Horror Game: Husband Gone Soft is a unique blend of horror and romance set inside a mysterious game world. What starts as a terrifying survival challenge turns into an unexpected love story when a cold and dangerous husband begins to change. With dark fantasy elements, suspense, and emotional twists, this short drama delivers both chills and heartfelt moments. Watch the full episode now to experience horror, love, and transformation in a world where nothing is what it seems. #HorrorGameHusbandGoneSoft #HorrorRomance #GameWorld #DarkLove #FantasyDrama #FullEpisode #DramaSeries #SupernaturalLove #SuspenseStory #LoveAndFear #EmotionalDrama #TwistStory #GameRomance #DarkFantasy #ShortDrama #ShortMovie #ReelsShort #ShortFilm #HistoricalRomance #ChineseRomanceSeries #ModernDrama
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馃帴
Short filmTranscript
00:00I just realized that she actually sent me a horror game.
00:02That evening I stare at a gooey white ghost with red eyes.
00:05Is the one with red eyes the main lead?
00:07Yeah, white hair, red eyes, call him Honey.
00:10The game has voice recognition.
00:11I hesitantly say, Honey?
00:13The gooey ghost suddenly twitches and blushes.
00:16At midnight, I stare at the blood-webbed desktop icon, lost in thought.
00:20Is it installed?
00:20Yeah, but are you sure this is a romance game?
00:23Of course, it's the best romance game in the world.
00:26Kira Lo talks to me like I'm hopeless.
00:28She rattles off all the game's main selling points.
00:30I haven't played many games.
00:32The most I've done is match three, so I trust Kira completely.
00:35I end the call, put on my VR glasses, and lie down.
00:38But when I open Manner of Mists and press start, my vision suddenly turns red.
00:43Is this?
00:44Ah, paint?
00:45I turn my hand over confused.
00:47Then, I remember Kira said the game is a romance sim with decorating elements.
00:51I'm supposed to move in and meet all the male leads?
00:53Not only can I date them, but I can also decorate my house.
00:56As someone who loves decorating, this is a huge temptation.
00:59Then it hits me.
01:00This isn't just an interior design game.
01:02I'll have to renovate the whole house.
01:04It's a challenge.
01:05I like it.
01:06I shake the red paint off my hand and step back a few paces.
01:09When I look up again, an old run-down house stands before me.
01:13Whoa, that was close.
01:15I sigh in relief.
01:16Original windows are rare.
01:17I'm so focused, I didn't notice a dark shadow twitch near the window and quietly retreat.
01:22As a gaming newbie, I've no idea what to do now.
01:24After more than 10 seconds, an NPC appears.
01:27Hello, I'm your client.
01:28May I have your name?
01:29After some thought, I use my usual handle.
01:32Just call me Toe Bean.
01:33Alright, Ms. Bean.
01:34Thanks for taking this job.
01:36I shake his hand politely.
01:40As you can see, this house is a bit strange.
01:43I hope you can stay here a while and help us clear things up.
01:46The rent?
01:47I...
01:48I can't possibly charge you rent.
01:50Payment will be as we agreed.
01:52Then who covers renovation costs?
01:54We'll cover all the expenses for your work.
01:56Rest assured, greatest exorcist of the century.
01:59The greatest exorcist of the century?
02:01Me?
02:01The man hands me a card, claiming it's for in-game purchases.
02:05I'm about to thank him when he looks behind me and shouts before bolting out.
02:09I'm confused, but I don't think much of it.
02:12Judging from his average looks, he's definitely not a male lead.
02:16Kira said there are three male leads.
02:18The white-haired, red-eyed one is the favorite.
02:20He looks magnificent, like a work of art.
02:22He's hot, powerful, and loyal.
02:24Oh my gosh!
02:25Now I'm actually curious to see the male lead, but the game's tutorial isn't finished yet.
02:29The priority now is to settle into the house.
02:31I pocket the card and approach the house.
02:33When I reach the door, it swings open.
02:35An automatic door?
02:36I'm impressed by how smart this place is.
02:37But then, something indescribable appears in front of me.
02:40It's a white, gooey mass of red eyes.
02:42When it sees me, it opens its hollow, blood-red eyes wide, and growls.
02:46You're finally here, Tobin.
