The Perfect Vol. 4 Chapter 3

“Yes, I know.”

“……”

“Food is prohibited in the hospital. It’s troublesome if you keep bringing food like this, patient.”

I apologized, bowed my head, and listened to a few more precautions before being left alone. Blink, blink, staring at the white hospital ceiling, I reached out to the side. My hand touched the basket, and as I rummaged through it, I found a small card. The content of the card was as expected.

‘I will soon come to catch the fluttering baby bird in your heart. James.’

The culprit was me. It was my fault for writing such a novel. The childishness pierced through my entire body, reaching my fingertips. But the problem was that my heart was fluttering a bit. Fortunately, the thought of fried chicken kept me from getting too carried away. Fried chicken. Suddenly, I wanted fried chicken. It had been a week of hospital food. Maybe I could have fried chicken, even if not beer?

I decided and waited for nightfall. Then I sneaked out of the hospital. It was the first time I went out in a week. Even at night, the streets were brightly lit, and there were many people. I had forgotten that this was the one month of the year when people set aside their fear of Heartless and just enjoyed themselves.

Everyone was walking in pairs. Some were awkward, and some couples were holding hands, blushing. I looked around at the pink-tinted streets and people on the main road, then turned back. Suddenly, I lost my appetite.

I returned to the hospital but didn’t want to go back to my room. I hesitated in front of the building, looking up at my room. Suddenly, all the lights in the hospital went out. Startled, I looked around and saw that only the hospital lights were out. Why the hospital lights… Was it James?

A hollow laugh escaped me. I sat on a bench where I could see the hospital building. I heard the commotion of people inside the hospital. Some were running out in surprise, and nurses were telling people not to move recklessly. With the lights out, at least they wouldn’t know I was gone. I thought and waited. One minute, two minutes, three minutes.

“That’s dirty.”

A mutter came from beside me. Yangsimless, with squinted eyes, looked at me and sat down. Dirty? That’s my line. But I didn’t want to bring up the fight in the ant nest.

“Dirty? I’m here because Director Kook made me crave fried chicken.”

“Does that mean you satisfied your sexual desire with food?”

“…No. But I do want to tell Director Kook all the desires I have filled with him.”

“If it’s not sexual desire, I won’t accept it.”

I almost cursed but stopped. Instead, I smelled the sweat on him and postponed the curse.

“Where are you coming from?”

“Busan.”

“Did you catch the person who ran off with the money?”

“I don’t know who that person is, but I caught one bastard.”

I didn’t ask what happened to that person. Instead, I quietly wished them peace.

“So, did you pay off all your debts?”

“Yes.”

“Congratulations.”

“Just with words?”

“I’ll share some truffles with you.”

There was no response. He was staring into space with half-open eyes. It was unlike him, so I asked.

“Are you sleeping?”

“No? Why would I sleep?”

He reacted sharply, widening his eyes. He looked extremely sleepy. The person who should be in the hospital bed was not me but Yangsimless. He must have chased the person who ran off with the money for days without sleep. And as soon as it was over, he came running to me without resting.

And he sent truffles diligently in the meantime. My heart felt a bit touched. Maybe it was because it was night, I was injured, and I had just gone through a big ordeal. The feeling of my heart fluttering and happiness. This might be.

“…Do I like him?”

I muttered softly without realizing it. Yangsimless, who had been dozing with his eyes open, suddenly lifted his head and looked at me. Did he hear that?

“What did you just say?”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“No. I definitely heard it. You said ‘like him.’ Does that mean you want to do it with me?”

Is that all your brain thinks about? Of course, that’s all I think about too, but you’re too much. I was about to pick a fight but gave up and stood up. He looked pitiful, not in his right mind from sleepiness.

“Go. Get some sleep, and let’s talk tomorrow.”

Yangsimless surprisingly stood up obediently. But instead of going home, he followed me back into the hospital.

“Why are you coming in?”

“To sleep. There’s a bed nearby, so why go all the way home?”

That’s the purpose of home, you idiot.

“You should sleep at home… Wait, the nurse won’t allow it.”

My words were ignored. In the end, Yangsimless sneaked into the hospital while it was still dark and lay down on the empty bed next to mine. Confirming once again that this man had no conscience, I also lay down. The hospital had calmed down and was quiet again, thanks to the lights coming back on. I couldn’t sleep, so I blinked and then spoke.

“Who did you save in Iguala three years ago?”

There was no answer. I thought he was asleep, so I was about to close my eyes when Yangsimless suddenly sat up with a rustling sound.

“Why are you asking that?”

Well, I wondered if hearing it directly from the person involved would lessen the impact, as CEO Na had said. Or maybe it would make my heart pound even more. If I heard from my lifesaver’s mouth, “I saved you,” it might make me tremble.

“The person you saved… Do you know who it was?”

“Of course. That bastard.”

I was taken aback by the sudden insult.

“Bastard? Do you mean like a puppy? Lovable like a puppy?”

