**Arc 2: Chapter 3 – High Stakes**
The hum of So-ra's new gaming setup filled the room, the faint whir of fans blending with the rapid-fire clicks of her keyboard and mouse. She was in her element now, her focus razor-sharp as she crushed opponent after opponent. The occasional whoop or cheer from the small crowd that had gathered in the gaming café only fueled her intensity.
Jae-min leaned against the back wall, watching with a mix of pride and curiosity. This was the first time he'd seen someone fully unleash their potential with the help of his system funds, and it felt good. He glanced at Elyra, who was perched on the counter nearby, casually twirling a strand of her glowing hair.
"She's a beast," Elyra said, her golden eyes tracking So-ra's movements on the screen. "This girl might actually go places."
Jae-min smirked. "That was the plan. Think she'll hit the big leagues?"
Elyra shrugged. "She's got the talent. Now it's a matter of whether she trusts you enough to let you guide her there."
That was the tricky part. So-ra was fiercely independent, and while her new setup had earned Jae-min a sliver of trust, he knew he'd have to work harder to break through her defenses.
The sound of a loud *victory cheer* snapped Jae-min out of his thoughts. So-ra spun around in her chair, grinning triumphantly.
"Another win," she said, leaning back and crossing her arms. "This setup's insane. I can actually play without lag for once."
"Told you it'd make a difference," Jae-min replied.
So-ra tilted her head, studying him. "Yeah, yeah. Don't let it go to your head. I'm still trying to figure out what your angle is."
Jae-min chuckled, but before he could respond, the café owner—a gruff-looking man in his forties—approached them.
"Hey, So-ra," he said, his voice low and hesitant. "Got someone asking for you."
So-ra frowned. "Who?"
"Some guy. Said he wants to talk business," the owner replied, jerking his thumb toward the front of the café.
So-ra exchanged a wary glance with Jae-min before standing. "Guess I'll go see what this is about."
Jae-min followed her, his instincts telling him something was off.
---
At the front of the café, a sharply dressed man in a tailored suit stood waiting, his expression smug and self-assured. He looked out of place among the casual crowd, and Jae-min didn't like the way his eyes lingered on So-ra as she approached.
"You must be So-ra," the man said, his voice smooth and calculated. "I've heard a lot about you."
"Who's asking?" So-ra replied, her tone cool and guarded.
The man held out a business card, which So-ra snatched without looking at it. "Name's Kang Seong-jin. I represent a talent agency that specializes in promoting up-and-coming streamers and pro gamers."
So-ra raised an eyebrow. "And you just happened to show up here? Seems convenient."
"Let's just say your name's been making waves lately," Seong-jin said, his smile never wavering. "Your skills are undeniable, and with the right backing, you could be the next big thing."
Jae-min narrowed his eyes, sensing the predatory undertone in the man's pitch. He didn't trust Seong-jin, and he didn't like the way So-ra was being sized up like a commodity.
"I'm doing fine on my own," So-ra said, crossing her arms. "I don't need a manager."
Seong-jin chuckled. "I admire your confidence, but let's be honest—talent alone isn't enough. You need connections, funding, exposure. We can provide all of that."
Before So-ra could respond, Jae-min stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "She already has funding and support. She doesn't need your agency."
Seong-jin's eyes flicked to Jae-min, his smile tightening. "And you are?"
"Her sponsor," Jae-min said, holding the man's gaze. "And I'm not interested in sharing."
The tension between the two men was palpable, and for a moment, it felt like the entire café had gone silent. So-ra glanced between them, her expression unreadable.
"Well," Seong-jin said after a beat, his smile returning. "I suppose I'll leave you to it. But my offer stands, So-ra. If you ever decide you're ready to take your career to the next level, you know where to find me."
He tipped his head and walked out, leaving an uncomfortable silence in his wake.
---
"Who the hell does he think he is?" Jae-min muttered as they returned to So-ra's station.
So-ra shrugged, though her expression was thoughtful. "He's not wrong. If I want to make it big, I need more than just good gear."
"You're already on the right path," Jae-min said. "You don't need someone like him tying you down with contracts and obligations."
"Maybe," So-ra said, leaning against her desk. "But this whole sponsorship thing you've got going—how far are you actually willing to take it? What's your endgame?"
Jae-min hesitated, caught off guard by her directness. "My endgame is helping people who deserve it," he said finally. "That's all."
So-ra studied him for a long moment before sighing. "You're weird, Jae-min. But… I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. For now."
Elyra's voice chimed in Jae-min's mind as So-ra returned to her game.
"Nicely done," she said, her tone teasing. "Her likability just hit 35%. You're making progress, lover boy."
Jae-min ignored her, though he couldn't help the faint smile that tugged at his lips.
So-ra was a challenge, no doubt about it, but Jae-min was determined to see this through. Whatever it took, he'd prove to her—and to himself—that he was more than just a guy with a system.