The Perfect Vol. 4 Chapter 4

Korean deserted islands are full of bugs. The place assigned to us as accommodation was more of a ruin than a shelter. Although it was supposed to be just Yangsimless and me, it looked like a ghost could easily make it three. We had already half given up on a promiscuous and passionate deserted island life after encountering mosquitoes at the island’s entrance, but seeing the ruins wiped out even the tiny bit of romance left.

However, there was no time to be discouraged. The sun was about to set, and we needed to set up a proper sleeping place. The survival backpack provided by the organizers contained military emergency rations, blankets, a flashlight, a multipurpose knife, a map, bottled water, and a fishing rod. And there were several boxes of condoms and lube. These items took up one-third of the backpack.

Sex all day for three days? This ruin could kill any sexual desire. Forget sexual desire; we needed a place to sleep. Fortunately, the ruin still had walls and a roof. Since we had to sleep here, we spent a long time cleaning the inside. As I wrestled with spider webs and stepped outside, I froze. Yangsimless, who had disappeared upon our arrival, was making a fire in the yard.

“Did you hide a lighter?”

“No.”

“Then how did you start the fire?”

“Well. Can’t you, Mr. Han Jemyung?”

No. There’s no reason to start a fire by rubbing sticks together when we have the convenience of a lighter. I’m not a caveman. But he hit my weak spot again.

“Aren’t you from the top-ranked TP department in Korea?”

“…Of course, I can.”

“I thought so. It’s fun doing it after a long time. You make the next fire, Mr. Han Jemyung.”

I vowed never to let this fire go out for three days. I stared at the burning flames with the determination of a Neanderthal to protect the fire even if it rained.

“But where did Director Kook learn to start a fire?”

“It’s James.”

Oh, come on. Do we have to do this in a near-homeless environment? I was about to scold him, but his eyes sparkled unusually, so I decided to play along.

“Yes, Mr. James.”

“In Italy, everyone does it as a basic skill. Compared to the blazing wildfire in my heart for you, this is nothing.”

There was a flood in my heart. Was it because I was hungry that it was less touching? But Yangsimless, misinterpreting my hungry gaze as being moved, smiled slightly.

“This place is nice, right?”

Which part exactly?

“The house is cozy too.”

I should have made him clean the cobwebs. But I couldn’t complain. He must have gone fishing while I was cleaning the ruins. Behind him, there was an old, dented bucket full of fish. And he was skewering them and placing them over the fire. The skewers were smooth as if they had been carved with a knife, and the fish were scored perfectly for cooking. The makeshift wooden support to prevent burning and everything else looked experienced.

“Is fishing also a basic skill in Italy?”

“Only in my family. Everyone is good at fishing.”

When Yangsimless said it, “good” took on a different meaning. I suspected they were all gods of fishing. I could imagine his family catching fish in the sea like legendary fishermen.

“My uncle especially loved fishing. He caught a huge tuna, and it made the news. Then he went back to the sea to catch a bigger fish and returned six months later.”

“Did he catch a bigger fish?”

“No. He lost all his assets to my aunt and got divorced.”

Should I be listening to someone else’s painful family history? As I worried, Yangsimless asked me.

“Isn’t it romantic?”

“…”

At first, I couldn’t believe my ears. But seeing the subtle smile on his lips, it was indeed romantic. I tried to use as much rational thinking as possible to understand Yangsimless’s words. Maybe his uncle was a human trash hated by the whole family. So everyone might find happiness in his misfortune.

“Did your uncle embezzle the family’s money or something…?”

“No. He’s someone who could live without laws.”

“Does that mean he’s a scoundrel even the law can’t handle?”

“How did you know my uncle was born in the Year of the Dog?”

“…”

“You really are interested in me.”

Sorry, but I don’t even know your name. I had thought of him as Guk Guk Mr. in my mind, but now it seemed like names didn’t matter. My name is fake anyway.

“Well, it’s only natural to be interested in someone as perfect as me.”

I take it back. To hurl more detailed insults, I need a name. It’s unfortunate that I have to curse all Guks by calling him “Guk guy.” Right now, I can only hope for a lightning strike as a natural punishment. But the sky was clear without a cloud.

“Sometimes I wish there were things I couldn’t do.”

There already are. Spelling. Your spelling is terrible. Not to mention, his drawings are too dreadful to even comment on.