“No. Just a bastard. That damn son of a bitch.”

Why am I being insulted?

“Director Kook, why are you suddenly cursing?”

“I saved that American guy in protective clothing, and when I left for a moment and came back, he was gone. I went through hell to save him, and he left without even a ‘thank you.’ Such a person is called a conscience-less bastard.”

…Oh.

“Well, maybe he woke up, saw no one around, panicked, and just, um, went somewhere else…”

“Are you defending that bastard?”

“No, it’s not that…”

“If that bastard is still alive, I’ll make him pay for the mental anguish I’ve suffered over the past three years and the enormous material damage I incurred saving him. I’ll create a living hell for him, making him roll in debt for life.”

Yangsimless’s voice was filled with determination. I could see his clenched fist in the darkness. Then he turned to look at me. Gulp!

“But Mr. Han Jemyung, how did you escape from the Iguala Desert three years ago?”

“……”

I turned my back and pretended to sleep. Mr. Han Jemyung? When he persistently called my name a few times, I reluctantly spoke, pretending to be sleepy.

“Well, just, very, well…”

I hope my future life will be like this. Just, very, well.

— THE END – No matter how rampant Heartless are, no matter how many times you come back from the brink of death, no matter how many times you reunite with family you thought were dead, after a few days, you realize. The world is still the same, and so is my life. Reality hit me with what I held in my hand. A credit card bill had arrived.

“Damn.”

I cursed out loud. It included the installment payment for the Malangjolang I bought for Yangsimless. The realization that I liked Yangsimless, which I had come to just a few days ago in the hospital, faded away like the ebbing tide. But the tide of reality wasn’t just the credit card bill. I had a second meeting scheduled for tomorrow. I didn’t even know until I got the notification on my phone.

― Mr. Han Jemyung, here is your second meeting schedule.

I paused at the title. Did I apply for a second meeting? No, I didn’t. That’s when the first wave of chills hit. If someone eligible for a meeting doesn’t apply, the country automatically assigns them to a meeting with insufficient participants.

As everyone expects, there’s a reason for meetings with low attendance. It means they’re the worst. Sometimes there’s a meeting with such a terrible plan that you wonder who would apply for it. The organizer, driven by unnecessary adventurous spirit, holds an outlandish meeting. Of course, everyone avoids it, but idiots like me who forget to apply are forced to participate and become the organizer’s beta testers.

My hands trembled, and I couldn’t bring myself to look at the details. If it’s a really weird meeting, I could just not attend and pay the fine, but experimental and original events usually cost a lot of money. With trembling fingers, I scrolled down the screen.

― Find your love on a deserted island! The first-ever deserted island meeting in the country.

“Oh, shit.”

A second curse slipped out. I bowed my head in despair after reading just the first line. A deserted island? Was this karma for cruelly sending characters to deserted islands in my novels? Would I have to live like Manager Kim, surviving on seaweed on a deserted island? All sorts of bleak futures unfolded in my mind. I barely mustered the courage to read the rest.

― 100% safe from Heartless. But in extreme conditions! The instinct to reproduce in the harsh life on a barren deserted island where you never know when you might die! Love that springs up within just 3 days! The best meeting with a 100% couple success rate!

No Heartless, but you never know when you might die. What kind of nonsense is this? And this was clearly a same-sex meeting. What are they expecting if the instinct to reproduce kicks in among the same sex? I immediately checked the fine. I couldn’t participate in such a meeting… The fine was five times that of the first meeting. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

The reason was the cost of renting the deserted island. The thought of paying the fine made my hands tremble. Cornered, I thought of another escape route. Could I report them for excessive false advertising? Achieving a 100% couple success rate was impossible. I used the electricity at the 4K villa to search the internet. Soon, I found a review from a participant in last year’s deserted island meeting.

‘It was hell. It was a brutal world of survival of the fittest. Only the strong could choose their partners, so weak people like me had to pair up with someone we didn’t want. Moreover, I was a top, but I suffered unspeakable humiliation and pain there. But if you didn’t pair up, you couldn’t receive the survival backpack given once a day, and you couldn’t leave the island without a partner. It was truly horrible. However, I learned something. I discovered that my true sexual role was a bottom and that I found joy in being oppressed and dominated, leading to a now shining life…’

What the hell. I quickly closed the window. Just thinking about it was horrifying. What kind of things happened to a normal person on a deserted island to turn them into such a pervert? No, I couldn’t go. I’d rather take out a loan to pay the fine… I saw the bill. If I had to pay a fine bigger than that, I’d be bankrupt. How bad could a deserted island be? I let out a trembling laugh and picked up my phone, which had just received a message. It was a notice from the meeting organizer.

― Please gather at XX Port by 6 AM tomorrow.

Preparation: A heart full of passion

The only one with that preparation would be the organizer. But there was no time to grumble. The meeting place, XX Port, was far away. It would take at least 5-6 hours by car. So… I had to leave now?!

