Chapter 2

Chapter 2

"You think I'm the male supporting character?"

He couldn't see the big picture at all.

I understood completely.

The male supporting character in real life walked briskly ahead of me, making me jog to keep up, babbling explanations all the way. He didn't even slow down, as if he was escaping from a persistent salesperson.

"You've got the wrong person. I can't help."

True to his persona, the male supporting character showed affection only for the female protagonist. To everyone else, such devotion was just wishful thinking.

I quickly grabbed the strap of his backpack. "I'm willing to pay."

He staggered to a halt and turned to face me, frustration evident in his eyes.

Before he could rant, I made a shushing gesture. "Let me speak first."

"Look, I'm not insulting you with money. Your help should be compensated, and I believe in paying for valuable assistance."

Honestly, the assignment was important, but more than that, the idea of watching them play out their roles anywhere, anytime, thrilled me.

He suddenly leaned in close, his presence overwhelming me like a giant towering over a tiny doll. His eyes narrowed as he looked intently at me. "Go on."

I hesitated, then tentatively offered a price. "Three hundred?"

It was like paying for a reasonable concert ticket.

He remained unmoved.

"Five hundred?"

My voice grew smaller. "A thousand, tops."

That was enough to get me into the front row of a concert. Would that satisfy him?

He laughed softly, shaking his head as if he found the whole situation amusing. "Haha."

Rubbing his temples, he asked, "Hey, are you alright up here?"

Was he insulting me?

I took a step forward, hands on my hips, defiantly. "I'm perfectly fine, thank you very much. I even get scholarships every year!"

What does it feel like to be betrayed by your favorite character? Sigh, fictional characters are truly the best.

He didn't seem to care about my angry outburst.

"Oh, remember to download a scam alert app. You seem like a prime target for scams."

Ouch, that was a double blow.

But he didn't get to gloat for long; his phone rang. Judging by the conversation, it was the female protagonist, Corynn, asking him not to get involved anymore. He quickly ended the call, ready to find Corynn.

"You owe me your name at least, considering the band-aid."

He glanced at the band-aid on his hand. When I first stopped him, I had stuffed disinfectant wipes and band-aids from my bag into his hands.

Even the male supporting character couldn't refuse a favor.

"Brayden. Brayden, as in cautious."

Just as I guessed. I had vaguely heard someone call him Linjin before, and now I could confirm his full name.

He had no idea he was attaching himself to a stubborn problem.

The male supporting character, huh? He's all about pure love. He didn't care about anyone else and wouldn't be swayed by external things.

So, I decided to change my strategy. I'd hang around him every day, become his confidant, and see who would conquer whom when he finally broke down.

Brayden was really in a hurry. In no time, he was far ahead. I shouted from a distance, "Brayden, think about my proposal!"

Under the blue sky and white clouds, he waved back, leaving only his silhouette.

The wind carried his faint reply, "Next time, for sure."

Kid, do you know what it means to predict the future?

With his full name known and carrying a textbook only for juniors, and a shoulder bag printed with the name of his college, I didn't even need to go through Six Degrees of Separation.

Finding him? It wouldn't have to wait until next time!