The afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the window of Sung Jin-Woo's hospital room, illuminating the stark white walls and the various medical equipment scattered around.
He sat on his bed, attempting to appear relaxed, but his mind was anything but calm. It had been a day since the embarrassing encounter with Lee Joo-Hee, and he found himself unable to shake off the vivid memories of that moment.
Reclining against the pillows, Jin-Woo replayed the scene in his mind like a broken record. The unexpected entrance, the surprise on Joo-Hee's face, and the way her gaze had lingered—those images flooded back with a fierce intensity. He couldn't help but feel the heat rush to his cheeks even now, turning the soft glow of the sun into a source of embarrassment.
"Why did I think it was okay to allow her to just walk in?" he muttered to himself, rolling his eyes at the memory. "I should have known better! I was in nothing but my sweat-drenched boxers, for crying out loud!"
A low groan escaped his lips as he recalled the moment in painful detail. "Seriously, Jin-Woo, what were you thinking? Did you really think she wouldn't notice? Ugh, I can't believe I just let her see me like that!"
He shifted uncomfortably on the bed, the thought of his physical state making him self-conscious. Yes, he had been working hard lately. His recent workouts had indeed been intense, and he had noticed some significant changes in his body thanks to the System.
His muscles were more defined, and he had become bulkier overall. His height had increased too; he was no longer the same person he used to be. He couldn't help but feel a strange mix of pride and anxiety as he considered how much he had transformed during his time in the hospital.
"I really did get more muscle and a physique I could never have dreamed of achieving before," he thought, biting his lip. "This must be due to the System I acquired from the double dungeon. But it's so strange how it seems to affect every aspect of me, not just my strength and abilities. I never thought the changes would be this noticeable. This is definitely not something I ever planned for—so why did I have to be so careless?!"
A sudden pang of self-consciousness washed over him as he recalled how Joo-Hee's gaze had lingered on his old-fashioned undergarments. "What if she saw more than just a glimpse?" he thought, his heart racing. The idea made him feel like sinking into the floor or disappearing entirely. He rolled over in his bed, burying his face in his pillow in an attempt to hide from the memories.
"What must she have thought when she saw me like that?" Jin-Woo groaned internally. "I can't even begin to imagine what was going through her mind. Did she see more than she should have? This situation is so awkward. I really... really need to be more careful in the future." He felt a cringe deep within, picturing her face. "I bet she's laughing at me right now. Just great, Jin-Woo! You've really messed this up."
With a sigh, he tossed the pillow aside and ran a hand through his disheveled hair, wishing he could erase the incident from his memory. It was almost comical how he felt—here he was, a hunter with growing potential and capabilities influenced by the System, reduced to a flustered mess by a simple encounter. His cheeks were still warm, and he could feel the heat rising again just thinking about it.
"Joo-Hee seems to be genuinely supportive and caring," he reflected, trying to steady his breathing. "But can I really face her again after what happened? What if she brings it up? Or worse—what if she looks at me the way she did that day?" He winced at the thought. "I need to keep it together. I can't let my embarrassment show."
His mind raced with all the scenarios that could play out, each one more mortifying than the last. "I can't let that happen," he decided firmly, his resolve bolstered by the determination that had brought him this far. "The System's enhancements are part of my journey, and I shouldn't let them dictate my actions or self-image."
As Jin-Woo continued to reflect, he felt a mix of frustration and resolve bubbling inside him. The experience had been humiliating and revealing, and he knew he needed to address his feelings constructively. Yes, he had grown stronger physically, but navigating these changes required more than just muscle.
"It's a challenge to manage these changes," he thought, gazing out the window as the sunlight danced on the hospital floor. "But I need to stay focused on my goals and responsibilities. The System has given me new strengths, and I need to use them wisely. I'll continue to train hard and improve. I just have to be careful about how I interact with Joo-Hee. I can't let my awkwardness get in the way of our friendship."
The room remained quiet as Jin-Woo sank deeper into his thoughts, reflecting on the unexpected bond he was forming with Joo-Hee. He couldn't deny that despite the awkwardness, there was a warmth blossoming in his heart when he thought about her. "What is happening to me? This is insane. Why am I feeling this way? It's like I have butterflies in my stomach just thinking about her."
"Okay, Jin-Woo, just take a deep breath," he instructed himself, trying to calm his racing heart. "You've faced dungeons and powerful monsters—this is just a girl! But… it's Joo-Hee. She's different. She's kind and strong, and she cares about me."
"Why does it have to be so complicated?" he groaned, burying his face in his hands. "This is so frustrating. I just want to be normal and not worry about all this... this embarrassing mess!" The more he thought about her, the more conflicted he felt. His mind was a storm of confusion and warmth, with no sign of letting up.
As he finally collected himself, Jin-Woo resolved to approach his next meeting with Joo-Hee with a more level head. "I'll just have to keep my cool," he murmured, trying to convince himself. "If I treat her normally, maybe the awkwardness will fade with time."
"Focus, Jin-Woo. Don't let your brain spiral out of control. You're strong, and you can handle this. Just be yourself—yeah, that's the key. Just be yourself."
Determined, he straightened his posture and took a deep breath, trying to shake off the embarrassment. The encounter with Joo-Hee had left a lasting impression, but he was ready to move forward. With a clearer understanding of himself and his evolving circumstances, Jin-Woo felt a renewed sense of purpose.
The journey ahead was uncertain, but he was ready to face whatever came next—awkward moments and all.