Thursday, August 28th, 2042, Coal Harbour, Vancouver, Canada.

Fresh out of her shower, almost still dripping wet, Sophie sat back in her FullDive rig’s chair, feeling the faint pressure of the neural headset securing itself against the port at the base of her neck.

She exhaled slowly, shaking off the lingering euphoria from her morning run. Today’s meetings loomed large in her mind, and the usual dread settled into her stomach like a cold stone.

The familiar thoughts began their slow, familiar spiral.

Clients questioning her every decision, asking for absurd revisions, trying to save a few extra bucks by cutting corners or insisting on outlandish ideas she knew would never work.

The frustration of it all—the constant need to justify, defend, and eventually give in, just to get the work approved and paid for.

Her mind drifted back to the last email she had received a few days back. A terse, bullet-pointed critique from the marketing lead of Coventech Industries, one of her more difficult clients.

“This doesn’t align with our vision. Rework the visuals for something more masculine. Maybe a deeper blue, a stronger font. Bold. Aggressive.”

She had done as they asked, of course.

She was even proud of the newest iteration.

Sometimes, the critique forced her to come up with even better ideas. This was one such case.

Which is why she clenched her jaw, thinking about the long conversation she knew was coming, where she would have to push back, politely, subtly, trying to convince them that their ideas would tank their product launch.

And she would give in and settle for something so much weaker.

But today? Today could be different.

She was not going into that meeting as Sophie Kim, the competent but overlooked freelancer. Today, she was going in as Leoric Stargazer—a six-foot-four, lean, bronze-skinned Burrovian ranger with piercing eyes and a jawline sharp enough to cut glass.

She had shaped her avatar to pulse with freedom, confidence, and power. His very presence commanded attention.

And maybe, just maybe, it would change how they saw her. How they treated her.

Her VR workspace loaded in—an office with a sleek design that doubled as her showroom. It was her usual meeting spot for professional interactions.

She had built the office to showcase her talent for blending cutting-edge technology with artistic flair, the sleek lines humming with unseen power.

It was a bit much for her own preferences, but it was her business card, so it had to be. It was a simple way to say “Yes, I have designed this, you can trust me with your company’s image.”

But today, as he looked down at himself, seeing Leoric’s tall, muscular form seated confidently behind the sleek desk, he felt a surge of curious anticipation.

The dark brown hair, perfectly styled with blonde balayage highlights, framed his face, his sharp, almond-shaped eyes giving him an air of quiet authority.

The bunny ears on top of his head twitched lightly, reacting to the sound of his leather chair creaking.

He opened the interface for his VR wardrobe. His current outfit, the armour he wore in-game as a ranger, was impressive.

But it was not the right fit for a professional meeting.

He opened the store page for Thorne & Co., one of the most prestigious line of virtual clothes for men that he knew of.

An expenditure of this nature was entirely justified under the current circumstances.

He purchased and auto-equipped a full suit—charcoal slacks, a white button-down shirt, green tie, black jacket, nice black-leather shoes.

He added some cuff links with Sophie’s company logo and a classic silver and gold Montalier watch.

Even though silver and gold aren’t rare in VR, why do we still link them with wealth?

He smirked at her reflection in the darkened glass of the virtual conference room.

Looking good, Bunny boy. Sure, you can pull off the belly shirt, but you cut an even better figure in a suit.

Let’s see how they react to this.

With a flick of his wrist, he pulled up the digital calendar and signalled the start of the virtual meeting with his clients.

A team of two employees materialised on the other side of the virtual desk—Jonathan, the VP of Marketing, and Stacy, his assistant.

Jonathan was the actual challenge—he always questioned Sophie’s designs and pushed for changes that felt more about impressing the higher-ups than making something efficient or sensible.

His avatar, a standard business executive type, complete with a crisp suit and slicked-back hair, glanced up at Leoric’s form immediately after he materialised.

For a moment, Jonathan stared, his brow lifting in surprise. Leoric watched his expression shift, just the smallest flicker of recognition that this was not Sophie.

Not who you expected today, John?

As Leoric stood up, Jonathan had to crane his neck upward to maintain eye contact. The shorter man certainly appeared surprised.

His eyes flicked to the cufflinks, the gold edges catching the light.

