Outside the mall, the air was cool.
Sophia suddenly stopped walking.
Ethan… why are you doing this
He paused.
What do you mean
She looked down at the watch, then up at him.
I know you just broke up. I don't want to be… some way to prove something.
The system flickered quietly.
Warning: Emotional Variable Detected.
For the first time, Ethan hesitated.
When he first approached her… yes, it was about testing the system.
About money.
About revenge.
But somewhere between the rain… and the way she shyly smiled… something changed.
I'm not using you, he said softly.
Sophia searched his eyes.
Then what am I
Ethan exhaled.
You're the first person who didn't look at me like I wasn't enough.
Silence.
Her cheeks turned pink.
Favorability Increased: +10
Current Favorability: +42
Sophia stepped a little closer.
You know when you gave me your jacket that night I thought you were just a nice guy.
She smiled faintly.
I didn't expect you to be… dangerous.
Ethan chuckled Dangerous
You don't care what people think, she said. You're calm Even when they insult you.
She looked up at him.
That's attractive.
His heart skipped.
Not because of the system.
But because of her.
Favorability Increased: +8
Current Favorability: +50
Bonus Multiplier Unlocked: 3x Return when Favorability > 50
Ethan blinked.
Three times return
But for the first time
He didn't care about the number.
Sophia lightly grabbed his sleeve.
Ethan… next time
He raised an eyebrow.
Don't buy me something expensive.
She smiled.
Buy me milk tea instead.
Ethan laughed genuinely.
Deal.
And somewhere in the city, Victor Kane stared at Ethan's rising financial profile on a private business report…
Realizing he may have just made an enemy he could never outspend.