The morning sun filtered through the thin curtains in Sophia's bedroom. It cast a gentle golden light across the rumpled sheets. Alex lay awake, staring at the ceiling. Sophia slept beside him, her breathing slow and even.
Her dark hair fanned out on the pillow. He watched her for a moment, recalling the intensity of the night before.
The system's confirmation still echoed in his mind. One thousand dollars for that encounter. It felt surreal. He wondered about the origins of this strange power.
Quietly, he slipped out of bed. The wooden floor felt cool against his bare feet. He gathered his scattered clothes. Jeans from the chair, shirt from the floor.
Sophia shifted slightly but didn't wake. Alex hesitated at the door. A note might be nice, but he decided against it. He left silently, closing the door with care. The apartment hallway was deserted in the early hour. He entered his own unit next door. The space felt cramped and messy compared to hers.
Boxes lined the walls, still unpacked. Takeout containers cluttered the counter. A faint musty smell hung in the air. Alex headed to the kitchen. He started the coffee maker. It gurgled as it brewed. The rich aroma soon filled the room. He sat at the small table, gazing out the window.
Suburban homes stretched before him. The city skyline loomed in the distance, hazy under the rising sun. The system interface appeared unbidden.
It showed his balance: $1,000. The next quest involved a GILF. Reward: $2,500 and a skill unlock. Stamina boost was already active.
He dismissed the screen with a thought. This all seemed like a video game. But the money in his bank was real. He'd verified it twice. Enough to cover rent early. Maybe treat himself to something nice.
Questions nagged at him, though. Where did the system come from? Were there hidden risks?
He sipped the hot coffee. It was bitter, but it grounded him. His phone buzzed with a work email. A reminder about a design deadline. Alex groaned softly. His job at the firm was draining. Constant revisions for demanding clients. Overbearing managers. Pay that barely covered bills.
Last night's escape had been thrilling. Now, routine returned. He opened his laptop. Logged in for remote work. He tinkered with a logo design. His focus drifted. He doodled absentmindedly. The curves resembled Sophia's figure.
Noon arrived, and hunger struck. Alex decided to step out. He walked to the nearby diner. The air carried a hint of autumn. Evergreen Heights blended old charm with modern touches. Cozy bungalows stood beside sleek condos. Parks buzzed with activity.
He entered Betty's Bites. The retro diner had a welcoming feel. He chose a booth by the window. The waitress, Karen, took his order. A burger and fries. As he waited, he observed the patrons. An elderly couple shared pie at the counter. Office workers chatted nearby.
His gaze settled on a woman in the corner. She sat alone, reading a book. Silver streaks highlighted her hair, tied in a bun. Glasses rested on her nose. She appeared in her late fifties or early sixties. Her floral blouse hinted at soft curves. A necklace glimmered in the light.
Alex's pulse quickened. Could she qualify as a GILF? The system didn't react yet. Perhaps interaction was needed. His meal arrived. He ate slowly, glancing her way occasionally. She sipped tea delicately. She turned pages with care, smiling at times.
When she stood to pay, he noted her graceful movement. Her voice was warm as she spoke to the cashier. Alex finished his food. He paid and left, following at a safe distance. Not to stalk, just out of curiosity. She headed to the park, book in hand.
He took the same path. The park was lively. Children played on swings. Joggers passed by. Dogs chased balls. She chose a bench under a large oak tree. She opened her book again. Alex sat nearby. He pulled out his sketchpad. He drew the surrounding scenery.
Time passed quietly. Leaves rustled in the breeze. Laughter floated from afar.
Alex built up his nerve. "Beautiful day for reading outdoors," he said casually. He kept sketching.
She looked up, her eyes kind behind the glasses. "It is. The shade helps with these older eyes." Her smile was warm, with fine lines adding character.
"I'm Alex. Just moved here," he introduced himself.
"Evelyn," she replied. "I come here often. It's my escape."
She was a retired teacher. Books and parks kept her company. They discussed the weather first. Then favorite reads. She enjoyed classics like Jane Austen. He shared his love for fantasy novels. They laughed over shared tastes.
Evelyn mentioned her age casually: sixty-one. Widowed, with grown children and grandchildren. Her stories were witty, drawn from classroom experiences. Her laugh was infectious. Her observations were insightful.
The sun began to dip lower.
"I should head home," Evelyn said, standing. "Nice chatting with you, Alex."
"Same here. Maybe we'll meet again," he suggested.
She nodded agreeably. Alex's heart raced as she left. No system update yet. But a connection had started. He walked home, thinking about her. Progress felt slow but promising.
In his apartment, he cooked pasta. It was a simple meal, but he took his time. He ate while browsing his phone. He ignored another work email.
A text from Sophia arrived. "Last night was incredible. Coffee tomorrow?"
He smiled and replied yes. This new life required balance. It promised excitement. The system lurked in the background. Ready for more challenges. More women. More rewards.