The rest of the day went as expected. Kyle got to know Ella better and noticed that Jane seemed more comfortable around her friend. It was clear they had known each other for a long time. Jane was more talkative and expressive than she had been throughout their entire date, but that was understandable—she was at home with her roommate.
However, Kyle couldn't help but notice a shift in Ella's demeanor. Earlier, it felt like she was testing him, probing to see what kind of man he was. Now, she seemed quieter, lost in thought, and less engaged. This meant their earlier conversation about her talent never continued.
Time flew by, and Kyle knew better than to overstay his welcome. Staying too long was a mistake he wasn't about to make. He had also realized something important—buying Jane the expensive bag didn't increase her affection for him. That confirmed what Kyle had suspected all along: Jane wasn't motivated by money. While his wealth might have set things in motion, it wasn't what drove her feelings. She liked him genuinely, and that thought warmed Kyle's heart.
"Okay, ladies, I think it's time for me to leave," Kyle announced, rising to his feet.
Ella blinked out of her daydream, looking surprised. "That was quick," she blurted out involuntarily.
Kyle smiled faintly. He had been there for about two hours—long enough for a visit, even though he'd hoped for more.
"That's right. It's time for me to go," he reaffirmed, standing up.
Jane looked disappointed, though she tried to hide it. She might not have been the one to text him over, but it was clear she had enjoyed his company.
"Jane, can I see you for a minute?" Kyle asked. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Ella."
"The pleasure was mine! Thank you so much for the bag—I don't even know how to thank you," Ella said, her voice almost breathless.
"Promise me you'll never give up on your dream," Kyle said, catching her off guard.
Ella stared at him, speechless for a moment. This was unexpected—someone paying attention to her dreams without ulterior motives, without trying to take something from her.
"I promise!" she exclaimed, a bright smile spreading across her face.
"Then we're even," Kyle replied with a small nod before walking toward the door. Jane followed him, leaving Ella standing there, unable to shake the thought that Kyle really was different.
---
"It wasn't you who texted me, was it?" Kyle asked softly as Jane walked him to his car.
Jane looked embarrassed, her cheeks flushing. "It wasn't," she admitted quietly.
"So… you didn't enjoy spending time with me?" Kyle teased, pretending to be disappointed.
"I did! I—I mean I did," Jane stammered, flustered as she tried to clarify herself.
Kyle chuckled. "I'm glad you did," he said warmly.
They reached his car, and Kyle paused, looking at her thoughtfully. "Say, Jane…"
Jane leaned in slightly, her curiosity piqued. "Yes?"
Kyle lowered his voice, his tone almost a whisper. "If I were to kiss you right now, what would you do?"
Jane froze. Her heart raced, and for a moment, she couldn't process what he had just said. Kyle's boldness caught her completely off guard.
"I really want to kiss you right now," Kyle continued, leaning in slowly.
Jane's breathing grew uneven as he moved closer, her heart pounding in her chest. Kyle stopped mere inches from her lips, giving her the chance to decide.
"…Do you want to kiss me?" he asked softly.
Jane's lips parted as she licked them nervously, then nodded slowly, her face flushed. She couldn't find the words, but her body gave him the answer he needed.
Kyle closed the distance, pressing his lips to hers in a gentle kiss. His hand slid around her waist, pulling her closer, while his tongue teased her lips before slipping into her mouth. Their tongues met in a slow, careful rhythm. Kyle could feel her inexperience—she wasn't the best kisser, but that wasn't a bad thing. It only confirmed his earlier suspicions. She was inexperienced, maybe even a virgin.
Suddenly, the now-familiar cyan screen appeared before him.
[Update in affection bar!]
[Jane's affection: 80%!]
"Eighty percent? Holy shit!" Kyle thought, stunned by the leap.
It made sense, though. This was the culmination of Jane's feelings finally breaking free. She had been unsure about him and his intentions, but this kiss had provided the clarity she needed. Kyle had given her the love and romance she'd been craving, and her overthinking had melted away.
He kept his hand on her waist, resisting the urge to go further. He knew he had to be gentle with her.
"You're worth me coming here," Kyle said softly, offering her a warm smile before slipping into his car.
Jane watched as he started the engine, but Kyle waited patiently until she went back inside her house before driving away.
Jane stood in her doorway, touching her lips, still in shock over what had just happened. She needed time to process it all, but one thing was certain: Kyle had left a lasting impression on her.
And on Ella, too. But had he potentially set events in motion that could ruin their friendship? That remained to be seen.
---
As Kyle drove down the road, a satisfied smile tugged at his lips. He was close—so close. Another interaction with both women might be enough to level up his system, but he knew he couldn't rush things. Acting desperate could undo all his progress.
With Calista, he had done enough to keep her tied to him—or rather, to his money. No sane woman would walk away from the lifestyle he was offering.
And Jane? The kiss would give her something to hold onto, to dream about. She wanted love, romance—a fantasy that Kyle was more than happy to play into.
His destination came into view, and Kyle couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. He was heading back to his former place of employment—the place where the course of of his life had been set.