The next morning at 6 AM, I barely managed to find a ride and arrived at the port. I came in such a hurry that I couldn’t tell anyone. Not that there was anyone to tell. I thought about telling Yangsimless but decided against it, thinking of the credit card bill.

There would be no love until the Malangjolang installment payments were over. Of course, there would be no love at this meeting boasting a 100% couple success rate. I was determined to escape the deserted island, even if I had to swim alone. With that firm resolve, I looked around the port to find the meeting group. It wasn’t hard to find.

There was a group of tall, burly men. At first, I thought it was a gathering of strong fishermen, but their gloomy expressions made it clear they were meeting participants. They all looked like reservists re-enlisting in the military after three years. No, they looked even more gloomy and sad. In front of them was a man holding a flag, smiling brightly and explaining something. As I approached, he suddenly pointed at me.

“Oh! A new participant has arrived. Everyone, clap!”

Eight men turned to look at me simultaneously. I was startled.

“What’s your name?”

Han Jemyung. I muttered, looking around at the gathered people. Why were they all so burly? They couldn’t all be hunters. If Muscly Man or Clicker had come, they would have danced with joy. Everyone looked strong. And why were they looking at me like prey?!

“The couple success rate is really 100%.”

Someone suddenly spoke to me. I looked to the side and saw a man standing next to me. He wasn’t muscular, but he was very tall, almost as tall as Yangsimless.

“Do you think love will really blossom in extreme conditions?”

“No.”

He looked at me as if asking why. How could love blossom when you’re busy surviving? I was about to explain when the organizer suddenly called my name, pretending to be friendly.

“Oh, come to think of it, Mr. Han Jemyung was the first to apply! Nice to meet you!”

What did I do? Startled, I quickly raised my hand.

“Excuse me, I must be an automatic applicant.”

“No. Mr. Han Jemyung was the first to apply as soon as we opened the meeting schedule. We’re so grateful. We prepared hard this year to meet your expectations!”

Eight strong gazes turned to me again. It’s a misunderstanding. I would never apply for such a crazy meeting. I felt a surge of injustice, but the organizer’s nonsense wasn’t over yet.

“When you applied, you said you wanted to repay those who take care of you in extreme conditions with your body and lips. You said you’ve always dreamed of a deserted island. Haha, now your dream will come true.”

What kind of nonsense is this?! Startled, I took a step back. The gazes of those looking at me grew intense. I quickly waved my hand and shook my head. I couldn’t even speak properly. No, I didn’t apply. But those looking at me already saw me as a perverted deserted island enthusiast and were pleased.

Was he pleased? It was true. Some smirked slyly at the idea of reciprocating with their bodies, and others scanned my body up and down. What on earth is going on?! Could it be that everyone except me is a pervert? It sure seemed that way—damn. I barely held back a curse. Who on earth signed me up for this? Wait, at the first meeting, it was someone else who signed up. Could it be CEO Na again…?

“Alright, time’s almost up. Before boarding the boat, I’ll go over a few simple rules. First, if you are caught with any concealed items outside of your assigned belongings, you will receive a warning. Second, any acts of violence or creating a threatening atmosphere will also result in a warning. Lastly, and most importantly, group sex involving three or more people is absolutely forbidden. This event is for one-on-one meetings, and our incentives are only granted when two people form a complete couple.”

The organizer’s expression turned menacing as they mentioned incentives.

“Anyone who receives three or more warnings will face penalties. Specifically, if you break all the rules at least once, you’ll be isolated on a separate island and unable to participate in the meeting. Keep that in mind.”

As the warnings ended, the organizer smiled and pointed to the boat in front of us.

“Now, let’s board the boat.”

Everyone moved toward the boat, but I pulled out my phone to call CEO Na. The organizer, however, approached me and held out a hand.

“You were informed, right? All you need is a heart full of enthusiasm. Hand over the rest of your belongings.”

“Wait, just one phone call—”

“No calls to the police.”

“What?”

“Oh, were you not planning to report us to the police?”

What the heck? Have they been reported to the police often? Now I was even less inclined to board that boat.

“Don’t worry. There’s nothing to fear. Sure, someone once tried to call the police because they didn’t want to come, but even the police are powerless against the GM Weekly Matchmaking Law. Come on, let’s head to paradise.”

He forcibly took my phone and bag. I tightened my grip on the bag to resist, but the organizer suddenly widened his eyes and looked behind me.

“What?!”

What now? I reflexively turned around, and in that moment, he snatched the bag. Falling for such a cheap trick was infuriating. Stunned, I stood there as he patted my back.

“It’s fine. While it may not match the charm of a resort bungalow, we do have somewhat scenic accommodations.”

I hesitated for a moment and asked, “So, there’s no rubbing sticks together to start fires or anything, right?”

“Nope. Of course, you’ll have to make your own fire.”

