After talking for Kim Dojun for a few hours, my thoughts on him changed a little.
Turns out, Kim Dojun isn't a complete piece of shit. He gave me great tips once he found out I wanted to dance better.
He encouraged me to post my singing online and suggested to use a baby picture for my main profile, like the one he had.
Although, he was still annoying when it came to texting.
He acts like a little brother that's way younger than you.
"Well, I am four years older..."
Still, he's a nice weirdo.
- @dddojun: Chan
- @dddojun: So what pic did u decide on??
Mister human man, it's nighttime already. Cut it out! Go offline!
- @h.chan: I'm setting it right now. You will know soon enough.
- @dddojun: ;<
Alright, that's it. I'm not talking to you anymore!
I changed my profile picture and made my description more aesthetic.
I put my phone on silent mode before setting it down near my mattress.
My phone screen was already silently turning up, but I just flipped it over.
I laid down and closed my eyes, letting exhaustion take over.
"Today I made ₩50.000..."
I had a very nice sleep because of that.
- @dddojun: eh? chan? Isn't the one in ur profile that child actor
- @dddojun: Hello?? Chan???
- @dddojun: I just compared your pic today to the profile picture, then to a couple more on Doodle...
- @dddojun: Should I start calling you big bro?? :'<
.
The next day, I swore to never ignore this guy on purpose ever again.
I confirmed it and let Dojun decide on a nickname since hearing someone call me "big brother" felt too odd.
In the end, he settled for "Chan" and told me to address him casually.
"..Jun"
"Yeah?"
Right now, I'm doing a voice call with Kim Dojun.
He kept spam calling me after saying I would upload my first cover.
"I'm just recording my singing. For the same song I did on the streets."
"And I want an encore, Chan. I'm pretty sure your voice will magically improve again!"
I sighed. There was no fighting this stubborn guy.
"Pay attention to the camera angle! It's sunny right now, so make sure your features stand out more."
"I don't have a window."
"What? Chan, are you a caveman-"
I played the instrumental to shut him up.
I recorded two covers, one as a practice song, the other one new and completely different.
I didn't want to use a song that might connect me to the Hongdae Siren.
Anyway, I sent both videos to Dojun and the messages that came after that were mostly compliments.
@dddojun: I knew u would improve in just one day!
@h.chan: It's because of your advice last night.
Dojun continued to gush about my voice.
This guy might turn me into a narcissist at this rate.
@h.chan: Don't text me anymore.
@h.chan: I'm going to the gym.
I almost forgot to clarify.
.
There is a little more than a month left until the survival show started.
I thought telling Dojun about the survival show would be fine, but decided it would be better to surprise him. He might stop helping me if he finds out we were going to be rivals soon.
That aside, I'm thinking of changing my practice schedule now that I'm more confident about singing. It should be the right time to stop the gym and focus more on dance. I can still do home exercises anyway.
It's totally not because my membership is ending soon or anything.
Today is Saturday, but there wasn't as many customers in Grandpa Jung's shop as usual.
That's because a new restaurant opened in the street market. But me and the old man weren't afraid. Our rice cakes aren't easy to beat, after all.
I was sweeping the nearly empty shop without much in mind. There were three tables taken at most since rush hour was already over.
I saw a tall shadow enter through the entrance and assumed there was a customer. A cheerful service smile appeared on my face again.
"Welcome to the Jung Restaurant–"
Fucking Kim Dojun was standing there with a sports bag.
"You! I recognize that height anywhere!"
Kim Dojun chuckled. He was in his usual disguise–mask, hat, and glasses on.
"I'm here to eat. Is there a problem?" Kim Dojun asked, his voice light.
I was left silent for moment before the service smile returned on cue. I led this guy to a corner table where his face couldn't be seen.
"What would you like to order," I asked, my voice dry and tone flat.
"I would like...anything you recommend!"
I recommend you eat my ass!!
"Is garlic cheese rice cake plate okay?" Kim Dojun nodded at this.
"Then, one regular plate is coming right up."
"Thanks, rice cake oppa."
This guy, man. This guy...
I almost turned around and shouted, but I'm better than this dog. This much rage bait is easy to handle.
Ten minutes passed and a few more customers left. I cleaned up their tables quickly and decided to sit on the corner table, right in front of Kim Dojun who was enjoying the warm plate of rice cakes, as if I wasn't there.
I cleared my throat.
"So, Mr. Kim. What could possibly be the reason for your blessing presence here?"
Kim Dojun looked at me like I just asked the most obvious question ever. He continued eating, my question left hanging in the air.
The taller man finally spoke once his meal was over, "These rice cakes are way better than the one over at that place we ate at before."
"Well of course. It's the Jung family's secret technique, after all–"
I almost got distracted, my stare now sending daggers at Kim Dojun. The latter shrugged as if the answer was really that simple.
This was the second time he shoved his phone screen at me. Both times were about social media. Surprisingly, I didn't punch him on both times either.
I reached out to pull Dojun's hand slightly and skimmed over the letters on screen.