**Arc 2: Chapter 2 – Enter So-ra**
The gaming café was louder than Jae-min anticipated. Neon lights cast a bluish glow on rows of monitors, each station filled with gamers fully immersed in their matches. The sound of mechanical keyboards clattering and rapid-fire shouting filled the room, creating a chaotic symphony that reminded Jae-min of a battlefield.
At the center of it all, So-ra stood out like a beacon of intensity. She was yelling into her mic again, her voice sharp and commanding.
"Push mid! What are you doing? No, no, stick to the plan! Ugh, these idiots…"
Her fiery personality was as noticeable as the streak of electric blue in her hair. Jae-min leaned against the counter, watching her play. She wasn't just a gamer—she was a strategist, leading her team with the precision of a general. But her frustration was obvious.
"Lag spike again?" Jae-min called out, loud enough to catch her attention.
So-ra spun around, her glare sharp enough to cut glass. "Who the hell are you, and why are you watching me like some creeper?"
Jae-min raised his hands defensively. "Relax. I'm not a creeper. Just noticed you've got skill, but your setup isn't doing you any favors."
"What's it to you?" she snapped, folding her arms. "Unless you're some tech guru here to save the day, I don't have time for random guys with opinions."
Jae-min smirked. He liked her fire—it reminded him of himself, back when he still had something to prove.
"Look, I'm not just a random guy," he said, pulling out his phone and showing her a detailed list of high-performance gaming setups. "I've got connections, and I think you could use an upgrade."
So-ra narrowed her eyes, leaning closer to the screen. She didn't say anything for a moment, but Jae-min could tell she was intrigued.
"Why?" she asked finally. "Why would you help me? You don't even know me."
"Because I see potential," Jae-min said simply. "And I like betting on people who can win."
So-ra stared at him, her expression unreadable. Finally, she snorted and turned back to her computer. "You're weird. But fine, I'll hear you out. Just don't waste my time."
---
Later that day, Jae-min met So-ra at a nearby café to discuss the details. She was still skeptical, tapping her fingers impatiently on the table as he outlined his plan.
"So, you're going to buy me a whole new gaming setup? Just like that?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Not just a setup," Jae-min corrected. "A brand-new rig, custom-made for streaming and competitive gaming. Top-tier specs, zero lag, and optimized for multitasking."
So-ra tilted her head, studying him. "And what do you get out of this? Don't tell me it's 'just because.' Nobody does anything for free."
Jae-min leaned back in his chair, meeting her gaze without flinching. "Let's call it a sponsorship. You get the gear, you perform better, and I get to see my investment pay off. That's all."
She laughed, a sharp, bitter sound. "Sponsorship? Do I look like some kind of e-sports celebrity to you?"
"Not yet," Jae-min said with a grin. "But you could be."
So-ra blinked, caught off guard by his confidence. For a moment, she didn't say anything, her fingers drumming against the table.
"Alright," she said finally. "If you're serious, I'll take the deal. But if you're lying, I'll make sure you regret it."
"Deal," Jae-min said, extending a hand. So-ra hesitated for a moment before shaking it.
---
Back at his apartment, Jae-min collapsed onto his couch, exhausted but satisfied. Elyra appeared beside him, her golden eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Quite the smooth talker today," she teased, sitting cross-legged on the coffee table.
"Had to be," Jae-min replied, rubbing his temples. "She's not the type to fall for vague promises."
"She's also not the type to trust easily," Elyra added. "But you made progress. Her likability just hit 20%."
"Only 20%?" Jae-min groaned.
"Relax. She's tougher than Mina or Eun-ha, but that just makes her more rewarding," Elyra said with a grin. "Besides, it's not just about numbers. You're building relationships, Jae-min. Real ones."
Jae-min sighed, closing his eyes. "Yeah, I get it. It's just… exhausting."
"Good thing you've got me to keep you on track," Elyra said, poking his cheek playfully.
"Lucky me," he muttered, but he couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips.
---
The next morning, Jae-min's first task was setting up So-ra's new rig. The system's funds made it easy—he ordered everything online and had it delivered to the gaming café within hours. So-ra's jaw dropped when she saw the boxes stacked near her station.
"This is insane," she said, running her hands over the sleek new equipment. "You actually did it."
"Of course I did," Jae-min said, leaning against the doorway. "Told you I don't make empty promises."
So-ra glanced at him, her expression softer than before. "Alright, you've earned a little trust. But don't think this means I'm suddenly your best friend or anything."
"Wouldn't dream of it," Jae-min said with a smirk.
As she set up the new equipment, So-ra's enthusiasm was infectious. Her energy filled the room, and Jae-min couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. This was just the beginning.
"Let's see what you can do now," he said as she booted up her first game on the new rig.
So-ra grinned, her competitive spirit shining through. "Watch and learn."
Jae-min settled in to watch, confident that his investment in So-ra was about to pay off in ways neither of them could fully predict.