Damn it. I should have run away then. But before I knew it, I was being pushed along and found myself reluctantly boarding the boat. I sat far away from the perverts who had ogled me. Life on a deserted island seemed destined to be a constant battle to protect my body. Dwelling on a bleak future, I sat gloomily, cursing CEO Na.

What was he thinking, sending me to a place like this? What crime had I committed to deserve this? Was it because I lazed around too much in a luxurious 4K accommodation? Or was he angry about me using too much electricity for hours of laptop use every day? I let my mind wander with all kinds of thoughts when someone asked the organizer a question.

“But there’s an odd number of us. There are nine people here. Doesn’t that mean one person should be excluded?”

As soon as I heard this, I shot my hand up. I volunteer! But the organizer ignored me like I was invisible.

“One more person will join us soon. They just called to say they’re almost here. Oh, and they applied just one minute after Han Jemyung here. When you see them, you’ll all be shocked! Hehehe…”

One minute after me? Who else fell into the same trap as I did? For a moment, I felt camaraderie with this tardy comrade. A pointless sentiment.

Thud!

The boat shook as someone stepped onto the deck. Just as the organizer said, everyone’s eyes widened to the size of saucers. A figure over 190cm tall climbed onto the deck, prompting someone to gasp audibly. The handsome man scanned the crowd with an impassive expression before walking over to me, the most stunned of all.

“You’ve arrived! Wow, you look even better in person than in your application photo!”

Ignoring the organizer’s excited chatter, he plopped down next to me and introduced himself.

“Nice to meet you.”

Still reeling from the organizer’s nonsense, I couldn’t respond. Instead, the organizer introduced him to the others.

“This is our final participant, Mr. James.”

The boat ride to the island took four hours. The entire time, I stared at the sea, pondering. If I jumped into the water now, could I swim back to land? Even if I took a lifetime’s supply of mutant Heartless serum, it would be impossible. Then, maybe I could hide in the bottom of the—

“Han Jemyung, do you know that guy? The Korean-American?”

The tall man who had spoken to me at the dock earlier started another conversation. I looked at the Korean-American he was referring to. James had stayed glued to my side the entire trip but was now talking to the organizer, catching up on the rules he had missed.

“…James and I are not acquainted in bright places.”

He seemed to find something odd about what I said but didn’t press further. Instead, he shared some information about Yangsimless.

“He’s supposedly from Italy. But when I greeted him with ‘Buongiorno,’ he asked if I was insulting him. Weird, right? Do you think he’s really from Italy?”

No, he’s from Gaebong-dong.

“Well, that’s not the important part. The issue is that James has his eyes on you, Han Jemyung.”

“James too?”

When I emphasized the word too, he laughed as if I should’ve known.

“Everyone here is after you, Han Jemyung.”

“Why are they after me? I don’t even have hidden food or anything.”

When I deadpanned, he chuckled. Yangsimless glanced at us. I wondered if he was about to come at us with a knife, but the organizer started talking to him, and his gaze shifted away.

“You’re a bottom, right, Han Jemyung? This event became a bit famous among tops last year. So this year, tops dreaming of hunting bottoms gathered here. But they all failed at the game of subtlety, which is why the place is packed with tops now. And since there’s only one target, everyone’s on edge.”

“And that one target would be?”

“Yes, you, Han Jemyung. So everyone, except me, is after you. If even the Korean-Italian James joins in, it’s going to get intense.”

I could guarantee that any fight wouldn’t last more than a minute.

“So they’re all targeting me because I look like the weakest?”

“Exactly. Plus, you’ve injured your right arm.”

“I’m ambidextrous.”

“Even so, you’re no match for those muscle-bound guys unless you’ve trained like I have.”

He glanced at the muscular men with sparkling eyes. That’s when I realized something.

“You’re not targeting me.”

“Nope. I prefer big, muscular guys. And, of course, I’m a top. Oh, don’t worry. I’ve trained in jiu-jitsu for a long time, so I’m excellent at pinning people down.”

This guy seemed like the biggest pervert of all.

“As soon as we arrive on the island, you’ll have to choose a partner. Of course, your partner can be taken by someone stronger along the way. So choose wisely who will protect you until the end. By the way, avoid the man with the scar on his face. I’ve already claimed him.”

I scanned the group, looking for the man with the scar. His torso seemed twice as wide as the chatterbox beside me.

“Have you set your sights on anyone?”

My gaze involuntarily landed on Yangsimless.

“Ah, I knew it. You seem most interested in James. He’s tall and handsome, but I wonder if he can handle everyone.”

“You really don’t know, do you?”

“Pardon?”

“What?”

He gave me a puzzled look before laughing softly.

“Do you know? Your gaze is really captivating, Han Jemyung. Like when you look into deep water and just want to keep staring. That’s the feeling. So let me give you some unsolicited advice: be cautious around James. He’s handsome, tall, has a nice voice—everything’s great, but there’s something off about him.”

He had a good eye for people. He’d go far in life.

“Be careful. Falling for looks alone might bring you trouble.”

I’d been in trouble for months already, but I appreciated the advice.