“It’s only natural for you to fall for me, Mr. Han Jemyung.”

“Is it really natural?”

“Yes.”

He nodded and smiled.

“It’s your heart; didn’t you know? That dumb head of yours is still the same. Cute.”

A deserted island is quite dangerous. The impulse that I could commit a perfect crime by killing and eliminating evidence here surged. I barely resisted the temptation, but strangely, his nonsense didn’t annoy me. Maybe because there was a compliment attached this time, calling me cute. He seemed to be playing the James character well.

“My uncle grew up being called dumb at home, but he’s doing well now by using his special skills.”

“Uncle born in the Year of the Dog?”

“No. Uncle born in the Year of the Pig.”

“You have many uncles.”

“Only two.”

“Uh, so what special skill does your uncle born in the Year of the Pig have?”

“Sex.”

“…”

“I think I inherited my uncle’s special skill the best.”

“That’s enough about that. So what’s your uncle doing now?”

I wouldn’t be surprised if Uncle Pig became a legendary host or stripper.

“He’s a civil servant.”

“…”

I reflected on underestimating the Yangsimless family. They were as unpredictable as my novels.

“How is being a civil servant using his special skills?”

“He handles divorce papers. Most people who come in are unhappy, so he personally provides them with joy and encourages them to start a new life.”

Uncle Pig was a scary person.

“Isn’t it a beautiful thing?”

His voice was even gentle. Was he crazy? Or did he react so positively just because it was about family?

“It seems the world is full of beautiful and touching things.”

It certainly wasn’t Yangsimless-like. Nor was it cheesy enough to be James-like.

“I’m jealous. I can’t think of any.”

He held a skewer with deliciously cooked fish, wafting a mouth-watering smell. I swallowed my saliva without realizing it. But he just held it without giving it to me.

“Even with this?”

“The world is indeed touching and beautiful.”

I answered without a moment’s hesitation. The smell was heavenly. I removed the burnt part of the fish and took a bite. The taste was incredible. It was so moving I almost cried. Maybe because I was hungry, it tasted fantastic. He watched me eat and handed me another one. I eagerly took it but paused. He was smiling. No, looking closer, he was expressionless, but it felt like he was smiling.

“Aren’t you going to eat?”

“This place is really nice, right?”

He asked the same question for the second time. I seriously pondered as I ate the fish he gave me. Why is he saying that?

“Do you think this place is nice?”

“Yes. It’s beautiful and romantic. The scenery is stunning.”

Maybe I would feel that way if he caught a tuna and made sashimi. But with the ruins, attacking bugs, the smoky campfire, and the harsh environment, I couldn’t conjure such sentiments. But the scenery was somewhat acceptable.

From here, I could see the sea. The sun was setting, and the blue haze was sinking into the sea. The sound of the waves was like a gentle orchestra. I admired the sea for a moment. Then I turned to him.

He was still smiling—a faint, barely perceptible smile lingering at the corners of his lips. Suddenly, it hit me: he’d been smiling the entire time. A cheerful, almost giddy smile that seemed out of place. So, his uncle’s divorce was romantic, and his civil servant uncle’s work was beautiful, simply because he was in a good mood?

“Isn’t this nice? Just the two of us.”

Technically, we weren’t alone; the other meeting participants were around. Besides, everything about this situation felt terrible to me. All I wanted was to lie down in a comfortable bed. Sure, the fish was delicious, but I’d rather be in my room, eating instant noodles and rice.

“Well, I guess it’s nice.”

His smile grew even wider at my response.

“Then how about we have sex now?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Okay, how about we fight to the death?”

“Do you really want to fight me?”

“If you want to, Han Jemyung. But if we do, it won’t end like last time with you just fainting. What do you say? Want to give it a shot?”

No. I shook my head and stared at him like he was insane. Was he serious about fighting?

“If you had to choose between the two, which would it be? Sex with me or a fight? Pick one.”

“Why do I have to choose? And why are those the only options?”

“It’s hypothetical. If the world were to end tomorrow, what would you want to do with me? One of the two.”

I kept my mouth shut for a long moment, but his expectant gaze eventually forced an answer out of me.

“Sex.”

“……”

“Not that I mean I want to do it right now.”

“Then what do you want to do right now?”