02:48Kira?
02:49The male lead you mentioned has white hair and red eyes?
02:52Yeah, you saw him?
02:53So, doesn't he look like art?
02:55He does.
02:56Ha ha ha!
02:57His voice is nice, too!
02:58I have to admit, his deep voice is great, but I didn't expect Kira's taste to be this intense.
03:03Are you sure he's the most popular character?
03:06How dare you doubt Sean West's popularity!
03:08Focus on the game!
03:09He's a great character!
03:10You need to really feel his emotions!
03:12Got it?
03:13His name is Sean West?
03:14He seems upset that I'm ignoring him.
03:16Sean suddenly charges at me.
03:17But he looks pretty mad right now!
03:19What?
03:20Where are you in the game?
03:21Did you mess up?
03:22I dodge his charge again.
03:24I've trained in martial arts, so my strength and reflexes are better than most.
03:28The game has replicated these skills.
03:30A chill fills the air wherever Sean goes.
03:33But we can't keep fighting like this.
03:35I quickly ask Kira for help.
03:37What should I do?
03:38He looks really pissed.
03:39What do I do?
03:40Um, call him honey.
03:42Is that going to work?
03:43It'll totally work.
03:44Trust me, Sean can't handle being called that.
03:47So this is how romance games work.
03:48I feel more confident.
03:50I find an opening, rush to his side, and hug him tightly.
03:53Honey!
03:54Sean's ferocious growl instantly turns into a room burr.
03:57Now that you've called me that, you're really mine.
04:01The whole house heard it.
04:03Since you're mine, let's do something R-rated tonight.
04:06After entering the house, I put down my things and look around.
04:09The place is in worse shape than I thought.
04:11I hear marbles rolling on the ceiling.
04:13The house must be rotting from mold.
04:15There are even bats in here.
04:16Up close, the place is outdated and lacks window screens.
04:19At least it's spacious.
04:20The only thing I don't like is that the man never told me I'd be sharing the place with unhygienic
04:24people.
04:25Opening the bedroom door, I run straight into a guy with long hair.
04:28His hair is all tangled, covering most of his face.
04:30His clothes look days old.
04:32They're ragged and stained with red.
04:35As I wonder how to greet him, he suddenly sticks out his tongue.
04:38I'm taken aback.
04:39Man, your tongue is so white.
04:41Are you sick?
04:42The guy freezes and says nothing.
04:43It's okay.
04:44I'll get some ingredients later and make you some nutritious soup.
04:47Kira once said,
04:48To win over an NPC, you've got to win over their stomach.
04:51The guy seems pleased.
04:52He opens his mouth, revealing sharp white teeth.
04:55Then, he grabs my shoulders as if thanking me.
04:57Turns out he's mute.
04:58I feel a pang of pity and remember Kira's words.
05:01Except for Sean.
05:02The other two are a total pass.
05:04One's a mute named Tyler Birch.
05:05He always plays the victim.
05:07Not my type.
05:07I study the guy in front of me.
05:09Looks like he's Tyler Birch.
05:11I study the guy in front of me.
05:13Looks like he's Tyler Birch.
05:14I wonder which actions are in the most favor.
05:16I need to keep my options open.
05:18Just then, Sean suddenly returns.
05:20His pale body slowly moves towards me.
05:22He looks up and shoots a glance at Tyler.
05:24The temperature seems to drop.
05:25I sneeze.
05:26Tyler pulls away.
05:27I turn around to see Sean extending two dark claws.
05:30He's holding towels and toiletries.
05:32Are these for me?
05:33He stays silent.
05:34But his body turns red.
05:35And his eyes dart around.
05:38Sean turns even redder.
05:39He rubs his black claws together.
05:40Looking anxious.
05:41I glance at the wall clock.
05:43Do you want to have dinner later?
05:44I'm a pretty good cook.
05:46He nods.
05:46And quickly runs off again.
05:48Though I said I'd cook.
05:49I don't have any ingredients.
05:50There are about three hours until dinner.
05:52I can head to town.
05:53I pull up the map.
05:54Check the route.
05:54And start the pickup truck in the garage.
05:56The game's controls are incredibly smooth.
05:59It feels like I'm really driving.
