door, drinking tea and chatting.

“It seems they’re always short-handed over there.”

“Well, it’s the biggest and best inn in the area, so that’s only natural.”

At those words, my body moved before my brain did. I asked urgently.

“Could you tell me where that inn is?!”

“Huh? Who are you kids?”

“Please, just tell us where it is!”

Myoryeong and I clung to the table, pleading desperately. Startled by our fierce intensity, the two men stammered as they gave us the location. We bowed several times in gratitude and left the tea house. Then, after five steps, we turned back and asked.

“By the way, what exactly are an ‘inn’ and a ‘waiter’?”

“…Good grief.”

While clicking their tongues, they explained that an inn was like the hotels we were familiar with, and a waiter—or jeomsoi—was someone who worked there. We thanked them once more and headed toward the inn they had pointed out. Since both of us had experience working part-time as servers, we were confident. However, walking felt harder than before. It was only natural, considering we had wandered everywhere on empty stomachs.

“We’re here.”

“Thank goodness. If it were any further, I would have collapsed.”

To us, who no longer had the strength to wander, this inn was our only hope. Please, let them take us in. Without hesitation, we stepped inside.

“Another bottle of liquor here!”

“Yes, which kind would you like?”

As soon as we entered, delicious smells hit our noses. Even though it wasn’t lunch time yet, every table was packed with customers. This was pure torture. Just as I was struggling with all my might to ignore the food…

“Hm? Who are these kids?”

The waiters, who had been rushing between customers, finally noticed us and looked at us with puzzled expressions.

“Aren’t they with those guests?”

“No, look how shabby they are.”

The waiters whispered among themselves. I summoned my courage and spoke.

“Um, I heard you were recruiting people to work here.”

“We do need extra hands. But why?”

“Because we want to work here.”

“What? You two?”

The waiters laughed at us in unison. Well, I suppose it would be funny. Two tiny children suddenly showing up and saying they want to work.

“Hey, get lost. Go play house or something.”

“Get out of here before the master sees you!”

But we couldn’t give up. We were literally about to starve to death. We stolen [Read on Read BL Novels]contentclung to them more desperately than ever.

“No, we’re serious! Please just let us see the master!”

“I told you to get out and stop interfering with business! Do you really want to get hit?”

I grabbed the arm of the nearest person and asked seriously.

“If I get hit once, will you let me see the master?”

“Is this kid crazy?”

The largest waiter kicked us out mercilessly and then shouted energetically toward the guests entering the building.

“Welcome!”

I stared at the inn with vacant eyes. To be kicked out without even meeting the owner… It was true that we had been stubborn, but it left a bitter taste in my mouth. There was a high probability the owner would kick us out just like those men, but I still wanted to try talking to him. Then, Myoryeong grabbed my shoulder.

“Let’s go. Let’s look for a job somewhere else.”

“….”

I looked at Myoryeong’s gaunt face. I was struggling, but how much harder must it be for Myoryeong, who usually ate five meals a day? Looking up at him, I stood up.

“Stay here.”

“What are you doing?”

“Just stay here, no matter what!”

“Hey! Ha Myoha!”

Ignoring Myoryeong’s shout, I slipped back into the inn. Fortunately, the men seemed preoccupied with taking orders from guests, just as before. I had to find the master. I crawled up the stairs, flat as a turtle. Unlike the bustling first floor, the second floor was very quiet. Was this where the guests stayed? Let’s try going up one more floor. Just as I was about to climb further, I heard the sound of a door opening.

—Screech.

I quickly curled my body and covered my mouth with my palm. I couldn’t get caught after coming all this way. My heart pounded. Please don’t come this way. Please just let me see the master and leave. As I huddled and desperately chanted my wish, a question occurred to me.

‘Why is it so quiet?’

I should have heard the door closing again or the sound of footsteps, but there was absolutely nothing. It was too quiet. Usually, in moments like this, someone is standing right behind you. Cold sweat poured down my back. Surely not, right? Yeah, it can’t be. That’s too cliché. I gathered my courage and turned my head. I didn’t forget to keep my palm over my mouth, just in case. Until that moment, I was praising my own preparedness…

“Hello.”

A boy my age was standing just one step below me on the stairs. I expected someone to be there, but I didn’t expect a child this small. He was dressed in all white, so for a split second, I thought he was a ghost. The boy spoke to me in a friendly tone.

“How old are you?”

Why is he asking my age? I lowered my hand and answered.

“Thirteen.”

“Really?”

“Huh?”

The boy leaned his face close to mine and asked.

