I’ve always thought I’m someone with a strong desire for growth.

I’m generally open to learning. Experience, after all, becomes useful sooner or later. If it’s something I wouldn’t normally try, I tend to go ahead and give it a shot.

So, learning from an ASMR-focused Vtuber – a broadcaster specializing in audio content – felt like an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

ASMR was an area where I’d only ever heard the name but knew nothing else. Stepping into completely uncharted territory was exciting. But one thing I hadn’t expected… was that there are many types of ASMR.

The ASMR world seemed much broader than I had imagined.

“Have you ever listened to ASMR? Or know anything about it?”
“Isn’t it, like, rain sounds or cricket sounds? I’ve heard of white noise.”
“Oh, we’re starting from scratch. Got it.”

The human body can experience pleasure simply through auditory stimulation – for instance, the sensation of shivers from certain sounds.

It’s said to trigger reactions in the nervous system. Some ASMR even goes so far as to create high-intensity audio or induce hypnosis. I figured sound was just pretty amazing and left it at that.

Ryeohee’s main ASMR focus was ear-cleaning and whispering roleplay. She seemed deeply knowledgeable and passionate about her field, which was nice to see. I thought I’d check out her channel sometime after I got home.

She mentioned her content was a bit intense. I’m an adult, so it should be fine.

Today seemed to be a lucky day for me. Ryeohee, who had some extra time in her recording schedule, even offered me a chance to try a quick recording. The details were decided on the spot.

“Since you’ve done webcam streams and have an amazing visual appeal, how about some ear-licking? It has the right mood, and the reactions will be fantastic. Plus, your voice is perfect for it!”
“Ear-licking?”
“Oh! It means licking the ear. You could pair it with a lullaby… If it turns out well, I could do some audio editing and send it to you.”

I hadn’t spoken with Ryeohee much yet, so… did she think my first impression was that I’d be perfect for ear-licking?

I felt somewhat insulted. I must have stared at her for too long, as Ryeohee looked startled and launched into a rapid explanation.

“It’s nothing weird! A lot of people who listen to ASMR don’t even watch the video. But someone like you, Da-eun, with such a nice appearance… it’s easier for listeners to imagine.”

Roleplay is difficult for beginners. Generating white noise using tools is easy, but just stopping there would feel incomplete. She said I could ask for further guidance later if I wanted.

“If you’re going to try it, might as well go all out, right? Your face and voice are already well-known, so there’s no reason to hesitate! By industry standards, your voice is top-tier!”

After her long-winded encouragement, the conclusion was clear: with a pretty face and voice like mine, it would be a waste to just tinker with objects. I had to give it a shot.

With that kind of push, there was no way I could say no. This, too, was a learning experience. ASMR could become a recurring content stream, so I agreed.

I absolutely… wasn’t swayed by the compliments.

“Alright, fine. How do I do this exactly?”
“I’ll guide you through it.”

Alone in the recording booth, a microphone sat in front of me with silicone ear replicas on either side, each about the width of a human face. Nervous now that I was about to begin, I took a deep breath to steady myself.

“Phew… haaa.”

While I had been pushed into this, it wasn’t a bad thing.

It wasn’t just about the experience itself; there was a genuine need to stand out. Ignoring this opportunity wouldn’t have been wise.

Yesterday, the game company contacted Sigma’s legal team.

• Da-eun? This is Attorney Lee Joo-yeon from the legal team.
• The game company sent us an official letter.
• They’re willing to lift the temporary restrictions and grant official recognition under Sigma’s management.
• All they need is our response, and it could be finalized this week.
• They’re amusing, right? Their motives are obvious, but I don’t see a reason to refuse.

Just as Luche predicted, the league’s management team had intervened. Their feet were clearly being held to the fire. I didn’t bother to read all the angry posts, but Korean eSports fans were furious.

Sigma, which was “different this year,” had been eliminated in the Round of 16. Other teams hadn’t even made it through the group stage. Traveler, who moved to the UK, was already thriving, while Korean teams were still plagued by the “assassin problem.”

Of course, not every team relied on assassins. Take AT Cerberus, which excelled with a solid frontline. But none of the top teams had assassin classes as a “weakness.”

It’s been an issue for so long, and they still hadn’t addressed it. Fan dissatisfaction had reached a boiling point, and rage was erupting everywhere.

"So, that’s why they need me."

The league management team, or rather Infinity Black’s Korean branch, promised to handle everything. In return, they wanted Ga-wol to help quell public outrage. Sigma’s efforts to retain control over me were an indication that they wanted to keep me in Korea.

Not that I’d planned to go abroad anyway. Sigma was the only place that could treat my leg, even outside of Korea. Staying here with Luche’s support made the most sense.

Oops. I’d let my mind wander too far.

Outside the recording booth, Ryeohee signaled that she was ready. I nodded, and she began counting down. Three, two, one. As the count ended, I began to speak.

“Hello… It’s been a long time since we’ve met like this.”

I whispered, soft and slow. Imagining the listener lying alone in a dark room, I tailored my voice to that scene. It wasn’t difficult to imagine.

I’d spent more solitary nights than anyone else. Embracing the microphone as if it were a person, I leaned closer, bringing my lips near.

[Ga-wol_ASMR_Experience.wav]

(Sound of a slow, controlled breath)
(Soft exhale entering the auditory canal)

“Hello… It’s been a long time since we’ve met like this.”

“Better than last time, right? This time, it’s not just my phone. I’m using a real microphone. It should sound much better.”

“When I mentioned that my viewers were a bunch of perverts… they said they’d enjoy something like this. Is that true?”

(Light, fluttering sound as the tip of the tongue grazes the outer ear)
(Gentle sucking sound as lips pull on the earlobe)
(A soft laugh mixed with a slight exhale)
(Subtle sound of saliva in the mouth and lips)

“Ah, this is a bit embarrassing. I don’t really want to keep going. Should I try making a different sound?”

“Originally… I planned to make an announcement here. But now that I’m here, I’m not sure. Maybe it’s better to keep it a secret.”

“Haaa…”

(Sound of breathing in close to the ear)
(Nibbling and mouthing on the earlobe)

“Still, I think it’s better to tell you. It shouldn’t take too long. Soon, I’ll bring you some surprising news.”

“I’m also working on a cosplay. I’d appreciate it if you all watch and support me. Lots of compliments would be nice too.”

“I do prefer being loved over hated. Is that too obvious? But sometimes, you just can’t stand not getting attention, even if it’s bad. I’ll do my best, so please send lots of kind words.”

(Sucking sound on the earlobe as if craving it)
(Lapping sound like a dog’s tongue on the ear)
(A soft gulp as a small throat swallows)

“Right, I was supposed to sing. But I’m not very good at singing. Last time I went to karaoke… everyone said my taste was weird.”

“So mean, right? It’s not my fault if I don’t listen to much music. But I’ve started listening again lately.”

“Anyway, I’ll try. If you make fun of me, I’ll never do this again.”

“When mother goes to gather oysters in the shade of the island…”
“Ahem. The baby waits alone…”

“It’s hard without accompaniment. Anyway, I finished singing. I’ll upload this at night, so maybe someone will use it as a lullaby.”

“Please… leave lots of comments. It’ll make me happy.”

“So, time to end the stream… I guess?”

“I love you.”