06:00I follow the route and soon arrive at a shopping town.
06:03What's strange is, everyone here looks emotionless and downcast.
06:06The entire town is shrouded in a thick gloom.
06:09There's zero vitality.
06:10They definitely cut corners on the scenery and the NPCs.
06:13I walk into a shop and take out my card.
06:15Hello.
06:15I'd like to buy a few things.
06:17The shopkeeper gives me a half-hearted look.
06:19Then limps toward me.
06:20What do you want?
06:21What do you have?
06:22He sits behind a glass counter and shows me an inventory list.
06:26Rooster, dog blood, garlic, salt, peach wood, ginger, rice, and mirror.
06:30It's just a bunch of random stuff.
06:32The prices shock me.
06:34Why is it so expensive?
06:35A rooster costs $1,000?
06:37Take it or leave it.
06:39This town's about to be done for anyway.
06:42Why?
06:43The shopkeeper looks at me strangely as if I'm an idiot.
06:46Are you buying or not?
06:47I quickly pull out my card.
06:49Yes, dog blood doesn't sound very tasty.
06:51I already have scissors and a mirror.
06:53Peach wood can be used for firewood.
06:55I buy the rest of the things and pay the bill.
06:57Please put them in the car.
06:58I carry the odd assortment of items back to my truck.
07:01This is pure extortion.
07:02He charged me $3,000 for stuff that shouldn't even cost $300.
07:05Even though it's not my money, it still hurts my soul.
07:08But I didn't expect the shop to sell live roosters.
07:11It's fine.
07:11I have some survival skills.
07:13I can kill a rooster.
07:14I grab a knife from the toolbox in the truck and skillfully slaughter the rooster.
07:18It takes some time.
07:18By the time I get back to the house, it's already late.
07:21Sean is waiting for me at the door.
07:23He freezes when he sees what I'm holding.
07:25I'm really sorry.
07:26I took a bit longer than expected.
07:28Sean steps aside without a word.
07:30I enter the kitchen and put the bag down.
07:33Suddenly I'm thrown to the floor.
07:34Caught off guard, I skid across the dusty floor.
07:37A cloud of dirt flies up making me cough.
07:39When I can finally breathe I see Sean approaching me.
07:42His bloodshot eyes are inches from my nose.
07:44What are you doing?
07:45That's what I should be asking you.
07:48Are you trying to kill me too?
07:51Who said I want to kill you?
07:54You lied!
07:55You lied to me!
07:57You lied to me!
07:59As he repeats the words, the eyes on his body dart around.
08:02Countless piercing sounds rush at me from all directions.
08:05The expensive ingredients I bought are now wasted.
08:08I'm not a pushover.
08:09Are you crazy?
08:10I just came back a little late.
08:12I'm still making dinner for you.
08:13Why are you yelling at me?
08:15Looking at the ruined ingredients, I feel heartbroken.
08:18If you're upset, just say so.
08:20Why waste the ingredients?
08:22Sean cools down instantly.
08:23He looks at me, then at the ruined ingredients.
08:26After a long silence, he asks tentatively.
08:28You bought all this to cook for me?
08:30Of course.
08:31Do you know how expensive this was?
08:32Pay me back!
08:33Another long silence.
08:35The house is eerily quiet.
08:36Sean walks over to the mess, extends his claws, and gathers everything up.
08:40Then, it's like something dissolves inside him.
08:43He summons a ball of ice-cold water, washing everything clean.
08:46Once he's finished, he hands them back to me.
08:48I'm sorry.
08:49I take them with a cold expression.
08:51It's a romance game after all.
08:53An unhinged male lead is normal.
08:55Fine, I'll forgive you this time, but don't let it happen again.
08:58Okay.
08:59Sean nuzzles against me.
09:01His body is icy cold like a cool water pillow.
09:04It feels good.
09:04I can't help but pet his head.
09:06Good boy.
09:06An hour later, Sean and I enjoy the salt-baked chicken I made.
09:10For some reason, the taste is a bit off, but it's just a game.
09:13I can understand.
09:13After dinner, Sean puts the dishes in the sink.
09:16I look at the filthy house, feeling overwhelmed.
09:18I pull a ladder from under a skull model to fix the light bulb.
09:21Tyler happens to come downstairs.
