In reality, getting sued over something that happens while gaming isn’t easy, unless you’re saying something incredibly offensive, like making crude remarks to the opposite sex while playing Catch Mind. Still, there was a slim possibility of trouble. It’s not like Yeram has loads of money. We’re just two siblings sharing a one-room apartment, so there’s no way we’re wealthy.

‘We’re barely scraping by as it is.’

Sure, I have some savings, but wasting it on settlements over frivolous lawsuits wasn’t an option. That’s why I decided to step in.

"Let’s be realistic here; the game’s already lost. I’ll just focus on the chat."

I may not know much about League, but seeing the enemy team repeatedly pushing into our base didn’t give me much hope.

"Yeah, the game’s over," Yeram agreed, and I began typing slowly.

[All][BackAlleyNeedleSword][Graves]: Excuse me, Korriki.

[All][BackAlleyNeedleSword][Graves]: May I ask what exactly I did to make you this upset?

I asked as politely as possible. Then—

[All][PersonalityIsRealbb][Korriki]: You came to my lane, spammed Q, took all my minions,

[All][PersonalityIsRealbb][Korriki]: and now you act like you don’t know? lol

They unleashed a flurry of complaints, clearly feeling wronged. I didn’t understand a word, but I wasn’t here to understand.

[All][BackAlleyNeedleSword][Graves]: I see...

[All][BackAlleyNeedleSword][Graves]: That must have been frustrating.

I empathized, considering it seemed Yeram might have been at fault.

[All][PersonalityIsRealbb][Korriki]: Whatever, I’m blocking you.

[All][PersonalityIsRealbb][Korriki]: What’s the point of talking to someone like that?

[All][BackAlleyNeedleSword][Graves]: Alright, take care~

After that, I exited the chat. Yeram looked at me with a curious expression.

"They’re pretty angry. Don’t provoke them; just block their chat and keep playing. If you get sued, it’ll be a hassle for me."

I’d normally help Yeram out, but lawsuits were a different story. There’s no pride in getting sued. Hopefully, she understood.

"Okay, got it," Yeram muttered, and thankfully, I didn’t hear any more typing sounds. Peaceful resolutions are best. I turned off the lights, preparing for tomorrow.

I had to start work tomorrow. It wasn’t a job I’d done before, so it’d be wise to get there early. Nothing’s more frustrating than getting scolded by the boss for being unprepared.

"Yawn."

With that, I drifted off to sleep.

Chirp chirp.

I awoke to birds chirping outside. Not because the sound was pleasant, but because it was annoyingly loud. The trees around here made the bird noise feel like full-on noise pollution.

Coo coo.

Coo coo.

Even the pigeons’ irritating coos occasionally filled the air. Annoyed, I closed the window. It had been open all day yesterday, so I figured it was okay to close it now.

"Yawn."

It had been a while since I’d woken up this early, and I couldn’t help yawning. Is this what people call “miracle morning?” Lost in these random thoughts, I tidied up my bedding scattered across the floor. Yeram had already left for school. Once her exams are over, I’ll definitely make her do more around here.

‘Since when does a little sister boss her brother around?’

Shouldn’t it be normal for the younger sibling to look after the older one? Where’s the world headed? It feels like society is collapsing—or maybe it already has.

Pat pat.

I folded and put away all my bedding in the closet. Since this is a studio, even the closet is tiny. If only I had more money, I’d move to a bigger place. But that was just wishful thinking.

"Save money," I reminded myself.

There’s some money in my bank account, but if I used it to rent a place, I’d be left broke. That’s why I’m staying in this small apartment. I finished cleaning, lost in such idle thoughts. This place is so small that cleaning doesn’t take long.

‘What should I wear?’

Today, I was starting work at a café. I hadn’t worked at a café before, so I was a bit nervous. I didn’t know how to use a coffee machine. I’d learn today, but I couldn’t help feeling anxious.

"Hope no customers show up."

The kind of thing that would earn a slap if my boss heard. I pulled out the cleanest outfit I had in my wardrobe—just a sweatshirt and jeans. Simple, but it felt right. That’s why I bought them, after all.

Just then—

Ding-ding.

A reminder went off, letting me know I had an hour left before my shift. Time to go. I double-checked to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything and left the apartment.

"Oh, what are they saying? Crazy."

"Man, we’re really screwed."

The café was near an all-girls high school, so I saw a few students in uniform here and there.

‘Aren’t they supposed to be in class?’

It seemed past school start time. Since this was the high school Yeram attended, I knew its schedule well. But maybe they each had their own reasons for being late. Judging others unfairly wasn’t a good habit. With that thought, I opened the door to the café where I’d be working.

"Oh, you’re here."

"Yes, ma’am."

Standing there was a woman with an intimidating look, as if she’d slice someone down without a second thought. I don’t like judging people by their appearance, but this was one time I made an exception. I now understood what people meant by “the look of someone who’s killed before.”

"Since you’re here, put your stuff over there, and let’s get started with training."

"Yes, ma’am."

Her expression left no room for refusal. She was terrifying.

"You don’t know how to make coffee, right?"

"Yes, it’s my first time working at a café."

"Alright, I’ll show you step-by-step, so pay close attention."

"Yes, ma’am."

With that, the boss began explaining how to operate the coffee machine and prepare drinks. Thankfully, it was simpler than I expected. I’d been worried I wouldn’t get it on the first try.

"Alright, now try making one yourself, start to finish."

The boss sat on a nearby chair, watching me intently as if to say, “Let’s see if you got it.” I’d been learning for thirty minutes, so I figured I could do it. Putting my all into it, I made the coffee.

"Here you go."

It was a simple iced Americano. I wasn’t ready to tackle more complicated drinks, so I started with something basic.

Sip.

The boss took a sip of the iced Americano I made.

"Hmm… Not bad."

She smiled—a bit of a scary smile, but a smile nonetheless. I took it as a positive sign.

"Don’t be too nervous. You won’t be working alone, after all."

"Oh, really?"

I had been trembling, thinking I’d be stuck here alone, running back and forth, but hearing this made me feel relieved.

"Do you know how crowded it gets after school? There’s no way you’d handle that alone."

"Good point."

How was I supposed to know that? I muttered a slight complaint under my breath, and the boss glanced at me before speaking.

"By the way, you look familiar. Remind me of someone who comes here often."

Apparently, Yeram frequented this place. I knew which school she went to, but I’d never paid attention to where she hung out. Didn’t see the need to.

"Yeah, my sister goes to the school nearby."

"I thought so. You two do look alike."

How often did she come here for the boss to remember her face? Here I was, breaking my back working to earn money. It felt unfair. Maybe I should tell her about the struggles of Brazilian coffee workers just to make a point.

"So, does she come here a lot?"

"Yeah, she often comes with a friend."

"She has a friend? I didn’t know that…"

Since she always comes straight home after exams, I assumed she didn’t have friends. Who would’ve thought? It was a surprising revelation.

Just then, I heard the cheerful jingle of the doorbell as a woman walked in.

"Hello!!!"

She seemed like someone I’d be working with from now on. I sighed internally.

"Oh… Hi," I replied, waving halfheartedly, hoping she’d be normal and easy to work with.