Haunted System: Path To A Superstar

"This is the first time I've seen such an un-scary horror movie"

"The props were ok, but well... everything... felt off right?"

"Ha-Ha! You are trying to defend that garbage movie!? Face it! The story was just crap!"

"More than that, the actor was just horrible! God horrible!"

"I know... it's honestly a shock he made it this far! Actually reaching his last year's final!"

"Bro, it's just some rich kid bribing his way through life. It's not the first time, nor will it definately be the last."

"Frick! If ghosts were real, I'm afraid that even my pet Chihuahua will beat up those ghosts, basing it on his so- called- movie- project!"

"Sigh- I told you that we should've kept grinding on the Zenithan Games, The Imperial Legend! We could've ranked up on the leaderboards, maybe even get a poster spot... We wasted so much time..."

"Pshh- What's there to be afraid of ghosts anyways!?"

A group of students grumbled with disapproval as they exited the campus theater. Groups of students like these were common in this world famous campus for the Entertainment and the Arts, the University of South California.

As the group left, nearby sat a student alone in the shade, accompanied by the sizzling heat. As yesterday was already the last day of school, it was the beginning of Summer. Traces of sheen sweat could already be seen dripping along the fine contours of his face.

People passing by him would always take a second glance at him. It was not because he had a handsome appearance though, which would normally be the case.

Here on campus was different. If one looked closely at the students walking by, one could see that it was as if they were trying to hide their emotions, their true thoughts.

Sneers, pity, disgust-

Although he was somewhat bothered, he was already used to it. Here on campus he was infamous. Everyone thought he was a second generation trash that got this far by going through the back ends.

He was far from it though. However, he had never once bothered to explain himself as even if he argued, it was still somewhat true.

Even if he could overturn a group, he can never defeat an army, so why bother?

He tried his best, probably by far more than the other kids in his school. It would forever remain silent though, as there was always one thing he could never catch up to.

That was talent and privilege. Everyone in this school was either the top 1%, or from the rich upper echelons of the world. The smart had talent, and the rich had a headstart with the support from the best of their careers.

And... What was he? A poor kid that might as well be from the slums. He only lucked out one day by winning a lottery for a full ride scholarship to a major he had no talent in. It was better than working as a cashier at some fast food joint though, so he tried his best.

His parents were long gone, and the only family he had left was his grandma in Japan. However, he didn't wish to bother her, so all he had left to spend was a small pension he got from a charity he fulfilled the requirements for.

People might think that the props or scenes in his portfolio was bad, but it was all he could afford. Other than his professor, everyone else thought he was not trying at all.

It was a miracle by itself that he made it this far, when he couldn't even afford to watch almost any movies, shows, or entertainment growing up.

The scholarship he won let him change his destiny. It gave him a full ride, but was also restricted. It was for a media major which covered acting, script writing, filming, scene making, props, makeup, etc. It wasn't specific, so it would be a bit hard for him to be employed with, but it was indeed versatile and broad.

The scholarship let him choose any genre he wished to take his major in. He chose horror because he thought it needed the least talent, while it still being popular to the masses.

Obviously by now he knew how wrong he was, and it was perhaps the one needing the most talent, preparation, and knowledge if you count everything, from props to acting.

It was too late to regret though, as he only had one chance and spilt it. He was always at the back of the class, mostly failing, yet was allowed to stay with the elites. He knew few people here, and even fewer memories.

His eyes gazing at the scene in front of him, he wasn't sure if he will end up missing this place or not.

Tttuuu- Tttuuu-

Footsteps approached. Each felt heavier than the next. His eyes slimmed and scrunched. His hands gripped the wooden edges of the bench he sat upon. Head tilting down, his eyes swam with complicated emotions.

Sighing, he knew the time has come.

Controlling his emotions, he gazed towards the approaching man. The middle-aged man was his counselor for the four years he attended here. He never liked being with him, but it was who he was stuck with.

The counselor stopped before him. With a moment of silence, he sneered.

"Asian trash, you have 24 hours to get off campus"

. . .

Dead eyes watched the man. A silent stare like eyes from a predator, the scene felt like an eternity for the college worker.

Feeling the intense gaze from the kid, the pressure was mounting. Finally the counselor flinched, and looked to the side feeling a twinge of guilt.

"I've already packed"

Standing up, the student grabbed his bag, and eyed the college scene once more.

Perhaps... It was the last time he will see this scene, this memory...

'I guess it's time to head home...'

Upon hearing the young a.d.u.l.t, the counselor regained his smile. Knowing the kid's reputation, he thought there would be some trouble.

After all, after attending for four years, he was denied his diploma. Anyone would be struck mad, the counselor thought. Even if the money behind the scholarship he gained could provide for everything else, USC was still one of the top universities in the world. They can't just write off their diplomas. Besides, by not kicking out the kids who lack, they can milk them as cash cows.

Also by letting him stay in the university, it was considered a favor by itself. They did their part, and also let him stay to learn from the best. To the counselor, he felt that he should be thankful for the favor they have done by letting him stay in this school.

"Well kid, I won't be seeing you off then"

With a small hesitation, the student turned. Softly muttering something into the wind, the outline of his figure gradually faded into the horizon.

Watching him leave, the smile upon the counselor was lost, face paling, he shivered. Sweat appeared and dripped down his forehead.

He always felt weird facing this kid, as if there was always something glaring at him. Especially his shadow, he always thought it seemed off, plus it always seemed like it was watching him.

Today though, he was afraid his eyes were going bad, as they were playing tricks on him. He swore that as the student walked away, his shadow was churning. It was trembling, trying to break free, as if it was alive. The outlines turned, shivered, and shook as his figure dimmed.

He felt as if it was trying to lash out at him, break its leash, and act as a predator.

Shaking his head to get the scene out of his mind, he walked towards his own destination.

'Perhaps... I am just getting too old for my job...'