Chapter 26

**Arc 2: Chapter 16 – The Aftermath**

The next morning, Jae-min woke up to the faint smell of burnt toast wafting through the apartment. He groaned, rubbing his eyes as he rolled off the couch. So-ra's kitchen skills were legendary, but not in the way she'd like.

"Are you trying to burn the place down?" he called out as he entered the small kitchen.

So-ra stood by the stove, wielding a spatula like a sword, glaring at the offending toaster. "It's defective," she muttered.

"Or maybe you don't know how to use it," Jae-min said, grinning as he grabbed the plate of slightly overdone toast she'd managed to salvage.

So-ra rolled her eyes but didn't argue. "You're lucky I'm too tired to smack you."

Jae-min laughed, taking a bite. "Not bad. Could be worse."

So-ra joined him at the tiny table, her face still carrying the exhaustion from the past week. "So… now what?" she asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, we took Han Joo-sung down, but it's not like our problems magically disappear. I still need to figure out what to do with the mod and all these offers."

Jae-min leaned back, studying her. "You're in control now, So-ra. You can take your time and figure out what's best for you. No one's forcing you to do anything anymore."

So-ra sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I guess. It just feels… weird. I'm not used to people actually caring about my work."

Jae-min smirked. "Get used to it. You're a star now."

---

The sound of a chime interrupted their conversation. A glowing notification panel appeared in front of Jae-min, hovering like an impatient guest.

**[New Task Unlocked: Build the Foundation]**

**Objective:** Use the influence gained from recent events to establish a lasting legacy.

**Reward:** Exclusive Ability: Financial Insight.

Jae-min raised an eyebrow. "Looks like I've got more work to do."

So-ra frowned, glancing at him. "You've been acting weird ever since this whole mess started. What's with these sudden moments of inspiration?"

Jae-min froze for a second before flashing his best nonchalant smile. "Just good instincts, I guess."

So-ra didn't look convinced but didn't press further.

---

Later that afternoon, Jae-min and So-ra walked through the bustling streets of Seoul. So-ra had insisted on getting some fresh air, and Jae-min didn't argue. The city was alive with energy, and for the first time in a while, Jae-min felt like he could breathe.

"So, what's the plan?" So-ra asked as they passed a row of trendy cafes.

"For what?"

"For you," she said, glancing at him. "You've been so focused on helping me that I don't think I've heard you talk about your own goals."

Jae-min thought about it for a moment, his hands shoved in his pockets. "I don't know yet. But I think… I want to build something. Something that lasts."

So-ra smiled. "That's surprisingly deep for you."

"Hey, I have layers," Jae-min said, grinning.

---

As they rounded the corner, Jae-min spotted a familiar face sitting at an outdoor table. Yumi, the owner of the gaming café where he'd spent countless hours, waved them over.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite troublemakers," she said, her voice warm and teasing.

"Hey, Yumi," Jae-min said, taking a seat. So-ra followed, eyeing the array of snacks on the table.

"I heard about what you pulled with Han Joo-sung," Yumi said, leaning forward. "You're kind of a big deal now."

So-ra blushed, ducking her head. "It wasn't just me. Jae-min did a lot too."

Yumi smirked, her sharp eyes flicking between them. "I'm sure he did."

Jae-min cleared his throat, changing the subject. "So, what's new with you?"

"Not much," Yumi said, shrugging. "But I might have a business opportunity for you two."

So-ra perked up. "Business opportunity?"

Yumi nodded. "I've been thinking about expanding the café into an esports hub. A place where gamers can compete, network, and create. You've got the connections and the brains to help me make it happen."

Jae-min and So-ra exchanged glances. It was an intriguing idea—and one that could help them both in different ways.

"Let's talk details," Jae-min said, leaning forward.

---

That evening, as they walked back to So-ra's apartment, Jae-min couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. The task from Elyra loomed in the back of his mind, but for the first time, he felt like he had a real direction.

"You know," So-ra said, breaking the silence, "maybe this whole mess with Han Joo-sung was a blessing in disguise."

"Maybe," Jae-min said, smiling. "Or maybe we're just really good at making the best out of bad situations."

So-ra laughed, the sound light and genuine. For now, that was enough.