"From Broke to Baller: Thanks, System?"

The sun dipped low, casting golden light across the campus. Jin stood in front of the full-length mirror in his room, adjusting the sleeves of his clean black polo layered under a light beige overshirt. Not too flashy, but not forgettable either. Paired with dark jeans and white sneakers, it was a look that matched his personality—subtle, confident, low-key cool.

His phone buzzed.

[Yssa – 6:01 PM]

We're here already. Mika saved us a seat near the front!

[Mika – 6:02 PM]

Hurry, Jin! It's starting soon! Calix's already trying to impress upperclassmen haha.

He smiled and pocketed his phone.

---

[System Notification – Active Buff: Calm Aura (Light)]

— Duration: 3 hours

— Effect: +2 Confidence, +1 Charm during social interactions.

---

Jin arrived at the venue just as the sky shifted to twilight. The campus gym at Westford Institute had been transformed—string lights overhead, velvet banners draped along the walls, and a stage set at the front with speakers blaring soft pop music.

Inside, rows of round tables were filled with excited freshmen. At the far side, seniors and some faculty were scattered, sipping punch and watching quietly. The energy buzzed with anticipation.

"Jin!" Mika waved.

He slid into the seat between Mika and Calix. Yssa, across from him, gave an approving nod. "Nice outfit. You clean up well."

Calix leaned over. "You smell like cologne, bro. What are you planning?"

"Surviving," Jin replied coolly.

---

The lights dimmed. A spotlight hit the stage.

A girl in a sleek blue blazer stepped up to the mic. "Welcome to the annual Westford Institute Acquaintance Night! We're thrilled to have you all here. Tonight's about bonding, fun, and showcasing the many talents of our students!"

Applause echoed across the hall.

"And for those brave enough," she added with a sly grin, "the open performance slot is still open for signup until intermission."

Mika turned to Jin. "You planning to go up there?"

Jin took a sip of water. "I'll think about it."

---

The night moved smoothly. Each course of food came with mini-games, getting-to-know-you prompts, and video presentations from the department heads.

Halfway through the event, the host returned to the stage. "And now… it's time for our Open Mic Segment!"

Cheers erupted.

"Let's see who's on the list…"

As the first student walked up with a guitar, Jin watched calmly. The performance was decent—safe chords, a familiar love song.

Mika leaned close. "You should go. Seriously."

Calix added, "You've been practicing for weeks, right?"

Yssa didn't say anything, but the look she gave said you got this.

Jin stood up silently and made his way toward the signup booth.

---

Backstage, a few upperclassmen gave him curious glances. "New face," one whispered.

He waited for his turn, his heart starting to race in his chest. This wasn't how he imagined his first public performance.

[System Notification – Temporary Boost Activated]

→ Focus Enhancement

→ Tone Stability – Voice Control Lv.2

→ Beginner Dance Sync (Auto On if triggered)

"Next, we have… Jin Cortez!"

The lights shifted again.

Jin stepped on stage, carrying his black acoustic guitar.

He sat on the stool, eyes scanning the audience. A quiet hush fell over the room—most people didn't know who he was, but something about the way he moved commanded attention. He caught a few eyes from the back of the room, some whispers—curiosity, maybe even a bit of excitement. This was it. He was doing this.

His fingers hesitated on the strings for a second before he strummed. He cleared his throat softly and began his song.

The song started mellow, a cover of a popular Korean acoustic ballad with English lines mixed in. His voice was gentle at first, almost unsure—but then it grew. Controlled. Warm. Honest.

The crowd was quiet at first—then, a few murmurs.

"Who is that?"

"His voice…"

"Is he a transfer? Never seen him before…"

The whispers were growing.

Yssa stared, stunned. "I didn't know he could sing like that."

Mika was smiling wide. "He's glowing up, huh?"

Calix grinned. "Man's hitting his main character arc."

---

Jin's confidence grew as the song reached the chorus. His voice steadied, carrying the emotion through the room. The murmurs of approval swelled, and Jin felt a spark of something—pride, maybe, or relief—that he didn't even know he had.

And then came the applause. It was soft at first, then louder, more enthusiastic, until it filled the gym. Some of the audience members even stood, clapping in rhythm. A few whistles pierced through the noise.

Jin nodded slightly, offering a small, confident bow. He left the stage calmly, his heart still pounding in his chest, but his face remained composed.

[System Notification – Charm Increased by +1 (First Public Performance)]

[Reputation Increased: 36 → 49]

---

Later, a few seniors approached him.

"You should sign up for the cultural showcase next month."

"That was clean, man. You got something going."

Jin smiled, nodding politely. He could hear the buzz in the air—the feeling that people had taken notice.

Tonight wasn't about being famous.

It was about starting something.

And finally… he felt ready.