“You be careful too. And whatever you do, never offer to buy someone a meal.”

“Is that because eating together builds attachment?”

“No, it’s because you’ll go bankrupt.”

I offered my heartfelt advice. But it seemed my sincere warning came off as a joke. He suddenly burst out laughing.

“Haha, you’re really funny.”

Scratch that—he wasn’t going far in life. Yangsimless looked at me again, his eyes narrowing slightly. I flinched reflexively as the man who was likely to go broke smirked and asked,

“Han Jemyung, you don’t have muscles, but should I give it a shot too?”

“I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s not jiu-jitsu, but I know a similar technique.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“Punching.”

“If you’re going to talk nonsense, just leave.”

I gave him a warning glance, and he shrugged before stepping back. As soon as he did, a few others approached him, seemingly asking questions—probably trying to gather information about me. Should I have said I’m good with knives instead of fists?

“Should I just drown them all in the sea?”

The chilling mutter made me jump. I turned around to see Yangsimless, who had been watching the group, now shifting his gaze to me. The bloodlust in his eyes was momentarily replaced by something else entirely.

“You’re trembling like a baby bird.”

A cheesy comment delivered out of nowhere struck me like a critical hit. And that wasn’t the end of it—Yangsimless looked at me with a gaze so drenched in sentimentality that it felt like method acting. Unless he had a second personality, this was Oscar-worthy. For a moment, I almost blurted out, James?!

“Who’s trembling? Not me.”

“Your face is stiff.”

Because of you! I took a deep breath to calm myself and asked evenly,

“You secretly signed me up for this meeting, didn’t you?”

“I wanted to see you.”

What nonsense is this? I leaned back cautiously, only to hear something even more unsettling.

“Your eyes are truly beautiful.”

A chill ran through my entire body, as if I’d been pricked by needles. Even slathering butter in sesame oil wouldn’t make me feel greasier than this moment. I nearly cursed out loud but held it in. Oddly, though, the compliment wasn’t entirely unpleasant.

“I wanted to meet you in broad daylight, James.”

“And that’s why you dragged me to an island? You should’ve just told me in advance.”

“You would’ve refused.”

Well, he wasn’t wrong. But this sudden trip to a deserted island was a bit much…

“I wanted to see how beautiful your eyes are in the sunlight. Even the sun can’t outshine their brilliance.”

Another chill—and a pounding heart. Maybe I’m the one with a split personality. Half of me wanted to punch his mouth for saying something so corny, while the other half felt giddy and shy. I had to work hard to keep my expression in check; otherwise, I’d end up with some weird mix of smiling and grimacing. Still, I answered firmly,

“No. The sun wins.”

“Forget such scientific thinking.”

What’s scientific about this? Before I could retort, he kept talking.

“Just three days. For three days, let’s live freely, however we want. It’s GM Week. Even the most restrained and proper people let loose and indulge during this time. That’s the whole point of this period. And now we’re on a deserted island where no one will find out. We’re already on the boat; there’s no going back. This is your chance. Let the real Han Jemyung out. You want someone to protect you when you’re in danger, shower you with sweet compliments, and cherish you like a princess, don’t you? I’ll do it. I’d love to.”

His words reminded me of when I first fell for him in the dark. My ears perked up, and I couldn’t help but agree. He was right. We were already on the boat, and it was GM Week—the nation-sanctioned matchmaking festival. During this time, you could roll around with anyone, and people would applaud you, even admire you as an achiever.

Yes, my dream is to be cared for like a princess, to be showered with sweet praises, to—wait. I froze and looked at Yangsimless. How did he know what I wanted? Could it be… did he know I wrote Love, Purity, Passion, That Name Is the Burning White Rose?

“CEO Kook. Did I…”

“James.”

“…James. How did you know what I wanted?”

“Your novel. I know everything now.”

What?! I took a step back, only to stagger as the boat rocked. Yangsimless quickly grabbed my arm. I could feel the sharp gazes of some participants, their eyes filled with animosity. Not that it mattered now.

“Y-you know everything? What does that even mean?”

“You like those cheesy, over-the-top romance novels, don’t you?”

“Th-that’s…”

“I get it. Once one person in a group spreads it, everyone ends up reading it and adopting the taste. Even in 4K, everyone except one annoying guy shares my taste in novels.”

The fact that the annoying guy was probably CEO Na wasn’t even the issue here.

“Spread it?!”

“Three years ago, in the desert, I picked up a bag belonging to someone I wanted to fight. There was a notebook in there—it was your novel. The TP department probably got into it the same way, didn’t they?”

I was momentarily stunned. After the ant nest incident a week ago, I thought CEO Kook knew everything about me. At least he knew I was a TP department member and that I sought revenge on the leader. However, he didn’t know that the person he saved was me. But something felt off.

“So the owner of the notebook is…”

“The person I wanted to fight. Come to think of it, Mr. Han Jemyung, you might know. He had the same last name as you, Han. I don’t remember the first name well, but it wasn’t Jemyung.”

