How do you convince her to share her fries?
You don't.
You just accept your fate and order extra next time. 😒😒
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The morning sun shines over the city and Ren stands outside Elisha's apartment's balcony, gazing inside.
The faint glow of lights from within tells him she's home.
Excitement coils in his chest—not just for the answer she owes him, but also for another reason.
He smirks, his gloved finger tracing the air as the lock clicks open.
Stepping inside, he surveys the small but tidy living room. The faint sound of a melodic voice draws his attention—a hum, soft and serene, echoing.
"She's still here," Ren whispers, a grin tugging at his lips. His steps are slow, deliberate, as he follows the sound.
He pauses at the washroom door, hearing water cascading from the shower and her voice rising softly in a tune.
Is she bathing?
The thought ignites a flicker of mischief in him.
Should I go in? 🧖
But he shakes his head, chuckling to himself.
"No," he mutters, stepping back.
"Not yet. Let her have her peace… for now."
Turning, he strolls into her bedroom, sitting onto the edge of her bed. The hum from the bathroom grows louder, carefree and unguarded.
"Hmm, taking your sweet time, huh? Should I really join you?" he mutters, the corners of his mouth curving into a sly smile. His fingers tap the bed lightly.
"No. I scared her enough the last time. This time should be different… It has to be."
Minutes pass before the sound of water stops. Her voice lowers, a soft hum as footsteps approach the bedroom.
Ren straightens, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp as the door creaks open.
Elisha steps inside, wrapped in a towel, her damp hair clinging to her shoulders. Her bare feet pad against the floor as she hums softly to herself.
But then he speaks,
"Took you long enough, Elisha," Ren says, his voice calm but laced with amusement.
She stumbles back, her eyes widening in shock. She gasps, clutching her towel tighter.
"W- who—!"
Her gaze locks onto the masked man sitting on her bed, his dark attire blending into the dim room.
"Hey, Elisha, remember me," Ren drawls, leaning back casually.
"And It's the third time we're meeting, why you still getting terrified of seeing me?"
"You... w-what are you doing here?" she stammers, glancing around for something—anything—to defend herself.
He tilts his head.
"Well, I told you last time I want you to work for me. Gave you time to think about it. So, here I am… for your answer."
"I—"
"Ah, ah," he cuts her off with a raised hand.
"Why don't you get dressed before that? Or…" His gaze sweeps over her deliberately, making her flinch.
"I wouldn't mind chatting like this either."
Elisha glares, clutching her clothes from a nearby chair.
"C-Can you look away?"
Ren chuckles.
"Really? You want me to look away while you change right here? That's a temptation I might not be able to resist."
Her face flushes, and he leans forward slightly.
"Use the other room? Or… do you want me there when you change?"
"N-No!" she blurts, clutching her clothes tightly and hurrying out.
Ren chuckles as she leaves.
"Clumsy but sexy… Will she be able to work properly? Well, she'll have to learn a lot."
Louder, he calls,
"I'm waiting! Hurry up, Elisha!"
Her hurried footsteps echo as she dresses in the other room.
When she finally returns, the door creaks open slowly. She steps inside cautiously, a knife clutched in her trembling hands, held out defensively.
Ren sighs, leaning forward.
"Again? Really? Did it even work the last time? Why would it work now?"
"You can't blame me for trying," she retorts, her voice shaky but determined.
He chuckles, spreading his hands innocently.
"Relax. I just want to talk. I promise I won't do anything funny… like having you on this soft bed." His sly smile deepens as her eyes widen in alarm.
"Ah, sorry, sorry," he says quickly, raising his hands.
"That was a joke. I just want to talk. Come sit beside me."
She hesitates, her feet frozen in place.
Ren sighs, standing slowly. She tenses as he steps closer, but he merely grabs a chair and places it in front of the bed. Sitting down, he gestures to her.
"Fine. If not beside me, then at least sit before me."
Elisha eyes him warily but knows resistance is futile. Slowly, she sits on the edge of the bed, her posture stiff.
"Good," Ren says, his tone casual.
"Now, as I said before, I'm here for your answer. What's it going to be?"
"I don't—"
"Wait," he interjects, leaning forward.
"Before you say anything, let me tell you: working for me isn't just a job. It's a privilege. The things I offer… you can't even imagine getting them anywhere else."
"I don't want to work for you," she says firmly, her sudden confidence surprising him.
Ren smirks.
"Oh, I like that fire in your eyes. But you'll change your mind once you hear the details."
"No," she says, her voice unwavering. "I won't sell myself to you."
His gaze darkens momentarily before softening again.
"Sell yourself? No, Elisha. This isn't that kind of offer. Your work would be legitimate—helping people. No, not just helping some people, but the world. Everything I do is on a grand scale."
She straightens, meeting his gaze with renewed determination.
"I know I can't resist you if you try to take what you want. But I won't give in without a fight. I don't want to work for you."
Ren sighs, rubbing his temple.
"I came here with high hopes. The position I'm offering is one of the highest—wealth beyond imagination, influence that even the rich will envy. You'll live such a luxury life most people can only dream of. Are you really saying no to that?"
She hesitates, his words clearly making an impact, but she still shakes her head.
Ren's eyes narrow.
"I like you, Elisha. I want to protect you, keep you close. Tell me what I need to do to convince you. Don't say no. The things I'm offering… people would even sell their souls for."
She stays silent for a long moment, taking in the situation before finally speaking.
"Okay, I'll work for you if you show me your face, your real identity."
Ren stiffens, his gaze darkening.
"You want to see my face?"
The room suddenly grows tense as his voice lowers.
"You know I wear this mask to hide my identity… and you want me to reveal it?"
Elisha swallows hard.
"Y-Yes."
He stares at her for a long moment, the atmosphere heavy and foreboding.
Then, suddenly, his tone lightens.
"Oh, okay!" he says with mock cheerfulness, making her flinch.
She exhales sharply as the tension breaks, relief flooding her features.
Ren reaches up, his hands slowly removing the mask. The moment stretches, suspense crackling in the air as the dark mask falls away.
Her eyes widen as she takes in his face.
"You… You're young."
Ren smirks.
"Really? That's your reaction? I was expecting something more epic. Like, ohh you are so handsome and sexy. I want it all to myself."
She stays silent, her expression unreadable.
"Come on," he coaxes.
"Say something. If you stay silent, I'll feel bad." He leans closer.
"Now that you've seen my face, you can't say no. Understand?"
Elisha hesitates, then straightens, meeting his gaze.
"So… what's the job?"