Chapter 135: Chapter 135

Fortunately, I didn’t need to flaunt my swimsuit all day.

Though it was slightly see-through, my cover-up kept things modest outside the pool, and I wore a life jacket in the water. Other than my thighs, there wasn’t too much exposure.

I’d only worn the swimsuit alone when we were taking photos. Aside from the group shots, we took quite a few individual ones as well. But once I was actually in the water, all my worries disappeared, and I had a great time.

Aside from my left leg, my physical abilities are pretty good. If needed, I could just trust the life jacket to keep me afloat, and I could touch the bottom with my right foot. Hopping around on one foot was enough to keep up with everyone else.

Being able to move freely with my body in real life… held a special significance for me.

I was so happy that I played like a child, giving it my all. I think I stayed in the water until I’d completely exhausted myself. Of course, my stamina wasn’t what it used to be.

Maybe I’d overdone it a little?

‘Who’s that? It tickles...’

I felt a strange sensation all over my body—a soft weight pressing against my shoulder and neck, accompanied by quick breathing in my ear. Occasionally, I felt a gentle tap on my back.

Something faintly sharp brushed against my skin. It wasn’t enough to leave a scratch, but still, my ear felt tingly.

The tickling sensation woke me up; whoever was playing this prank had gone too far…

Woof! Woof!

It wasn’t a “who” after all. The discomfort and brief fear I’d felt vanished in an instant.

When I opened my eyes, a fluffy white ball of fur was cheerfully looking at me. The culprit behind the overly familiar touch was none other than Hisom, the little dog with the red scarf around her neck that Ryeohee had brought along.

Of course, no one in our group would pull a stunt like this. I realized I must have left the door open after coming back exhausted from the pool.

"Well, that works out. I wanted to pet you at least once. Come here."

Hisom was a friendly little creature, with no sense of wariness and a good-natured personality. Even though I was a stranger to her, she eagerly snuggled into my hands, seeking attention.

It was remarkable how even a dog’s expressions were visible. Her face looked so happy that I couldn’t help but feel my own mood lift.

After playing with her for a while, I lay back down, still not fully recovered. Hisom, who wanted more attention, squirmed her way under my shirt.

“Ah, that tickles.”

She was moving toward my chest, where my shirt fit snugly.

If she kept going, she might get stuck, so I unzipped my jacket a little. A tiny white face peeked out between my breasts.

Seeing her innocent face looking around, I couldn’t resist a bit of mischief. I gently pressed her between my arms, holding her close. She quieted down, her view rising as I lifted her up.

That’s when Ryeohee saw us.

“Unnie, have you seen Hisom anywhere—oh, wow, it actually fits like that.”

“She came over to me, so I’ve been playing with her. I didn’t know you were looking for her.”

“Oh no, it’s fine. I dozed off for a bit. She didn’t bite or anything, did she?”

“Not at all. She’s very gentle.”

I gave the little dog nestled against my chest a soft pat. Ryeohee seemed to be delighted by the sight, her eyes sparkling.

“Would it be alright if I took a picture of you two like that?”

“As long as you send it to me, too.”

“Of course! I’ll send it right after I take it.”

A soft click came from her phone. Finding it a little boring to just sit still, I playfully nibbled on Hisom’s ear, which was right in front of me.

You teased my ear earlier, so I can do the same, right? The feel of her soft fur against my lips was just as I’d imagined.

[Ryeohee’s Lounge]

[Posted by: Ryeohee]

[Title: Feeling Defeated as a Woman]

(Attached photos: Daeun with a puppy nestled between her chest)

(Attached photos: Daeun nibbling on the puppy’s ear)

Wow, I didn’t think that size would work. I had to take a picture because I knew nobody would believe me otherwise. I can’t even dream of doing that…

Honestly, as a woman… no, as a living being, I feel like I’ve lost today. I finally understand that jealousy needs a bit of realism to even make sense.

The final event of the day was an outdoor barbecue party.

The orange glow from the grill pushed back the encroaching darkness. As soon as the meat hit the heated grill, it let out a satisfying sizzle. Anyone who loved meat would find it impossible not to salivate.

