Just before the live talk show begins, the backstage is bustling with activity.

The silent staff move in perfect coordination while checking and responding to the situation in real time.

"Huu..."

I took a deep breath.

By now, I could understand their expressions to some extent in more detail….

The whispers of the faceless ones.

“ – Add light number 5.”

The host's shoes need to be changed.

“ – Check the position of the guest cushions.”

Everyone works hard in their own position, thinking about how to create a great show.

And since the host is the type who doesn’t hold back on compliments to individuals, the atmosphere became even more lively.

It was truly a decent workplace. At first, the fact that my colleagues had no faces felt a bit unsettling, but now I seemed to have completely adapted!

‘As expected, humans are creatures of adaptation.’

But no matter how much I tried, I could never get used to ghost stories, so maybe Braun was right—it really could have been an issue of aptitude.

‘It’s okay.’

As a habit, I checked once again that I was wearing my silver ring before finally stepping onto the stage.

“…Hoo.”

Today was the day.

The day I would appear in a segment of ‘Braun’s Late Night Talk Show’ for the first time.

[Sol-eum!]

The host, who was already prepared, approached me.

[Your outfit looks great. Alright… Oh! Makeup team, let’s cover this tattoo more properly.]

The host carefully checked the tattoo peeking out from beneath the sleeve of my suit.

In an instant, the tattoo on my wrist disappeared without a trace.

Then, before the live broadcast began, I safely made my way to my designated seat and sat down.

[Alright. Good… Now. Sol-eum, the cameras will light up soon.]

“Yes.”

[And soon, the audience will be seated, so just focus on entertaining them. Alright, we’re starting….]

The countdown started on the classic teleprompter in front of me.

3.

2.

1.

0.

[Good evening! The joy of the night, the new face you meet every day, and… your friendly host!]

Braun’s Late Night Talk Show

As the band’s sound played, the studio sparkled.

The live broadcast had begun.

“Uh?”

“Huh?”

“What, what’s this….”

The audience seats fill up.

The audience, who were suddenly seated in this dazzling studio while they were still preparing for work, looked shocked or bewildered.

“Why are my clothes like this?”

Everyone was sitting there in various work outfits, making it truly look like a special episode for office workers.

[Welcome, hardworking office workers. Today, for you, we present an exhilarating, fascinating, spine-chillingly entertaining talk show that will wash away your fatigue!]

Clap, clap, clap…

The host clapped alone for a moment, then displayed an awkward and sad emoji on the TV screen.

[...No applause? Not even a little?]

Clap, clap clap clap clap!!

The audience clapped instinctively.

“What the hell is this….”

“Well, he’s handsome at least. Let’s just go along with it.”

Two office workers sitting next to me, who seemed to know each other, whispered to each other before clapping again.

The host greeted each audience member one by one, guiding the atmosphere skillfully.

There was something eerie about it, but overall, it was filled with fun jokes and bizarre, unheard-of horror stories.

“Ah.”

Eventually, the tension eased, and people naturally accepted the surreal setting.

Just like watching a magician or a sci-fi movie, people who

And then, it appeared.

[Today’s guest is… Ah, here they come now!]

A dazzling door, adorned with star-shaped bulbs, opened, and the guest stepped out.

It was the guest I had chosen!

And it was….

Waddle, waddle.

It was a ragged teddy bear.

Its mismatched button eyes and patched-up body made it look quite cute despite its ragged appearance.

[Isn’t it adorable? Let me introduce today’s guest… ‘Happy Ending Teddy Bear’!]

As the small teddy bear sat down on the sofa, gasps of admiration erupted from all around.

What the heck is that? It’s so cute! It’s moving! Where am I? Is this a dream? What kind of talk show is this… Ah, right, I did apply for the audience!

The chaotic murmuring soon faded, converging into a single sentiment.

Fascination and focus on this surreal talk show.

[This show is sponsored by Delusional Home Shopping. Oh, this is a now-discontinued 1999 limited edition product, one of the most iconic companion dolls in the industry.]

[For those who cherish it until their last breath, it grants a peaceful, eternal slumber—an 'ending' to their life. But for those who discard it, it will visit them at midnight… and turn them into a doll just like itself!]

Braun approached and held the microphone close to the teddy bear.

[How are you feeling? ……Oh, you’re so nervous that you feel like running to your first owner’s grave and wailing, is that right?]

“Hahahaha!”

The reaction was good.

I felt relieved.

It’s cute and familiar, yet the eerie idea of an inanimate object possessing a will of its own and seeking revenge never fails to captivate.