09:22Hey, give me a hand.
09:24At my voice, Tyler's head snaps a sharp 90 degrees.
09:27He seems eager to help.
09:28The next moment, he's right in front of me.
09:30Before I can speak, Sean steps in between us, radiating a chilling presence.
09:34His black claws swell up, becoming a massive shadowy fist.
09:37The chateau lunges.
09:38Tyler is thrown against the wall, just like the ingredients.
09:41That's one more thing to fix.
09:43Tyler is stuck in the wall.
09:44He has no idea why he's even being hit.
09:46Get lost.
09:47Tyler scrambles off the wall and crawls away on all fours.
09:50Sean's jealous?
09:51Seriously?
09:52He's so possessive.
09:53I glance stiffly at Sean.
09:55He's already setting up the ladder.
09:56His blood-red eyes blink up at me.
09:58Is this okay?
09:59My heart skips a beat.
10:01Crap.
10:01He's so cute.
10:02That night, I lie in my hastily tidied bed.
10:04Normally, these games have save points, either by the fire or in the bed.
10:07I close my eyes, trying to exit the game.
10:10But no matter what I do, the game doesn't respond.
10:12Is this not a save point?
10:14Full of doubt, I get up and walk to the living room.
10:16It's packed with people.
10:18Everyone is gathered by the fireplace.
10:20Sean is giving a speech seriously.
10:22I arrived late, and I'm far away, so I only catch part of it.
10:25I won't let anyone hurt her.
10:27If anyone has a problem, take it up with me.
10:30Huh?
10:31Who?
10:33All eyes turn to me at once.
10:35That's when I notice everyone here has an artistic vibe.
10:38In a way, the game's aesthetic is unified and pretty unique.
10:41I look around.
10:42I see a pale woman with tear-streaked cheeks, a baby with severed hands, and a pair of twin
10:46girls who look relatively clean.
10:48Now I'm starting to think this agent is breaking every labor law in the book.
10:52Good evening.
10:53Did I disturb you?
10:54Why are you up?
10:55It's a bit cold.
10:56Can I start a fire?
10:58Start a fire with what?
10:59This.
11:00The air turns static.
11:01It's just me and Sean now.
11:02Why did they leave?
11:03It's fine.
11:04They're just shy.
11:05Moonlight pours through the broken window, casting rippling shadows on the table.
11:09The room is so quiet I can hear my breathing.
11:12Maybe it's the quiet of the scene, but it somehow feels romantic.
11:16I awkwardly place wood in the fireplace, then suddenly realize something.
11:20Do you have a lighter?
11:21Sean snaps his fingers.
11:22Something bird-like dives from a beam.
11:24Before I can see what it is, it disappears into the hearth.
11:27The fireplace bursts into flames.
11:29Superpowers are handy.
11:30I walk around the fireplace searching for a safe point.
11:33Sean watches me intently.
11:34What's wrong?
11:35Nothing.
11:35Do I need to sleep by the fire?
11:37I sit on the couch in front of the flames trying to fall asleep.
11:40But this game is just too realistic.
11:42Even the musty smell of the pillow is simulated.
11:45I can't relax enough to sleep.
11:46Sean's body suddenly shifts, transforming into something like jelly.
11:50He's pure white with two red eyes.
11:51I'm shocked.
11:52You can shapeshift?
11:53Yeah.
11:54I'm still amazed by his transformation.
11:55When he wriggles over, sits beside me, and becomes my pillow.
11:59I sleep peacefully.
12:00Maybe it's because Sean's body is so comfortable, but I sleep very soundly.
12:04The bad news is, I still can't figure out how to exit the game.
12:07It's becoming a problem.
12:08Even though I can move around, it's all virtual.
12:10If I don't eat in real life, things could go wrong.
12:13I try calling Kira, but the calls won't connect.
12:15I'm cut off from the outside.
12:17It seems like I have to clear the game.
12:18Until then, I can't stop or exit midway.
12:20I can only pray that my body holds up.
12:22The good news is, in-game time doesn't match real time.
12:25The game moves faster.
12:26In other words, my body should last longer than expected.
12:29After several failed attempts to log out, I give up struggling.
12:32I open my eyes, and the scene before me stops my breath.
