Chapter 2

A ceiling I didn't recognize.

Soft sheets beneath me. The faint scent of flowers lingering in the air.

This wasn't the street. This wasn't my body.

I pushed myself up, sluggish and disoriented. My arms—thinner. My hands—delicate, pale. My skin—smooth, untouched by scars or bruises.

Heart hammering, I turned my gaze toward the mirror across the room.

The reflection staring back at me was a stranger.

Gone was my jet-black hair, replaced by silver-white strands that shimmered under the morning light. My cold, empty eyes had transformed—now a striking shade of emerald green. My face… beautiful, almost otherworldly.

This wasn't me.

Ding.

[Host adaptation complete. Welcome to your new life.]

I stiffened, head snapping toward the empty room.

"What… the hell is going on?" My voice came out hoarse, unfamiliar.

Ding!

[-1 Heart Point. Host has used inappropriate language.]

I froze.

[Please refrain from cursing, Host. Negative words lead to negative energy, and negative energy takes away Heart Points!]

"Heart Points?" I echoed numbly.

[Yes! Heart Points are essential to keeping you alive. Every good action earns you points, while bad actions take them away.]

The voice was soft, cheerful—too cheerful, like a parent explaining something to a child.

A strange, uneasy feeling crawled up my spine.

"And what happens if I run out of Heart Points?"

[You die.]

I swallowed hard.

So that's how it was. A leash disguised as a game.

Slowly, I sank back onto the bed, pressing my fingers against my temples. "So let me get this straight… I died, woke up in someone else's body, and now I have to earn points just to stay alive?"

[That's right! And don't worry, I'll be here to guide you every step of the way!]

I exhaled sharply. "And you're… the system that's going to help me?"

[Yes, Host! You can think of me as your biggest fan! I'll support you, cheer for you, and make sure you shine brighter than anyone else!]

Its enthusiasm was unsettling.

"Shine?" I repeated slowly.

[You have been chosen to become an idol, Host!]

I stared blankly at the ceiling. "An idol."

[Yes! A beloved star, someone who touches people's hearts through music, performance, and charm!]

I let out a dry laugh. "You've got the wrong person. I have zero interest in that kind of thing."

Ding!

[-1 Heart Point. Host's words lack positive energy.]

I clenched my jaw. "So what if I just… don't do it?"

The system's voice remained gentle, but there was an unmistakable firmness beneath its tone.

[Then your Heart Points will slowly decrease, and when they reach zero…]

I got the message.

I sighed, rubbing my face. "This is insane."

[Maybe! But it's also exciting, don't you think? A new life, a fresh start! And if you do well, you won't just survive—you'll thrive!]

A fresh start.

I had never cared about living. I had gone through the motions, pretending to be human when I wasn't. But this… this wasn't just life. This was something else.

A game.

And if there was one thing I was good at, it was playing a role.