Does he not realize my name is an alias? Would someone living as Jiwoo use their real name? Then I suddenly recalled when he challenged me to a fight in the ant nest. I thought it was dirty that he closed his eyes, but it was also strange. He wanted to fight me so badly three years ago, yet he closed his eyes and easily won without facing me head-on. Did he not know I was the person he was looking for?

“Do you know anything about the person you wanted to fight, other than the last name?”

“I heard he fights as well as I do. A hunter I know saw him at the desert border. So, of course, it’s not you, Mr. Han Jemyung.”

The words “let’s fight shirtless again” were on the tip of my tongue, but I held back. Of course, I held back because of my injured arm. It’s definitely not because I knew I’d lose. Still, I asked just in case.

“Did you ever think it might be me?”

“No way. It’s said to be the best secret department in our country, and if Mr. Han Jemyung is the best, that department doesn’t deserve to be called the best.”

It doesn’t.

“So, of course, it’s not you, Mr. Han Jemyung. Right?”

“…Yes.”

And so, I protected the honor of the department. I could only wish for the repose of the imaginary Han, who was as excellent as Yangsimless. But if he did a little investigation, he’d know it was me. No, even with a little intuition, he’d know it was me. I looked at Yangsimless seriously. Did he become Heartless? I tried to recall if being a fool was a symptom of Heartless, but I couldn’t find any.

So is he really clueless only when it comes to me? Does that mean I can do anything without getting caught? It was good news, but I soon found a big downside. If Yangsimless’s feelings for me cooled… Gulp. I got goosebumps all over. I looked at Yangsimless with a different perspective. Does that mean I have to keep this man’s heart forever?

“Don’t overthink it.”

“W-what do you mean?”

“You’re thinking of running away from me.”

Close enough. When I didn’t answer, he smirked.

“Run away with your small feet. I’ll gladly chase after you.”

My foot size is 275mm. His tone became cheesy again.

“Mr. Guk… James, if I assume I like being treated like a princess, just assume, wouldn’t you have to act for three days because of me? Can you handle that?”

He looked at me strangely.

“Do I look like someone who would do something I don’t like, even a little?”

No. I admitted my mistake.

“So you like saying and doing cheesy things?”

“Yes. It fits perfectly. I realized it for sure this time.”

He proudly lifted his chin.

“I’m prince material.”

On the endless, fishy-smelling sea, on the deck of a fishing boat swaying with the waves, I had no choice but to admit it. That man was my destined partner.

When we landed on the island, I had already decided to accept the role-play. It’s just three days. During GM week, in a place where no one knows me, no one will know what I do. Plus, my writer’s curiosity was piqued. I always wanted the protagonist, Wishu, to meet a partner who owned an island.

My novels had all sorts of clichés, but I hadn’t written a story about a lover owning an island. It was too precious. If the background was a white sandy beach, palm trees, blue sky, and sea, it had to be a beautiful love story. Until now, the perfect partner for Wishu to use this precious material hadn’t appeared. But now that I’ve met CEO Kook, I’m ready to go to the island. So, for a realistic novel, I would enjoy the beautiful deserted island to the fullest…

“Ah! Why are there so many mosquitoes here?!”

Someone screamed. What greeted us at the small dock was a swarm of mosquitoes working hard despite the cool autumn weather.

“Here, here, we have mosquito repellent. Spray it on.”

The organizer handed out spray repellent with a smile. I wondered how he could smile, and then I saw he was wearing dozens of mosquito-repellent bracelets and patches all over his body. The smell was enough to repel humans too.

“First, take your belongings. There’s a mosquito net inside, so make sure to set it up in your assigned accommodation. The small walkie-talkie in the outer pocket can contact the headquarters in the center of the island. It only works on the island, and we’ll contact you with any announcements through the walkie-talkie, so keep it with you. Now, shall we decide on partners first?”

The faces of the people who were annoyed by the mosquitoes became tense. I could feel their gazes on me. It was absurd. I had been called many things, but weak was not one of them.

“The method is simple. We’ll hold a popularity vote, and the person with the most votes will choose their partner first.”

I felt relieved at those words. I thought I would obviously be the first, so I could pretend to have no choice but to pick James. The vote ended with an unknown tension, and the organizer announced the results.

“First place, with seven votes… Song Youngdal!”

It wasn’t me. Who is Youngdal? I was surprised and looked around. The jiu-jitsu guy who had talked to me on the boat raised his hand and stepped forward. Huh? Didn’t he say he was aiming for Muscly Man? Why first place then… I saw the reason on the faces of the muscly men. They had triumphant smiles. They had united to let Song Youngdal, who had a preference for muscly men, choose first to reduce competition.

“Mr. Song Youngdal, who will you choose as your partner?”

“That person.”

He pointed his finger directly. I followed his finger with my eyes and froze. The finger was pointing at me. Damn. I wasn’t the only one cursing internally. The betrayed muscly men also frowned. But my gaze was fixed on Yangsimless. Without realizing it, I was watching his reaction. He remained expressionless.

