Chapter Text
⚡️ 👾 ⚡️
"So this week’s challenge poll has finally ended! Let's see what you guys chose for me! I really hope it's not the spicy noodle thing! Not three times in a row!
Jeongguk smiles at the camera for all 20K viewers of his. He has a certain charm when he does it, his cute bunny teeth making his female and some of his male viewers feel things.
"And the winner is… catfishing my number neighbor for a week without being discovered or getting blocked? An entire week? You sure? Man, that'll be harsh…" He pauses, pushing his sleek hair back with his fingers. "I guess the votes have been cast, so let's do it. First, we need to create our Catfish. So let me ask you some questions and you guys can help me make a convincing profile, okay?"
He instantly grabs his notebook while the people in the comments section go wild.
"So, are we a man or a woman?" Jeongguk puts the pen in his mouth, chewing the blue cap absentmindedly before he starts taking down a few notes with delicate letters. "A woman? You sure?" The strangers in the comments agree, sending him an array of emojis. "Fine, but don't blame me if we get caught. My acting skills are not great and I have no idea how girls talk! So with that said, shall we begin?"
A little smirk appears on his face. Deep down, he enjoys it more than he admits to himself.
* * *
Jeongguk's persona looks too good to be true, mainly because his audience consists of young men with filthy minds (and souls).
While he doesn't agree a hundred percent with the choices, he likes to be a crowd-pleaser. After all, his videos pay for his rent and groceries, so it's either keeping his fans happy or losing his cool apartment.
"So, let's recap. Our name is Jae-yoon, we are 21, college student, we like cute things, we are a gamer girl thanks to Cookyfan8's suggestion, and we like McCree. As we should!” He takes a moment to look at the camera with a little smile. “Also, some of you sent references. Please don't spam the chat with random photos, we have more than enough, thank you! Yeah, I'm looking at you Dorime69. Show some respect to your brothers and sisters!" Jeongguk looks at the comment section before his gaze travels back to his little notebook. "Now, I think we have more than enough to get started. So, shall I text them now?"
His fans send all kinds of messages fueled by the thrill of this little social experiment. Jeongguk can also feel the excitement building up. His fans' challenges always had to do with stupid stuff, like trying to eat some of the hottest noodles in Seoul. But this is very different from what he's used to. It is almost… refreshing?
Before he grabs his phone, he takes a deep breath and rolls his sleeves up, giving his viewers a glimpse of his new tattoos.
And just like that, his first message is finally sent.
— 011 XXX 0613 17:03 pm
Hi! What’s up neighbor?
"I sent them a nice greeting. Let's be friendly, okay?" Jeongguk says to the camera, reading through some of the comments before he checks his mobile screen. “I’ll give them about fifteen minutes to reply and then get back to our PokémonGo raids, ‘kay? We don’t have all the time in the world.”
Jeongguk hasn’t the slightest idea who his number neighbor is. They can be an old lady, a young student, a businessman, a weirdo, a NEET… a murderer even! The possibilities are endless.
If he’s lucky enough, he will exchange a few messages with them. If not, the owner of the number will block him on the spot for annoying them.
Whichever the case, Jeongguk is willing to give the possibly surprised person behind the screen a few more minutes.
* * *
The first reply arrives thirty minutes later and Jeongguk has to pause his raids to reply.
— 011 XXX 0614 17:34 pm
Hello?
— 17:34 pm
Oh you replied!
This isn’t ideal since he's hosting a 6-hour stream at the same time and needs to concentrate on it. When more messages start arriving, though, he can't care less about catching friggin Pikachus.
— 011 XXX 0614 17:36 pm
I'm sorry, do I know you?
— 17:37 pm
Well, no. But I saw this trend on TikTok and decided to give it a go!
— 011 XXX 0614 17:37 pm
Is this the number neighbor thing? How much free time do you have on your hands, dude?
— 17:38 pm
Well, yes! Also, uni classes can be extremely boring, you know?! T_T
— 011 XXX 0614 17:40 pm
Are you a student?
— 17:40 pm
Yeah :’) U?
I’m Jae btw. Nice to text-meet you!
Jeongguk doesn’t really think of his next reply. He just goes with the flow. Maybe he is lucky enough after all because his number neighbor seems to be engaging actively with his texts.
— 011 XXX 0614 17:40 pm
Is this your real name, number neighbor? You know identity theft is a crime, right?
— 17:42 pm
You aren’t my FBI agent now, are ya? *Deletes search history ASAP*
— 011 XXX 0614 17:42 pm
Lol. no! I’m in uni, too.