Escape from this island?

“If you can’t think of anything, how about heading to the beach to catch fish for tomorrow’s meal?”

“It’s dark. You’re suggesting we go fishing now?”

“Yes, it’s dark. The path down is dangerous, and if a wave hits us, we could die. Or you could just have sex with me here.”

“It’s hypothetical,” he added again.

“Tomorrow’s food can just come from the military rations the organizers provided…”

“Better not eat those,” he said as he placed the fish on the fire.

“They don’t feel right.”

His words were oddly convincing. Even if all I had left to eat were seaweed strands from the beach, I vowed never to touch those rations.

“So, what’ll it be? Fishing or sex?”

“…Sex. Are you going to keep asking pointless questions?”

“Sure. Or choose something else. If not sex, then—”

“Then the next option.”

“A kiss.”

“……”

“It’s hypothetical. If the world ended tomorrow, which would you choose between the two?”

I took a bite of fish and stared at him.

“Sex.”

His lips curled silently into a smirk. Finally, he took a bite of fish himself. We ate in silence for a while before I decided it was time to clarify something important.

“Of course, I’m the one doing the ‘giving.’”

Yangsimless’s eyes slowly rose to meet mine. He chewed his fish quietly, watching me. I didn’t back down and held his gaze as he asked,

“You want to do it to me?”

“Yes.”

“Was my butt that tempting to you?”

Honestly, I don’t even remember your butt.

“You’re a man. It’s natural to feel the urge. Isn’t it the same for you, James?”

“Yes. Getting done hurts, after all.”

I couldn’t even muster a retort at his realistic reasoning.

“And I’ve only imagined doing it. Han Jemyung, your butt is amazing.”

It was a compliment, but it didn’t feel good.

“Fine. Then we’ll take turns for fairness.”

“Or we could settle it with rock-paper-scissors.”

“No.”

I shook my head firmly.

“I absolutely refuse to leave this to luck.”

“Then let’s decide by skill. Physical competition.”

“No. Anything involving the body is out of the question.”

I quickly added,

“Math is out, too. And foreign languages. Oh, and guessing the capacity or weight of an empty container is especially off-limits.”

After saying all that, I realized something. I’m being unreasonable.

“Hmm, I guess I’ve been a bit demanding.”

“I’m surprised you’re aware.”

“So, do you dislike me?”

“No.”

He resumed eating his fish, and I turned my gaze away, trying to hide my smile. He really seemed to like me. My shoulders couldn’t help but lift slightly in smug satisfaction.

“What would you want to do if the world ended tomorrow, James?”

“Dig.”

“To make a grave?”

“Of course not. I’d build a bunker to survive. Even if everyone else dies, I’d stay alive.”

What kind of human cockroach was this?

“But it’d be different if I were with you, Han Jemyung.”

“Why? Can’t you build a bunker big enough for the two of us?”

“No, it’s impossible to dig a two-person bunker in just a day. We’d waste our precious final hours digging and die anyway.”

At times, this man was surprisingly practical.

“I’ll dig yours, too. You can survive alone and enjoy yourself.”

“What would be the point without you, Han Jemyung?”

Well, that was somewhat touching.

“I can’t even have sex by myself.”

I wanted to slap myself for feeling moved.

“I’d like to introduce you to a lifelong partner: your right hand.”

“You can’t kiss your right hand, though. You can’t hold it close and lie there silently with it, either.”

I hesitated, surprised at his unexpected answer. His indifferent voice continued.

“You can’t hold each other tightly and look at the stars, or see someone waking up next to you in the morning.”

“My face gets really puffy in the morning.”

“I know. It looks like a rice cake.”

“…Well, good thing the world isn’t ending tomorrow. You’ll never see my puffy face up close.”

“You never know. The world might end tomorrow.”

“Ha, as if. It’s not like a war is breaking out or anything.”

“…”

“Please tell me you’re joking.”

But he just shrugged and put the rest of the fish on the fire. My expression inevitably hardened. It was obvious this was just a ploy to get me to sleep with him, yet I couldn’t ignore the fact that he was Director Kook. When Director Ryu asked me to spy on Director Kook for him, I laughed it off. Now, I wanted to laugh at my past self. Somehow, I found myself believing everything Yangsimless said. Could the world actually end tomorrow? No, I couldn’t let myself get carried away. I steeled my thoughts.

