Mia looked at the two of us, who were shocked to see each other.
"Do you two never meet or video call each other?"
The two of us shook our heads at the same time. I hadn't even thought that my leader was also the girl I'd been spending time with is my new classroom teacher.
Mia sensed the tension in the air. She tugged at my sleeve and subtly hinted for me to push her toward the dining table.
I quickly wheeled her over while my teacher remained standing there, frozen like a statue. Mia then asked me to buy her some water.
"Shin, buy me some water. I've been thirsty since morning and haven't had a drink."
So, I went to the counter to order while our guild members stayed quiet, looking a bit intimidated. My outfit today was more hooligan-style a hoodie that could cover my face unlike the others, who dressed more lightly.
After ordering, I returned to the table and gave Mia her water.
"Thanks, Shin..."
Then, a male voice called out to me softly. His face was really handsome--the kind that could easily be a ladies' idol.
"Hello, Shin..." He extended his hand. "I'm Max. You should know, right?"
Oh, he's Max—Rin's boyfriend. I returned his greeting. His hand felt soft, really like an idol's.
Besides, Rin and Max were the best duo in the game and a popular couple their Infinity Love level in the game was even at 10 , meaning they always played together and grinded as a team.
Not long after, Rin sat next to Max. They really looked like a perfect, matching pair—both equally powerful.
Everyone had gathered, and Max started the event.They had set up various activities like riddles, partner pairings, arm wrestling, and board games. Prizes were also prepared.
I just sat back and observed, watching as all the guild members enjoyed themselves. Mia was happy too—everyone treated her well despite her disability.
But one of the reasons I came here was to leave the guild.This guild could go much higher , and today was supposed to be the day I told Rin that I was quitting the game and leaving the guild.
The problem? I got awkward after finding out she was my teacher—I had thought she was around my age.
Mia accidentally caught my eye and smiled. She then waved her hand, calling me over. At first, I hesitated, but she looked urgent, so I got up and went to her. When I reached her, I bent down slightly to hear what she had to say.
"I neeeed tooo takeee a pee..."
I chuckled a little—that was cute, haha.
Mia looked at me, but this time, her expression was different. It was the first time she had seen Shin laugh.
He's really handsome...
"What did you say, Mia? I didn't hear."
Mia shook her head.
Shin continued pushing Mia to the women's restroom and waited outside. While he stood there, Rin, who also needed to use the toilet, suddenly appeared in front of him.
Shin pretended not to see her.
TANG!
Her hand suddenly slammed against the wall beside my body. Maybe because she's not tall, she was probably aiming for the spot next to my face?
"Keep my secret from the others, okay?"
Then, she walked into the restroom. What did she mean? She didn't even finish her sentence, and I had no idea what her secret was.
Mia finally came out of the toilet, and we exchanged smiles. I immediately wheeled her back to the group so she could keep playing.
Returning to my seat, I mindlessly munched on some crackers from the table. Then Max called out to me.
"Hi, Mr. Goblin..."
I casually responded, "Yo, Maxx..."
"You having fun, Shin?"
I just nodded absentmindedly.
"Oh, and later—you gotta give a speech, okay? It's guild tradition for the Master or Vice to say some closing words before we disband."
I didn't actually hear him over the noise and kept nodding like usual.
He walked away, looking pleased. Guess my nod made him happy. No problem then.
Max climbed onto the small stage and grabbed the mic.
"Alright, guys! Our event's almost over. So, like I said earlier—our Mr. Goblin here will give the final words!"
My head snapped up. When did I agree to this?!
Max continued, "Put your hands together for our Vice Leader, MrShin—aka IGN Mr. Goblin!"
The whole guild erupted in applause...
Damn it.
I had no choice but to step onto the stage. Max handed me the mic. I tapped it a few times (like people always do) and confidently delivered my speech:
"Yo. As Vice Leader... I'm out of the guild."
Silence.
Huh. Guess that was a pretty solid "final speech."
Someone's drink literally sprayed out of their mouth mid-sip. I casually handed the mic back to Max, who stood there frozen like a statue . Then I strolled back to my seat like nothing happened.
Rin, who had just come out of the bathroom, took in the dead silence.
"What. Happened."
Someone whispered to her—and suddenly, her voice BOOMED across the café.
"WHAT?!!!!!"
Her death glare locked onto me.
Oh, I'm dead. What did I even do this time?
I quickly looked away. Better act like I see nothing...
Mia whispered to me,"Do you really wanna stop playing the game?"
Her eyes looked genuinely sad.
I simply nodded. My entire motivation for playing had been her.Now that she was happy, my drive to keep going was gone.
Besides, the guild won't have any issues without me.I'd already prepared everything a year in advance—quest management, in-game salary payments, even securing high-level dungeons for them.
Soon after, the event ended.
One by one, guild members came to say goodbye, treating me with the same respect they had for their Vice Leader.
Finally, it was just Max... and my teacher.
We stared at each other—Max looked heartbroken, while my teacher wore that same furious expression.
"Don't be sad, Maxx. I know you'll do even better than me. Take care of the guild, okay?"
Maxx nodded slowly, then suddenly burst into tears like a child** before rushing out of the café.
Now, the real challenge—Rin, my longtime partner.
She let out a deep sigh. Strong as always, even now, she tried to hide her sadness behind that stern face.
"Are you really sure you wanna quit?"
I nodded again. She was special to me. Without thinking, my hand reached out and gently patted her head—something I always did in-game whenever she was upset.
"Take care of our guild, okay... Teacher?"
Then, suddenly—she hugged me.
Before I realized it, tears were rolling down her cheeks.
"I'm sorry... Whatever reason you're quitting, it's because of me, right? It's okay if you don't admit it. We've been friends for so long... I know why you played this game."
She choked up. "Thanks... for taking care of me. I'm just trash, aren't I?"
I stood frozen. A part of me wanted to comfort her, to hug her back—but I held back out of respect for her boyfriend.
"Teacher... We'll still see each other at school, right? So don't cry. We'll always be friends."
She nodded weakly, then walked away to join Maxx. And just like that, they were gone.
Now, it was just me and Mia left in the empty café.
"Should we go, Mia?"