That’s why I also chose a good friend… No, never mind.

‘Anyway, if the audience reacts well, the viewers at home usually do too.’

That was reassuring.

The structure of this talk show was designed so that even non-human viewers could enjoy the audience’s reactions as if watching a reaction video.

How fascinating. As expected, stories are the most enjoyable and comforting when you’re just one step removed from them!

[Now, let’s hear our guest’s story and what they’ve been up to!]

The show proceeded smoothly.

The ‘Happy Ending Teddy Bear’ spoke through the host about its bittersweet farewell with its kind owner, as well as the horrifying abuse from its cruel master… and its satisfying revenge.

Props, photos, and illustrations from that time were shown, enhancing the immersion and atmosphere.

The final climax.

[Ah, so the father who burned you with a cigarette and beat the child who played with you… is right there in the audience!]

[That person is… YOU!]

BAM!

A spotlight shone on one of the audience members.

[Come on up… Hahaha! Let’s welcome our second guest with a round of applause!]

It was the former owner who had discarded the doll, planted among the audience.

They were brought up on stage, where ‘Happy Ending Teddy Bear’ demonstrated the process of turning them into a teddy bear.

Screams and blood filled the stage, but the engrossed audience found it both horrifying and satisfying.

The people in the front row, who had even been given raincoats by the staff, clapped enthusiastically.

As if they were reading an entertaining ghost story.

[Ah, wonderful. We now have one more adorable teddy bear.]

[Isn’t that great? A fantastic way to create additional value. Let’s give our ‘Happy Ending Teddy Bear’ guest a big round of applause!]

Wooooo!

The ‘Happy Ending Teddy Bear’ trembled slightly but happily greeted the crowd.

And at this moment….

[Now, let’s move on to the next segment: Q&A!]

Braun raised one hand to his speaker section, as if listening attentively.

[Are you there? My friend!]

Now’s the time!

“I’m here, friend!”

I raised my hand high and stood up in the middle of the audience.

Gasps of surprise came from the people sitting around me.

And above my head, a glowing sign appeared.

To Braun’s Friend

Tell us!

[For 100 seconds, my friend can ask the audience for their thoughts on the talk show or any fun questions! Those who answer well will receive amazing prizes, so let’s give it a try. Now….]

A countdown timer appeared on Braun’s TV-like face.

[Starting now!]

Rustle, rustle.

The audience raised their hands.

I pointed at myself with a slightly flustered expression.

“Uh… You didn’t even hear my introduction or question, but you’re already raising your hands…?”

Laughter.

“Oh, you’re saying there’s no time? Al… right… theeeen….”

I deliberately dragged out my words at an exaggeratedly slow pace.

The laughter grew louder. Good.

“First question. ‘What was the most boring moment of this show?’”

[Friend!!]

“The moment that was so dull, I thought even I could do a better job?!”

The perfectly timed reaction sparked scattered laughter from the audience.

‘Is this… fun?’

For some reason, I felt a bit excited.

The 100 seconds flew by in an instant, and just as time was running out, the microphone was passed to the last audience member.

“If you could make just one request for this talk show, what would it be?”

I excitedly shouted the question, and the audience enthusiastically shouted back.

“I want to take that teddy bear home with me!”

Ah.

“No.”

…….

For a moment, the audience turned cold.

So did the stage.

“…….”

W-why did I say that? No, I need to fix this first.

I raised my eyebrows as if I had meant to give a curt response.

Then, nodding as if I understood, I spoke.

“Our dear guest, Mr. Teddy Bear, says he’s too busy working overtime and doesn’t have time for a serious relationship with a workaholic.”\

“Huh?!”

The ‘Happy Ending Teddy Bear’ frantically waved its arms as if to say that wasn’t true.

I watched it, nodded seriously, then relayed the message to the audience.

“He really doesn’t want to.”

“…?!”

The teddy bear fell over. Laughter erupted from the audience.

“I’m just kidding. He says he’ll be happy to go with you.”

“Wow! That’s awesome. A peaceful death has always been my dream.”

“Really? Me too.”

I laughed and high-fived the audience member

Whew. Somehow, I smoothed that over.

‘Next!’

And I quickly turned to take the next question.

The next person to raise their hand the fastest was….

Someone in a familiar outfit.

“…!!”

For a moment, I stared blankly.

An office worker in a suit and wearing a mask.

‘…It’s the Field Exploration Team from Daydream Corporation.’

My former workplace.

And among them….

‘…They’re from Team D.’

Three people I knew were sitting side by side.

How are those three here? No, as far as I know, Team D should only have the lizard team leader left. How…?

