NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Once back at the mall, Rafayel didn't give Rowan much of a choice. He dragged him straight to a food stall and ordered a tray full of snacks.
"Here," Rafayel said, shoving a plate of cheesy fries toward Rowan. "Eat. Maybe it'll shut you up for a while."
Rowan raised an eyebrow but accepted the food, realizing just how hungry he was. "You've got a funny way of showing you care, you know."
Rafayel shrugged, munching on a piece of fried chicken. "I don't care."
Rowan smirked but decided not to press further. For now, he had to focus. He needed to raise Rafayel's affinity somehow, and time was running out. He glanced at the system's floating timer, its bright numbers ticking away second by second.
After they ate, Rafayel stood abruptly. "Let's play something. Sitting here watching you sulk is boring."
Rowan followed Rafayel reluctantly to the arcade section of the mall. Rafayel immediately gravitated toward a racing game, plopping down in the seat and gripping the steering wheel. Rowan sighed and slid into the seat next to him, figuring he might as well play along.
The game started, and Rafayel quickly took the lead. Rowan, distracted by both the timer and his own thoughts, kept crashing into walls.
"Wow, you suck," Rafayel teased, glancing over with a smirk.
Rowan groaned. "You're just cheating somehow."
"Sure," Rafayel replied smugly, finishing in first place while Rowan's car barely crossed the finish line. "Maybe next time, try focusing."
Rowan shot him a glare but secretly appreciated the banter. He glanced at the affinity level again still no change.
Desperate, Rowan tried a new tactic. He leaned over, his voice low and teasing. "Rafayel, are you scared I might actually beat you in the next round?"
Rafayel scoffed, his cheeks faintly tinged with color. "As if."
"Let's make a bet, then," Rowan said with a grin. "If I win the next game, you have to tell me one secret about yourself."
"And if I win?" Rafayel asked, crossing his arms.
Rowan hesitated, then shrugged. "I'll stop being annoying for a whole day."
Rafayel raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Deal."
The second race began, and Rowan actually focused this time. It was close, but Rafayel still managed to cross the finish line just seconds before him.
"Looks like you're staying quiet tomorrow," Rafayel said smugly.
Rowan groaned, slumping back in his seat. "This is impossible…"
As they walked away from the arcade, Rafayel glanced at Rowan, and smirked "Hey, you're not bad at racing games for a loser."
"Thanks, I guess?" Rowan muttered, unsure if it was a compliment or an insult.
The system's timer continued to tick down, but Rowan couldn't help noticing something different in Rafayel's tone a flicker of warmth, maybe even amusement. Was it possible the affinity level had shifted, even a little?
He glanced at the system's screen, his heart sinking when he saw the number had barely budged: 0.7%.
"This is going to be harder than I thought," he muttered under his breath, already brainstorming his next move.
--
After their arcade adventure, Rowan and Rafayel decided to head to the nearby beach. On their way, they stopped by a convenience store to grab snacks chips, sodas, and a few packs of marshmallows.
As they found a cozy spot on the sand, they watched people swimming, building sandcastles, and expertly skiing on the waves. Rowan's eyes sparkled with amazement at the skiers gliding effortlessly across the water.
"Wow, that looks so fun! Can you do that?" Rowan asked, turning to Rafayel.
Rafayel gave a slight smirk. "Of course I can. Why?"
"Teach me!" Rowan exclaimed, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
"Now? We don't even have spare clothes," Rafayel retorted, crossing his arms.
"Who cares! We're here already!" Rowan insisted, pulling Rafayel toward the rental booth.
After renting two ski boards, Rafayel took charge, walking Rowan through the basics. They waded into the shallow water, with Rafayel demonstrating the proper stance.
"Keep your knees slightly bent and your core tight. Balance is key," Rafayel instructed, holding Rowan steady.
Rowan wobbled unsteadily on the board, his arms flailing as he tried to mimic Rafayel. "Like this?"
"No, not like that! You look like you're doing yoga!" Rafayel barked, pinching the bridge of his nose.
For twenty grueling minutes, Rafayel tried every method he could think of holding Rowan's hands, standing behind him to guide his posture, even pushing him gently to get him moving. Despite all efforts, Rowan either toppled into the water or clung desperately to Rafayel's arm, causing them both to fall.
"I give up," Rafayel finally declared, storming out of the water. "You're hopeless."
"Wait! I'll get it eventually!" Rowan called after him, but Rafayel was already heading back to shore. Rowan scratched his head sheepishly, realizing he'd messed up again.
---
When they arrived back at Rafayel's studio, they were greeted by Thomas, who stood at the doorstep holding a plastic bag.
"Hey! You guys look like you had fun," Thomas said, grinning. He handed the bag to Rowan. "Here, Four bottles of wine and a big pizza. Thought you could use a treat."
Rowan's eyes lit up as he eagerly accepted the bag. "Thanks, Thomas! You're a lifesaver!"
Rafayel, however, gave Thomas a questioning look. "What's the occasion?"
Thomas shrugged. "No occasion. Just been less stressed since Rowan showed up. Figured I'd share the good vibes."
Rafayel shook his head, muttering something under his breath, and walked into the studio, shutting the door loudly.
Inside, Rowan had already opened one of the wine bottles and poured himself a glass. "Want some?" he asked Rafayel, holding up the bottle.
Rafayel sighed but grabbed a shot glass. "Fine. Just a little."
The two of them sat on the couch, eating pizza and drinking wine. They talked about everything, art, books and Rowan's random observations. Time slipped away, and before they knew it, the room was dim with the glow of the streetlights outside.
The next morning, Rowan was the first to wake up. He groaned, rubbing his temples as he sat up. Glancing over, he saw Rafayel sprawled on the sofa, still asleep, his face peaceful despite his usual sharp demeanor.
Before Rowan could move, the system's familiar screen popped up in front of him.
Mission Alert: 1 minute remaining.
Rowan's eyes widened in panic. "Noooo!" he shouted, startling Rafayel awake.
"What the hell?" Rafayel mumbled, sitting up groggily.
Rowan spun around to explain but he suddenly tripped over and landed squarely on top of Rafayel. In his flailing, his lips brushed against Rafayel's cheek.
Both froze.
Rowan scrambled to his feet,"Oh man, I'm so sorry! "
Rafayel didn't respond, his eyes wide and his ears noticeably red. He stared at Rowan like a statue, too stunned to react.
Meanwhile, Rowan glanced at the system's screen, his heart pounding. The countdown had stopped, and to his utter shock, Rafayel's affinity had jumped to 20%.
"Are you kidding me?" Rowan blurted, turning to Rafayel. "It went up just for that?! Are you a teenager or something? Reacting because of a little kiss?"