The campus courtyard was bustling with laughter and chatter. I pulled the Bambargine G1 smoothly to the curb, the engine's low growl silencing conversations like a lion entering a herd of deer.
There she was—Hana, laughing with a group of her friends under the cherry trees.
I lowered the window and called out, "I'm here."
All eyes turned toward me.
Hana's friends gasped.
"Wait, is that the Bambargine G1?"
"No way… there's only one of that model in the world!"
"Hana… is he your boyfriend?"
"He's insanely hot!"
Hana smiled proudly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yes. He's my boyfriend. Bye, girls."
> [Hana] Interest value increase by +2 current value 74/100
The stunned murmurs followed her as she walked toward the car. She opened the door and slipped into the passenger seat.
"You really enjoy making an entrance," she said, smirking.
I grinned. "Only if you're watching."
We drove through the city. On the way, I said, "Let's stop by your apartment first. You should grab your things."
"Okay."
We arrived at her place and packed up her belongings—clothes, books, and a small pink bunny plush she insisted on bringing. All of it went into the trunk of the G1. Then, we headed back to my mansion.
"Put your stuff in any room you like," I said as we entered the grand foyer.
Hana glanced around, then turned to me. "But… where will I sleep?"
I looked at her, deadpan. "With me, of course."
Her cheeks turned a soft crimson. "S-Stupid… don't say that so casually."
"Why not? Are you embarrassed?" I teased, stepping closer.
"So what if I am…" she muttered, eyes averted.
I gently pulled her toward me and kissed her. She didn't resist—in fact, she leaned into it.
Breaking the kiss, I whispered, "Now tell me, are you still embarrassed?"
> [Hana] Interest value increase by +1 current value 75/100
She looked up at me, breathless. "No."
We spent the next few minutes moving her things into the room beside mine. Afterward, we collapsed onto the bed, her head resting against my shoulder.
I ran my fingers through her hair. "Hey, Hana… does anyone bother you at university?"
She sighed. "No one bullies me, but… there's this one guy. The most popular guy in our school. He asks me out every day. I say no every time, but he keeps coming back."
My expression darkened. "So… he doesn't understand words. Maybe he'll understand something else."
Hana sat up and straddled me. "Are you planning to beat him?"
"Only if he keeps pushing. If he doesn't listen to words, then yeah—I'll beat him down until he does."
She giggled and kissed me again. "Just don't hit him too hard. I don't want you getting into trouble."
> [Hana] Interest value increase by +2 current value 77/100
I pulled her close. "For you? I'll be careful."
---
Three Hours Later
We lay tangled together, the moonlight spilling through the curtains, the silence thick with contentment. My phone buzzed against the nightstand.
> [Hana] Interest value increase by +1 current value 78/100
"Hello?"
A calm, professional voice spoke on the other end. "Sir Alex Gallardo? I'm calling from Sotty channel.com."
"Yes?"
"You've acquired full ownership of our channel. Would you be able to visit the headquarters tomorrow for a tour and briefing?"
I smiled. Another step into my growing world.
"I'll be there."