Morning light slipped through Seongjii's bedroom window, gently pulling him out of sleep.
He sat up slowly, stretching his arms.
Day one… he thought.
Subtle changes. Let's see how this goes.
A familiar glow flickered beside him.
Jennie floated out of the lamp, arms crossed, a knowing smirk on her face.
"Remember, mortal," she said lazily, "no rushing perfection. Tiny changes. Every single day."
Seongjii nodded, his heart pounding with anticipation.
As he moved his arm, he suddenly froze.
Something felt… different.
He looked down.
His arm wasn't bulky or dramatic—but there was a faint firmness, a subtle definition that definitely hadn't been there before.
"I—I can actually feel it," he whispered, amazed.
Jennie raised an eyebrow. "Of course you can. Magic doesn't lie."
Excited, Seongjii stretched a little too enthusiastically—
Clang!
He nearly knocked over the lamp.
"Careful!" Jennie snapped. "That thing is my home, you know!"
"S-Sorry!" Seongjii panicked. "I'm just… excited!"
Jennie rolled her eyes. "Try not to break destiny before breakfast."
⸻
A week passed.
The changes were still subtle—but undeniable.
Seongjii's posture was straighter. His movements felt lighter. Even his face seemed slightly sharper, more awake.
Standing in front of the mirror, he studied himself closely.
Little by little…
This is actually happening.
Jennie hovered nearby, arms crossed.
"Ohhh," she teased. "Someone's starting to look a bit… refined."
Seongjii grabbed a jacket and slipped it on.
It fit better than before.
Not tighter—better.
"Okay…" he muttered. "Everyday progress is real."
His thoughts drifted back to the plan he'd made so carefully.
Two to three months.
Slow changes. No shortcuts.
By the end… the world will see the real me.
⸻
Later that day, familiar voices echoed outside his house.
"Yo, Seongjii! Morning!" Minho called out.
Satoshi laughed. "Still living that delivery-boy life, huh?"
Hyunwoo studied him quietly, eyes narrowing slightly.
"…You seem different today."
Seongjii scratched the back of his head, hiding a small smile.
"Haha… maybe I just slept better."
As they talked, someone passed by the window.
Zoe Kim.
She glanced inside—and paused.
Her eyes lingered on Seongjii for a second longer than usual.
"Looking good, Seongjii," she said with a warm smile.
Seongjii felt his face heat up instantly.
Why now…? he thought, panicking internally.
Behind him, Jennie floated casually, grinning like she'd won a bet.
"Ohhh, mortal," she whispered. "The attention is just beginning. Enjoy it while it lasts."
⸻
A month passed.
Standing in front of the mirror again, Seongjii barely recognized himself.
His muscles were more defined. His face sharper. His presence… stronger.
"Wow…" he whispered. "It's really happening."
Jennie floated beside him, surprisingly calm.
"Steady progress," she said. "Patience always pays off."
Despite everything, Seongjii still checked his journal delivery list every day.
School. Work. Routine.
Same life…
Just a better version of me.
He picked up a heavy textbook—then almost dropped it.
"Whoa—!"
Jennie burst out laughing.
"Not yet a hero," she said. "You're still learning how to handle what you're becoming."
⸻
Three months later.
Seongjii stood silently in front of the mirror.
The transformation was nearly complete.
Not exaggerated.
Not unnatural.
Just… perfect.
"Almost there," he thought. "Just a few final touches."
Jennie floated behind him, pride clear in her expression.
"Behold," she said dramatically, "the reward of patience. The world will see you differently now."
Later that day, Seongjii walked toward the school gates.
His heart raced—half excitement, half fear.
Time to step out, he thought.
And see their reactions.
As he entered the campus, conversations slowed.
Heads turned.
Whispers followed.
Shock. Curiosity. Interest.
Seongjii took a deep breath.
To be continued…
Chapter 4