New York City schools were louder than anything John had ever imagined.
Locker doors slammed like thunder, sneakers squeaked across polished floors, and students moved through the hallways in fast, swirling currents.
John clutched his schedule, walking carefully so he didn't look completely lost.
New school.
New country.
New life.
And now… a system telling him he was supposed to become some world-changing music star.
His mind was still spinning when it happened.
He turned a corner —
and collided straight into someone.
Books scattered. Papers exploded like confetti.
"Oh—! I'm so sorry!" John blurted, dropping to help gather everything.
"No, no, it's my fault," the girl said quickly, kneeling down too. "I wasn't watching where I was going."
He handed her a notebook, and their eyes met.
She was around his age — 15 — with bright eyes and a soft, almost musical tone to her voice. Her hair fell around her shoulders like it had a mind of its own, bouncing with every movement.
She gave him a small smile.
"Thanks… um, I've never seen you before."
"New student," he said, standing up with an awkward half-laugh. "Just moved here. I'm John."
She adjusted the strap of her backpack, still smiling.
"I'm Sabrina. Sabrina Carpenter."
The name hit him for a moment.
Sabrina Carpenter — back in his original world, she was a singer, actress, and global celebrity.
But here?
She was just a normal girl trying not to be late to class.
Before he could say anything, the system chimed faintly in his mind:
[Talent Scan: Active]
[Nearby Individual Detected: Sabrina Carpenter]
[Potential: High Vocal Resonance | Untapped]
[Projected: Could become a major musical figure]
John's eyes widened slightly.
Even in this universe, she had the potential to shine — but only if someone helped her find her path.
Sabrina waved a hand in front of his face.
"Hellooo? You spaced out for a second."
"Oh—sorry," he said, shaking it off. "Still getting used to the city."
She tilted her head, amused.
"Well, I can give you a tour. This school's basically a maze. And you already survived crashing into me, so you're off to a good start."
John chuckled.
"Yeah… I'd like that."
They walked side by side down the hallway.
Sabrina talked fast, full of energy — pointing out classrooms, teachers to avoid, where to find good lunch, and which students were dramatic enough to stay away from.
Every time she laughed, her voice had this soft, clear charm to it.
Natural.
Warm.
A voice that could fill stadiums one day.
John felt a strange, warm realization:
He wasn't the only one in this world with hidden potential.
Maybe… maybe he wasn't meant to climb alone.
Maybe he was meant to unlock the music of this universe — not just for himself, but for others too.
"So," Sabrina said, nudging him, "what are you into? Sports? Art? Music?"
John hesitated.
"…Music," he answered quietly.
Her eyes lit up.
"Really? Me too. I mean, not professionally or anything — I just like singing. Not that I'm great at it."
John almost smiled.
If only she knew.
"Maybe we can sing together sometime," she said, half joking, half curious.
John felt the system pulse softly.
[Side Quest Available: Collaborate with Sabrina Carpenter]
[Rewards: Increased musical synergy | Unlock duet features | Social growth]
He swallowed.
"…Yeah," he said. "I'd like that."
Sabrina grinned as the bell rang.
"Come on, new kid. Let's get to class before we both get detention."
They hurried together toward their first period —
and for the first time since arriving in New York, John felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be.