“Yes, Mr. Han Jemyung, you have been chosen. By the way, Mr. Han Jemyung, you received one vote, making you third.”

Obviously, Yangsimless voted for me, right? But Song Youngdal smiled at me as if saying, “I voted for you.” Wait, then the second place has two votes. I voted for Yangsimless. So who else voted for Yangsimless… himself. Yeah, he voted for himself in a popularity contest. I hadn’t seen that since elementary school class president elections.

“Second place, with two votes, is Mr. James. Who will you choose? By the way, Mr. Han Jemyung has already been chosen, so please exclude him.”

“Mr. Han Jemyung.”

“Mr. James, you can’t choose Mr. Han Jemyung. Someone else…”

“Mr. Han Jemyung.”

“So…”

“Mr. Han Jemyung.”

“……”

“Mr. Han Jemyung.”

“I didn’t even say anything?”

“Mr. Han Jemyung.”

Everyone looked at him as if he were crazy. The organizer sighed heavily and held back his anger.

“If you keep insisting on something that’s not allowed, you’ll get a warning.”

“I’m insisting because it’s allowed.”

“Allowed?”

“Mr. Song Youngdal will yield.”

The organizer’s face hardened. He quickly glanced at Song Youngdal and lowered his voice.

“You shouldn’t call him by that name so carelessly.”

“No, leave it. He doesn’t know who I am, so he might make a mistake.”

Song Youngdal smiled and stopped the organizer.

“Mr. James, I’m Song Youngdal.”

“That’s not important right now.”

No, it is. Song Youngbal sounds more rustic. Song Youngdal’s eyebrow twitched as if he found it important too, but he remained composed.

“Yes, right now, your absurd insistence like a child is more important. But I won’t yield.”

“No, you will. You’ll be isolated from the meeting due to accumulated warnings, so you’ll have to yield.”

“Isolated? Me? Haha, that’s absurd. Want to bet?”

Oh, that’s a bit much.

“Bet? Will you buy me a meal or something?”

“Will a meal be enough?”

Youngdal, stop. My desperate cry echoed internally, but Youngdal, who had taken the bait, went further.

“I’ll cover your meal costs for life.”

Song Youngdal, who could have been great, was now on the path to bankruptcy.

“But if your prediction is wrong, you’ll kneel and beg in front of everyone.”

It was even more pitiful. If you’re going to make a condition, it should be something like giving up all your assets. Just kneeling? I can do that too. What’s so special about kneeling? But Mr. Youngdal was satisfied with humiliating his opponent and turned to the organizer.

“Is this acceptable?”

“Of course, of course.”

The organizer nodded vigorously. Just like when he gave a warning for the name earlier, it seemed like he was trying to appease Song Youngdal. Moreover, the organizer seemed to side with him, getting angry at Yangsimless.

“On what grounds are you slandering Mr. Song Youngdal, saying he’ll be isolated?”

“You said if you break each rule once, you’ll be isolated. First, you can’t bring unauthorized items to the island.”

Then he turned to Youngdal. The organizer looked at him too, and Mr. Youngdal gave a nervous laugh.

“What did I bring?”

“A lighter.”

Flinch. He didn’t say anything, but his pupils shook, confessing his guilt. The organizer’s face showed surprise.

“Ahem, Mr. Song Youngdal. Do you really have a lighter?”

“No, I don’t…”

“Take off your shoes.”

Yangsimless tilted his chin and commanded. Youngdal closed his mouth, confirming his guilt again. The organizer looked between the two and then got angry at Yangsimless again.

“Without any evidence, you keep…”

“I don’t see a safety light.”

“What?”

“The Heartless safety light. If the GM weekly matchmaking law is above the police, then the Heartless prevention law is above that. You’ve violated the obligation to install safety lights in residential areas.”

“This isn’t a residential area. It’s an uninhabited island.”

“If there are accommodations and records of three or more visits within a month, the obligation to install safety lights in residential areas applies. You’ve been here three times or more for meeting preparations, right? I’m curious if the police will ignore it when I report the lack of safety lights, just like you’re ignoring my report.”

The organizer couldn’t say anything. He seemed to make up his mind and held out his hand to Youngdal.

“Give it to me.”

“I really don’t…”

“The only wild experience on the island is making fire, and you brought a lighter? How much do you underestimate our meeting! …I mean, I’m sure you had other reasons. I understand.”

The face of someone who understood looked like he didn’t want to understand anything. Mr. Youngdal, who had been holding out, handed over the lighter hidden in his shoe. It was real. Seeing that, I was shocked in a different way. So we really have to make fire on this island? How are we supposed to cook? While I worried about food, Mr. Youngdal looked at Yangsimless with annoyed eyes.

“How did you know?”

“I guessed.”

Everyone laughed in disbelief. I was the only one serious. You are witnessing the god of guessing.