“Are you really thirteen?”

“Yes, I’m thirteen.”

Could this kid see something? In romance fantasy novels, characters often appear who can see through the protagonist’s true identity. Could this boy be… Contrary to my worries, the child spoke innocently.

“Sorry. It’s just so fascinating. This is the first time I’ve met a child my own age.”

Ah, so that was it. I felt relieved. But that relief was short-lived; the boy grabbed my hand.

“This is really amazing. I didn’t expect to run into a child like me in a place like this. Ah, it’s a bit awkward to keep talking while standing, so do you want to come to my room?”

“What?”

I was flustered by the unexpected turn of events.

“Let’s go play in my room.”

I quickly waved my hands in refusal.

“No, I’m not really in a position to do that right now.”

“Let’s go.”

The boy dragged me along with a beaming smile. I tried to shake off his arm, but I couldn’t. Was it because I hadn’t eaten? No matter how hard I tried, the boy didn’t budge.

“What should we play?”

Thud. The door closed. I stared at the closed door with vacant eyes.

---

“Shall we play a game of Go? Reading would be nice too. Is there a book you like?”

Even inside the room, the boy dragged me around like a doll. I tried to shake him off a few more times before giving up. This isn’t working. I can’t use any strength because I haven’t eaten. My body went limp like a squid. I guess this is the end for me. Just as my eyes were about to close on their own…

‘Hey! Ha Myoha!’

Myoryeong’s voice, calling out to me as I rushed into the inn, echoed in my ears. My eyes snapped open. Since I’m not alone, I can’t even faint if I want to. I grabbed the boy’s clothes with all my strength.

“Wait a second.”

“What’s wrong? Ah, did you decide what to play with me?”

“No, it’s not that. Just stop for a moment. Let’s sit down and talk first.”

“You’re not going to run away?”

“I’m not. I mean, I can’t.”

Only then did the boy notice my pale face and let me go. Ugh… a groan escaped me involuntarily. The boy looked at me with curious eyes as I slumped to the floor, gasping for air.

“You’re just like an old man.”

“Really? Well, I do have some life experience.”

After catching my breath, I met the boy’s gaze. After pondering how to put it, I asked first.

“What’s your name?”

“Huh?”

The boy’s eyebrows shot up immediately.

“Why do you want to know my name?”

“I mean, we just met today. Isn’t it natural to ask for a name when you first meet someone?”

“…I suppose so.”

Though his face didn’t look like he agreed, the boy soon conceded and told me his name.

“Paeng Soseo. I’m called Paeng Soseo.”

That name snapped me wide awake. Wow, jackpot. I jumped up.

“Whoa, your surname is Paeng?”

“….”

The boy turned away and distanced himself from me. Regardless of what he did, I was genuinely impressed.

“Your surname is so cute! It reminds me of a shimeji mushroom, I love it!”

“…What?”

The boy turned his head back toward me.

“Are you saying that seriously right now?”

Seeing the boy’s genuinely shocked expression, I snapped back to reality. What have I done? I quickly apologized.

“I’m sorry for saying that about your name. But I absolutely wasn’t trying to make fun of you. I’m not the kind of person who jokes around with other people’s names. No, actually, I hate people who do that. You might not believe me, but it’s true.”

I don’t even know what I’m saying right now. My vision started spinning again. Strange, I thought I was feeling better. My words grew faster and faster.

“You probably don’t know what I’m talking about, right? It’s okay, me neither. I don’t know what I’m saying either. I can’t keep my head straight because I haven’t eaten. So please understand…”

Suddenly, something soft entered my mouth. My eyes flew open at the sweet taste spreading across my tongue. Soseo smiled brightly.

“You’re really funny.”

I hurriedly chewed the rice cake Soseo had popped into my mouth. Now that I had some food, my energy returned. And I also realized how embarrassing I had been acting. I checked Soseo’s reaction. He was still smiling brightly.

“Want more?”

“No, I’m okay.”

Soseo shook a bowl he had brought from somewhere. The bowl was filled with rice cakes.

“I think you want more.”

“I do want more, but my conscience is pricking me.”

“Your conscience? Why?”

“Because my brother is waiting for me outside.”

“Then you can just take them.”

With that, he thrust the bowl into my hands. Wait, what a windfall! Just as my eyes widened, Soseo asked.

“By the way, why did you come here?”

At that time, I knew nothing, so I had no idea how incredible Soseo was. Learning how great a presence Paeng Soseo was would be a story for later. Unaware of a future where I would not only be overturned but would end up on my knees, I poured out my circumstances to him.