The restaurant Zack chose was an upscale spot near the city center.

    It had an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, the kind that attracted businessmen looking for a quiet place to discuss deals.

    Large glass windows offered a clear view of the bustling streets outside, while the air inside was filled with the rich aroma of coffee and grilled steak.

    A waiter greeted them as they walked in.

    "Table for two?"

    Zack nodded. "Yeah, somewhere near the window."

    The waiter led them toward a spot with a good view, handing them menus before walking off.

    Ethan picked up his menu, eyes scanning the options, but something made him pause.

    Across the restaurant, sitting by the window, was a familiar figure.

    Lila.

    Her chestnut brown hair framed her face as she sat quietly at a table, her fingers fiddling with the hem of her sleeve.

    Across from her sat another girl, who seemed much more talkative, gesturing as she spoke.

    Lila wasn''t looking their way — yet.

    Ethan exhaled, his lips pressing into a neutral line.

    They had been texting on and off, nothing too deep, but enough that he knew she was... well, shy.

    And then, as if sensing his gaze, she turned.

    The moment her brown eyes landed on him, her expression changed.

    A flicker of surprise, then something softer — shyness.

    Her fingers immediately went to her lap, her shoulders hunching slightly. She didn''t look away immediately, though. It was as if she was waiting for some kind of response.

    Ethan, ever composed, simply gave a small wave.

    Nothing too dramatic. Just an acknowledgment.

    Lila''s face turned slightly pink, and she quickly looked down at the table, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

    Zack, who had been busy deciding on his meal, finally glanced up. "Something up?"

    Ethan returned to his menu. "Nothing."

    Zack hummed in amusement. "That nothing had you looking over there for a solid five seconds."

    Ethan didn''t respond, casually flipping a page.

    Zack smirked. "Old friend?"

    Ethan took his time before answering. "Something like that."

    Zack grinned but didn''t push further.

    Swinging his leg over the bike, he pocketed his keys and made his way toward the entrance.

    The mansion loomed over him, sleek and modern, its massive windows reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun.

    Normally, he would take a moment to appreciate the view, but tonight? He just wanted to collapse on the couch and not move for the next few hours.

    Kicking off his shoes, he stretched his arms over his head with a groan before flopping down onto the leather couch.

    His eyes briefly flicked to his System phone, but there were no new notifications — just the same old RP calculations and pending investments. Nothing urgent.

    He let his head sink into the cushions, eyes fluttering shut.

    And then — his regular phone buzzed.

    He groaned, cracking an eye open. Unknown Number.

    A slight frown creased his brow. He debated ignoring it, but something nagged at him. He had a feeling he knew who it was.

    Sighing, he pressed accept and brought the phone to his ear.

    "Hello?"

    A soft pouting voice immediately filled the speaker.

    "Ethan!"

    His lips twitched. Yep. Lila.

    Her voice had that unmistakable playful sulk to it, like a kid who didn''t get the last cookie.

    "Why didn''t you come say hi?" she whined. "You just waved and left."

    Ethan smirked, propping himself up with one arm. "Didn''t know you wanted me to."

    There was a pause, followed by a tiny huff. "I mean... I didn''t, but — "

    "You didn''t?" he cut in, amusement lacing his tone.

    Lila sputtered. "T-That''s not what I meant!"

    He chuckled, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

    He could practically picture her right now — cheeks puffed out, arms crossed, trying not to seem too affected.

    "You were blushing," he said casually.

    Silence.

    Then — "I was NOT!"

    He chuckled again. "You totally were."

    "I — ! Ugh, Ethan, you''re impossible," she grumbled, and he could hear the rustling of fabric, like she had just flopped onto her bed in frustration.

    He leaned back into the couch, relaxed now. "So, what''s up? Just called to pout?"

    "...Maybe."