SleepyStaticVoid

Ethan Cole thought dying was the end—until he wakes up in the body of a bullied college nobody in a city where social status means everything. All he wants is to keep his head down and live his second life quietly.

But after he’s forced into a public proposal to the campus “Ice Queen”—and she actually says yes—Ethan’s new world flips upside down.

That’s when the Life Upgrade System awakens. Every achievement, challenge, or relationship milestone lets him draw a new skill—from everyday talents to rare, game-changing abilities. The higher the stakes, the better his chances—but every draw is a gamble.

As Ethan’s reputation skyrockets, he’ll have to navigate jealous rivals, campus scandals, and the growing attention of some of the school’s most extraordinary girls. All while trying to finally live life on his own terms, one draw at a time.

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Hey everyone! Quick heads-up—I’m going to rewrite the story from Chapter 1 and add full isekai and system elements.

First 5 chapters will be updated soon. Thanks for reading and I hope you’ll stick around for the new version!

—SleepyStaticVoid

I Became the Ice Queen’s Fiancé—And Everyone Else Is Jealous

Claire tried to focus on her clipboard, checking off booth assignments and tallying snack tickets, but her eyes kept wandering to the main stage. The laughter and chatter around her faded every time she caught a glimpse of Ethan and Isabella together.

She forced a grin for Logan, who was cracking another joke. "He looks like he's about to faint up there," Logan whispered, nudging her.

"He's fine," Claire said, her tone bright. "Just don't let him trip over his own feet."

But inside, her stomach twisted. She remembered late nights studying with Ethan, movie marathons, whispered dreams of a normal life. Back then, she'd always believed she'd be the one by his side, not just in the crowd.

Now, everyone else seemed to agree—Ethan and Isabella made a perfect picture. The "fiancé" and the Ice Queen. Even the camera loved them.

Claire kept her smile as the photographer lined them up, pretending it was all a silly show. When the crowd whooped and the flashbulbs went off, she clapped along, feeling invisible.

She heard the whispers behind her:

"They actually look cute together…"

"Poor guy, hope he doesn't mess it up."

A pang of jealousy cut through her. She hated feeling that way. Ethan deserved happiness—didn't he? And Isabella… well, she was just using him. Wasn't she?

After the photo, Ethan stumbled back toward her and Logan. Claire masked her emotions with a teasing grin. "You looked more nervous than her," she said, giving his arm a gentle punch.

Ethan laughed, and for a second, he was just her friend again.

But when he looked away, back at Isabella, Claire felt herself shrinking. She wanted to confess—to just blurt it out and finally let him know—but the words stuck.

As the festival wound down, Claire watched Ethan work the crowd, chatting and even laughing. He seemed… changed. More confident, brighter somehow. Out of reach.

Logan tossed her a soda. "You okay?"

Claire blinked. "Yeah. Just tired."

But the truth was, she'd never felt more awake—or more alone.

From across the quad, she saw Ethan catch Isabella's gaze. Something silent passed between them. Claire looked away.

If she wanted to keep her place by Ethan's side, she'd have to fight for it. But for now, all she could do was cheer him on… and hope he'd notice her, too.

Claire: The Girl in the Crowd