You can call me V.
What kind of name is this? Jeongguk wonders. His number neighbor seems to be cautious.
"We got a name, guys! But they’re playing hard to get. Let's see if we can make them warm up a bit, 'kay?" He looks at the camera again, choosing every word carefully for his impatient viewers, fingers moving through his dark hair to get them away from his forehead.
This is supposed to last for a week or so but Jeongguk has totally forgotten about it, enjoying the casual conversation with a stranger.
The plan is to block his number neighbor himself on Friday and have zero regrets about it. After all, it's just for the views.
"So what should we say to make this person keep talking to us?"
The amount of comments passing before his eyes is phenomenal. People like shit like this, he thinks with a little innocent grin on his face.
There are clever ones, bad ones and, then, there are kinky ones that Jeongguk finds a little too much judging by the time of day.
Filthy bastards...
"Oh, I know! Let's see if we have any common interests. And no! I'm not asking them if they are into tentacles! Who the hell asks that? It’s like you’re asking me to lose on day one, NeverMild69!"
Jeongguk tries to sound serious but his face has a weird silliness that triggers more comments like this. Without paying much thought to them, he finally clicks on the contact info and inserts the information his number neighbor shared with him.
There! Looks cool. V… Vincent? Victor? Are you a foreigner? Are you being careful? Or did you just send me a random letter?
Jeongguk will probably spend the rest of his day wondering about it. But now, he has to make the conversion interesting. So, he carries on.
— 17:44 pm
That's cool!
Okay, let’s see if we can make our neighboring work! What do you say?
— V 17:44 pm
I’m in class right now.
“Sadly, our neighbor is trying to avoid the conversation. That’s a bummer! I– No! Wait! He’s typing!” Jeongguk's round cheeks rise as he sees the three little dots, excitement coursing through his veins.
— V 17:44 pm
But since the professor is ancient, why not?
— 17:45 pm
Perfect! So, first of all, are we the same age?
— V 17:47 pm
Depends… I'm turning 24 in a couple of months.
“Ideas guys! I need interesting questions! Help a guy out here and send me some!” Jeongguk almost begs his audience to keep them engaged, his big eyes turning a little bigger. “Ah! That’s perfect! Thank you, Ddaengerous! You’re my Anpanman!"
— 17:47 pm
Oh! Then you are my senior! I'm 21. 😊 S o, V sunbae, do you believe in aliens?
— V 17:47 pm
Hell yeah! Can’t be alone out there, right? Space is so vast! Also, you can drop the honorifics. Just V is fine.
— 17:48 pm
Oh, ok! 😊 And I couldn't agree more with you, V! Next, I have a classic one for you.
Harry Potter House, go!
— V 17:48 pm
Hufflepuff
— 17:48 pm
Ravenclaw!
— V 17:48 pm
Nerd alert?
— 17:49 pm
Aren’t you quick to judge, Mr. No Points?
— V 17:50 pm
Ouch! That hurt!
“He’s funny,” Jeongguk mumbles, triggering more comments. “Oh, sorry guys! I just asked them what Harry Potter house they’re in and they assumed I was a nerd because, you know, Ravenclaw here! Well, they’re not totally wrong but the audacity of this person!”
The young boy bursts into laughter before he composes himself, eyes turning away from the big boring monitor to the smaller interesting screen.
— 17:50 pm
Next one, books or movies?
— V 17:50 pm
Mmm I’d say movies but I enjoy a good book once in a while. I'm a big Marvel fan nowadays.
— 17:50 pm
NO WAY! Me too!
I'm a sucker for Iron Man! Too bad you know...T^T Iron Man 💔 I miss ya 😭
— V 17:51 pm
know what? Is this a SPOILER?!
— 17:52 pm
SHIT!!!!! I assumed you'd seen ENDGAME! OMG what have I done!?!??? 😭
— V 17:52 pm
Relax. I'm just messing with you!
—17:52 pm
Cruel. So cruel, V! 😡
—V 17:53 pm
I'm sorry. Couldn’t help it.
Jeongguk doesn’t know but he has a very obvious pout on his lips right now. Which, again, makes his fans wonder what the hell is going on.
Moonshine🐰: Why is he pouting?
Dorime69: The conversation might be annoying or… he’s trying to look sexy for his number neighbor! 😏
Cookyfan8: Dude...
FunkySoul: NOTICE ME KOOKIE OPPA💜
DeeNa: Yo, what did I miss?