“The world isn’t going to end tomorrow. No way.”

“No one can say for sure. A comet might suddenly crash into Earth.”

“!”

That was entirely plausible—not because I often used comets in my novels, but because the thought filled me with sudden fear. Rationally, I knew it wasn’t likely, but my heart was less sure. It was the same feeling I got when North Korea fired missiles: outwardly laughing it off but inwardly worrying, What if a war really breaks out?

I glanced at Yangsimless as he continued eating. Unlike me, who was growing uneasy, he looked calm, content even. He seemed genuinely happy to be with me, even if the world ended tomorrow. Realizing that, a strange flutter stirred in my chest.

“Do you like stargazing?”

“No. But I have one intensely vivid memory of it, and that’s why I want to see it with you, Han Jemyung.”

“What memory is that?”

I asked seriously, and he answered casually, as though it were no big deal.

“One night, I was lying in the middle of nowhere, waiting to die. The only thing visible was the stars in the sky. Somehow, I felt utterly at peace. It was beautiful. But that was the only time the sky ever looked that beautiful to me.”

“That’s surprising. I didn’t think someone like Director Kook would have ever waited for death. You seem like the last person to ever give up on life.”

“I didn’t give up. I just thought I was going to die. But I didn’t. My grandmother used to nag me all the time, saying that while I was naturally gifted, relying only on that wouldn’t help me when it really mattered. I survived thanks to her.”

“Was that the only time you didn’t trust your instincts?”

“Not at all. It happens often.”

What? So he wasn’t like some human compass, always following his set direction?

“But that was the first time. After that, I decided to test it. To throw myself into places where I felt I might die.”

“You mean like running into a fire pit?”

“Something like that. I once threw myself into a bomb crater to fight someone who claimed to be as strong as me.”

Talking with this person sometimes brought unexpected emotional attacks. Usually, they were feelings of annoyance or disbelief, but this time it was different. It made me choke up.

“Thank you.”

“For what, Han Jemyung?”

“Just… thank you. You saved a life, after all.”

He scoffed, a sound that lingered vividly in my ears.

“What’s so funny?”

“It’s not funny.”

“You just laughed.”

“I was just dumbfounded by such an obvious display of gratitude.”

What obvious intent? My words were full of heartfelt sincerity.

“You only thanked me to ease the guilt of the person I saved, didn’t you?”

“No, I truly meant it…”

“No matter how grateful you are, unless that damned No-Thank-You bastard crawls out of hell and compensates me financially, there’s no such thing as forgiveness in my life.”

How thoughtful of him. Even after doing someone a favor, he relieved them of the burden of feeling gratitude.

“By any chance… um, if that person is still alive…”

“The No-Thank-You bastard is dead. If he were alive, there’s no way I wouldn’t have found him.”

“Well, let’s say hypothetically… if that person…”

“The No-Thank-You bastard?”

“…Yes, hypothetically, if that person were me, would you still not forgive them?”

“I would.”

His unexpected answer surprised me, and once again, I felt moved. I resolved to confess the truth and express the gratitude I hadn’t been able to before.

“Actually, I…”

“Of course, forgiveness and compensation are two separate matters. Even if it’s you, Han Jemyung, I’d still make sure to collect what’s owed. The closer the relationship, the more you need to keep financial matters strict.”

“The No-Thank-You bastard will never return from hell.”

He nodded as if in agreement.

“Hell suits the No-Thank-You bastard.”

How considerate of him, to even think of my afterlife.

“You’re remarkable. Not many could stick to their principles so firmly, even with someone they love. I wish I had that kind of willpower.”

“It’s impossible. People have their limits. Even willpower is something you’re born with. Telling someone to push themselves harder when they’ve reached their limit is just forcing them to break.”

“But what if they want to change themselves?”

“I already said, willpower is part of what you’re born with. The problem lies with those who don’t have it. You don’t need to force yourself to change, Han Jemyung. Just live as you are. Even like this, I like you.”

I must be losing my mind, finding comfort in those condescending words.

“The most important thing in life is me. The measure of success is how much you live on your own terms. We’ve both been through near-death experiences. If there’s no guarantee of tomorrow, it’s better not to delay what you want to do.”

He was right. For once, I nodded enthusiastically. He leaned closer toward me.

