Saturday evening.
Yunho was still in his hoodie, yawning after a nap, when his phone buzzed with a message.
Yunho rubbed his eyes and sighed.
"He types like I'm his entire team..."
He rolled out of bed and logged into Border of Fate.
The loading screen faded, and Yunho spawned at the central lobby plaza. A bright, crowded zone where all players first appear. Floating banners advertised new events, while dozens of players traded items, jumped in place, or spammed party invites.
Almost immediately, Noctis ran up to him, practically bouncing in place.
[Noctis]: "FINALLY. YOU'RE HERE."
[Kyren]: "You said 10 minutes, not 5. Chill."
[Noctis]: "I don't trust you not to fall asleep again. Let's go! Everyone's waiting."
Off to the side, near the glowing red portal for Lava Abyss, the guild was gathering.
Vanta, their calm Guild Master, stood with arms crossed.
Seren, flower crown slightly tilted, was already casting buffs.
Bingryong stood with his huge sword resting on one shoulder.
Tatsu waved excitedly with both hands.
[Tatsu]: "Kyren~! Raid time!! Don't die, okay?"
[Seren]: "Especially not like Noctis did during training. Face-first into lava."
[Noctis]: "Wow. One lava dive and y'all never forget, huh? 😒"
[Vanta]: "Focus. Once we're in, it's all business."
Noctis turned to Kyren with a smirk.
[Noctis]: "You ready to carry me, duo?"
[Kyren]: "Try not to run into any more lava. That's all I ask."
The red portal shimmered.
One by one, the guild stepped in.
[System]: Entering Dungeon: Lava Abyss.
As soon as they stepped through the portal, the bright lobby disappeared. They were now inside Lava Abyss, a dangerous place full of flowing lava and sharp rocks.
[Vanta]: "Stay close. Watch out for traps and listen to my orders."
Kyren held his sword tight. The ground shook a little beneath their feet.
[Bingryong]: "I'll lead the way. Don't let anything sneak up on us."
[Noctis]: "Now it's my turn to shine. Follow me if you want to live."
They moved carefully but fast along the narrow path. Suddenly, a pack of Flame Hounds burst from the shadows. These fiery wolf-like beasts had glowing paws that left burning marks on the ground.
[Tatsu]: "Flame Hounds! Watch out!"
Kyren dodged a swipe of flaming claws and struck one hard. Noctis quickly took down two others with sharp, quick attacks.
[Seren]: "I will buff y'all! Stay alive!"
Kyren wiped sweat off his forehead even though the game looked cool. The lava made everything look bright and hot.
Later, a huge Charcoal Golem appeared blocking their way. It was a giant made of blackened rock with glowing cracks that pulsed like a heartbeat.
[Vanta]: "Boss fight! Get ready!"
[Noctis]: "I got this! Kyren, help me fight this Golem!"
The Golem slammed the ground, sending shockwaves that made the team jump back.
Even though Kyren is a healer, he still charged and damaged the Golem.
[Kyren]: "Now, Noctis!"
Noctis jumped in and hit the Golem's core hard. Kyren heal Noctis as he continues attacking the Golem.
[Bingryong]: "Keep attacking! Don't let it recover!"
After a few minutes, the Charcoal Golem collapsed with a loud crash.
[Tatsu]: "We did it! That was awesome!"
[Seren]: "Good job, everyone. I can't believe that you're even a healer Kyren."
[Vanta]: "Well done. Let's finish the rest of the quest and head back."
On the way back, Noctis smiled at Kyren.
[Noctis]: "Not bad for someone shy."
[Kyren]: "I'm still waiting for you to stop stepping into lava."
Noctis laughed.
They walked back through the portal and reappeared in the bright lobby, the noise and chatter of players filling the air again.
Noctis nudged Kyren with a grin.
[Noctis]: "So, have you talked to that... 'person' yet?"
Kyren shrugged, trying to act casual but feeling a little nervous.
[Kyren]: "Not really. It's awkward, we're still avoiding each other."
[Noctis]: "You should just say something. It's better than pretending it didn't happen."
[Kyren]: "Easier said than done. I don't even know where to start."
Noctis laughed.
[Noctis]: "Just be honest. Maybe it's not as bad as you think."
[Noctis]: "I also got my own mess too. I been avoiding this sunbae and it's just so awkward..."
Kyren looked surprised.
[Kyren]: "Really? Sounds complicated."
[Noctis]: "You could say that. Guess everyone has their own drama, huh?"
Kyren smiled faintly, feeling a little less alone in his awkwardness.
After a while, other guild members started to say their goodbyes.
[Tatsu]: "Alright, gotta go! See you all next time!"
[Seren]: "Good night, everyone. Take care!"
[Bingryong]: "Don't slack off till the next raid."
[Vanta]: "Rest well, team. We'll train harder next time."
Noctis stretched and smiled at Kyren.
[Noctis]: "Guess it's time to log off. Catch you later, Kyren."
[Kyren]: "Yeah, see you, Noctis."
Both logged off.
The next morning, the campus courtyard was alive with students heading to class. Yunho walked alone, earbuds in, lost in his own world.
Ahead, Wonho jogged by, wearing a sleek tracksuit with the university's logo on the chest. His running shoes hit the pavement with steady rhythm, and a sweatband kept his hair pushed back. His strong, athletic build and confident stride made him stand out without trying too hard.
They almost passed without a word, but just as Yunho started to turn away, Wonho called out softly.
[Wonho]: "Hey, Hyung... wait a sec."
Yunho stopped and took out his earbuds, surprised to see Wonho catching up.
[Wonho]: "Look, I know things have been weird between us. But maybe we don't have to keep avoiding it. We could just talk."
Yunho nodded slowly.
[Yunho]: "Yeah... I think I want that too."
They started walking together across the sunny courtyard, the awkward silence between them feeling a little less heavy.
END OF CHAPTER 9