Chapter 32: Mochikun Part 2

The library was as quiet as usual.

The only noise was the sound of pages turning, and I was lost in thought.

‘What should I say?’

[Hey, do you want to sell me that Mochi-kun doll?]

Hmm…

Saying something like that makes it seem like a tough guy like me likes Mochi-kun.

Pretending to read my book, I glanced sideways.

Choi Dabin was concentrating on her book with a serious expression.

I ran through several simulations in my head, but I couldn’t come up with a plausible way to start a conversation.

Besides, worrying about this kind of thing doesn’t suit me at all.

I decided to just talk to her directly.

“Hey.”

“Hm?”

Choi Dabin raised her head from her book, brushing her hair behind her ear.

As soon as I saw her look up, I blurted out, “Do you like that Mochi-kun or whatever it is too?”

Surprised by the sudden question, she looked a bit flustered.

“Why?”

“I saw you talking about it earlier—you seemed really into it.”

Instead of answering, Dabin let out a small sigh and tilted her head.

“Does it not suit me? I know that already.”

Well, sure, a girl with her cool demeanor liking a cute character might seem odd to some.

But I didn’t feel like judging anyone’s preferences.

“That’s not it. There’s no such thing as a hobby not suiting someone.”

“What…?”

“If you like something, you like it. That’s all there is to it.”

‘Was she caught off guard by my response?’ Watching her falter, I naturally continued, “Do you… have an extra one?”

“An extra what?”

“A Mochi-kun doll.”

“You… don’t tell me…”

At first, she looked surprised, but then she chuckled softly.

“Do you like Mochi-kun? Are you part of the Mochi fandom too?”

“No, it’s not like that…”

Dabin quickly put her book down and, with a bright face, started talking excitedly.

“Isn’t Mochi-kun just adorable? Especially those sleepy eyes! Oh, and those tiny mochi-like hands and feet! I just want to squeeze them!”

It seemed like she was seriously misunderstanding something.

There’s no way I would like a character like that.

Trying to protect my image, I opened my mouth to clear up the misunderstanding.

“It’s not me. My little sibling likes Mochi-kun, so…”

“Oh, that’s hilarious. There are tons of guys like you in the Mochi fandom. They all claim it’s for their sibling while secretly being fans themselves.”

She didn’t even give me a chance to explain further.

“Have you seen the Mochi-kun figurines? Oh, they’re masterpieces…!”

“…Right.”

“And those limited-edition dolls? I was trying to apply for one of those…”

I felt like I was getting swept into her pace, but at this point, I didn’t mind.

I just needed to get the doll.

Dabin enthusiastically showed off her collection of Mochi-kun items.

You always meet someone like this in life—someone who gets all fired up when asked about their hobbies.

‘This isn’t easy.’

I decided to cut to the chase.

“If you have an extra doll, I’ll buy it from you.”

“Hmm… It’s really hard to win one of those, though.”

“I know that.”

Like Rodin’s Thinker, Dabin rested her chin in her hand and stared at me.

“Still, I could give it to a true Mochi fan.”

Wow, I didn’t expect her to agree so easily.

But it wouldn’t feel right to just take it for free.

“I’ll pay the regular price. It’s only fair.”

“Mochi-kun merch isn’t something you resell for profit!”

‘Did I just touch a nerve?’

Dabin, suddenly agitated, started lecturing me.

“The type of people I hate the most are those who don’t even like something but buy the merch just to resell it for a profit!”

“Okay, okay. I get it. Calm down, seriously.”

“Because of people like that, real fans can’t get the merch they want!”

After venting for a while, Dabin finally calmed down and stared straight at me.

Ah, she’s exhausting.

“But are you sure you really like Mochi-kun? You’re not just planning to resell it, right…?”

“No, it’s nothing like that.”

“Hmm…”

Dabin seemed deep in thought for a moment.

Then, she gave me a sly smile.

“Alright. But getting a limited-edition Mochi-kun doll doesn’t end with just winning it.”

“What?”

“You have to go to the store in person to verify your win and claim it.”

“Wait, what? It doesn’t just get shipped to you?”

‘Why is it so complicated to get a doll?’

“So, here’s the thing.”

With a mischievous grin, Dabin continued.

“I still don’t completely believe you like Mochi-kun.”

“And?”

“So, let’s go to the Mochi-kun store together this weekend.”

Unexpected twist.

‘Why do I have to spend my precious weekend going to buy a doll for some character?’

I almost said, ‘Why don’t you just go alone?’ but right now, I was clearly at a disadvantage.

Hoping I’d misheard, I asked again, “With you?”

“Yep. I want to check if you really like Mochi-kun. Plus, I’ve always wanted to visit the store. Yuna never agreed to go with me.”

This Mochi-obsessed lunatic…

“Are you trying to recruit me like you did with Seo Yuna earlier?”

I sighed and looked at Dabin.

Her firm expression made it clear that if I refused to go, she wouldn’t give me the doll.

