The moment Seongjii stepped into the school hallway, the atmosphere felt different.
Whispers followed him wherever he went.
"That's him… the guy who took down three bullies at once."
"No way. He seriously looks like an anime protagonist now."
Seongjii could feel dozens of eyes on him. Some filled with awe, some with curiosity, some with admiration. A group of girls giggled as they waved at him. He gave a small, polite smile in response—but his eyes lowered slightly.
For a brief moment, memories surfaced.
A heavier version of himself.
Standing alone.
Being ignored.
Back then… when I was fat and awkward, he thought quietly, nobody even looked at me. I was kind to everyone, yet they treated me like I didn't exist.
Jennie floated beside him, unusually quiet for once. Her expression held a mix of teasing and something almost… sad.
"Humans," she said softly. "Their attention changes faster than a flickering candle."
Seongjii smiled faintly.
"It's fine," he replied. "I've seen the worst side of people. But that doesn't mean I'll become like them."
⸻
By lunchtime, he was surrounded by classmates offering food, talking excitedly, trying to get closer.
Seongjii listened patiently, smiling.
I know how it feels to be ignored, he thought. I don't want anyone else to feel that way.
Jennie floated upside down in front of him, tapping her chin dramatically.
"So what now?" she teased. "You're going to be everyone's nice guy? Mr. Perfect Body, Perfect Soul?"
Seongjii laughed softly.
"Maybe," he said. "Maybe that's the real strength I want."
The school bell rang, echoing through the halls.
⸻
That evening, Seongjii sat cross-legged on his bed. His room was quiet, warm, familiar. The lamp beside him glowed softly.
Jennie hovered in front of him, arms crossed.
"Alright, philosopher boy," she said. "What's your next wish?"
Seongjii hesitated… then smiled sheepishly.
"Since I was a kid," he said, "I always wanted a PlayStation 5."
Jennie blinked.
"…You're using a wish for that?"
Seongjii chuckled, nostalgia filling his voice.
"My parents couldn't afford one. I used to watch gameplay videos on YouTube and imagine playing myself."
Jennie smirked. "You sure you even know how to play? Don't cry when you lose to a bot."
Seongjii pointed at her dramatically.
"Let's see if your divine powers can handle my gaming skills."
She sighed, sparkles forming around her hands.
"Fine," she said. "But don't come crying when your 'great wish' turns into pixels."
Magic swirled through the room.
With a soft hum, a brand-new PlayStation 5 materialized—glowing faintly with blue runes.
"There," Jennie said. "Your shiny toy, mortal."
Seongjii stared.
"This is… real?" His grin widened. "Holy crap—it's real!"
⸻
He plugged it in, eyes shining like a child's.
"It feels like my childhood dream finally came true."
"Congratulations," Jennie said mockingly. "Gamer god."
Seongjii smirked. "Next time, you're playing with me."
She rolled her eyes. "I'd rather vanish into my lamp."
The room settled into a warm silence, the console humming softly.
Maybe it's okay to enjoy the small dreams too, Seongjii thought.
Behind him, the lamp glowed faintly again.
Jennie watched him quietly.
He's different, she thought. Maybe this mortal's wishes aren't as shallow as I believed.
⸻
End of Chapter 8