The café buzzed more than usual.
Not loud. Not chaotic. Just… steady.
Jun didn't check the numbers. Didn't scroll. But the shift was real. More eyes. More interest. A couple of new faces who walked in like they already knew something. One took a picture of his pour. Another asked if he had an Instagram.
He said no.
Then poured.
---
Mina raised an eyebrow around noon. "You get mentioned somewhere?"
"Not that I know of."
She shrugged. "You've got returners. And people are watching differently."
"Differently?"
"Like they're expecting something from you."
Jun didn't respond. He focused on the foam, pulling a soft tulip that bloomed on instinct.
---
> [System Passive – Soultrace Lv. 2 Active]
Reputation Growth: Moderate | Emotional Imprint Detected
He served without comment.
One customer lingered longer than most. She held her cup with both hands. Didn't drink right away.
"I saw a video. Someone filmed you at a pop-up. No sound. Just you and the cup." She paused. "Didn't know coffee could feel like that."
Jun gave a soft nod. "It's not always the coffee."
She left a tip twice the cost of the drink.
---
As the door shut behind her, the system pulsed—not bright, not loud. Just present.
> [System Notice – XP Threshold Approaching]
Emotional Trait Brewing… Awaiting Confirmation
Unlock Condition: Consistency of Self under External Pressure
Jun exhaled slowly. No celebration. No reaction.
Just breath.
He brewed the next cup exactly the same.