By the next day, everyone on campus seemed to know my name.
People smiled at me in the hallways. Some waved. One guy even shouted, "Yo, Free-Lunch Rin!" from across the courtyard. I nearly dropped my bag.
Min-jun laughed so hard he had to hold his stomach. "Dude, you're basically famous now! You're like a hero to broke college students."
"Great," I muttered. "Exactly what I wanted—to be known as the ramen savior."
[You sound embarrassed, Rin,] Nova teased. [But you liked it. Admit it.]
"…Maybe a little."
The truth was, it felt nice. People actually talked to me. Smiled at me. I wasn't the invisible transfer student anymore.
Still, I told myself I'd tone it down. I didn't want attention. But that plan lasted about three hours.
At lunch, I saw a girl sitting by herself under a tree, sketching quietly in a notebook. Her long black hair covered half her face, and there was something calm and focused about her.
Then I noticed the broken pencil in her hand.
Without thinking, I ordered a full art supply kit online—top-tier pencils, markers, brushes. Nova made the delivery drone drop it off within minutes.
I walked over, awkwardly holding the box. "Um… you dropped your pencil, so… here."
She blinked up at me, startled. "This is… a whole art set."
I scratched the back of my neck. "Yeah. I, uh, got carried away."
Her lips twitched into a small smile. "I'm Han Soo-ah. And… thank you. Really."
Her voice was soft, but it lingered in my head like music.
[Ohhh, Rin,] Nova whispered slyly. [Is this what humans call a 'moment'?]
I ignored her. "You're welcome," I said quickly, then retreated before I made it weirder.
That night, I lay on my bed staring at the ceiling. I'd spent money all day—paying for meals, helping classmates buy books, even tipping street musicians.
Every time I saw someone struggling, I just… wanted to help.
But as the room went quiet, Nova's voice drifted softly.
[You're using your gift well. But tell me, Rin… what do you really want?]
I didn't answer. Because honestly, I had no idea.
All I knew was that for the first time, I wasn't alone.
And maybe—just maybe—that was worth more than all the money in the world.