Chapter 4

I stepped into the dining room, the warmth of the place wrapping around me like a familiar embrace. The table was already set—pancakes stacked high, eggs and bacon sizzling on plates. It was the kind of breakfast scene straight out of a movie.

"Ethan! There you are," Mom beamed, placing a glass of orange juice in front of me. "You slept in today. Did you stay up late?"

I blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Then, slipping into the role as easily as breathing, I smiled. "Ah… yeah, I guess I was just tired."

Dad chuckled. "That's unusual for you. You're always up early."

I let out a light laugh, picking up my fork. "Guess I needed the extra rest."

The words came effortlessly. Smiling, laughing, engaging in casual conversation—it was second nature. After all, I had been doing this my entire life.

They chatted about random things—the neighbor's dog, some show Mom had been watching, Dad grumbling about work. I nodded, smiled, reacted like any normal son would.

If they noticed anything off about me, they didn't show it.

Ding!

[+1 Heart Point! Host is doing well!]

I kept my expression neutral as I took another bite of food.

Then, just as I was settling into the rhythm of it, the system's voice chimed again.

[Host, now is a good time to tell them you want to become an idol!]

I nearly choked on my juice.

Coughing slightly, I set the glass down, screaming internally.

What?! Now?

[Go on! Tell them it's your dream!]

Dream? I had no such thing. If anything, I was hoping my parents would shut down the idea completely—giving me an excuse to never go through with this madness.

But now, the system was forcing my hand.

I hesitated. Then, with a bright, practiced smile, I spoke.

"Actually… I was thinking about becoming an idol."

Silence.

Mom and Dad both blinked, processing my words.

Dad was the first to react, setting down his fork. "An idol? Like… singing and dancing on stage?"

Mom frowned slightly. "Since when were you interested in that?"

Since never.

I forced a small, sheepish laugh, scratching the back of my head. "I don't know. I just thought… it might be fun?"

They exchanged glances.

For a moment, I saw it—the hesitation in their eyes. The way Mom bit her lip, like she wanted to tell me to reconsider. The way Dad seemed unsure, as if he wanted to steer me toward something safer.

Please. Say no. Give me an excuse.

Then, after a long pause, Dad sighed. "Well… if it's something you really want to do, then we'll support you."

Mom nodded, though her expression remained hesitant. "It's not a simple path, Ethan, but if you're serious about it, we'll be here for you."

Inside, I was cursing them. You weren't supposed to agree!

Outside, I smiled.

"Thanks," I said warmly.

Ding!

[+1 Heart Point! Good job, Host!]

I took a deep breath, masking my frustration beneath a carefully constructed smile.

I had just taken the first step into something I never wanted.

And now, there was no turning back.