Chapter 17 – Evening Beneath the Setting Sun

As the sky outside shifted from afternoon gold to soft twilight, Reyan stood before the mirror, adjusting the sleeves of the ash-blue shirt Lily had picked for him on their last shopping trip. It fit better than anything he'd worn in years—not just in size, but in how it made him feel. Confident. Presentable. Like a man someone was proud to be seen with.

He paired it with the matching dark slacks and styled his hair simply, nothing flashy. Just enough to look his best.

Once ready, he picked up his phone and called Lily.

"Do I need to come pick you up?" he asked with a light tone.

Lily's warm laughter met his ears. "I'm already halfway there."

A short while later, they met outside a modest city park. The tall trees lining the walkways rustled gently in the evening breeze, and golden light spilled through the leaves in dancing patterns. Lily wore a soft lavender dress that fluttered with each step, her hair loosely tied, framing her bright smile.

"You look… amazing," Reyan said sincerely.

Lily looked him up and down, pleased. "So do you. You actually wore what I picked."

"Of course. I follow expert advice," he said with a smirk.

They strolled slowly through the park, sharing light conversation, watching children chase each other, and older couples enjoying the cool evening. They bought ice cream from a roadside stall, laughed over ridiculous flavors, and sat on a quiet bench near the lake's edge, watching the reflection of streetlamps flicker across the water.

> System Notification: [Affection Level – Lily: 57]

The familiar voice chimed softly in Reyan's head, but he didn't react. He didn't need to. Things were moving steadily, and more than the number, it was the peace he felt around her that mattered.

Later, they decided to have dinner at a nearby rooftop café. The open sky and dim fairy lights created an intimate atmosphere. They talked about little things—movies they liked, foods they hated, places they wanted to visit someday. Every minute felt unhurried, like the world had paused just for them.

> System Notification: [Affection Level – Lily: 65]

Reyan glanced at her as she talked animatedly about an embarrassing childhood story. He chuckled, not just at the story—but at the way her eyes lit up. He didn't know when it had happened, but the awkward girl from campus had become someone he genuinely looked forward to being with.

As the evening gave way to night, they finally stood outside her apartment building.

"I had a really good time today," Lily said, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Same here. Let me know once you're inside, alright?"

She nodded. "Good night, Reyan."

"Good night."

He stood there for a moment after she went inside, staring up at the sky. Then, as he was walking away:

> System Notification: [Affection Level – Lily: 70]

Milestone Achieved: First Target Reached 70 Affection

Reward: ₲2,000,000 has been transferred to your system account.

His steps paused mid-stride. ₲2 million? That was more than he'd ever seen. More than what most people earned in years. Yet the system's voice remained as calm as ever, as if it was just the beginning.

Reyan exhaled slowly, pocketing his hands as he walked home.

By the time he reached his house, the lights in the living room were dim. He peeked into his mother's room—she was already asleep, as he'd told her earlier that he'd be eating with friends. Not wanting to disturb her, he tiptoed to his room, set down his phone, and changed into something more comfortable.

Just as he was pulling the covers over himself, his phone buzzed.

> Lily: "Thanks for today. Sleep well, Reyan :)"

He smiled faintly and typed back:

> Reyan: "Glad you're happy. Good night, Lily."

For the first time in a long while, he slept with a calm heart and a quiet mind.

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The next morning, the sunlight streaming through the window stirred him awake. Just as he sat up, rubbing his eyes, his phone rang.

It was Harven.

"Yo, boss," came the cheerful voice. "Everything's set at the restaurant. The signage's done, furniture's in place, our powder's being tested in a few dishes, and the kitchen's spotless. We're all ready for the relaunch tomorrow."

"Sounds perfect," Reyan said, smiling. "Nice work."

After exchanging a few more updates, Reyan hung up, feeling that buzz of anticipation rising again. He got out of bed, took a quick shower, and dressed for class—his mind already racing ahead to the restaurant's opening and all that lay beyond it.

Tomorrow would be a new chapter.

A louder one.

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