Chapter 2

But when the Perfect Child System actually appeared before me,

I hesitated.

"What's the cost?"

"The cost? Your personality will be replaced by the perfect persona."

"In other words, once the system is activated, 'you' will no longer be you."

My parents' arguments kept echoing in my ears.

"You think I'm heartless?! What choice do I have!"

"A psychic told me Noah was born a genius, destined for academic greatness. But Leo, he was just... destined to struggle!"

"We poured everything we had into his education, even selling our best house and car for private tutors, just so he could scrape by with good grades!"

"But now he..."

"He's not even good-looking, and his grades aren't outstanding. What if he can't find a partner when he's older?!"

"David, I'm worried!!"

Mom's sorrowful cries mixed with Dad's angry voice.

But I couldn't hear them anymore.

No wonder our big mansion from childhood had shrunk into a cramped apartment.

No wonder Dad came home later and later, constantly working overtime at the office.

No wonder Mom, who used to be so vain, had more and more wrinkles on her beautiful face and more gray hairs.

No wonder Noah's game consoles became fewer and fewer, and he often looked at me with regret.

It was all because of me!

I was the one hurting them!!

Even though there was only emptiness before me,

I still nodded firmly into the air.

"I agree to activate the Perfect Child System!"

"Alright, deducting all assets from the player."

I instinctively tried to interrupt: "Wait!"

"Can I keep five hundred dollars?"

The system's voice showed a hint of impatience:

"Bargaining is prohibited!"

I clenched my crumpled shirt, and slowly spoke:

"Please, I beg you..."

"Tomorrow is my mom's birthday. For the last time, I want to give her a gift."

After a long silence, the system replied.

"Fine. It's almost New Year anyway, so I'll waive those five hundred bucks."

"Also, your personality will disappear after tomorrow. Say your goodbyes to everyone you love as soon as possible."

I nodded, understanding.

After the system vanished, I heard knocking at my door, mixed with curses.

"What? You get mad just because I yell at you a bit?"

"How old are you, still acting like a child!"

"Fine, you won't open up, huh? I'm taking this stuff away, starve to death for all I care!"

"Honestly, I must have owed you in a past life!"

But I still didn't dare open the door.

I was afraid that if I saw Mom, I wouldn't be able to stop crying,

Wouldn't be able to beg the system to give up the activation.

So, it wasn't until the TV sounds also disappeared that I dared to open the door.

It was dark outside, and no one was there.

On the dinner table was a steaming bowl of rice, piled high with all my favorite dishes.

Next to it were my favorite fruits.

I clamped my hand over my mouth, preventing my sobs from escaping.