"You know what? I'm not here to talk about the consequences of his actions because you've witnessed them firsthand. Since your family decided to not follow the rules that I've set, deciding to be a danger to the other tenants, and also because your rent for this month is overdue, I'm kicking you out of this building. If you dare return again, I'll ensure that I beat up your ass and sue you in court," Mr Peter responded angrily.
"Mr Peter, how about you calm down so we can discuss this properly…" Elias replied, but before he could complete his sentence, Mr Peter pushed him to the side and forcefully entered his apartment.
"Ouch!" Elias winced in pain as his back collided against the door frame. He gradually got back up to his feet and walked towards Mr Peter, who was surveying the entire apartment.
"Please, Mr Peter, don't do this! If you kick us out, my brother and I will have nowhere else to go! I promise that this will never happen again!" Elias pleaded, trying to grab Mr Peter's attire as he turned around and exited the apartment. However, Mr Peter slapped his hand away and turned to look at him angrily.
"Whether you and your junior brother become homeless is not my business. Gather all your belongings and leave my property before the next time I return, or else I'll call the police on you and ensure they arrest you for trespassing," Mr Peter replied, placing an unconditional quit notice on the door before he turned around and left.
Elias weakly collapsed on his knees as he observed Mr Peter disappear into the hallway. The weight of his problems pressed heavily against his shoulders, dulling his eyes as he dazedly stared at the floor before him.
After a few minutes, Elias struggled to regain his composure and pulled himself up. He took down the unconditional quick notice and placed it in his pocket before locking the door shut.
The system could only help with his current dilemma, and he knew the right place to utilize it.
….....
Elias read the massive sign on the building before him, 'Enchanted Tome Bookstore,' before cross-checking his attire and the bag in his grasp, tidying it up, and then walking in.
When he entered, he noticed the bookstore owner sitting and reading a book at her desk. Her chestnut brown hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, complementing her warm hazel eyes. Her complexion was fair-skinned, with a sprinkling of freckles across her nose. She wore a brown cosy sweater, which he knew was likely paired with jeans, as it was her favourite dressing style.
As though noticing his entrance, she raised her head up and looked at him with a gentle smile spread across her lips. Without hesitation, Elias approached her.
"Hey, Emily," Elias said, arriving before her desk. "It's been a while," he added.
"How are you doing, Elias?" Emily smiled. She closed her book and placed it on the desk.
"I'm fine. How have you been?" Elias asked.
"I'm okay. I mean, there isn't much to do in a bookstore except read books and ensure everyone finds what they are searching for," Emily replied. "So, what brings you to my bookstore today? Do you have any specific books that you are looking for yourself, or perhaps your junior brother?"
Despite Elias's frequent visits to her bookstore, Emily knew he would only approach her to strike up a casual conversation about their books, share recommendations, or ask for her help when he couldn't locate the book he was searching for like everyone else did. So, seeing him appear again after three weeks of absence, she instantly figured he needed her to search for a specific book.
Upon hearing Emily mention his junior brother, Elias felt his emotions stirred slightly, but he was able to quickly reign them back in.
"No. I'm not here for a book; I came to see you," Elias responded, maintaining his composure as he carefully arranged his words.
Hearing Elias's words, Emily was immediately stunned.
"This is the first time someone has visited my bookstore to see me specifically instead of a book. Is there any problem?" Emily asked, her voice filled with suspicion and caution.
She glanced at the bookshelves around her and noticed they were alone, prompting her to take a defensive posture just to be ready in case the unexpected happened.
Elias shook his head in response. "No, there isn't any problem. I just wanted to know if you had some free time later in the day so we could maybe hang out together or grab a coffee. Nothing too formal, just a chance to chat and spend some time together," he finished, his voice trailing off as he glanced at her, hoping she would catch his hint.
Despite being outgoing, Elias didn't know where his confidence had come from to calmly utter such words. Still, he knew it might be because he was desperate, and the system was the only thing that could help him solve his current dilemmas.
Meanwhile, hearing Elias's words, Emily took some time to process them before looking at him with an astounded expression. She scrutinized Elias from head to toe, taking in every detail.
Unless she was stupid, she would miss the hint that he was asking her out; however, she wasn't.
Nonetheless, she hadn't seen him for about three weeks, and then he suddenly appeared out of nowhere, asking her out for a date directly. Also, she could not tell if the confidence around him was authentic or a hoax.
"Are you asking me on a date?" Emily asked, staring at him with her brows raised as she awaited her response.
She wanted to ensure she had heard him correctly and wasn't jumping to conclusions.
Hearing Emily's question, Elias swiftly nodded in response, "Yes, I am." he affirmed.
[ Ding! A woman has recently gained interest in the Host. Her profile and level of affection will now be reflected within the system. ]