“If the world ended tomorrow, what would you want to do with me?”

“Well, I’d… have se—”

I froze mid-sentence, horrified. After all the talk about sex earlier, it had cemented itself as the default answer in my mind. Damn this cunning man!

“Have what?”

“Se… sekk.”

“Sex?”

“No, sekk-sekk… like jumping rope. Double jumps.”

“…”

“Even if I die tomorrow, I need to stay healthy today, so exercise is important.”

He suddenly stood up from his seat.

“Let’s go. Exercise.”

“Now?”

“Tomorrow, the world might end, and you’re just going to sit there without digesting your food? Get up. I’ll gladly help Han Jemyung fulfill his wish.”

“It’s dark, and wandering around the mountains now is a bit…”

“That’s what flashlights are for. Or I can make you a torch if you’d rather carry that while you run.”

When I was five, my dream was to carry the Olympic torch. Looks like it’s finally coming true. But I hated this so much. I was exhausted, full from dinner, and just wanted to lie down by a cozy fire. Resolving to stand my ground, I opened my mouth.

“Let’s just have sex.”

“No, thanks.”

“Then how about a kiss?”

He seemed to hesitate for a moment, but his eyes soon gleamed with firm resolve.

“Stop trying to pull a fast one and get up. Before dawn, we’re running around this island three laps. Twice.”

Three laps?! And what does “three laps, twice” even mean? Three laps is three laps!

“I just wanted to do some light jogging…”

“Three laps, three laps. If we go fast, it’s quick-quick, and if we go even faster, it’s sprint-sprint. See?”

Hey, stop twisting words like that! Even elementary school kids wouldn’t pull this nonsense! Furious, I shot to my feet, only for him to shove a flashlight into my hand with a low warning.

“Run all you want. If you try to escape, I’ll make sure you run three laps, three laps around this island while fleeing.”

He grinned, baring his teeth. I had forgotten just how petty this man could be.

* * *

Wi Siwoo had only intended to take a quick nap while working overtime, but he accidentally fell into a deep sleep. The last thing he remembered was resting his head on his desk, yet when he opened his eyes, he was lying on a mattress being lowered from a helicopter. What on earth was going on?!

The place was a breathtaking island. Endless white sandy beaches stretched out, lined with towering palm trees. Nearby, a palace-like mansion stood by the shore. The helicopter that had lowered him disappeared into the sky, leaving Wi Siwoo with no choice but to head toward the luxurious mansion.

“Hello?” He called out, his voice sweet as a nightingale’s, but there was no response.

The mansion seemed empty, but it was fully equipped with every modern convenience. Not a single cobweb marred its impeccably pest-free interior, and the kitchen was stocked with food. On the dining table sat a perfectly made omelet, and beside it, a note.

“I don’t want my little bird collapsing from hunger. I caught this myself and cooked it for you. Put it in those cherry-like lips of yours. —James”

James! The moment Wi Siwoo saw the name, his heart fluttered like a baby bird. This was James’s house!

He glanced around nervously before sitting at the table and picking up a fork. James had prepared this with his own hands—what an honor! With his heart pounding, he cut into the omelet, and out spilled black pearls. Caviar!

Tears welled up in Wi Siwoo’s eyes. James had caught a shark himself to harvest this caviar. He could almost picture James, majestic and elegant, helping a shark lay its eggs in the ocean depths. A bite filled his mouth with the rich taste of fresh caviar. James’s carefully harvested roe was incredibly fresh.

Just as he finished eating, the phone rang. Startled, he looked around before spotting a mobile phone.

“H-hello?”

“Your lips must be black now. Seductive and sexy, tempting me to make you my bride.”

That low voice, the witty humor—it was unmistakably James. For a moment, he thought the voice reminded him of his annoying boss, whom he spoke to daily, but no, this was James—gentle and charming James.

“James, why did you bring me here…”

“I couldn’t resist anymore. I’m no longer satisfied with only holding you at night.”

Wi Siwoo’s face turned as red as a peach.

“I-I want to see you during the day too.”

“Then turn around.”

Startled, Wi Siwoo spun around and saw someone standing there in a white bathrobe. Shocked, he dropped the phone.

“D-Director Kook!”

“Yes, it’s me. I can no longer hide it—my feelings, my body, my desires!”