Life really doesn’t go the way you want it to.

“Fine, I’ll go.”

“Great.”

Dabin picked up her book again with an excited expression, while frustration boiled up inside me.

‘Can’t I just rest on the weekend…?’

***

The room, which looked like a Mochi-kun exhibit, was filled with figurines and merchandise.

Lying limply on her bed, staring at the ceiling, Choi Dabin sighed.

‘Why did I do that…?’

The scene from the library replayed in her mind, and she began to berate herself.

What had started as casual curiosity—finding someone who shared her interest—had escalated far beyond her initial intention.

Dabin was well aware of her own personality.

When something she cared about came up, she’d unintentionally get overly excited and talk too much.

Somehow, the conversation about Mochi-kun had spiraled into her inviting Kim Dohyun to the store with her this weekend.

‘I must be crazy.’

She shut her eyes tightly and pulled the blanket over her face.

Guilt pricked at her as she thought about her friend, Seo Yuna, who liked Kim Dohyun.

It felt almost like she was setting up a date with him.

‘No, that’s not it.’

Dabin shot up in bed, shaking her head vigorously.

‘This is just about the doll. I can’t give a limited-edition Mochi-kun to just anyone.’

Sitting back down, she looked at her desk, which was covered with her Mochi-kun collection.

To her, this hobby was something precious—a small sense of achievement.

‘Besides, I didn’t expect to win two of them.’

She picked up her phone to double-check the message confirming her win.

One was under her name, and the other was under her parents’ name.

But there was a problem—the rules stated that one person could only claim one doll.

‘Two people need to go to get both of them. Originally, I was going to go with Yuna, but…’

Although she tried to rationalize the situation, a sense of unease lingered in her heart.

Just then, her phone buzzed.

[Yuna: Hey, Dabin. It’s the weekend tomorrow. Karaoke?]

Dabin stared at the message, hesitating to reply.

‘Should she tell Yuna the truth?’

‘Or come up with an excuse?’

‘She might misunderstand if I tell her.’

After some deliberation, she decided to tell a little white lie.

[Dabin: Sorry, I’ve got plans tomorrow.]

Yuna’s response came quickly.

[Yuna: With who?]

Dabin paused, her fingers hovering over the screen.

Then she typed out a reply.

[Dabin: With my family.]

After sending the message, she let out a long sigh.

“This is the best I can do.”

***

Saturday afternoon.

I arrived at the meeting spot and looked around.

The area near Hongdae Station was bustling with people.

I spotted Dabin in a light-colored sweater and jeans.

I expected her to be decked out in expensive branded clothes, but she seemed to prefer blending in with a casual outfit.

Noticing me, she waved her hand.

“Over here!”

Without missing a beat, she started walking briskly ahead as if she was in a hurry.

Since it was the weekend, maybe she had other plans after this.

“The Mochi-kun store is a bit of a walk from here.”

“Got it.”

The lively streets were packed with people enjoying their youth.

It was the same area where I’d once watched a movie with Seo Yuna.

Now I was walking here with her close friend.

It was a strange feeling.

Couples were taking photos, and small cafes and clothing stores lined the streets.

Dabin looked excited, holding her phone in one hand as she searched for the store.

“They say there’s a great waffle place near the store.”

I almost blurted out, ‘So what?’ but managed to hold it in.

Right now, I was clearly in the weaker position.

It was better to go along with her mood.

“If you want it, then just get it.”

“Do you like waffles?”

“They’re okay.”

We walked for a while longer.

Eventually, we left the busy main street and entered a quiet alley.

The narrow path was littered with cigarette butts.

“Is this the right way?”

“Yeah, the map says it’s just a bit further.”

Dabin kept her head down, focusing on her phone as she walked.

Suddenly—

Vroom!

The loud noise of a motorcycle echoed from the end of the alley.

A delivery bike, spewing black smoke, sped toward us.

Instinctively, I grabbed Dabin’s arm and pulled her toward the inside of the alley.

“Ah!”

She let out a small scream.

The motorcycle zoomed past, disappearing as quickly as it came.

‘What kind of reckless driving was that? I should’ve kicked it as it passed.’

I glanced at Dabin.

Still startled, she was staring wide-eyed at the spot where the motorcycle had vanished.

“That scared me. What kind of driving is that?”

“You okay?”

“Yeah… Thanks.”

Her voice was shaky, the excitement she had earlier completely gone.

Realizing I was still gripping her wrist tightly, I let go and muttered, “Watch where you’re going. You can’t just walk around carelessly.”

“Got it.”

“Seriously, whether it’s at the beach or here, you’re way too careless.”

“Am I? Haha…”

She laughed awkwardly and nodded, but her gaze lingered on me.

Now walking on the inside of the alley, with me on the outside, she poked my arm.

“You’re surprisingly thoughtful, Kim Dohyun.”

“It’s nothing.”

Amused by my curt response, she chuckled softly and began leading the way again.