12:35The young man's face is flawless.
12:37His head is lowered.
12:38His white hair is so fine.
12:40Frost coats his lashes, thick and soft.
12:42He has a high nose and thin lips.
12:44There's a small mole near his mouth.
12:45From every angle, this face is exactly my type.
12:48A magnificent face.
12:49I suddenly remember Kira's words.
12:51I feel a cruelness on my fingers.
12:53Only then do I realize my hand is wrapped tightly around his waist.
12:56I pull my hand away.
12:57The young man stirs, slowly waking up.
12:59His moist, blood-red eyes slowly open.
13:01Morning.
13:02You're Sean?
13:03Yeah.
13:04A faint smile tugs at his lips.
13:05He's in a good mood.
13:06What's wrong?
13:07Maybe it's because he just woke up, but he's radiating a lazy softness.
13:11His eyes are still misty with sleep.
13:12I don't understand what caused such a huge change in him overnight.
13:16How did you become like this?
13:18Don't like it?
13:19I do.
13:20As long as you like it.
13:21Just then, a knock sounds at the door.
13:23I pull away from Sean.
13:24Wait here for me.
13:25Sean stays put.
13:26I open the door.
13:27It's the middle-aged NPC from yesterday.
13:29In just one day, his dark circles have worsened.
13:32Hello, Ms. Bean.
13:33He's as polite as ever.
13:34I've gathered some useful information to tell you.
13:36I think it'll help with your job.
13:38Come in.
13:39No, no.
13:39I'll just tell you here.
13:41He pulls out a stack of papers and flips through them.
13:43In terms of efficacy, salt is the weakest and last the shortest.
13:47Burning peach wood offers protection.
13:49Garlic needs to be made into a necklace.
13:51The rooster works best, but the house owner may intervene.
13:54Investigations show the owner's name is Sean West.
13:57He's a cold demon.
13:58He can command freezing air and read minds through touch to know their preferences.
14:02What's even scarier is...
14:03He rambles on for a while, but all I catch is Sean.
14:06I quickly jump in.
14:08Sean, right?
14:09I know.
14:09What a cringy setting.
14:10That means his current look is based on my thoughts.
14:13No wonder he's exactly my type.
14:14I finally get why Kira said he was hot now.
14:17How could a face tailored to the player's aesthetic not be attractive?
14:20Lost in thoughts.
14:21I didn't notice the man turning pale.
14:23You've met him already?
14:25Yeah, he's pretty nice.
14:26His face grows even paler.
14:28He hands me the papers, trembling.
14:30But I don't have the patience to read them.
14:32So I cut to the chase and ask,
14:34So, what exactly do I need to do to finish the job?
14:37Well...
14:37He hesitates.
14:38Just clear out everything in the house.
14:40In short, I have to clean.
14:42I'm good at that.
14:43Don't worry.
14:43It'll be done in no time.
14:45The man looks at me with respect.
14:47Good luck.
14:48Once I see him out, I close the door and start thinking.
14:50From the information I have, there are two conditions to clear the game.
14:54First, gain Sean's favor.
14:56Second, repair the house.
14:57Completing both in a short time seems impossible.
15:00I glance over at Sean.
15:01He somehow got an apple and is leisurely peeling it for me.
15:04Noticing my gaze, he turns around and smiles.
15:07What's wrong?
15:08His voice is even deeper than yesterday.
15:10I feel a headache coming on.
15:11I'm terrible at romance.
15:13To be honest, I've never been in a relationship.
15:15And I can't even exit to check a guide.
15:17But judging from how Sean treats me, I guess he doesn't dislike me.
15:21I wonder how high his favorability is.
15:23After a moment I ask,
15:24Can you kiss me?
15:25What?
15:26Kiss me, please.
15:27Sean drops the apple immediately.
15:29What?
15:29I...
15:30Maybe not.
15:31He mutters.
15:31Then vanishes without a trace.
15:33Looks like his favorability isn't there yet.
15:36I sigh in disappointment.
15:37That afternoon, I officially begin the repair work.
15:40There's a lot to do, so I had my housemates help.
15:42First, I reattach the fallen window frames.
15:44Cover the grass with old newspapers.
15:46And nail the boards.
15:47Next, I clean the entire house.