Leoric’s suit—immaculate, perfectly tailored—radiated control, and Jonathan’s gaze darted all over it. As if even the smallest detail—the clean line of the tie, the cut of the jacket—added an unspoken weight to Leoric’s presence.

Leoric stepped forward, his strong, confident stride carrying him effortlessly across the room. The faint click of his brand-new shoes on the virtual floor added to the weight of each step.

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“Good morning, Mr Jonathan.” Leoric said, his melodious voice smooth and deep, a reflection of Jae-Min’s singer voice.

He offered Jonathan his hand. The latter caught it in a firm grasp, the two men shaking a good, confident handshake, both of them giving each other a knowing smile.

Leoric offered a more gentle version of the handshake to Stacy. “Ms Stacy.”

Did she just blush?

Leoric returned to his side of the office’s desk and sat. He crossed his arms, leaning back slightly, and Jonathan’s gaze immediately followed the movement—focused, deferential.

That insignificant gesture held more weight than any well-reasoned argument Sophie could have made as herself.

It was as if Leoric’s presence alone was enough to silence the doubts she was used to fending off.

Jonathan and Stacy took their seats as well.

“Let me introduce myself; my name is Leoric, and I partner with Ms Kim on this project.”

Jonathan blinked. “Uh, yes. Good morning, Leoric.” he stumbled slightly, looking at her avatar’s nameplate hovering over the table, clearly confused. “I didn’t know Sophie had a business partner. Will she be joining us today?”

Leoric shifted in his seat, and the sleek leather chair creaked under his weight. The virtual space seemed to bend around him, his presence filling the room in a way hers never could. He could feel the weight of his body, the way his broad shoulders stretched the fabric of the jacket—how his very existence commanded attention.

Leoric smiled coolly. “I’m afraid not. She is hard at work with the finishing touches on your project. I trust you will allow me to handle this meeting in her absence?”

Jonathan nodded, his expression still slightly taken aback. But he did not press the question.

His eyes flickered briefly to Stacy, who also gave a small nod, her eyes wide as they scanned Leoric’s imposing figure.

Leoric effortlessly caught the way Stacy’s posture shifted, leaning slightly forward, her eyes fixed on him.

If it had been Sophie in that chair, Stacy would have barely glanced at her—likely scribbling notes on autopilot, barely interested in the details.

But now, Leoric felt Stacy’s attention hanging on every word. Admiration, maybe even awe.

Unfortunately, not regarding the work, but for his appearance.

Leoric felt it immediately—the shift in the room.

There was none of the usual tension, none of the thinly veiled skepticism that usually greeted Sophie. In fact, Jonathan seemed almost eager to please, his posture slightly straighter, his tone a little more deferential.

“Well,” Jonathan cleared his throat, “let’s dive right in, then. We looked over the initial drafts, and I had a few thoughts about the colour scheme. I think we’re going for something a bit more aggressive, but…” He trailed off, glancing again at Leoric.

There it goes…

Jonathan opened the file in front of him and looked at the latest version Sophie had emailed to them. He looked at the logo intently, as if he was trying to peer at a problem only he could see.

What’s it this time? The font’s kerning isn’t wide enough? Or it’s too much? Did they want ‘Coventech’ to be vaguely larger than ‘Industries?’ They change their mind on that one every single time.

“What part of this have you worked on, exactly…?”

Leoric wanted to raise an eyebrow.

Seriously, is he scared to critique something ‘Leoric’ worked on?

He wanted to scream something. But he held back and smiled his best entrepreneur’s smile.

“Oh, it was a very close collaboration.”

After all, ‘Leoric’ worked on all of it.

Jonathan wiped the sweat from his brow.

“I think we agreed yesterday that we were all quite satisfied with the design, yes.”

Leoric’s thoughts stalled for a second. Was Jonathan actually... agreeing with him? No pushback, no condescending tone? Leoric did not let the surprise show, keeping the smooth, composed exterior. But Sophie’s mind was racing beneath the calm.

Normally, he would have to spend at least ten minutes explaining why the current design choices worked, with charts and references to back it up. And even then, Jonathan would still demand changes.

Just so he had the last say.