DeeNa: Oh shit! Why is he pouting so much?
Dorime69: He’s sexting the number neighbor! 😏
Cookyfan8: Dude, you’re flirting with the report button now -_-
Dorime69: Am I?
“What the–” Jeongguk’s eyes catch the comments before they disappear. Was his pout that obvious? Maybe, so he decides to compose himself and give the chat a warning to be polite before he gives them a short summary of what they’re talking about.
— V 17:55 pm
So, if you don’t mind me asking, what are you studying?
— 17:55 pm
Started with computer science but changed it to film editing
— V 17:55 pm
Oh! That’s neat! I’m pursuing acting.
— 17:55 pm
Wow! Are you famous on your campus, Actor V?
— V 17:55 pm
LOL! Not there yet.
He didn't correct me. So he might be a dude… Jeongguk keeps the deduction to himself for the time, avoiding looking back at the camera or the comments section where his fans are making up their own theories.
— 17:56 pm
Ok! But if you become popular, please send me an autograph! Don’t forget your poor film editing number neighbor! Okay, V? 🥺
— V 17:56 pm
Sure! But I expect the same.
— 17:56 pm
I’ll be happy to help a neighbor out! 😄
— V 17:56 pm
I got a couple more minutes before my class ends. Any last questions?
Oh… Jeongguk tries to come up with a good one. Something that will make his neighbor interested in him if he isn’t already.
—17:57 pm
Last one, then! Gaming or clubbing?Are you a party animal, V?
—V 17:57 pm
Well, I’m sorry to disappoint, but I’m a gamer at heart.
—17:57 pm
I feel you! As much as I like going out, games will always go first!
Favorite game then? 3 2 1…
—17:57 pm
Overwatch!
—V 17:58 pm
Overwatch!
—17:58 pm
You have taste, neighbor! I'm sort of addicted to it tbh..
—V 17:58 pm
You’re not the only one, I’m afraid! lol! What's your current level?
"Okay, so far my number neighbor is pretty cool. He –yes he seems to be a man– likes Marvel and Overwatch. In fact, I feel that he's going to ask for my battle tag! I guess I'll have to give him my Platinum account instead of my main one," Jeongguk murmurs, glimpsing at the monitor before he gets back to his phone.
"Also, sorry for not talking to you guys, I need to text him as much as possible before he leaves us! So please, stop complaining! You got me into this, remember?" His smile really compensates for the lack of conversation. This one is genuine. He thinks it’s been so long since he found someone with similar interests to talk to. It is truly refreshing!
"So, time to tell him that we are a girl! Brace yourselves, everyone, his reaction is coming!"
—18:01 pm
I just reached Platinum! Not bad for a girl, huh?
—V 18:01 pm
That's sweet! Iron Man fan, gamer and a girl huh? Feels like I've encountered a shiny Combee or something.
—18:01 pm
You had a 12.5% chance 😂
—V 18:01 pm
Oh! And a Pokemon fan too? Well, someone knows their shinies!
—18:02 pm
I still haven't caught that sucker! T^T Also, usually my teammates make this assumption as well. But it's fine! Since we’re number neighbors, I’ll let it slide. ⛷️
—V 18:02 pm
That would be great! Do you play Hearthstone as well? I was about to play a little in the library while waiting for my next class. I'll be at uni till 9 for some acting stuff.
"Our neighbor’s asking if we play Hearthstone. Should we play with him? What do you guys think?" He asks his viewers with a little smirk this time. "Legit answers only!" He adds, pointing a finger at the camera.
The comment section becomes alive, again.
"What if he asks us to play Overwatch? Don't worry, I'll come up with a good excuse for not using a mic..."
—18:05 pm
Sure thing. My battle tag is JCooky#1306. Feel free to add me when you get to the library... Btw I’m still waiting for my new headset so no mic for the time 😭
—V 18:08 pm
No worries! I'll add you now, okay? My laptop is already open.
—18:08 pm
The dedication! 😄
—V 18:08 pm
😄
"And he sent a smiley face! We're winning here! And, oh, that was fast. He actually added me but I'm not going to reveal his battle tag so you won't spam him! I'm gonna go see if he's any good. I'll probably have an update along with our usual Red Dead Redemption stream on Monday, so wait for it! Take care of your creepy selves! Kookie out!"
Jeongguk ends the live stream and leans back on his gaming chair. He feels... well he doesn't exactly know what this is. All he knows is that his heart is beating a little faster than before.
