Chapter 3

Ding!

[Displaying Host's current stats!]

A translucent screen flickered into existence before me.

Name: Ethan

Age: 17

Stamina: 50/50

Dance: D

Singing: D

Rap: D

Charm: B+

Acting: SSS

Heart Points: 98

My gaze locked onto one particular stat.

Acting: SSS.

"...How do I have such a high Acting stat?" I muttered.

[That's simple, Host! In your past life, you were always acting. You weren't normal, yet you pretended to be. You felt nothing; yet, you smiled. You played along with emotions you didn't understand. That long-term performance was nothing short of perfection.]

I exhaled slowly.

That… actually made sense.

My entire life had been a carefully crafted role. If pretending was a skill, then of course I would be a master at it.

Closing the screen, I turned toward the door. My fingers hesitated on the handle before I slowly turned it.

Click.

A cozy hallway stretched before me, filled with the scent of something sweet—pancakes? Framed pictures lined the walls, capturing a boy with silver-white hair and a carefree smile.

My face.

Or rather, Ethan's face.

Then, a voice called from somewhere in the house.

"Ethan, sweetheart! Breakfast is ready!"

I froze.

A mother's voice. Gentle. Warm.

Another voice followed, deeper and playful. "C'mon, kiddo! You don't want your old man eating your share, do you?"

A father.

My fingers curled slightly at my sides.

This… was different.

For now, I'd play along.