Sector 11-A, Upper District

As Emir waited for Evelyn at their meeting spot in the central plaza, he checked his watch and realized she was a few minutes late.

Just as he was about to message her, she appeared around the corner, slightly out of breath.

"Sorry, I'm late," she said, smiling apologetically.

Emir chuckled.

"Not a good first impression, Evelyn, especially for a hunter."

She rolled her eyes playfully.

"Oh, shut up. I just took too long to get ready."

Emir smiled, appearing to be unable to resist complimenting her.

"Well, it was worth the wait. You look beautiful."

He couldn't help but notice her white dress, which slightly exposed her left shoulder.

It hugged her curves and revealed her soft muscles, making her look alluring.

Her pale face, green eyes, and black hair created a striking contrast against the white fabric of her dress, making her stand out even more.

In response to his compliment, Evelyn's cheeks turned pink as she delicately pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Thank you," she murmured, before turning the tables and complimenting him.

"And you... you look very handsome with your new haircut and suit."

Emir ran his hand through his now short hair and said:

"Thanks, I was thinking it might be time for a change."

Evelyn linked her arm with his, and they began to walk towards the restaurant.

"So, how was your last patrol? Did you encounter any trouble?"

"Mundane would be the best way to describe it, it's the exact opposite of my first run with you." Emir said with a laugh.

As they walked through the bustling district, Emir recounted his last patrol to Evelyn.

"It was pretty uneventful, to be honest. Just a few minor monster sightings—nothing we couldn't handle. I just need to get my hunter rank up to finally get a real job. Anyway, the pay is decent, and every successful patrol brings me closer to that bike I've been saving up for."

Evelyn nodded understandingly.

"I get it. It's not always exciting to be a hunter, but it's definitely worth it in the end. And that bike will be a game-changer for you, especially when it comes to exploring ruins."

"How long till you reach rank fifteen?"

"Twelve more, so it ain't going to take too long."

As they chatted, they strolled for a few more minutes until they arrived at the entrance of an absolutely stunning building.

It's named 'La Belle Époque.'

The exterior is made of sleek, reflective glass and towering steel beams that gleam in the sun.

Emir could tell by the look on her face that she was impressed.

"Wow," she breathed, staring up at the building.

"This is incredible, how did you find this place?"

Emir smirked.

"I have my ways," he teased her as he led her inside.

Evelyn's eyes widened as she entered the building.

"Are you sure we're dressed up enough for this?"

He chuckled and said:

"Trust me, you look more than elegant enough."

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They were greeted by a waiter at the entrance, who asked for his name and reservation.

Emir gave him his name, and he quickly led them to a cozy booth tucked away in the corner of the restaurant.

The interior was just as impressive as the exterior, with dim lighting and elegant décor that made it feel both intimate and sophisticated.

Evelyn's eyes widened as they took their seats.

"This is amazing, thank you so much." She said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Emir smiled, feeling pleased with her reaction.

"My pleasure, Evelyn."

The waiter handed them the menu, and they began to peruse the various options, each dish sounding more exquisite than the last.

After much deliberation, they finally placed their orders and sat back to enjoy the ambiance, each other's company, and their newly poured wine.

As they waited for their food, Emir couldn't help but tease Evelyn a little.

"So, what do you think people are going to say when they see us here together? Going on a date with a thirteen-year-old, huh?" He asked with a playful grin.

A chuckle escaped Evelyn's lips as she rolled her eyes in amusement.

"Come on now, don't be ridiculous. You're taller than most, and you certainly don't look young enough to be seen that way. Besides, it's just a simple dinner." She retorted with a hint of sarcasm.

Emir leaned forward, a hint of mischief in his eyes.

"Are you sure about that? I mean, you're blushing pretty hard right now."

Evelyn rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her.

"I am not blushing! And let me make this clear, this is not a date." She countered, holding back a laugh.

Emir leaned back in his seat, grinning.

"Okay, okay. I'll believe you... For now." He said, taking a sip of his drink.

Still smiling, Evelyn shook her head.

"You're impossible."

She then reached for her glass of wine and they enjoyed their alcohol in silence.

