Beyond the Map

One Shot

Moon 'Oner' Hyeun Jun squinted at the map in his hands, brow furrowed. The bright morning sun cast long shadows over the sprawling grounds of Leyte National High School, where he currently stood—lost, and mildly frustrated.

The League of Legends World Championships had just ended, and his team, T1, was finally given their much-awaited break.

Each member was given the freedom to choose where and how they'd spend it, with a catch: they had to create content from their adventures to be uploaded exclusively for premium members.

He could have chosen to stay in Korea, basking in the comfort of his family's pampering, but no—because Gumayusi, curse his creative soul, had suggested they draw lots for their destinations, in the spirit of spontaneity and fun.

Zeus drew India, Keria got Malaysia, Faker ended up with Pakistan, and Gumayusi himself snagged Indonesia. Hyeun Jun? He drew the shortest straw.

Now, he found himself in a place he knew nothing about, cared nothing about, and to make matters worse, he'd somehow managed to get separated from his tour group within the first hour.

"Jezzuz Crust!" He muttered under his breath, the humid air clinging to his skin.

He glanced around, the map in his hand offering little help. Everything was in English, and while he could manage, deciphering the directions and itinerary felt like trying to read a summoner's spell book.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, likely the tour guide wondering where he was, but before he could check, something—or rather someone—collided into him, sending a jolt through his body.

"Ay! Kabayong buntis!" a female voice exclaimed.

Hyun Joon stumbled, barely catching himself as a flurry of papers and maps flew out of his grasp. The girl who had bumped into him quickly knelt down, her fingers brushing against his as she gathered the scattered pages. Her touch was warm, and he felt a sudden, unexpected spark.

"Sorry talaga! Waray ako kita. Pasensya na!" (I'm truly sorry. I didn't see you.) She handed him the papers, her face slightly flushed as she offered a sheepish grin.

Hyun Joon blinked, momentarily stunned by the unexpected encounter. The girl looked up at him, her eyes bright with curiosity and concern.

"Ay, porenjer!" She exclaimed. "Di makaintindi tak winaray. Anay la. Kalma, dughart!" (Won't understand my vernacular. Be still my heart!) She raised her right hand and pressed it between her breasts, her expression softening as she asked in halting English, "Are you lost?"

He hesitated, searching for the right words. "Yes, a little... I got separated from the group... tour bus..."

She nodded, her expression understanding.

"Let me see." She took the itinerary from his hands, their fingers brushing again—this time more lingeringly—sending a slight shiver down his spine.

"Ah, you're with the group visiting Sto. Niño Shrine next. That's just on the other block. You must have crossed a tiny bridge without noticing. This area is the school belt."

She pointed across the street. "That's Leyte Normal University—" Then, she gestured to the school behind her.

"And behind me is Leyte National High School, my high school alma mater. Don't worry, it's just a short walk back. I can take you there if you want."

Hyun Joon's face brightened with relief. "Yes, please! Thank you!" He bowed slightly, grateful for her help.

The girl smiled, motioning for him to follow. "I'm Khynny Myggz, by the way. You can call me Khynny."