Sure, there's the thrill of the challenge, as was the case with all the weird shit his fans have asked him to do.
But this is different since it involves another person m. Jeongguk is a little more invested than he should be that makes him miss the most important thing of all.
He can't get attached to this V person. This is a game, a social experiment, a challenge…
Nice to meet you V, he chants in his thoughts, looking at the new message on this screen. Let's see what you've got.
Saturday afternoon finds Jeongguk in his small yet fancy kitchen, preparing some food after his usual walk.
His hair is a mess since he hasn't bothered to wash it. It's a Saturday, which means no regular streams for his fans.
He had spent his Friday afternoon playing Hearthstone with the mysterious V and then texting a bit more while his number neighbor was on his way home.
Jeongguk had found out that he had a roommate, who also happened to be his best friend. He despised spicy food, and he enjoyed watching old movies.
Before they called it a day, Jeongguk felt a little jealous that V seemed to be a perfectly normal dude, living his best life as a college student.
Also, to his surprise, V was actually pretty good at games but, well, he was better. After all, he had spent hours playing all his favorite video games, learning tricks, and working on different gaming strategies to give his viewers the best content.
Now, as he stirs his omelet, Jeongguk wonders whether he should text him or not. But the more he thinks about it, the more he tells himself that the weekends are just for him, meaning relaxing, going for a walk, games, drinks and no stream-related stuff!
His best friend always told him that he was a sort of weird social chameleon, switching between a fun extrovert who could get anyone to like him and a lazy introvert who could spend the entire day eating chips, playing Overwatch and watching movies.
A little grin appears on his face thinking about the texts they had exchanged, which makes Jeongguk try hard to decide whether he should log in to his account to at least see whether he is online or not.
Sadly, his best friend wasn't into games; he had more real-life things to take care of. So having someone he knew play with him was nice for once.
As he contemplates the idea, the little message sound from his phone attracts his attention.
When he drags the device out from his black hoodie pocket, he comes across a new message from his new number neighbor.
Well, well...
—V 18:43 pm
Hi there, shiny Combee!
The nickname puts a broad smile on his face. V is funny or at least he has some advanced texting skills when it comes to messaging strangers and girls.
—18:43 pm
Oh hi there! (Plz I still haven't caught one T^T) What's up?
—V 18:43 pm
Nothing in particular.
—18:43 pm
Really? Feels like there should be a reason for texting. Is it about me kicking your ass in Hearthstone yesterday? 😂
—V 18:43 pm
Hey! I was going easy on you! I'm waiting for a our rematch btw! Also… am I that obvious?
—18:44 pm
Well yeah😂
—V 18:44 pm
Shit! Sry for that. I just wanted your opinion on sth… but I didn't really want to bother you…
—18:45 pm
Let's here it!
—V 18:45 pm
You see I am at the mall rn
—18:45 pm
Shopping?
—V 18:45 pm
Well yes… my friend dragged me here on this fine Saturday afternoon.... Not really a big fan of clothes shopping tbh I can never really decide what to get and end up getting nothing
—18:45 pm
So you wanted my expert advice? How come your friend isn't there with you? Is it bcz I'm a girl? Or did you just miss me?
Jeongguk waits for him to reply with a little smile on his lips. Maybe he shouldn't have said that. Maybe he should keep the conversation casual. But this. Well, this was totally flirting.
And it would be a lie to say that his heart isn't beating a little faster, again, feeling the thrill of texting V coursing through his veins.
This is new and he definitely likes the way it makes him feel.
—V 18:49 pm
Well, we split. I texted him but he hasn't replied yet… so I thought maybe you could get me out of this situation! Please? Plus you're a Ravenclaw. You're supposed to know stuff, right? I really want to get out of the changing room. It's so hot in here!
—18:49 pm
Poor neighbor. Ok, send me pics of the items you got so I can tell you what I think.
—V 18:49 pm
W8 a sec!
Jeongguk totally didn't expect to be talking about clothes with his number neighbor, V.
Jae-yoon's charm does it again, he thinks, waiting patiently for the guy to send him the pics.
It takes a couple of minutes before he receives two photos from V. At first, Jeongguk thinks that he has sent the items themselves but when he actually clicks on them, he comes across a completely different thing.
Selfies?
The first one shows a white shirt with black patterns. It looks nice. But, when his eyes roll a little higher he can see exposed skin as V hasn't buttoned it up completely. The sight makes Jeongguk wonder.
Did he send this on purpose?
The photo shows nothing more but he gulps a little as his eyes roll back to the exposed tanned neck.
