IN A BIT
ISABELLA
The next day, the timer didn't even pretend to be subtle. 01:18:44:09 One day, only one. I stared at it while brushing my teeth like it might politely disappear if I ignored it long enough. It did not.
"DANGEROUS LOVE EVENT APPROACHING CRITICAL WINDOW." The system chimed.
"I am aware." I mumbled around toothpaste.
'PROBABILITY OF FORCED CONFESSION SCENARIO: 72%."The system said.
"Not helping."I sighed.
By noon I made a decision, if this world insists on being theatrical, then I will weaponize the theatrics. So I walked into town alone, no male leads, no witnesses, no dramatic background music. Just me and my anxiety. The jewellery shop sat near the square, small, old fashioned, glass display windows polished to perfection. Soft gold lettering, innocent. Suspiciously innocent. I pushed the door open and a tiny bell chimed.
"Welcome." The elderly shopkeeper smiled.
"I am just looking." I said automatically.
"Of course you are." The system hummed.
