Could it be that Angel's intention in threatening him with the photo was to set the stage for what was to come?
Sam sighed softly to himself, a sudden clarity dawning within.
He pondered, reflecting on why popular novels, especially those themed around rebirth, always emphasized that history couldn't be altered, that everything would miraculously loop back, returning to its original path. This insistence on the so-called law of cause and effect was precisely what many readers found off-putting and loathsome.
Sam had never fully believed that his own journey to this world would strictly follow these causal links. Yet, he began to realize that there must be some sort of "corrective force" at play.
Perhaps this was why he had always avoided contact with the original female leads of this world, and now, to rectify the original plot, it seemed as though he was being forced into interactions with them.
Maybe it was precisely for this purpose that the events leading to their acquisition of supernatural abilities were triggered, propelling these occurrences into motion.
It all seemed to suggest to Sam that no matter how much he tried to escape, the inevitable encounters he was destined to have would still occur.
Having been an orphan since childhood, Sam (Alexander) had long understood that relying on oneself was far superior to seeking help from others.
Now, facing Angel's triumphant gaze, he grasped the entire picture. He realized that evasion was futile; it only made things more passive, and the endgame could spiral out of control.
Sam resolved to take control of his destiny. If avoidance was impossible, then he must actively change everything himself.
In this intricate game, he decided not to be just an observer but to become the lead who alters history.
Sam raised his head, this time not bothering to fabricate a fitting expression. Of course, he wouldn't expose Angel's ability to stop time either—that would be a literal death wish.
Being brave doesn't mean being reckless. First, he had to overcome the fear in his heart and avoid dwelling on those terrifying potential outcomes.
He looked at Angel.
"While I didn't take those photos, I'd rather you didn't make a big deal out of this. After all, it could negatively impact you too."
Angel noticed the change in his demeanor. Sam appeared calm, not panicking over her probe.
This only deepened Angel's fascination with him, her thoughts echoing with admiration: Truly an interesting personality, just like his appearance. With such looks, how could he be ordinary? His soul, too, couldn't be mundane.
A smug, confident smile crept onto Angel's previously expressionless face. Her infatuation with Sam was not openly expressed; instead, she interrogated him with a tone quite the opposite:
"There's no downside for me. It's always fatal to be too lenient with a pervert, step by step. Isn't stating the facts loudly at this moment the right solution?"
Can I loudly proclaim your ability to stop time?
Sam didn't voice this thought, instead sighing, "So, what do you plan to do?"
Angel's confident smile grew. "If you don't want me to call the police. I can offer you a chance to redeem yourself."
Sam immediately responded, "First off, I haven't done anything perverted. Secondly, you can state your terms. If they're reasonable, I can consider it an equivalent exchange."
This caught Angel off guard, her gaze momentarily freezing. Sam was too calm, seemingly unafraid of her calling the police or using the photos against him.
Ah... perhaps this is more interesting. It seems Angel have stumbled upon an intriguing game.
Angel, who long felt everything around her lacked challenge, now felt a spark of excitement, even looking forward to what would happen next.
"So, you're quite the negotiator. But I don't think my request is too much." Angel eyed Sam, the breeze lifting his hair slightly, adding to his handsome appearance.
"Please, go ahead."
"It's simple. I like sculpture and want to create a new series. I lack inspiration for a male lead... your image fits well. I need you to be my model."
Just as Sam suspected. Her intention was indeed something like modeling, as her previous mutterings during her time-stop ability had hinted.
The corrective power of this world is impressive...Sam deliberately avoided these female leads, yet they found a way.
Sam pretended to ponder for a moment before looking at Angel.
"Just that simple?"
"Yes, just that simple."
"I can agree to your request, but not today."
Angel looked at Sam in surprise. Any boy in the school would fantasize about getting a chance to talk to her, to have any interaction. Yet this young man seemed incredibly calm, not treating the opportunity as a privilege.
So Angel reverted to her usual demeanor, cool and distant, resembling a slab of ice. "Why not?"
Sam shook his head: "I'm running short on time today, I have a shift at the convenience store."
"You should know, the last thing I lack is money."
It was as if Angel was suggesting that cooperating with her could lead to substantial financial reward, much like the male protagonists in the original story who enjoyed being financially supported by the female lead.
But though he bore Sam's appearance, he was actually Alexander, and he wasn't going to follow such a 'damned' path.
"I do need money, but it has to be earned through my own efforts. Alright, if there's nothing else, I should get going. I'm about to be late."
Angel watched Sam with wide eyes, a tumult of emotions swirling in her gaze.
"Then you should at least give a time, or it's just an empty promise. I really hate being lied to, especially that feeling of deception!" She emphasized her dislike for being deceived.
After a moment of thought, Sam said, "How about the weekend? I'm free then."
"Okay."
Angel didn't try to keep Sam any longer, letting him hurry off. The school was now almost deserted, save for the playground bathed in the falling sunset.
The sunset rays illuminated her long black hair, and her face, strikingly beautiful, was framed perfectly in the golden light. The summer breeze wafted in from distant hills, bringing with it the scent of grass.
Angel slowly smiled. "Sam, you're even more interesting than I thought."