WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: DereKimchi

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

◈ The Protagonist Doesn't Want to Leave the First Floor ◈

Chapter 0: Prologue

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"He worked for me for two years, and his accounts were never off by even one cent. I remember how he'd react without changing his expression, like some AI robot, even when difficult customers or drunks caused trouble. Still, he was diligent. Someone I'm grateful to."

[Convenience store owner]

"I thought no one lived in the room next door. We happened to run into each other once and said hello, but he looked at me like I wasn't a person, more like a rock or something. Kind of vacant, I guess."

[Goshiwon* neighbor]

TN: Goshiwon is a notoriously cramped, low-cost boarding house room in South Korea, often containing just enough space for a bed and a desk.

"He was a good guy. Even after he'd put in his time, he never put off his own work. When we stood guard, he'd take the front position and do everything by the book, while letting his partner get more rest."

[Military subordinate]

"Who? Give me a second... Oh, right. We were in the same class for all three years, but I couldn't remember his name. I do remember that he was really quiet."

[High school classmate]

"He did the work of several people by himself. I thought he was some kind of patty-grilling machine... Even during the busiest rush hours, he handled everything smoothly without getting tangled up. I'd slip him extra pay without the others knowing."

[Fast food manager]

"That customer? I saw him for almost a year. He got on at the same time every day, but he never looked out the window. He'd just stare at the back of the seat in front of him. You know, the backrest. I thought maybe he was interested in the ad stuck there, but that didn't seem to be it... Then again, there are plenty of unusual passengers."

[Bus driver]

"He always ordered the same thing. He didn't savor the food, he just chewed and swallowed like he was fueling a car, then got right up. But most office workers are like that, honestly. Ha ha."

[Restaurant owner]

"Hajin? He's hard to get close to. But once you get to know one thing about him, he's easier to be around than anyone. He isn't fake. What you see is what you get with him. He's kind of blank and boring, but he knows how to have fun. He even tells jokes sometimes. They're just not funny."

[Friend]

"He’s my savior. Maybe even more than that. If he hadn't helped me then, I really..."

[Middle school junior]

* * *

Just before the soju bottle his father threw could strike him in the head.

With all his senses dulled, his point of view rose about five meters into the air…

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