The campus buzzed like a beehive as the morning sunlight broke through the gray clouds hanging low over the university grounds. It was Monday—officially the first full week of the semester—and everyone had something to talk about.
But the name on everyone's lips wasn't a professor.
It was Jason.
"I heard he's a model," whispered one girl in the café line.
"No way. He just transferred, right? Like, last week?"
"Yeah, but he was at that Business Society party. I saw pics. He's ridiculously hot."
Jason stepped into the student center right as the door opened for a group of sophomores. The moment he walked in, heads turned. Conversations paused. A few gasps could be heard from across the room.
He walked slowly, casually—back straight, chin slightly up, his every step measured and confident. He wasn't showing off, but he didn't need to. Everything about him drew attention now.
The fitted black sweater hugged his form, showing off his newly built chest and arms. His skin glowed with health. His jawline could cut glass.
It had been less than a week since the System first appeared, but the difference was night and day.
And everyone saw it.
Jason walked past a group of girls whispering and headed straight to the café counter. The girl behind the register nearly dropped her tablet when she looked up.
"H-Hi, welcome to Brew & Bean!" she said too quickly. "What can I—uh, I mean—what would you like?"
"Just black coffee," Jason replied with a polite smile.
She blushed and nodded. "On the house."
He raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah," she said quickly, eyes wide. "Consider it…uh…a campus welcome gift!"
Jason chuckled softly and nodded. "Thanks."
Behind him, someone muttered, "Dude, who is that guy?"
He found a seat near the back of the café and opened his laptop. But before he could even start reading the lecture notes, a familiar voice made his heart skip a beat.
"Hey… Jason?"
He looked up slowly.
Lily.
She stood in front of him wearing a denim jacket over a green crop top, high-waisted jeans, and her usual soft makeup. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail. Her lips were slightly parted, eyes unsure.
Jason blinked, staring at her as if seeing her for the first time.
Which, in a way, he was.
She looked… smaller now. Not physically, but in presence. Something about the way she stood told him she wasn't confident anymore. Not with him.
"Yeah?" he said calmly.
"It is you," she said, almost in disbelief. "I've been hearing people talk, but… I didn't think—" She paused. "You've changed."
Jason closed his laptop.
"I have."
Lily took a hesitant step closer. "Look, about the other day…"
Jason didn't say anything. He waited.
"I didn't mean to hurt you," she said. "I just—I panicked. I didn't think you actually… felt that way."
"Right," Jason said, keeping his tone even.
"And I didn't expect you to change so fast. It's like… you're a completely different person."
Jason leaned back in his chair and gave her a long look. "Maybe I always was. You just didn't see it."
Lily's face turned red. "I'm sorry, okay? I've been thinking about it all weekend."
He tilted his head slightly. "Are you here to apologize… or to ask if I'm still the same guy who used to follow you around like a puppy?"
Her mouth opened. Then closed.
He stood up, towering slightly over her. "Because I'm not."
Lily swallowed hard. "So… what are you now?"
Jason gave her a faint smile. "I guess that's what everyone's trying to figure out."
He walked past her, coffee in hand, leaving Lily standing there in silence.
[System Notification]
Social Event Triggered: Lily's Regret— Effect: Target's perception of host has shifted dramatically.— Passive bonus: +5% dominance in personal conversations involving regret or attraction.
Jason stepped outside into the cold morning air, his breath fogging in front of him. The sky was brightening now, and students were swarming across the campus lawn toward their classes.
His phone buzzed.
Unknown Number:
"Hey, Jason. This is Professor Clive from your Entrepreneurship class. I saw you at the Business Society event. Would love to speak with you about a new program we're building. Let me know if you're interested."
Jason's eyes narrowed.Opportunities were coming fast.
In his next class, the buzz only grew louder. He walked into his Economics lecture and immediately felt the stares. A group of girls giggled near the front row. Two guys leaned into each other and muttered, sneaking glances his way.
He took a seat near the middle of the room, opened his notebook, and ignored the whispering.
Until—
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?"
He turned. A girl with platinum-blonde hair and stylish glasses stood beside him. She had a confident expression and wore a tight white blouse tucked into a pencil skirt.
"No," Jason said.
She sat down smoothly and crossed her legs.
"I'm Vanessa," she said, extending a hand.
"Jason."
"I know," she replied, smirking. "Everyone knows."
He raised an eyebrow.
"People are saying you're some kind of business prodigy. And a model. And a transfer from Europe."
Jason chuckled. "That's a lot of things to be."
She leaned closer. "Which ones are true?"
He met her eyes. "Guess you'll have to find out."
She smiled slowly. "I like a mystery."
After class, Vanessa followed him out of the room.
"So," she said, walking in step with him, "do you usually leave a trail of broken hearts wherever you go?"
Jason smirked. "Only recently."
Vanessa laughed. "Well, let me know if you ever want a partner for that entrepreneurship project. I have ideas."
"I'll think about it."
As he walked away, he could feel her eyes on his back the entire time.
Later that evening, Jason returned to his dorm and opened the system screen.
[New Passive Skill Unlocked: Confidence Aura (Lv. 1)]— Boosts attraction and social influence in public areas— Makes host appear naturally charismatic— Reduces intimidation others feel when approaching host
[Host Balance: $2,500]Daily Flow: +$500/day (Tier 1)Quest Progress: 16%
Jason stared at the glowing numbers. The System was changing him in more ways than he imagined.
Not just on the outside.
Not just with money.
But inside, too.
The boy who cried alone in his dorm was gone.
The boy who was rejected by the only person he trusted was gone.
In his place stood someone new.
Someone dangerous.
Someone unstoppable.
And the world was only beginning to notice.