[Ding! Time’s up.]

Ah.

[Alright! Now, let’s ask our friend—who is today’s MVP audience member?]

“Today’s MVP is….”

I pointed to the last audience member.

“The guest adoption applicant.”

“Oooooh!”

[Hahaha! May you pass away peacefully of natural causes!]

The chosen audience member received a beautifully wrapped gift and happily took their seat.

The ‘Happy Ending Teddy Bear’ was staring intently at that audience member.

“…….”

And with that, my segment concluded, and I exited through the door amid the audience’s applause.

My heart was pounding.

‘I did it.’

And right at that moment.

[Let’s introduce our next guest. Oh, but before that…]

[We’ll be right back after a short commercial break!]

Waaah!

As the audience booed and cheered, Braun smiled and waved, signaling the start of the commercial break.

Phew!

[Sol-eum!]

Braun, displaying a giant smiling emoji on his face, came backstage, swapped it for a moved emoji, and gave me a high five.

Then, as if proud, he patted my shoulder.

[My friend, you did an amazing job! It’s hard to believe this was your first time hosting. Those 100 seconds were truly impressive. Ah, I’m really amazed….]

“I don’t think it was that great….”

[No! This is neither flattery nor empty words, just pure admiration. Now that you’re starting to put your passion into this show, your performance is improving.]

That was good to hear.

“Um, by the way.”

I said with a smile.

“…I saw someone I know in the audience. Can I go talk to them? Just for a bit during the break… I won’t take long.”

[Ah.]

The host paused.

And then….

[Of course. It’s break time, isn’t it? Feel free to go have a chat.]

Phew.

I got permission! What a relief.

“Then, I’ll go…”

[Wait.]

A hand grabbed my shoulder.

[Just make sure not to say anything that might make the other audience members uncomfortable… Oh, and don’t forget. Even when the cameras are off, the audience still sees you as part of the show.]

“…Got it.”

The TV-shaped head moved closer.

[You remember that, right?]

“…I’ll remember.”

[Good!]

I took a step back, distancing myself from the host.

Then, I stepped off the stage, walking around with staff members as if checking in with the audience, thanking them along the way.

And then… I finally arrived at the spot where those familiar masked faces were gathered.

Familiar masks.

“Roe Deer…?”

“…Deputy Manager.”

Team Leader Lee Jaheon, Deputy Manager Eun Hajae, and even Supervisor Park Minseong were seated there.

‘Wow.’

Seeing them like this gave me a strange feeling.

It was as if I had gone back to before stepping into the darkness of the "Hungry Hangman."

“I never thought I’d see you here! It’s great to see you. How have you all been?”

The Lizard Team Leader and Deputy Manager Eun Hajae nodded.

Supervisor Park Minseong also waved at me with a smile when our eyes met.

His complexion looked a bit pale, but he seemed healthy.

Had he improved enough to comfortably go out at night like this? That was a relief.

“Yes, we’re doing fine… Roe Deer. Are you okay? How have you been?”

“Ah. I’m doing well.”

That much, I could say with confidence.

But in the end, I couldn’t hold back and asked.

“Since today was my first appearance… may I ask how it was? I was a bit nervous.”

Silence.

“It was great.”

“…Thank you.”

Phew.

The silence bothered me a little, but Deputy Manager Eun Hajae wasn’t one to say things just for the sake of it, so it should be fine.

“Come to think of it, have you eaten today?”

“Food? I…”

Ah.

Now that I thought about it, it had been quite a while since I last ate.

So… before I started preparing for the broadcast?

Was the last time I ate on the train before I transferred here? Something like that.

Well, my body feels perfectly fine, so it’s not a problem!

I smiled and waved my hand dismissively.

“I’m fine without eating.”

“…….”

Supervisor Park Minseong quickly rummaged through his pocket and took something out.

“Roe Deer. Still, since it’s break time, why not have a little snack? Here…”

“Ah, I’m sorry. I was told that receiving gifts from the audience is only allowed through official channels—for the sake of clean management.”

I politely declined the nostalgic-looking candy that Supervisor Park Minseong was offering.

His expression darkened as he held the nostalgia candy.

“Ah….”

…Did I do something wrong?

I thought hard and came up with an alternative.

“Don’t worry. I have the exact same candy with me, so I’ll eat that instead.”

“…!”

“Alright.”

Deputy Manager Eun Hajae reached out and shook my hand.

Her hand was warm.

“Make sure to eat it.”

“…….”

“Roe Deer”

Ah.

Team Leader Lizard was looking at me.

