"Sounds good," Caleb smiled.
[Only the selected target will be affected. Other people—witnesses, videos, or audio recordings—won't be impacted by the after-hijack effect.]
The system's explanation made Caleb's smile widen.
"Digital traces don't matter? And targeting is based on my awareness?" Caleb chuckled softly."So… I could do it from a distance too?" he asked.
[Ding!][Yes. Hijack isn't limited by distance.]
"Hah… so I could mess up that old bastard's life, that attention-hungry influencer, and that elite bitch too…"
He paused, his eyes narrowing."…but what's the fun if I don't see their downfall with my own eyes?"
His laugh exploded—echoing through the damp, empty park.Slowly, it faded.
He let out a deep sigh and lightly kicked a plastic bottle near his foot.
"Too early," he muttered. "If I get cocky and hijack my way into a motel now… it might go viral again. 'Sexual Harassment Suspect Hides Out at Local Inn'—perfect headline for those idiots."
He started walking along the empty sidewalk, passing randomly parked cars, until he turned into a narrow alley between two old shop buildings.
There, he found a storefront. The rolling door was half-closed. No lights. Quiet. No CCTV.
Caleb sat down in front of it, leaning his back against the cold wall. He pulled his hoodie down over his face, knees up to his chest.
"For tonight… this'll do," he whispered. "Tomorrow, things will get easier. Maybe… I'll be able to think clearer then."
The system said nothing.But Caleb knew—it was listening.
And the world still didn't realize…Tomorrow would be the day their dreams got flipped.
The day a homeless boy… took control of everything.
Caleb dozed off without realizing it. Only the sound of crickets and the cold floor kept him company.
Until…
Clank.The sound of the rolling door unlocking from inside snapped him awake. His eyes opened halfway, his body still tense on instinct.
"Excuse me, are you sleeping here?"
The voice was gentle. Not harsh. Not accusatory.
A middle-aged woman stood in the doorway. Shoulder-length reddish-brown hair. Simple dress. White apron with a sunflower logo. Her face was clean, pretty… and warm. Way too warm for a world this cruel.
It was a flower shop.
Caleb quickly lowered his head, pulling his hoodie deeper. "Sorry… I'll leave."
But the woman smiled. "Oh, you're awake? Want some breakfast? I just made coffee and sandwiches."
Caleb didn't respond. His heart stirred.
'She probably doesn't know who I am.'
"No need, ma'am. I… don't want to be a bother."
Instead, she stepped closer. "You look tired. And cold. Have you eaten?"
"Not yet."
"Then let me at least pack you a sandwich, okay? For later." She gestured toward the shop.
Caleb sighed. 'If she sees my face, she'll change. She'll be scared. Disgusted. Just like the rest.'
"…Alright," he muttered. Then he lowered his hoodie and removed his mask.
His face was fully exposed now. Messy hair. Dark eye bags. A fading slap mark from Sarah still visible on his cheek.
The woman stared at him.For a long moment.Silent.
And then…She smiled—softer than before.
Then she gently took Caleb's hand and pulled him inside.
"Huh?" Caleb flinched, almost pulling back, but her grip was firm. Not forceful—but it didn't let him run either.
"Caleb," she said softly. "You've grown up, haven't you?"
Caleb froze.
"Life must be really tough now, huh?"
She closed the back door behind them and led him into a small room—warm, with tea, an old sofa, and the smell of jasmine in the air.
"It's okay," she said as she poured coffee. "I don't believe in trashy news like that."
Caleb stared at her, suspicion all over his face.
"…Huh?"