Chapter 5
[To use a skill, first say “Use Skill,” then call out the skill’s name.]
The system window answered my question instantly, like an AI built into a smartphone.
Thankfully, it was at least capable of something resembling a conversation.
“Use Skill—Take off your shoes before getting on the bed.”
I shouted the skill with confidence, only to be immediately drowned in a wave of embarrassment.
Wearing a bunny outfit while doing this made it twice as humiliating.
Whirr—whiiirrr—
Shhh—shaaaa—
The sound of the washing machine spinning. The sound of water pouring from the shower. All kinds of everyday noises echoed cheerfully through the tiny studio.
Still in my bunny outfit, I sat curled up on the floor sofa and stared out the window.
The gray-white dust swirling outside almost looked poetic, moving in rhythm.
As I blankly watched, all kinds of thoughts flooded my mind.
“Haa…”
Alright, let’s think this through again.
Where am I? Who am I?
What is this situation?
My studio is a shelter, a visitor showed up knowing I’m an NPC, and I even have skills?
Am I really inside a game?
What should I do? Just… adapt and live like this without overthinking?
Be grateful that I have water, electricity, and plenty of food now?
“…Yeah. That’s probably best.”
Just think about tomorrow’s rice and kimchi.
Don’t waste energy on things you can’t figure out.
Let everything flow as it is—
The system, the missions, the visitors.
…Though that guy is taking quite a long shower.
If he chose bathing over eating, it must’ve been a while since he last washed.
By the way, how did he even find this place?
Judging from the guidebook labeled “disaster setting” and the situation outside, this world is probably in chaos too.
Would he tell me if I asked?
Also… I’ve never seen a man that big before.
I didn’t even get a proper look at his face—I was too scared.
What if he tries to hurt me?
“System, can a visitor harm me? What happens then?”
[Visitors cannot harm the shelter or the NPC in any way.
Any visitor with malicious intent toward the NPC will be immediately expelled.
All items inside the shelter cannot be taken outside.]
“Thanks for the detailed answer. While you’re at it, could you tell me who that guy is and where this place is?”
[Please check the guidebook for that information.]
Are you kidding? That thing’s still updating.
Click—clack—
My thoughts were cut short as the man finished his shower.
Without thinking, I turned my head—still wearing the bunny hood.
“Are you done? About the food—uh…”
…Huh?
…Huh?????
Did he… always look like that?
“May I use another towel?”
“Y-Yes, of course.”
Use all of them if you want.
I stared at him in a daze as he stepped out, drying his hair.
And no wonder—I finally saw the face that had been hidden beneath the black robe.
Even at broadcasting stations filled with ridiculously handsome celebrities, it would be rare to see someone this good-looking.
He was on par with my all-time favorite, Cha Sihyun.
Barefaced after a shower. Slightly damp hair. Even wearing that clay-colored sauna outfit, his looks were unreal.
“Um… who are you? I mean—what’s your name?”
His sharp eyes narrowed slightly, clearly suspicious of my suddenly friendlier gaze.
With a guarded expression, he answered reluctantly:
“Theo.”
Theo? Or Tae-oh?
“Your last name?”
“Just call me Theo.”
“Ah… I see.”
Trying to ease his guard, I gave him the eye-smile I practiced back in my idol days.
But my pitiful effort only made him more suspicious.
“Are you going to keep staring at me like that?”
“…Ah! Sorry. That made you uncomfortable, right?”
Embarrassed, I pulled my hood down deeper and turned my head away, sneaking glances at him from the corner of my eye.
Black hair. Black eyes. Familiar East Asian features—but his face transcended race.
His strong brows, sharp nose bridge, and striking eyes looked like they’d been painted with ink.
In contrast to his refined features, his body was rough and solid—
Not sculpted artificially, but naturally built through hardship and survival.
As he shook his hair, droplets scattered everywhere.