15:48I move all the carpets, pillows and such outside first.
15:51Then, I wash the entire place with soapy water.
15:53The dirty wooden floors shine after the wash.
15:55But they're a bit faded.
15:56Red paint keeps bleeding out.
15:58I rinse several times until it's clear.
16:00Sean watches me, looking like he has something to say.
16:02I can't take it.
16:03Come help me.
16:04Oh.
16:04He walks over and holds the ladder.
16:06I climb up to clean the last light bulb.
16:08Can you not buy chandeliers next time?
16:10They're such a pain.
16:11Okay.
16:12You can buy them, but hire your own cleaner.
16:14I'm not doing this again.
16:16Alright.
16:17I squeeze the rag in my hand, carefully stepping down.
16:20The crying woman has finished washing the carpet.
16:22Ma'am, is this okay?
16:24Yes, good job.
16:25I hang the carpet on the drying rack and thank her.
16:27You're really good at housework.
16:29Thank you so much.
16:30You're too kind.
16:31Her tears suddenly stop.
16:32She stares at me and stands frozen in place.
16:35Seeing her pale face, I sincerely take her hand.
16:38By the way, you look really pale.
16:39It's probably anemia.
16:41You need some iron.
16:42Her eyes well up again.
16:43I turn to dry something else.
16:45But when I turn back, she's gone.
16:46Huh?
16:47Where did she go?
16:48As light emerges in the clearing sky, Sean let out a subtle smile.
16:51To the place she belongs.
16:53After all these years, she can finally leave.
16:56The floor is nearly dry.
16:57I straighten the picture frames.
16:59Sean helps me clean the corners with cold water, which speeds things up.
17:02I see an ugly pentagram on the hallway floor.
17:04After some thought, I grab some pink paint to fill it in.
17:07Then add rhinestones, turning it into a cute array.
17:10During break time, I see Tyler walk by covered in dirt.
17:12I immediately pull him over.
17:13I ask Sean for a basin of water to wash Tyler's hair.
17:16Then I grab the scissors.
17:17In no time, Tyler's long hair is now a sharp wolf cut, revealing his handsome face.
17:21See?
17:21He looks so good.
17:22Hmm.
17:23Nothing special.
17:24Tyler starts babbling, but I can't understand a word.
17:27He bows to me and disappears down the hallway.
17:29Later that night, the twin girls run around playing with a ball.
17:32I catch the ball and bounce it a few times.
17:35They walk up to me, hand in hand, and say in unison,
17:38Play with us.
17:39Suddenly the temperature drops.
17:40I feel a chill.
17:42No.
17:43Why?
17:43Because she's my wife.
17:45The twins droop their heads.
17:46I can't help but laugh.
17:48Why are you jealous of kids?
17:49Don't listen to him.
17:50I'll play with you.
17:51I hand the ball back and take them to the second floor.
17:55I have to admit, kids have endless energy.
17:58We play right until midnight.
17:59When the clock strikes 12, the two girls vanish without a trace.
18:03I turn to Sean.
18:04Where did they go?
18:05Sean doesn't answer right away.
18:07He walks up to me and pulls me into a hug.
18:09I blink, surprised by his embrace.
18:11Sean, what's wrong?
18:12He stays silent.
18:13I feel a sudden chill.
18:15His cold hand presses against my neck, holding me to his shoulder.
18:18A faint, minty scent of blood silently spreads through the air.
18:22Finally I hear his hoarse whisper.
18:24I don't know why he's thanking me, but I slowly hug him back.
18:27The house repairs go smoother than I expected.
18:30In just a few days, the entire place is completely transformed.
18:33Sean deserves some credit.
18:34His powers are perfect for cleaning.
18:35Meanwhile, I notice that more and more of my housemates are disappearing.
18:38The crying baby with severed arms, the heavyset woman, and the loud one-eyed old man are all gone.
18:43By the end, it's just me and Sean left.
18:45The next morning, the town finally clears up.
18:47Sunlight breaks through, warming the refurbished house.
18:50The town's residents all step outside at once, gazing up at the sky.
18:53I excitedly lean out the window.
18:54The sky's clear.
18:55Yeah, it's clear.
18:57Suddenly, Sean steps forward, his foot touching the sunlight.