Their food soon arrived, and they dug in, enjoying the exquisite flavors and textures of each dish.

As the couple ate, they talked about everything and anything, from their experiences to their favorite shows and music.

The conversation flowed easily, and before they knew it...

It was time to leave.

While they made their way out of the restaurant, Emir couldn't resist teasing Evelyn one last time:

"Well, I had a great time on our not-a-date, Evelyn. We should do it again sometime."

He flashed her a grin.

Evelyn rolled her eyes, but he could see a hint of amusement in her expression.

"Sure, why not? But next time, let's make sure it's actually not a date." She said, giving him a playful shove.

With a hearty chuckle, Emir quipped while looking at her straight in the eye:

"Seems like you're implying I'm chasing after you, making me feel like some mutt."

In response, she let out a playful laugh and gently swatted his arm.

"Well, if the shoe fits," she retorted with a smirk, relishing in the playful banter.

After giving him a warm hug, she said her goodbyes, and they waved at each other before parting ways.

Walking back home, Emir's once warm and cheerful demeanor quickly transformed into a cold and menacing one.

His mind was consumed by thoughts of doubt and suspicion.

'Is it just me overthinking things?'

'Or could she really be that good of an actress?'

At first, he was simply impressed with her skills on that day, but then he realized that she wasn't injured and that she didn't look tired either, not as much as the others at least...

'Is she just that skilled?'

He couldn't help but feel that something was amiss.

'The series of events that led me here all seem too contrived, almost as if they were planned, like a well-orchestrated show.'

'Is it the doing of the Order?'

'Maybe Evelyn doesn't know and is being manipulated, but that could just be my personal bias speaking.'

He now understood that Lyra or someone else, manipulated him to meet Evelyn, but for what purpose?

'So many questions, yet no answers,' he sighed at that thought.

He supposed that he'd have to continue feigning ignorance.

She told him not to trust her, and he now assumed that this was included as well.

'No matter what it is, as long as I have some inkling of what's coming, I can turn the tables on them...'

'If the Order thinks they can use Evelyn to control me, they are sorely mistaken.'

'But it might not just be about control. Maybe something more, something I haven't quite grasped yet.'

'Or maybe all of this is just me overthinking things and it's all just a coincidence....'

'But even if it is, I better be prepared.'

Besides, even if he noticed something, he couldn't abruptly change directions now, it might come off as too suspicious.

And as he was lost in his thoughts, he didn't realize that he had already arrived at their apartment.

Emir who woke up from his automotive state opened the door and was greeted by the sight of Laura and Lily busily preparing dinner in the kitchen.

He snuck up behind Lily, hoping to give her a little surprise.

Slowly, step by step, he eventually ended up right behind her.

Playfully, he grabbed her cheeks, pulling them gently.

"Hey, sis. How was your day?" He asked with a grin.

She tried to retaliate, but he held her cheeks firmly in his grip.

"Heyyy, leht go!" She protested, giggling.

Emir chuckled and let her go.

"So, how was your day?" He repeated.

"It was alright," Lily replied, rubbing her cheeks.

"I'll tell you more about it later, so can you please stop?" She added, pouting slightly.

He ruffled her hair playfully.

"Sure thing, kiddo. I can't wait to hear about it," Emir said, turning to greet his mother, who was busy making dinner.

"Hey, Mom. What's cooking?" He peered over her shoulder.

"Stir-fried vegetables with rice, one of your favorites," she replied, smiling at him.

Emir grinned, feeling his stomach growl at the mention of food.

"Sounds great. Need any help?" He offered.

"No, no. Just go freshen up, and dinner will be ready soon," she said, shooing him off.

Emir gave a quick nod before retreating to his room, lost in thought.

Lyra's warning replayed in his mind, and he knew that he had to stay vigilant.

Her words were subtly influencing his future decisions, unknowingly to him.

After washing his face and changing into fresh clothes, he made his way back to the kitchen to wait for dinner.

But just as he settled into his seat, his terminal rang, its bright screen illuminating the dimly lit room.

He fished it out of his pocket and saw that Kiera had sent him a message.

He swiped it open and began to read the contents.

Emir's smile widened like the devil's as he took in the words before him.