“It works well, doesn’t it?” He said smoothly, trying not to let his upset show. “I think the current colour scheme strikes just the right balance between boldness and sophistication. It conveys strength without being too in-your-face. What do you think, Stacy?”

Stacy’s gaze flickered over Leoric’s suit and lingered on his face longer than was strictly necessary. When she finally spoke, there was a slight catch in her voice. “It’s… really strong. Very strong,” she said, her usual cool professionalism seeming to soften in the presence of Leoric’s polished, commanding figure.

Is she simply echoing the word I said, or is she really talking about the logo?

Leoric felt himself becoming increasingly irritated.

Were either of them even talking about his design? Or were they just mesmerised by him?

He hated how he was sure it was the latter, and that stung.

They were not admiring the effort Sophie had put into that design—it was the suit, the posture, the confidence that came from inhabiting a body they had never questioned. Stacy’s eyes had been locked on him; she had barely looked at her superior ever since they got here.

Jonathan nodded quickly. “Yes, definitely. I’m actually really liking the direction. I think there’s no need to make any further adjustments.”

Leoric had spoken with certainty, and they had responded as if it was authority.

Sophie knew if it had been her—speaking in the same tone, with the same conviction—they would have interpreted as overconfidence, or worse, defensiveness. The double standard felt like a punch to the gut, even as Leoric’s presence carried the meeting with ease.

The only thing that had changed from previous meetings was this avatar. He leaned back slightly, resting one arm casually across the back of her chair. He noticed Jonathan’s gaze follow his arm, but quickly snapped back up to his face.

For the rest of the meeting, it was the same. Jonathan and Stacy enthusiastically agreed to Leoric’s suggestions, or at most, had mild and respectful questions for clarification. No pushback, veiled criticisms or condescending explanations about what the higher-ups wanted. Remarkably smooth and efficient cooperation.

The meeting, which would normally have dragged on for an hour and a half, ended in just forty minutes. Jonathan even thanked him for his time.

“Great work, Leoric. We’re really excited to move forward with this. I’ll follow up with the finance team and get the next payment processed by the end of the day.”

Leoric felt a rush of satisfaction, mixed with something darker—something a little more cynical.

The meeting went by quickly and smoothly.

Not because Sophie’s work was any better than usual. But because Leoric handled the talking.

Tall. Confident. Male.

Leoric waved goodbye to his clients as he ended the meeting.

Alone once again in his office, Leoric stood up. His reflection hovered in the dark glass window, his sharp, handsome face staring back.

Leaning forward, Leoric rested his hands on the desk, studying his reflection.

Leoric’s reflection stared back, sharp and polished. He looked every bit the powerful figure Sophie had designed him to be—commanding, respected, effortlessly authoritative.

And yet, staring at that perfect reflection, she felt a pang of discomfort.

Was it still her inside of that body?

Same ideas. Same mind.

But in Leoric’s skin, the world only saw her qualities, and none of her flaws.

This body and voice received the respect she had fought so hard to get as Sophie.

Respect she only rarely received.

Male privilege.

The term echoed in her mind like a bitter truth. The sharp jawline, the suit, the height—they carried weight she could not replicate in her own skin, no matter how hard she tried.

Leoric was not just handsome and commanding—he was everything society would not let Sophie be.

Confident, yes. But most importantly? Assumed competent, with no need to prove it.

He exhaled slowly, a mix of triumph and frustration settling in his chest.

It was thrilling, being taken seriously for once.

But it was also infuriating that it had taken this avatar—this male, hyper-confident version of Sophie—to make people listen.

Was this who she would have to become just to get people to listen? To be taken seriously? The thought settled like a stone in her chest, heavy and bitter.

She could not help but think about that ‘very close collaboration’ statement.

It was the truth, but not really.

Leoric was a part of her.

A better part, perhaps.

The part that could handle clients like Jonathan without a second thought.

But did it count as collaboration when you had to split yourself in two to get people to listen? When the only way others would respect your work was if you delivered it with a deeper voice and a sharper jawline?

In the end, Leoric got the job done, and Sophie both envied and resented him.

Leoric looked up and saw his reflection, eliciting a small smile.

Sure, it’s frustrating, but at least I got a kick-ass suit out of it.

Together, Sophie and Leoric would hopefully handle the next client just as easily.