So he is a guy, Jeongguk thinks, trying to convince himself to focus on the shirt.
Shaking his head, he clicks on the second picture where he can see a red shirt with little black details. V has rolled the sleeves up, revealing a pair of well-shaped arms with a bunch of bracelets hanging on his wrists.
Luckily for Jeongguk's mental health, this time he has buttoned it enough to hide his neck. But the arms, though…
Are you working out, neighbor?
—V 18:59 pm
So what do you think?
—18:59 pm
Holy shit!
Jeongguk's fingers seem to have their own will.
Shit! Too obvious? He thinks, waiting for V's response.
—V 18:59 pm
Is this good or bad?
—18:59 pm
Good! Both look amazing on you! But if I had to choose I'd go with the white one.I like the pattern and it seems really comfy.
—V 18:59 pm
It is actually! Thanks!
—18:59 pm
You're welcome! I bet it'll look good with black pants.
—V 18:59 pm
w8 again!!
Oh shit! The realization hits him after a while. This means only one thing.
The next few seconds are painful for Jeongguk. He thinks that V is going to send a full mirror selfie of his outfit. The thought of checking the person behind the texts intrigues him.
His suffering finally comes to an end when a new picture appears.
Jeongguk leans on the kitchen counter as he clicks. But to his surprise, V's face is not visible. However, he can see his slender figure and long legs covered by a pair of black trousers.
—19:00 pm
Wow! That's a great outfit!
—V 19:00 pm
I really like it. To hell! I'm getting this one 😂 I've been in this store for ages and I really want to check accessories too!
—19:01 pm
Are you an accessories person?
—V 19:02 pm
Well I'm not into clothes shopping because I have this condition where my body can't stand clothes that make me warm. Or try on too many things at once in small changing rooms.
—19:02 pm
Ohh I'm sorry for that.😢
—V 19:02 pm
Nahh.. don't feel bad. I have had it since I was born. It's nothing serious, just uncomfortable.
—19:03 pm
So what accessories will you check out?
—V 19:03 pm
I got my ear pierced a couple of weeks ago on a whim. I wanted to find a nice earring for it.
Jeongguk's fingers unconsciously travel to his little hoop. Now he really wonders what V looks like.
Does he have black hair? Or has he dyed it? Is it curly or straight? How tall is he? Does he work out?
Questions, questions… So many questions for the young one's mind.
—19:03 pm
You should go for small hoops. I find them more comfortable for new piercings. Especially while sleeping!
—V 19:04 pm
Ah, thanks. I'll try to remember that.
—19:04 pm
I failed so hard during my first one and it hurt like hell sleeping on that side with a stud. The next four ones were a piece of cake with the hoops.
—V 19:04 pm
So you've got five in total??? Wow! And I thought I was being adventurous! 😂
—19:04 pm
I really love them. Might get a brow piercing in the future as well. My mom went nuts when I got the first two. Well, I wasn't even eighteen back then. Parents will be parents, right?
—V 19:05 pm
I guess…
—V 19:09 pm
My friend's finally calling so I have to answer. Thanks for helping me out today!
—19:09 pm
Hey, that's what number neighbors are for! ✌️
— V 19:09 pm
Thanks again. Cya Jae 🙂
—19:09 pm
Anytime V! 😊
The young one is still looking at the messages, rereading every line of text before he scrolls up to the pictures, abandoning his omelet that has started burning.
But who cares. There are more pressing matters here and he'll make another one if it burns to a crisp.
He feels good helping the guy out but at the same time, looking at the name Jae at the end makes him a little sad.
This guy is so easy to talk to that they could easily be friends and gaming buddies.
Get your shit together, Jeongguk!
Getting a little mad for thinking about it, he reminds himself that this is just for the stream and he should probably block him by Friday night.
That is the original plan.
Or, maybe, that's what he had in mind before spending his entire weekend exchanging funny memes, jokes, and Japchae recipe tricks with V.
The mysterious person on the other side of the screen seemed to understand him more than any of his college friends did.
The conversations were pleasant, casual and he felt a sense of familiarity that he couldn't just explain.
So Jeongguk decided to leave the blocking part for later.
Don't get too attached, okay? He kept repeating in his thoughts as he scrolled through their late-night messages and Overwatch memes on Sunday night.
But the truth was, he had already done exactly what he had told himself not to.
Many people had friends and mutuals they'd never met, so what's wrong with bonding with someone over texts?
Oh yes... catfishing the hell out of them.