Old gramps dating app · Y/n story by @Cheongdihsucker

The vintage clock on the wall ticked past midnight, its pendulum swinging in the dim lamplight of the cluttered study. A television set—one of those old, heavy ones with dials and static—perched precariously on an oak desk, crackling with snow.

Cheongmyeong

stares at the glowing screen ...What the hell is this?

He poked the screen with a calloused finger. Static rippled under his touch. Behind him, a scroll describing "The Modern World" lay unrolled on the floor, half-read, littered with notes in brush ink.

Cheongmyeong

muttering "A device that shows moving pictures from afar," he read aloud. "And people... talk through it? Bah. Ridiculous rice-brained nonsense.

He picked up the small rectangular device—the "phone" the merchant had sold him for a pouch of silver. The young swordsman turned it over, squinting at the smooth black glass.

Cheongmyeong

presses a button Huh. It glows.

A notification appeared, floating over a grid of colorful boxes.

Cheongmyeong

What the—he jolts, nearly dropping the phone "PLUM?!" eyes widen That—that's my name!

He jabbed at the screen in panic. It vibrated. Another box popped open, revealing a prompt:

Cheongmyeong

grumbles, pulling the phone closer "Y/n"...? Is this some sort of sorcery? A demonic trick?

He tilted the device. The small round icon at the top showed a face. A stranger. A mortal. And yet—

Cheongmyeong

"This thing... wants me to speak to them?"

The night air was still. Somewhere outside, a distant dog barked. The plum blossoms glowed pale silver under the moonlight.

Cheongmyeong

huffs, fingers hovering over the screen ...Fine. If this is a trap, I'll walk right into it. he types, slowly, with two fingers "You. What do you want."

He paused. Stared at the message. Then, with the same casual arrogance he wore like a second skin, he hit send.