**Chapter 8: Stepping into the Unknown**
Jae-min stood outside the small university café where Hana's book club was meeting. The warm glow of lights spilled out through the windows, revealing a group of people chatting animatedly inside. His grip on the book he'd bought tightened as he hesitated at the door. He'd promised Hana he'd come, but now that he was here, he wasn't so sure.
"What are you waiting for?" Elyra's voice chimed softly in his ear. She was visible only to him, her holographic form perched on the edge of a nearby bench like she had all the time in the world.
"This feels… weird," he muttered under his breath. "I don't know anything about literature. What if I just end up looking stupid?"
Elyra smirked, tilting her head. "You're overthinking. Hana invited you because she saw potential. You don't have to be an expert—just be yourself."
"Yeah, because that's worked out so well for me in the past," he muttered sarcastically.
Elyra's smirk softened into something more reassuring. "Trust me, Jae-min. The hardest part is walking through the door."
Taking a deep breath, Jae-min pushed the door open.
---
The hum of conversation quieted slightly as the bell above the door jingled. A few people glanced in his direction before returning to their discussions. Hana, seated at a table near the center of the room, spotted him immediately. She waved him over, her face lighting up in a way that made his nerves ease just a little.
"You made it," she said as he approached, scooting over to make space for him.
"Yeah," he replied, scratching the back of his neck. "Didn't want to back out last minute."
Hana smiled, her green eyes sparkling with amusement. "You wouldn't have heard the end of it if you did."
Jae-min chuckled, feeling some of the tension in his shoulders melt away. She introduced him to the rest of the group, a mix of students and young professionals, all of whom seemed genuinely welcoming. The discussion was already in full swing, centered around a novel Jae-min hadn't read.
He sat quietly at first, listening as the others debated themes and symbolism. Hana occasionally glanced his way, her expression encouraging. After a while, someone asked him what he thought.
"Well," he began, fumbling slightly, "I haven't read this book, so I can't say much about it. But from what you're all saying, it sounds like the story is more about the characters' internal struggles than the plot itself, right?"
A few heads nodded, and one of the members—a tall guy with glasses—grinned. "Exactly! That's what makes it so compelling. It's less about what happens and more about how the characters deal with it."
Encouraged, Jae-min continued. "That makes sense. I guess I've always been more drawn to stories where the characters feel real, you know? Like they could be people you actually meet."
Hana smiled at that, her expression warm. "That's a good perspective. A lot of people focus on plot twists and action, but the best stories always come back to the characters."
The discussion continued, and Jae-min found himself relaxing. He didn't speak up often, but when he did, the group seemed genuinely interested in what he had to say. By the end of the evening, he felt like he'd made a good impression.
---
As the group began to disperse, Hana walked with Jae-min toward the door. The cool night air greeted them as they stepped outside.
"Not bad for your first time," she said, her tone teasing but kind.
"Thanks," he replied, shoving his hands into his pockets. "I was half expecting to make a fool of myself."
"You did fine," she assured him. "You've got a good way of looking at things. It's refreshing."
Jae-min glanced at her, surprised. "Coming from you, that means a lot. You seem like the kind of person who's always got it together."
Hana laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Trust me, I'm just as much of a mess as anyone else. I just hide it better."
For a moment, they walked in comfortable silence. Then, Hana turned to him, her expression thoughtful.
"Hey," she began, "I know we don't know each other that well yet, but… I'm glad you came tonight. I think you'll fit in here."
Jae-min felt a warmth spread through him at her words. "Thanks. I'm glad I came, too."
Hana's likability score ticked up to 30% in his mind, and Elyra's voice whispered, "Good progress. Keep building trust—she's warming up to you."
He didn't respond, instead focusing on the present moment. Hana said her goodbyes and headed back to her dorm, leaving Jae-min standing under the streetlights.
---
Back at his apartment, Elyra appeared as he collapsed onto the couch.
"See? I told you it wouldn't be so bad," she said with a triumphant grin.
"You were right," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "But this isn't just about Hana, is it? The system wants me to connect with as many people as possible."
"Not just people," Elyra corrected. "The right people. Every connection you make will shape your future—and theirs. Hana is only the beginning."
Jae-min leaned back, staring at the ceiling. He thought about Mina, about Hana, and about the challenges ahead.
"I just hope I'm ready," he murmured.
"You will be," Elyra said confidently. "You're already proving that."
As he drifted off to sleep, Jae-min couldn't help but feel a strange mix of exhaustion and anticipation. His life was far from perfect, but for the first time in years, it felt like it was moving forward. And that was enough—for now.