The rain had cleared by morning, leaving the world feeling refreshed, but Ethan's mind was still tangled in the events of the previous day. The system task lingered in his thoughts as he sat at the breakfast table, watching Lila move about the kitchen. She was her usual self on the surface, humming softly as she made coffee, but Ethan could see the weight she was carrying.
"Any big plans today?" Ethan asked casually, breaking the silence.
Lila glanced at him, her expression guarded. "Nothing much. Probably just a walk or some reading. Why?"
"No reason," Ethan said with a shrug, masking his true intentions.
But inside, he was already brainstorming. The system's task was clear: lift Lila's spirits. He had no idea how to tackle something so abstract, but he figured it started with understanding what made her happy—or at least what might bring her some comfort.
At the office, Ethan couldn't help but feel distracted. While meetings droned on about the lawsuit and potential settlements, his mind wandered back to Lila. What could he do for someone who seemed to carry the world on her shoulders but never asked for help?
During his lunch break, inspiration struck. Ethan remembered something Lila had once mentioned in passing during one of her teasing rants.
"You know what I miss?" she had said, twirling her hair as they sat on the couch. "The simple stuff. Picnics in the park, homemade food, silly things like that. Feels like a lifetime ago."
It had been a throwaway comment at the time, but now it felt like the perfect opportunity.
That evening, Lila returned from her walk to find Ethan standing in the living room, an awkward but determined expression on his face.
"What's this?" she asked, eyeing the basket and blanket in his hands.
"I figured we could use a change of scenery," Ethan said. "There's a park not far from here. Thought we'd have dinner outside."
Lila blinked, momentarily at a loss for words. "You? A picnic?"
"Don't sound so surprised," Ethan said, feigning offense. "I'm capable of spontaneity too, you know."
She laughed, the sound genuine and light. "Alright, Hale. Let's see what you've got."
The park was quiet as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Ethan had chosen a spot near the lake, spreading the blanket on the grass and setting out a simple meal he'd picked up on the way home.
Lila sat cross-legged, her eyes scanning the scene. "You've got the basics down," she said, popping a grape into her mouth. "Not bad for a first attempt."
"I aim to impress," Ethan replied, smirking.
They ate in comfortable silence for a while, the sounds of the water and distant laughter filling the air. But as the light began to fade, Lila turned to him, her expression softer than he'd ever seen it.
"Why are you doing this?" she asked.
"Why not?" Ethan said, meeting her gaze. "You've been there for me when I needed it, even if you pretended it was all for your own amusement. Maybe it's my turn."
Her smile faltered, and for a moment, Ethan thought he'd said the wrong thing. But then she shook her head, a small laugh escaping her lips. "You're such a weirdo, Hale."
"I'll take that as a compliment," he said, grinning.
As they packed up and walked back to the apartment, Ethan felt a sense of satisfaction he hadn't expected. The system chimed faintly in his mind.
[Task Progress: 50% complete. Keep up the good work!]
But for once, the system's rewards didn't matter. Seeing Lila smile—really smile—was enough.
Back home, Lila lingered in the doorway as Ethan put the basket away. "Ethan," she said softly.
"Yeah?"
"Thanks," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
He turned, surprised to see her looking vulnerable again, but this time, there was no sadness in her eyes—only gratitude.
"Anytime," Ethan said.
As Lila disappeared into her room, Ethan sat on the couch, feeling lighter than he had in weeks. Helping her wasn't just about completing a task or earning system rewards. It was about building something real—something that, for the first time in a long time, felt like it might actually last.