It's been more than a week since I finished Baron Halver's job. I still haven't decided on the new job he offered me. I'm skeptical about the terms of the contract. As much as I need the money, I have to be careful about taking just any job without thinking it through.
If I don't reach out to him soon, he'll definitely reach out to me himself. That way, I'll be able to include my own terms in the contract.
As for the money I received from the Baron, it came to sixty-five gold coins in total. I managed to save sixty of them. I had planned to loan it to Aleena so she could clear the rest of her debts, but our relationship has only gotten worse since then.
Sigh. All because I got a girlfriend. Why was she playing so hard to get, acting like she could never date me?
What do you think, System?
[I DON'T KNOW, MAN. THAT'S NOT MY TASK. MY TASK IS TO ASSIST YOU WITH ANYTHING RELATED TO YOUR CLASS. YOUR PERSONAL LIFE IS NONE OF MY BUSINESS.]
I'm stunned by the AI's blunt reply. Reality hits me harder than I expected. This isn't like those fantasy isekai stories where the protagonist gets a sentient, overpowered system. Heck, everyone has a system in this world, so there's nothing special about mine.
Well, today is the day I confront Aleena. It's also the day of my audition for the pornstar recruitment at the Studio where Lilith's sister works. I'd told her about my plans to start my own studio, but she warned me the journey wouldn't be easy. Even though I have some money now, I need to build a bit of fame and followers first. Joining an already popular studio seemed like the easiest way, depending on my skills.
I get up from the bed with a strong jerk, stretch my body, throw on my clothes, and step out of the room.
When I reach the living room, a powerful aroma hits my nose. It's so strong and inviting that I start salivating without realizing it. I glance toward the dining table and see a ridiculous spread of dishes arranged like we're hosting a banquet.
While I'm still standing there stunned, Aleena walks in carrying another tray loaded with food, adding it to the already crowded table.
She's wearing an apron, her hair slightly messy, with beads of sweat dripping from her forehead. It hits me instantly—she cooked all this herself.
Is she hosting someone?
All my confidence suddenly vanishes, and I find myself unable to confront her again.
There goes my confidence once more, I think, turning toward the exit.
"Wait, Jacob!" Aleena suddenly calls out. I spin around immediately, my eyes widening as a rush of emotions floods through me.
"I made food for us. Are you just going to walk out on me like that?" she says, her face full of mixed emotions as she clutches the tray tightly.
I don't even know when my body starts moving on its own. I dash toward Aleena and pull her into a tight hug.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for not understanding your feelings. I've been trying to talk to you… I just didn't know how to say it," I finally let out, saying what I've wanted to say for days.
Aleena doesn't respond at first. She simply hugs me back, wrapping her arms around me and gently patting my back.
"It's fine, Jacob. I'm also sorry for not telling you how I really feel about you. I treated you like you weren't a man… I'm really sorry," she whispers in my ear, her voice thick with emotion. I can hear the nervousness in it too. "I just didn't know how to convey my feelings, so I got really angry when I found out you got a fiancee in such a short time."
We slowly separate from the hug and start eating while chatting at the same time.
"Lilith is a good girl, and you're already engaged to her. I don't want to ruin your relationship… and I don't think I can stand sharing my man, even though Lilith says she's fine with it," Aleena says in a low, wavering voice.
I don't reply right away.
"It's fine, Aleena. First, I'm glad you finally poured out your heart. As much as I regret that you didn't tell me earlier, I can't betray Lilith like that. Still, whatever decision you make, I won't be mad at you," I say.
Aleena flashes a genuine smile but doesn't say anything else.
Suddenly, my phone starts ringing loudly. When I check, it's from an unknown contact. I ignore it at first, but the constant calls annoy me enough to finally pick up.
"Who's this?!"
[YOU'VE MADE ME STAND IN FRONT OF YOUR HOUSE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES WITHOUT SHOWING UP! THE AUDITION WILL START VERY SOON!!]
A very loud, angry voice shouts through the phone, forcing me to pull it away from my ear.
"I'll be outside now!" I reply quickly, standing up in a rush and wiping my mouth with a towel.
"Who was that?" Aleena asks.
"Lilith's older sister. I have an audition at her studio today. I'll tell you about it when I get back," I reply. She nods.
Then, acting on impulse, I lean in and plant a bold kiss on her lips, leaving the elf red-faced and frozen in her seat. There's no way I was letting her get over me that easily after she finally opened up.