With those words, Director Kook flung off his bathrobe, revealing himself in all his glory. Wi Siwoo gasped, unable to tear his eyes away from the overwhelming sight before him.

“No way! How could it be you? How could someone with such… such an impressive physique be you?!”

Crying out in despair, Wi Siwoo bolted from the house. Despite hearing Director Kook calling after him, he didn’t stop running, tears streaming down his face like a summer monsoon.

* * *

I ran for dear life. Yangsimless vowed to make me run three laps, three laps around the island no matter what. I had to escape. But there was nowhere to hide. Pathetically, I ducked behind a rock, only to be caught immediately. Desperate, I made a proposal.

“Let’s just have sex.”

“Stop with the nonsense.”

“Stop playing tricks on me.”

He tied the rope tightly, forcing me to run. After a few attempts to resist and finally breaking free, I managed to escape for the second time, but I didn’t get more than 10 meters before I was caught again. Desperate, I made another suggestion.

“Ah, let’s just have sex, okay?”

“If you’re so eager, do it while running.”

“How do you even have sex while running?”

“You’ve got your right hand, haven’t you? That’s a fine lover. You can manage it while running.”

It was a plausible hypothesis, though my amazement didn’t stop there. You jerk, throwing my own words back at me like that. Your ability to hold a grudge is truly next-level. Then, I made a third attempt to escape, only to face my first problem again. I couldn’t risk hiding behind a rock and getting caught again.

I looked around for a hiding spot, but none seemed viable. If I couldn’t hide, I’d end up running around the island three times, three times, just as he demanded. That’s when a second problem arose. Static buzzed from the walkie-talkie, followed by a voice.

[Having fun, everyone? No? Of course not. How could you enjoy yourselves when your matchmaking has gone to hell?]

It was Song Youngbal’s voice. What’s he talking about? Where’s the host, and why is Song Youngbal broadcasting from headquarters? I was so engrossed in the voice that I forgot about the risk of Yangsimless catching me.

[We’re all hunters here, aren’t we? Are you really going to let the tastiest prey get taken by some foreign playboy?]

Prey? I assumed that was me. But a foreign playboy? The shock hit me hard. Playboy—a term so archaic it felt like it belonged in a historical drama. Song Youngbal’s rustic charm certainly lived up to his name.

[So, here’s a new rule to protect the honor of hunters. Forget your current partner. From now on, it’s a free-for-all hunt to claim your own partner. It’s simple: catch them, consume them first, and they’re officially yours. And yes, you can claim multiple partners. Nature favors the strong, after all. So go ahead—hunt freely under the new rules. Anything goes, as long as it’s not murder! Let’s get this thrilling matchmaking started. What are you waiting for, Han Jemyung? If you don’t want to get caught, start running!]

He even called my name so kindly while cheering me on. But I’d already been running for my life. Or, to be precise, crawling on all fours in the dark. I stopped in my tracks and stayed still, listening. No one seemed to be chasing me yet. Most likely, everyone had rushed to the lodge where I’d been staying. Who would’ve guessed I’d be sprinting across the island, pursued by Yangsimless?

This allowed me to move leisurely. I assumed Yangsimless was no longer after me. The word hunt must’ve lit a fire in him. Yet, what did Youngbal mean by the honor of hunters? Surely not everyone here was a heartless predator. I tilted my head, considering my options, and turned toward the host’s lodge, recalling the island’s map in my mind.

A survival matchmaking event, huh? Now, this felt like a real game. Muscleman1 smirked as he saw the distant glow of a fire and switched off his flashlight. That pretentious James must’ve lit a bonfire to set the mood or something.

Sure, James might be tall and muscular, but those gym muscles were all for show. He probably charmed Han Jemyung with his foreign allure and handsome face. But when that pretty face gets slammed into the ground, Han Jemyung will be disappointed. No ordinary person could withstand a ruthless hunter.

When we first gathered at the dock, two things stood out: everyone here was a top, and everyone’s profession involved hunting. People’s true natures really come out in settings like this. A deserted island, hunting, survival—these words appealed most to hunters.

Amidst it all, Han Jemyung had stood out with his innocent demeanor, a herbivore at the bottom of the food chain. From the first glance, his eyes had caught Muscleman1’s attention. Sometimes, someone’s eyes just have a special sparkle, and Han Jemyung’s did. But that bastard James had claimed him first.

