Chapter Text
Seoul, 2115
“The SES-3700 series was created especially for you! Have you ever imagined having a boyfriend available for you at all times, who never complains, who always compliments you, who keeps you company after a long and exhausting workday? The SES-3700 model comes with a wide range of features to assist you in your daily life: an extensive vocabulary, a configurable personality, and a sexual organ in the perfect size and shape for your needs. It doesn’t need food, water, doesn’t smell, has no addictions, and no other concerns besides loving you. You can buy one or rent it at the nearest Artificial Lovers Station.”
A man said, standing in front of the camera. Beside him, a creature who looked in its twenties with closed eyes and a sleeping expression. He positioned himself in front of the camera, wearing nothing but underwear. The rest of his body was fully exposed to the human audience.
The empty shell was presented to all as a revolutionary product: the cure for loneliness. The interviewers were all thrilled with the novelty — or were paid to be.
“Oh, the girls are going to love him. The design team really nailed his looks and physique,” the interviewer said.
“He comes with several interchangeable hair colors. Just access the button on his neck. We have red… white… blue… dark and light blonde… the classic black or brown… and silver. That one’s my favorite, doesn’t he look gorgeous?”
The strands of hair changed color with each touch, making it possible to control even such a trivial detail about that body.
“Of course, of course… But people have been reporting problems with BLCKSHADOW’s products lately. Artificials disobeying their owners’ commands, running away, and so on. They also said the skin felt cold, so… you know… not very pleasant during sex. I think people are looking for as much humanity as possible in these machines. Regarding that, what do you suggest customers should do?”
“Don’t worry! Our best bioengineers worked on him personally. The skin was crafted with cutting-edge technology... It’s completely humanlike, but with one addition: an expiration date. You can replace him whenever you want, discard him as you see fit, and get a new one if yours starts having issues. Our products don’t present those kinds of problems. The SES-3700 is very obedient. And in case of technical failures, such as faulty buttons, BLCKSHADOW assistants are always ready to help you in any situation…”
“Well, can you give us a demonstration of the product? Ask him to introduce himself and say something romantic.”
The demonstrator touched the Artificial’s neck, and he lifted his eyes, blinking like metal. And then, he came to life. His eyes gleamed.
“Hello, my name is Song Eunseok.” A smile appeared, dimples forming on his cheeks. “And I am your perfect lover.”