**Chapter 7: A Test of Resolve**
The faint hum of conversation filled the small café as Mina stared at the envelope on the table. Jae-min had suggested they meet here after her shift, and though she didn't think much of it at first, his sudden seriousness threw her off. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her brow furrowed in uncertainty.
"What's this?" she asked, nodding toward the envelope.
Jae-min leaned back in his chair, meeting her gaze. "Open it."
She hesitated before sliding her fingers under the flap. Inside, she found several crisp bills—more money than she'd ever seen in one place. Her eyes widened, and she looked up at him sharply. "What the hell is this, Jae-min?"
"It's for you," he said plainly. "To help with your debt."
Mina's expression shifted from surprise to disbelief, and then to anger. She shoved the envelope back toward him. "Are you kidding me? You think I'm some charity case?"
Jae-min expected this reaction, but it still stung. He held up his hands in defense. "It's not like that. I'm just trying to help."
"I didn't ask for your help," she snapped, her voice low but firm. "Do you even know what it's like to work your ass off every day, only to feel like you're still drowning? I don't need you swooping in to save me like some knight in shining armor."
Her words hit hard, and for a moment, Jae-min didn't know what to say. But then he thought of Elyra's advice, her constant reminders that building trust wasn't just about grand gestures. It was about understanding the other person, meeting them where they were.
"You're right," he said softly, his tone sincere. "I don't know what it's like. But I do know what it feels like to feel stuck, to think there's no way out. That's why I'm offering this—not because I think you're weak, but because I know how strong you are. And sometimes, even strong people need a little help."
Mina's gaze softened, but her walls were still up. She crossed her arms, leaning back in her chair. "And what do you get out of this? Why are you so interested in helping me?"
Jae-min hesitated. He couldn't tell her about the system—not yet, maybe not ever—but he could tell her the truth about how he felt. "I see someone who works harder than anyone I've ever met. Someone who's chasing a dream even when everything seems stacked against her. And I respect that. That's all."
She studied him for a long moment, her defenses slowly crumbling. Finally, she let out a heavy sigh. "This… this isn't easy for me, you know? Accepting help."
"I know," he said. "And I don't expect you to make a decision right away. Just… think about it. The money's not going anywhere."
Mina glanced at the envelope again, her fingers twitching as if she wanted to grab it but couldn't bring herself to. "I'll think about it," she said quietly.
"That's all I ask," Jae-min replied with a small smile.
---
As Jae-min left the café, he felt a mix of relief and unease. Mina's likability score had jumped to 75%, a clear sign that he was making progress. But it wasn't just about the numbers anymore. He genuinely cared about her and wanted to see her succeed, even if it meant taking things slow.
Elyra appeared beside him, her holographic form glowing faintly in the evening light. "That was well-handled, Jae-min. You didn't push her, and that's exactly what she needed."
"Yeah," he muttered, shoving his hands into his pockets. "But it still feels… complicated. Like I'm walking on eggshells."
"Relationships are always complicated," Elyra said with a knowing smile. "But you're learning. And that's what matters."
As they walked, Jae-min's phone buzzed with a notification. He pulled it out to see a message from Hana.
**Hana:** *Hey, thanks again for helping me earlier. I mentioned you to the book club, and they'd love to have you join for a session. No pressure, though.*
A small grin crept onto his face. Hana was reserved, but the fact that she'd reached out first was a good sign. He typed a quick reply, agreeing to attend the next meeting.
Elyra peered over his shoulder, smirking. "Looks like you're making progress on multiple fronts."
"Don't jinx it," he muttered, though he couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. Meeting Hana had been unexpected, but he was curious to see where it might lead.
---
That night, Jae-min lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. His thoughts were a jumble of Mina, Hana, and the system. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his chest, but it was also mixed with a strange sense of hope. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was moving forward, like he was building something real.
Elyra's voice broke the silence. "Jae-min, are you ready for what's coming next?"
He turned his head to look at her, her holographic form glowing softly in the darkness. "What do you mean?"
"You're doing well, but this is just the beginning. The more progress you make, the more challenges you'll face. People will question your motives, your methods, and your relationships. Are you prepared for that?"
He let out a long breath, staring back at the ceiling. "I don't know. But I'm not going to stop now. I've come too far to back down."
Elyra smiled, her eyes filled with a mix of pride and mischief. "Good. Because the system isn't just about money or likability. It's about transforming your life—and the lives of those around you. And transformation? It's never easy."
Jae-min closed his eyes, her words echoing in his mind. He didn't know what the future held, but he was determined to face it head-on. For Mina, for Hana, and for himself.