Normally, I’d scold someone for turning my house into a swimming pool—but today, I was just grateful.
A free front-row view of this “water show.”
My job satisfaction as an NPC had reached its peak.
A droplet landed on his slightly flushed lips—
Then slid down into the hollow of his collarbone.
My gaze followed its path before I quickly shut my eyes.
Why did I feel like I’d committed a crime?
Alright. Enough of that.
Time to complete the mission.
Bathing is done—now I should serve him a meal.
“Um… you must be hungry, right?”
“I’m fine.”
Grrrrrr—
His dishonest words and honest stomach answered at the same time.
He must really be on guard if he’s refusing food despite that.
Anyone can see you’re the predator and I’m the rabbit—who are you being cautious of?
“Still, you came to a shelter. You should eat. Do you like noodles?”
I thought of the two ramens left on the shelf.
One spicy. One savory.
Since higher satisfaction meant more points, I wanted to match his taste as much as possible.
My cooking wasn’t fancy, but I was an expert at instant-food survival meals.
Simple. Cheap. Efficient.
Theo hesitated, then nodded slightly.
His bronze neck and ears turned red—probably embarrassed by his growling stomach.
“…Oh?”
His skin looked surprisingly fair.
And he seemed younger than I expected.
He’s not younger than me… right?
“If you have something to say, say it instead of staring.”
“…Ah—right. Um… do you eat spicy food?”
“I don’t avoid it.”
“What about fried food?”
“I don’t prefer it. Especially fried meat—I don’t eat it at all.”
Ah… so no fried chicken.
Interesting.
“Then please have a seat. I’ll prepare something quickly.”
I stood up and gave him the sofa.
Then I grabbed two ramens: Hot Chicken Stir-Fried Noodles and Jjajang Ramen.
I don’t know your taste, so I’ll prepare both.
That was my strategy.
Next, I took four dumplings from the freezer and soaked them in water.
These weren’t cheap factory dumplings—they were handmade market dumplings filled with real minced meat.
That meant better texture and juicy flavor.
One stove, two ramens.
After a moment’s thought, I opened the jjajang ramen first.
The spicy one felt too risky for a guest.
I poured about two and a half cups of water into a pot and turned on the induction stove.
The gaze behind me felt hotter than the heat.
Glancing back, Theo was watching me closely.
“I’m not putting anything weird in it—you don’t have to watch. I’m eating it too.”
“I’m not watching… I’m just curious.”
“What’s curious?”
He didn’t answer.
Just then, the water began to boil.
I added the noodles and sauce together.
Then—
“That’s not how you’re supposed to do it…!”
“Hm? What did you say?”
“…Nothing.”
…Alright.
If you say so.
I moved on to the dumplings.
After soaking them, I placed them in a heat-safe container and covered them with plastic wrap.
A secret method for perfectly steamed dumplings in the microwave.
One minute and thirty seconds—soft from top to bottom.
Otherwise, frozen dumplings turn rock-hard.
As I put them in the microwave, I couldn’t help smiling.
“Dumplings sound so good… I’ll eat just one.”
They were for the guest—but one for me wouldn’t hurt.
Meanwhile, the jjajang noodles thickened.
I grabbed chopsticks and stirred vigorously.
Like pasta, you had to mix it aggressively for the best texture.
“Should I fry an egg on top?”
“…Thank you.”
Finally, a sincere response.
Excited, I grabbed olive oil in one hand and an egg in the other.
Ding—ding!
The microwave finished.
I opened it—the smell of noodles and dumplings filled the air.
Warmth wrapped around me.
Sizzle—
The sound of frying egg was like music.
“Mmm~ this is amazing.”
A perfectly runny yolk, crispy whites.
Placed on top of the jjajang noodles—it was perfect.
Honestly, I seemed more excited than the one being served.
“Today’s menu is jjajang ramen and meat dumplings. If it doesn’t suit your taste, I can prepare something else right away.”