Muscleman1 was determined to make Han Jemyung his. The condoms in his pocket were reserved solely for him. Of course, there’d be competition, but according to the pact the eight of us had made, whoever claimed someone first got exclusive rights. No one else could touch them. That meant he had to capture Han Jemyung as quickly as possible.

As he approached the bonfire, he crouched low, gripping the small knife provided by the event organizers, just in case. They must’ve heard the announcement too, so they wouldn’t just be sitting there waiting. Other hunters had likely spread out along potential escape routes near the lodge.

But Muscleman1 had a different theory. If they were hiding, it would be close to the house. In a crisis, the weak tend to stay near familiar places. The moonlight was bright enough for him to move silently toward his target. As expected, there was no one near the bonfire. That left the area behind the house… Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine.

The sensation was unmistakable. It was the same warning his body had given him during near-death experiences in his hunting career. Move! He twisted his body, but it was too late. A powerful force pinned him down, slamming him into the ground. He struggled to escape, but his assailant’s technique rendered him immobile. Like an overturned turtle, he flailed helplessly, but his resistance didn’t last long.

“Ugh!”

His face was pressed into the dirt, scraping against branches and rocks.

“Who the hell are you…?!”

Before he could see his attacker, his pants were yanked down roughly. What the… no, it couldn’t be…

“Aaaaaah!”

The sound of a door opening in a place that had never been trespassed by anyone before.

* * *

I didn’t think all eight of them would be after me. If there are too many competitors for a single target, taking out the rivals first is a strategy too. The popularity vote we had when we first entered the island proved that much. However, the muscleheads back then tried to eliminate Song Youngbal by voting him as the most popular, only to be betrayed in return. So why was he acting like the leader again, taking over the headquarters, broadcasting, and everyone listening to him? Did Song Youngbal have some secret? Just as I was thinking this, a sudden scream pierced the air.

“Ugh! S-stop it… Argh!”

Startled, I looked around and spotted two figures tangled up near a path leading down to the beach. At first, I thought they were fighting, but as I moved closer to get a better look, I stopped in my tracks. Something was off. One person was bent over a rock, while the other was pressed tightly against his lower body. It didn’t take much to understand what was happening.

Seeing something that would be described with all kinds of flowery language in my novels play out before my eyes was nothing short of mortifying. It was ugly. Two muscleheads doing that just looked grotesque. Even though a hunt for me had begun, clearly, some had opted to take out their rivals first. The man pinned against the rock let out a furious scream.

“Aaargh!”

The one behind him, thrusting as if in a 100-meter dash, seemed desperate to finish quickly. He kept glancing around nervously, perhaps fearing an ambush. Even though the pinned man’s cries were wretched, I didn’t feel any pity. The whole animalistic display was revolting. I backed away quietly. Fine, it’s better for you guys to keep at it amongst yourselves…

“Well, it seems I’ll be taking home the gold medal.”

A mocking voice rang out. Turning, I saw another musclehead stepping out from behind a tree not far from me. His face bore a scar, marking him as one of Song Youngbal’s targets. Smirking, he held up a sharp knife.

“Don’t worry, it’s mainly for show. But if you don’t listen to me, who knows what might happen? Move. Over there.”

He gestured for me to head deeper into the island, away from the obscene musclehead pair. Since it was the direction I needed to go anyway, I followed his orders without resistance. He trailed close behind, speaking as we walked.

“I’m genuinely impressed you managed to escape and make it this far.”

Being impressed over something like this? He must be timid.

“I’m not that impressed myself.”

“Do you think someone’s going to save you? Forget it. No matter how much you scream for help, no one’s coming. That smug Italian bastard will never make it here to save you.”

“Actually, I’m from Gaebong-dong.”

“What?”

“Nothing important. But why are you so sure he won’t come?”

“You think he could beat all of us on his own?”

“Well, I hope not.”

“Right, you’d hope not—”

He suddenly paused, sensing something odd in my response.

“Anyway, that foreign jerk is about to learn just how terrifying Korean hunters can be.”

“Hunters? Are you saying all of you are hunters?”

“That’s right. We’re all hunters. And not just ordinary hunters. There’s something special about us.”

“Do you have an Intangible Cultural Asset among you?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You said you’re special.”