19:00I turn around and see his body melting like ice.
19:03Flowers are in full bloom and the sun is warm.
19:05Wind surges from behind me as a cold kiss lands on my lips.
19:08I press my lips together.
19:10He steps forward again.
19:11With firm gentleness, he cradles my neck.
19:13I never imagined a kiss could be like this.
19:15I call out his name, Sean.
19:17He doesn't answer.
19:18Under the brilliant sun, he smiles faintly, then vanishes before my eyes.
19:22The house crumbles.
19:23By the time I come to, I'm standing alone outside the door.
19:26Just like when we first met, the NPC runs up to me in a hurry.
19:29Congratulations!
19:30A familiar virtual screen appears before me.
19:32Manor of mists cleared.
19:34Exit the game.
19:35I take off my glasses and realize tears have covered my face.
19:38The cold sensation still lingers on my fingertips.
19:41I sit on the bed, lost in thought.
19:43My phone rings beside me.
19:45I pick it up in a daze.
19:46My goodness!
19:47You finally picked up.
19:49Where have you been?
19:50You didn't answer your calls.
19:51I almost went and kicked down your door.
19:53Kira.
19:57What's going on?
19:58Don't scare me.
20:00I really like Sean.
20:02Manor of mists is such an amazing game.
20:07I get that you like Sean, but what's Manor of mists?
20:10That's the game you sent me.
20:12The one you called the greatest romance game in the world.
20:15I sent you the wrong one.
20:17Manor of mists isn't a romance game.
20:19It's a horror game my boyfriend gave me.
20:21How could Sean even be in there?
20:24Then who did I meet?
20:25Over the next few days I try to log into Manor of Mists again.
20:28Even if I have to restart the game,
20:30even if he forgets everything about me,
20:32even if he's just a mindless NPC,
20:34I want to see him again.
20:35But it keeps saying launch failure.
20:37It's not a multiplayer game or an online game.
20:39It shouldn't fail.
20:40I can't explain this strange unease and sadness deep inside me.
20:43I just want to see him.
20:44I really do.
20:45Kira suggests I check the official game forum.
20:47If you want news about the game,
20:48that's the fastest way.
20:50See what players are discussing.
20:51So I enter the Manor of Mists forum.
20:53To my surprise, it's already blowing up.
20:55Toddless posts and comments are all talking about the same thing.
20:58Something's off with the game's boss, Sean West.
21:00Players noticed the boss was deviating from the script.
21:03He stopped responding to taunts and attacking players.
21:06Players also noticed he'll sometimes turn into a handsome human figure
21:09and sit on the couch at night,
21:10as if reminiscing or watching something.
21:12Soon after, players discover he's showing signs of self-destruction.
21:16Sean always walks into the sunlight,
21:17completely disrupting the game's flow.
21:19He was meant to be a cold-hearted final boss,
21:21active only in dark rooms and focused on killing.
21:24But he has developed his own consciousness.
21:25He dismisses the spirits, does what he pleases, and harms himself.
21:29No one knows what he's thinking, or what his goal is.
21:31This game is unplayable!
21:33Fix it now!
21:33As I keep reading, I start piecing together a new Sean.
21:37Because I played outside the box,
21:38I missed out on a lot of lore I was supposed to uncover.
21:41The main story should have been about purging spirits with dog blood and burning wood.
21:45And apparently, he fears sunlight and hates chicken.
21:48After that, the game slowly fades into silence.
21:51A game with unpatched dogs is soon forgotten.
21:53But I haven't forgotten.
21:54My heart feels heavy, like a block of iron.
21:57I think I'll never see him again.
21:58In the days that follow, I eat, sleep, and work.
22:01Life feels the same.
22:02Sometimes I just hold the VR glasses, doing nothing.
22:05Kira asks me to try the actual romance game.
22:07I hesitate, then refuse.
22:09My life is peaceful, like a pre-written storyline, following a set track.
22:12On one quiet, moonlit night, I lie in bed and hear the sound of glass breaking.
22:17Half asleep, I see a gooey white mass pouring out of the VR glasses.
22:20It slithers toward me with its gentle red eyes wide open.
22:23Tiny black claws reach out.
22:25Ms. Tobeam, can I hold your hand?
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