The restaurant Zack chose was an upscale spot near the city center.
It had an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, the kind that attracted businessn 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, sowhere near the window."
The waiter led them toward a spot with a good view, handing them nus before walking off.
Ethan picked up his nu, eyes scanning the options, but sothing made him pause.
Across the restaurant, sitting by the window, was a familiar figure.
Lila.
Her chestnut brown hair frad 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 seed 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 mont her brown eyes landed on him, her expression changed.
A flicker of surprise, then sothing softer — shyness.
Her fingers imdiately went to her lap, her shoulders hunching slightly. She didn't look away imdiately, though. It was as if she was waiting for so kind of response.
Ethan, ever composed, simply gave a small wave.
Nothing too dramatic. Just an acknowledgnt.
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 al, finally glanced up. "Sothing up?"
Ethan returned to his nu. "Nothing."
Zack humd in amusent. "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 ti before answering. "Sothing like that."
Zack grinned but didn't push further.
Their drinks arrived first — Ethan settled for a simple iced coffee, while Zack went for a light whiskey, swirling the glass absentmindedly as they started discussing business.
"The resort's coming along nicely," Zack mused, taking a sip. "I can handle the Celebrity and Promotion, just have to twist a few strings here and there,"
Ethan nodded. "I'll have to sell one of my buildings to gather the remaining funds but once the resort's running, the profits will take care of the rest."
Zack grinned. "Smart. We should start discussing marketing soon. Gotta make sure we're packed once we open."
Ethan humd in agreent.
As they talked, he noticed subtle movent from Lila's table.
She was still sitting there, but her fingers occasionally tapped against her glass, as if she was debating sothing.
Her friend — clearly the bolder of the two — whispered sothing to her, and Lila imdiately shook her head, her face red.
Ethan smirked slightly but didn't let it distract him.
By the ti they finished their al, Zack leaned back in his seat, satisfied.
"Damn, that hit the spot."
Ethan took a final sip of his drink, setting the glass down. 12:45 PM. It wasn't late, but he figured it was ti to wrap up.
Just as they were about to leave, he caught movent from Lila's table again.
This ti, she was stealing glances at him.
Not long stares — just quick, fleeting ones, like she wasn't sure if she should approach or not.
Her friend? Clearly amused.
Ethan debated for a brief second but decided not to dwell on it. If she wanted to talk, she would. If not, he wasn't the type to push.
As they stood, Zack stretched. "Alright, what's next?"
Ethan smirked. "Back to work."
Zack groaned. "You really know how to kill the mood, man."
They walked toward the exit, and for a brief second, Ethan's gaze flickered back toward Lila's table.
She looked up.
And this ti, instead of looking away imdiately, she gave him a small, uncertain nod.
Ethan's response?
A simple, knowing smirk before he stepped out into the sunlight.
#####
Ethan exhaled as he rolled into his driveway, his motorcycle purring before he killed the engine.
The mansion gates had already been opened for him by the guards, who gave their usual professional nods as he passed.
He barely paid attention — his body felt heavy with exhaustion, the weight of the day settling in now that he was finally ho.
Swinging his leg over the bike, he pocketed his keys and made his way toward the entrance.
The mansion lood over him, sleek and modern, its massive windows reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun.
Normally, he would take a mont 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 sa old RP calculations and pending investnts. 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 sothing 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 imdiately 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 co say hi?" she whined. "You just waved and left."
Ethan smirked, propping himself up with one arm. "Didn't know you wanted to."
There was a pause, followed by a tiny huff. "I an… I didn't, but — "
"You didn't?" he cut in, amusent lacing his tone.
Lila sputtered. "T-That's not what I ant!"
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."
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