Sulbbang, who saw me, clicked the tongs playfully.

“Hey, you’re up. You looked pretty worn out earlier.”@@novelbin@@

“Yeah, I’m feeling better now.”

“You recover fast. I’m still exhausted.”

That was probably because you hadn’t… actually, never mind. Despite the impression he gave of being out of shape, his arms had quite a bit of muscle on them. I don’t build muscle easily, so it felt unfair to bring it up.

Thankfully, he changed the topic.

“There’s some kind of event at the resort tonight. Are you going?”

“There’s supposed to be a performance, too. Ryeohee and Se-rin are going,” Sansae added, looking hopeful.

I vaguely remembered hearing something about it before we arrived. Elderin even mentioned that a singer would be there, but it didn’t pique my interest.

I felt a bit bad for Sansae, but those places were usually crowded.

Coming from a hikikomori background, I hated noisy, crowded places. Even back in my kendo days… ah, I guess I’m a pro athlete now too. Anyway, I’d never liked bustling areas.

Besides, I didn’t really understand music. I’d never heard of the singer performing tonight, either.

“Not interested. Going all the way there would be too tiring. What about you, Sulbbang?”

“Nope. I’m just planning to drink here.”

“Drinking? Sounds good. I’ll join you.”

I had no desire to move around any more tonight. I knew my body would pay for it tomorrow.

I know my own limits better than anyone. Honestly, I was already teetering close to them. After so much time spent alone gaming, I didn’t want to push myself to exhaustion.

Though I suppose I was hungrier than I’d realized. Or maybe food just tastes better in this kind of setting? Everything I put in my mouth tasted incredible.

“So, the other day I was—”

“Can you pass the cola over?”

“Unnie, are you really not interested in doing an ASMR stream with me?”

“Not right now.”

I chimed in on conversations here and there, occasionally even starting one. When there was a lull, I’d scroll through my phone. These days, intriguing stories seemed to pop up all the time.

【Daily eSports News】

[Feature] Could This Be the Era of Foreign Players in the IKL Summer League?

ACL’s Dong-hae: “Sigma is strong, but not dominant.”

[Official] Crimson Joins Galaxy Gaming, Reuniting with Azure

Can ‘Sigma Ga-wol’ End IKL’s Assassin Tragedy?

[Official] Russia’s Axe Is Coming, ACL Signs Igor

This season’s league has been unusual. While new signings and trades after the Spring season aren’t out of the ordinary, this year’s Summer League has seen more drastic changes than usual.

The reason was obvious.

Traveler’s transfer and the disastrous performance at Prelude.

Sigma had been relatively safe from the storm, but it wasn’t long ago that fans’ anger had boiled over. Not to brag, but… my arrival probably played a part in this upheaval. If the IKL Summer League were held with our current roster, Sigma would dominate.

The battle for the void left by the weakened Q Prime was fierce, especially between ACL and Galaxy Gaming.

Sansae leaned slightly against me.

“Is your break over as soon as we’re back?”

“Not immediately. I’ll have a few days.”

“I’ll be rooting for you. I’ll miss seeing you stream as often, though.”

“I’ll try to stream whenever I can.”

That night, as promised, I shared a drink with Sulbbang. We had plenty of snacks, and the drinks were delicious. The only drawback was that I couldn’t let myself get too drunk.

Sulbbang ended the drinking session as soon as my face started flushing, claiming he wouldn’t be able to handle it if I got tipsy. I had to agree… and fell asleep without any fuss.

A few days later, the Sigma players returned to the dorm.

And with that, the grueling training began in preparation for the opening match.

[Posted by: SigmaLover]

[Title: Sigma vs. Q Prime Confirmed for Opening Match]

[Posted by: Sigma Hecate]

[Title: Please Save Me, Please Save Me, Please Save Me]

I feel like I’m really going to die.

Never have I felt this inadequate about my skills.

Please, I need compliments, attention, and love, fast!

[Comments]

Pull yourself together, the opening match is in 3 days.

Why’s our priestess falling apart?

Ga-wol, what are you putting Sigma through?