“No, not like that. Definitely not.”

What’s so special about you, then? I must’ve looked disappointed because he started to look flustered.

“You wouldn’t understand even if I explained. But one thing’s for sure. That special hunter, Song Youngbal, has it out for James. Why do you think we’ve gone to such lengths to break the rules and do this?”

“Is that a yes-or-no question?”

“….”

“Could you at least give me a hint? The first letter of the answer, maybe?”

After a moment, a laugh escaped him, one that sounded equal parts amused and exasperated.

“Song Youngbal was right. He said there’s something irresistible about you.”

I suddenly felt the urge to arrange a meeting between him and James. Not only would he find James irresistible, but he’d also discover a whole new level of rage every minute.

“So, are you going to give me the answer or not?”

“I’ll tell you—after we’re done.”

Done with what? That thought barely crossed my mind before he grabbed my arm from behind.

“This should be enough. Hey, don’t feel wronged. I don’t particularly like you, but who wouldn’t want to get their hands on a gold medal? So there’s no need to feel wronged…”

He stopped talking and slowly lowered his gaze. He looked down at his hand holding my arm for a long time, then tightened his grip. A question mark appeared on his face. Why isn’t it coming along? Because I’m holding it tight. After a moment, his expression changed again. This time, he seemed to think, How did my wrist get grabbed in reverse so quickly? But I didn’t give him time to think. I twisted his wrist and pulled him in. After a moment, I hid his unconscious body well in the bushes. He’ll have a pretty bad headache when he wakes up. But being bitten by bugs overnight might be worse. The buzzing mosquitoes followed me as I left.

It took over 30 minutes to reach the headquarters. It took longer because I had to dodge a muscly man prowling around like a hyena looking for me. The organizer was staying alone at the headquarters in the center of the island. It would have been better if he had brought more security for such situations, but how could he have known?

That he would be tied up, gagged, and locked in a bathtub. I found him tied up in the bathroom and was speechless for a while. He was naked. The ropes binding him were tied with the precision of an SM expert. When our eyes met, I couldn’t help but ask.

“Are you okay? Ah, of course, you’re not.”

“Mmph! Mmph!”

“Don’t worry. I’ll untie you now. Who did this to you?”

“Mmph! Mmph!”

“Yes, yes. Was it someone named Song Youngbal?”

“Mmph!”

The closer I got, the louder he got and the more he twisted his body. He seemed embarrassed to show me this state.

“It’s okay. I’ll pretend I didn’t see anything today. I won’t tell anyone, so don’t worry.”

“Mmph! Mmph!”

His face turned as red as chili paste as he screamed with his mouth gagged. Chili paste, really? My knack for detailed metaphors was still alive…

“Stop it! Go away!”

The organizer shouted. I froze with the gag in my hand. He shouted again, looking at me.

“Go away! Don’t touch me and pretend you didn’t see anything!”

“I was just trying to help.”

“Who asked for your help?! Why are you meddling in other people’s business?!”

I stood up in confusion. What, was he doing this willingly?

“Wait! You have to put the gag back on!”

I quietly approached and put the gag back in his mouth. Before tying it, I asked.

“Are you participating in the meeting too? Are you single?”

“Absolutely not. I’ve heard of unscrupulous organizers who hold meetings for their own gain, but I’m not one of them. I have a partner.”

“Then why are you cheating here?”

“Mmph!”

He shook his head so violently that I had to remove the gag again.

“Cheating? I’m a faithful person.”

“You’re not doing this willingly?”

“No, what kind of crazy person would want this?”

“Masochists, rope enthusiasts, bathtub enthusiasts.”

“…There are many.”

“Yes, the world is vast.”

“Indeed, people should keep learning no matter how old they get.”

The organizer reflected and sighed after a moment.

“I’m not one of those three. I was forcibly tied up and locked here.”

“Then why did you tell me not to untie you?”

“The person who locked me up said that if I stay here, I’m just a victim, but if I escape, I’ll be considered part of the hunt and become a target too.”

The organizer’s eyes filled with tears.

“Damn, I shouldn’t have accepted just anyone. I was too proud to leave spots unfilled, so I brought everyone, not knowing there was a crazy person among them.”

“He’s definitely crazy. Was it Song Youngbal?”

Suddenly, he straightened up and pulled back.