$2 Korean Microwave Pizza

After hours searching, Daniel buys cooking equipment and CU food for 14,000 won, adapting to an inconvenient, poorer neighborhood. His preferred Korean date stops replying; he double-messages, regrets his approach, and expects rejection while considering a rejection-themed video. Coronavirus fears cancel two dates; despite another sexual encounter and Tinder matches, he worries about restrictions and lacking companionship.

Dating novelty briefly offsets loneliness, but uncertainty, cancellations, and isolation repeatedly restore pessimism.