I’m Poor and Unpopular [Part 2]

“Regardless of the market, popular writers can make money,” Jaegun responded vaguely. He didn’t want to unravel his story in detail in front of his college friends.

Nonetheless, Myunghoon remained on the topic and continued the conversation. “No, I’m not talking about other writers. I’m talking about you. Do you think the wuxia series you’re writing will sell?”

“Not sure. I just sent them the text, so we’ll see when it gets published.”

“Can’t you roughly calculate your expected profit, looking at the previous one? It’s not paid up front, is it? Does it get published in print and then as an ebook?”

“Mm-hmm. Well, I like that better.”

“You’ll have to write one book every month then. Wait, that would still make it hard to make ends meet.”

Jaegun didn’t reply.

“A writer should make a living from writing. Struggling to make a living is why people laugh at our jobs, saying we’re as good as unemployed.”

Jungjin interrupted by gulping his soju and slamming down his glass. “Hey, Myunghoon Oh. You seem to be overly interested,” he said.

“Overly interested?” Myunghoon tilted his head in confusion.

Jungjin looked at him coldly. “Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about,” he said aggressively, shooting him a glare. “I’m warning you before I get drunk. Let’s mind our own business and keep the good vibes going, all right?”

Since college, Myunghoon had always been cocky and underhanded. His twisted personality, which most girls didn’t seem to notice, was still the same as ever. Besides, Jungjin knew why Myunghoon kept bothering Jaegun today. It was one hundred percent because of Soohee Lee, who hadn’t arrived yet.

“All right, all right. You don’t need to be so testy. I’m just asking how my friend’s doing. I’ll just stop, I guess,” Myunghoon said sarcastically.

Hyojin, who noticed a slight dip in the mood, looked around and changed the topic. “Anyway, is everyone here?”

“I don’t think Soohee is here yet.”

The name Soohee immediately caught Jaegun’s attention. It was as if he could see her refreshing smile right in front of him.

“Oh, okay. I should try calling her.”

Minah took out her phone, but Myunghoon raised his hand to stop her.

“She won’t be able to pick it up.”

“What are you talking about?”

“She’s working all night because of a sudden meeting.”

“Really? But how do you know about that? Are you guys dating?” Minah asked keenly.

Myunghoon laughed out loud, then responded while shaking his head. “Nah. You know she works for a game company, right? She’s a team manager of the mobile game planning team at Nextion.”

“So?”

“There’s a new racing game coming out, and apparently, it focuses heavily on the dating element. She was begging me to write a scenario for them. Well, what could I say? I couldn’t refuse.”

The girls’ eyes sparkled. Each and every one was looking at him as if he were a shining diamond.

“That’s amazing. Are you a game scenario writer as well, then?”

“How much are they paying you? Nextion is one of the top game companies in the country. If a girl with a strong ego like Soohee asked you, you must have really made a name for yourself.”

Myunghoon was leaning against the sofa comfortably, indulging in the looks and attention pouring onto him. He smiled and continued.

“Ha ha ha, I feel a little bad saying this since the reason she’s in a meeting and can’t come tonight is because of me. Ah, well. I’ll pay for the first round. Order whatever you want.”

“Whoa, really? Myunghoon, you’re so cool!”

“Guys, guys, the jackpot writer’s paying! Everyone get ready! People with empty glasses, fill ’em up. Let’s have a toast!”

In the much louder atmosphere, Jaegun was left alone, holding the bottle. Right before he was about to pour the drink into his glass, a hand suddenly flew in and grabbed his wrist. Jungjin was standing next to him.

“Dude, don’t pour your own drink.”

“What’s wrong with pouring my own drink?”

Jaegun and Jungjin hit their glasses. As the cold soju passed down his throat, Jaegun secretly thanked Jungjin. Without him, he wouldn’t have been able to endure this meetup.

***

After the first round, Jaegun and Jungjin left the group. It was Jungjin’s idea. They were now sipping soju with fish cake stew from a quiet indoor food stall.

“It’s nice to drink somewhere quiet,” said Jungjin.

Jaegun sighed. “I’m sorry.”

“About what?”

“I know you’re doing this for me.”

“Shut up. It’s not because of Myunghoon, that bastard.”

“He wasn’t wrong. A writer should be able to make a living.”

“Ugh, shut up! F*ck, I always feel like puking whenever I hear him talk. That prick is especially hard on you because of Soohee, I swear.”

Jaegun responded only with a bitter smile.

Soohee Lee.

With her remarkable beauty, she had always been the center of attention among the guys in class. She got along with the girls too since she had a nice personality.

Like the other guys, Jaegun had a crush on her.

Back in college, Myunghoon had confessed his feelings to Soohee and gotten rejected. At the time, Myunghoon had been so shocked that he hadn’t shown up to class for a week.

A few months later, shortly before graduation, Soohee had admitted that she liked one guy in the class.

Jaegun.

Her reason? She’d admired how he was always consistently writing.

But Jaegun hadn’t been able to accept her confession at the time. The reason had been clear: his family was poor, and he’d barely been able to finish university while working part-time. He’d lacked the money and time for dating.

Insecurity caused by his miserable circumstances had disrupted any chance at love.

Jaegun gulped down another glass while thinking about the past.

Although it was a pity, he had no regrets. Even if he had accepted her at the time, he knew he wouldn’t still be dating her now. After all, he was still a writer, as good as unemployed, who still worried about rent and took cold showers to save on gas bills.

Vzzz!

Jungjin’s phone vibrated. His face crumpled in real time as he checked the screen.

“Damn. This is amazing.”

Hyojin had sent them a picture. Myunghoon and Minah were also in the photo. They were all smiling brightly, holding wine glasses.

“F*ckin’ wine, my ass.”

“Wine?”

“Myunghoon apparently suggested going to the wine bar in Itaewon where he’s a regular. He said he’ll pay. Look at these girls following him like puppies as long as he’ll buy them drinks.”

Jungjin’s face turned red and he pushed the phone to Jaegun.

“You like Hyojin, don’t you?” Jaegun asked while pouring soju into his empty glass.

“Was it obvious?” Jungjin admitted it right away, perhaps it was because they were close friends.

Jaegun smirked. “Since when?”

“Hmm, I think it was when I saw her at the last reunion. Back in college, I thought she was just a cute girl. But she’s quite attractive, and she’s strong and brave. You know, I’m into those things.”

“Yeah, Hyojin has quite a strong personality. And a cute face.”

“Agh, whatever. F*ck, tell her to gulp down wine with Myunghoon. I’m so done with her now. Drink up!”

Vzzz!

This time, Jaegun’s phone vibrated.

When he looked at the screen, it was a call from his editor. Jaegun’s face became serious and he said, “I’m gonna go take a call for a moment.”

“Don’t take long.”

Jaegun walked outside and answered.

“Hello?”

“Hello, Mr. Ha. I read your first draft. Are you available to talk right now?”