“Press the button.”

“……?”

I wasn’t sure what he meant by that.

But showing confusion wouldn’t be professional.

“Yes. I’ll do my best. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the show. Have a good night and good luck tomorrow.”

I hoped that today’s show had brought them a little joy in their tough daily lives.

Is this the mindset of a show creator? The one Braun always talked about?

I observed the reactions of the three.

‘Since they’re wearing masks, it’s hard to see their expressions….’

Wait a second.

If they’re wearing masks, could they be in the middle of an exploration into the darkness?

If that’s the case, I should reassure them!

“Oh. If you came here because of ‘work,’ there’s no problem. Just enjoy the show and head back.”

“…Really?”

“Yes! This place is completely safe.”

A darkness this easy to clear is rare. If anything, isn’t it even easier than the Tuesday Talk Show?

‘Because no ordinary audience member dies!’

Honestly, if they wanted more shock value, they could’ve implemented more horrifying punishments like in the Tuesday Talk Show.

But right now, the atmosphere was relaxed enough that even the audience could enjoy watching the consequences of karma unfold.

I felt a brief moment of gratitude towards Braun.

But Supervisor Park Minseong slightly shook his head.

“We’re not here for work.”

Huh?

“…We came to see you, Roe Deer.”

……Me?

“Roe Deer… how did things end up like this…?”

[Oh dear, my friend!]

“…!”

The host was gesturing at me from the stage.

Right. The commercial break is about to end. That means the show is about to continue!

“I’ll head back up now. I’ll see you next time. Oh! This next segment looks like it’ll be really fun… Enjoy the show.”

“Well….”

I didn’t get to hear the answer, instead, I greeted the audience and ran onto the stage.

The lights were blinding.

***

The talk show ended once again today with thunderous applause and cheers.

[Thank you! Then, I’ll see you all again tomorrow at 11:33 PM!]

Braun smoothly wrapped up the broadcast and, as always, took care of the staff and crew on the dimmed stage.

I did the same.

I stared at the now-empty audience seats, then snapped out of it as I received compliments.

[How was it? More fun than you expected, right, Sol-eum?]

“Yeah. Hmm… It was better than I expected.”

[That makes me very happy. Good! I’ll talk to the writers about having you appear once or twice a week. ‘Braun’s Friend’!]

“Ah, yeah.”

Maybe it was the recognition, but my stomach churned. I should just accept it happily!

Then, the host casually asked.

[Oh. Did you enjoy talking with your old colleagues, my friend? I saw you speaking with them in the audience.]

“…! Yeah. It was nice seeing them after so long.”

[I see. I’m curious about what kind of pleasant conversation you had!]

“Oh, they were checking if I had eaten.”

[Aha, our show always has a dedicated catering service for the staff’s meals…]

The TV screen blurred.

[…You haven’t eaten at all this whole time. Noru. You didn’t even apply for the personal catering service. How could this be! We told you about it on your first day.]

I just found it troublesome, that’s all. I awkwardly scratched the back of my neck.

“I was fine without eating.”

[My goodness! You’re making me look like a heartless business partner who doesn’t even care if you eat. No, this was my oversight. A new crew member could be too busy adjusting to notice things like this, so I, Braun, should have paid more attention as a friend…]

Braun held out his hand.

[They say that inspiration and creativity come from having energy. Let’s promise that this won’t happen again.]

I don’t know. I didn’t feel much different, and in fact, I was in great shape….

“Hmm. I’ll try.”

[Oh no, my friend has already picked up bad industry habits!]

Braun scolded me lightly, as if joking, but didn’t push any further.

It was break time now.

[Just in case you forget, I’ll remind you—rest is also necessary to create the best show, Sol-eum!]

“Yeah, yeah. See you in a bit.”

I parted ways with Braun for a bit.

Then, passing through the staff area, I made my way backstage to my dressing room.

Click.

I opened the door, walked in, rolled up my sleeve, and looked at my arm.

My tattoos, hidden beneath the makeup, were now invisible.

“…Hmm.”

Interesting. It seemed that tattoos covered up and hidden didn’t activate.

‘Now that the live broadcast is over, I should be able to remove the makeup.’

I rubbed it off and removed the makeup.

: Socius :

Then, I reached into the tattoo that functioned as an inventory and took something out.

‘It’s been a while since I’ve done this.’

In my hand was a Nostalgia Candy.

‘I did say I’d eat it.’

Hmm… Well, it’s not like I’m hungry or feeling weak.

After a brief hesitation, I unwrapped a piece of candy and put it in my mouth.

Chomp.