Part 2Captivating the Heart of the Second Lead

In my previous life, I died on stage. A teammate’s mistake during a high-stakes escape act cost me everything.

When I woke up in this world, I was told I had a mission to "subdue" the second male lead. Honestly? I didn't care much about the mission. I was just happy to be alive and able to perform again.

The next few days of "pursuing" Sebastian were actually quite fun.

The System told me that the way to a man's heart was through his stomach and constant attention. I decided to follow the advice—in my own way.

"Morning, Sebastian. I brought you breakfast."

I sat in the desk in front of him before first period, placing a single hard-boiled egg on his desk.

Sebastian looked at the egg, then at me. He seemed to be remembering our rose encounter because he looked guarded. He let out a cold, sharp laugh. "You're bringing me breakfast, and it's just... an egg?"

"What else do you like?" I asked.

"I don't know," he snapped. "A bagel?"

I waved my hand over the egg. Suddenly, a toasted, buttered bagel appeared in its place.

Sebastian’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. "I—I meant a coffee!"

Another flick of the wrist. The bagel was gone; a steaming cup of dark roast sat there instead.

"Holy shit... I meant... I meant pancakes!"

This time, I didn't move.

Seeing that I had finally "run out" of magic, he leaned back in his chair, a triumphant smirk returning. "Ran out of tricks, didn't you, Magician?"

I nodded solemnly. "If you really want pancakes, Sebastian, I can go down to the cafeteria and buy them for you right now."

Silence fell over him again. He slowly sat up straight, clearing his throat. "Just... give the bagel back."

With a wave, the bagel reappeared.

"This is fine. Don't go buying anything else. You're annoying," he grumbled, though he immediately started eating.

I watched the flush creep up his neck and smiled to myself.

[Host, didn't you actually have the pancakes ready?] the System asked.

The secret to magic isn't just the trick, I replied. It’s about making someone happy and surprised, not just giving them whatever they demand.