“So what are you going to report about me next? Do you think I have another lighter hidden?”

“It could be something else.”

Yangsimless’s gaze scanned Youngdal’s body and stopped at his chest. He was wearing a necklace with a medal, and when Yangsimless looked at it, he quickly tucked the medal inside his clothes. He suddenly cleared his throat.

“Ahem, how long do we have to listen to this person’s nonsense?”

“Second, if you use violence or create a threatening atmosphere, you get a warning. So you’ll get another warning.”

“Did I use violence? Did I pull out a knife or something?”

“A knife would be better. Your face causes discomfort and anger.”

Mr. Youngdal lost his smile.

“Hey, you better watch your mouth. You’ll regret it when you find out who I am.”

“I know, you’re Song Youngbal.”

“I’m warning you, I hate it when people joke about my name.”

“Yeah, I did it to annoy you. Want me to annoy you more? I’ll search your body thoroughly to see if there’s anything else. How about that?”

Mr. Youngdal closed his mouth. He must have something else hidden. The organizer also sensed something was wrong and stepped forward, but Mr. Youngdal raised his hands and stepped back.

“I really can’t deal with this person. Fine, I’ll yield Mr. Han Jemyung. He’s not my type anyway, but I thought he’d be good bait. What a shame.”

Bait? Song Youngbal, what a jerk.

“Then Mr. Han Jemyung will be paired with Mr. James.”

The organizer, already looking exhausted, managed to form one couple.

“Now, for the rest of the couples, sigh, what is it?”

Yangsimless raised his hand.

“Aren’t you going to give a warning?”

“No, I’m not. Don’t bring up that issue again.”

“Those ugly faces are causing eye terrorism and inciting violence.”

Yangsimless pointed not only at Song Youngbal but also at the other muscly men. They all stepped forward with murderous looks. They seemed ready to pounce on Yangsimless at any moment. Seeing them, Yangsimless immediately reported to the organizer.

“Do you see that? Give them a warning quickly.”

“Mr. James…”

“Wait, I have an objection too. That guy’s foul mouth is creating a violent atmosphere, so give Mr. James or whatever a warning too.”

Muscly Man 1 raised his hand and shouted. As 1 spoke up, everyone else joined in.

“Yeah, that guy deserves 100 warnings!”

“His face is violent… Damn, everything about him except his face is foul, so give him a warning and kick him off the island!”

“Let’s redo the couple decisions. That guy forced Mr. Han Jemyung to be his partner! This is nonsense!”

With Muscly Men 1-7 all shouting at once, it was hard to tell if this was a deserted island or a bustling market. The organizer, unable to bear it any longer, blew his whistle.

“Beep! Everyone, quiet down! You’re all getting one warning each! Ah, except for Mr. Han Jemyung.”

Even in his anger, the organizer gave out warnings accurately. So everyone except me got a warning. I had a bad feeling that I might end up alone on the island.

“Everyone, get a grip! How can you find a lifelong partner if you start off selfishly saying only what you want?! Huh?! Calm down!”

If only the organizer calmed down, peace might return. Everyone kept their mouths shut but glared at Yangsimless.

“You’ll be the first to get isolated with a warning. You’ll never find a partner on this island.”

Someone muttered loudly enough for everyone to hear. Someone else immediately agreed.

“Yeah, that guy will never leave this island as a couple.”

The organizer tried to quiet them again, but Yangsimless spoke first.

“What if I’m the only one who becomes a couple?”

“Only you? Haha, even if we all find partners, you won’t. Want to bet?”

And so, the prelude to misfortune began again. I raised my hand to reduce the number of bankrupt people.

“Bets encourage gambling and are not good for a healthy social culture…”

“Bets are good.”

The king of bets readily agreed, and the muscly men accepted with sneers.

“James, if you don’t find a partner in this meeting, you’ll stay on this island even after three days. You won’t leave until we send a boat. Got it?”

“What if you don’t find partners?”

“Us? Haha, then we’ll stay!”

And so, new residents were born on the deserted island. Only the organizer, like me, was annoyed by the bet, but he couldn’t stop the big muscly men. He looked pained, trying to accommodate their objections.

“Shouldn’t we redo the partner decisions?”

At the muscly men’s request, the organizer rubbed his forehead. At this point, shouldn’t he ask for my opinion too? I felt left out. I was the most popular in this meeting, but no one cared. The organizer didn’t care about me either.

“Let’s switch to drawing lots.”

Then he glanced at Yangsimless. When he didn’t resist, the organizer sighed in relief. The others finally seemed satisfied and gathered to draw lots. And they witnessed the power of the god of drawing lots once again.

“Mr. James drew… Mr. Han Jemyung.”

Yangsimless silenced everyone and offered words of consolation.

“Good luck with your ugly partners.”

Even if the word “deserted island” sounds romantic, never go to one. Leave fantasies and romance as they are. Trying to become a free spirit might make you busier than a worker with no holidays.