Riverdale, Riverdale University
"Alright, let's dive into the most critical concepts of management theory…"
Professor Martin, the balding 50-year-old management instructor, clutched his textbook like a sacred relic, lecturing with the enthusiasm of a TED Talk speaker—unbothered by the sea of disinterested students.
The classroom buzzed with muted chaos. Students scrolled TikTok, doodled in notebooks, or stared blankly at the ceiling. A sophomore named Brian Young snoozed in the back row, his head propped precariously on a sweatshirt wad.
Professor Martin adjusted his sliding glasses, squinting at the class. Phones vanished instantly as students snapped into performative focus—all except Brian, now audibly muttering, "C'mon, Emma… hold my hand…"
His seatmate, Jason Chen, elbowed him. "Dude, wake up! Martin's about to nuke us!"
Brian swatted him away. "Five more minutes… Emma Lee's finally saying yes…"
The room erupted in stifled snickers. Professor Martin's bald spot flushed crimson. "Brian Young! On your feet!"
Brian jolted awake, drool glistening. "Huh? Who turned the lights on?"
"Care to share your dream with the class?" Martin hissed.
Jason whispered, "You just announced you're dating Emma Lee. Out loud."
Brian blinked. "Wait, I—"
A collective gasp cut him off. Through the window, the legendary Emma Lee—campus belle and neuroscience prodigy—glided past with her debate team partner, her sundress fluttering in the breeze. Every head swiveled.
"Damn, she's unreal," someone breathed.
Brian squinted. "Are those… strawberry-print socks?"
[Ding!] A robotic voice echoed in his skull. [System activated: Host's hopeless romanticism meets criteria for 'Cupid's Playbook'!]
Brian froze. Am I hallucinating from sleep deprivation?
[Initializing…]
[Name: Brian Young]
[Height: 6'1" | Weight: 160 lbs]
[Stamina: 68 (Pathetic)]
[Looks: 90/100 (Wasted on a Doritos diet)]
[Funds: $11.27 (Ramen connoisseur)]
The hell?! Brian paled.
[Mission: Confess to Emma Lee.]
[Reward: $500,000 + 3,000 XP (Upgrade stamina, unlock skills, yada yada)]
Brian's jaw dropped. Half a mil for asking out a girl? Even I'm not that lazy—
"Mr. Young!" Martin barked. "Explain your urgent window-gazing!"
Brian flashed a sheepish grin. "Sorry, Prof. Woke up too handsome today. Won't happen again!"
The class snorted. Martin massaged his temples. "Sit. And no more… daydreams about Ms. Lee."
As the bell trilled, Brian bolted up. "Cafeteria. Now."
Jason shoved a textbook into his bag. "Can't. Sarah's dragging me to that vampire rom-com."
"Traitor," Brian groaned. "Relationships melt your brain."
"Keep roasting. Your 'strawberry socks' commentary totally screamed Casanova."
Brian flipped him off, strutting out. The voice purred again: [Pro tip: Compliment her intellect, not her socks. Clock's ticking.]
He grinned. Game on.