CHAPTER 180: 180. I DECIDED

The café was a cozy, lively space filled with the sound of cups clinking, the soft hiss of the espresso machine, and the blending of voices. Office workers in sharp suits typed on laptops, students scribbled in notebooks, and friends laughed over hot drinks.

Seated alone at a small corner table, Reo’s crimson eyes scanned a menu full of odd words that made no sense to him, such as ’espresso,’ ’macchiato,’ and ’flat white.’

He sighed quietly as he closed the menu and gave it to the young woman who was serving him."These names are completely new to me. Please just get me some coffee."

After nodding and making a brief note, the server returned to the counter.

Leaning back in his chair, Reo observed the crowd with his arms folded. He felt alone, like an outsider in the vibrant flow, while everyone else appeared to be a part of the scene—talking, laughing, and connected.

He took out his phone as he was bored and carelessly browsed through it.

He was distracted by a quiet voice. "Is this seat taken, excuse me?"

Reo’s red eyes met warm green eyes as he raised his head. Wearing a simple olive sweater that complemented her easy smile, the woman, who was in her late twenties, had brown hair that was tucked neatly behind her ears.

Her approach confused him because he hadn’t even noticed her. Nothing until she spoke—no footsteps, no shift in the atmosphere. His quick, sharp instincts had missed her entirely.

Her tone was friendly as she gestured around the packed café. "This is the only available spot; it’s pretty full."

Reo kept his face neutral, his voice low but open. "It’s free. Sit if you’d like."

She smiled broadly, appreciation gleaming in her green eyes. "thanks!" She slipped into the chair across from him, setting a book on the table and opening it with a relaxed flip.

Reo’s gaze drifted to the book, its bold title catching his eye. With nothing else to do, he leaned forward a bit, curiosity in his voice. "What’s that you’re reading?"

She looked up, her smile easy as she tilted the book to show the pages. "Just a romantic novel. Timepass, you know?" She flipped it back open, settling into her page.

Reo’s brow arched, a hint of doubt in his tone. "Romantic? You sure? That page had some pretty wild words." Naturally, Reo was able to quickly scan the book and found a lot of obscene content.

With a soft, joyous laugh, she put the book down and rested her chin on her hand, her green eyes sparkling with delight. It’s a dark romance. Have you ever seen it?"

Reo’s brow creased, real confusion on his face. "Dark romance? What’s that supposed to mean?"

Her voice was clear but playful as she leaned forward. "It’s romance with a twist—more intense and gritty. Love combined with danger, obsession, or heartbreak. Not your typical lovely story. "

The waiter came back before Reo could respond, placing a hot cup of coffee with a cute rabbit-shaped foam in front of him.

The woman spoke softly in delight as her eyes brightened. "Oh, that’s so cute! Take a look at the tiny rabbit!

Reo’s expression was blank as he looked at the foam. He picked up a spoon, stirring the coffee until the rabbit melted into a creamy swirl, and took a sip, unbothered.

The woman’s face covered with disappointment as her smile faded. Half-pouting, she said, "You just wrecked it."

With a hint of curiosity in his voice and crimson eyes that narrowed slightly, Reo caught her gaze. "What, you into rabbits or something?"

She nodded, her warm, sincere smile returning. "Indeed, they are adorable! Who doesn’t love rabbits?"

Reo’s tone was deliberately flat as his lips moved into a cunning, playful smirk. "Yes, I love them. They taste great when roasted with a little spice."

Her jaw dropped in a mixture of surprise and playful horror as her green eyes widened. "Are you joking?"

**************

"I’m not joking." Leo said as he notched another arrow.

With a sharp whistle, the arrow sliced through the air as he released the string, striking the bullseye squarely in the middle. His pull caused tiny cracks to spread through the wood, causing the bow to creak under his grasp.

He tossed the broken bow onto the rack with a quick move and turned to Lucian, his grin sharp and determined. "At the end of the event, I’m giving my hunt to Rin."

Lucian’s gray eyes widened as his mind raced, and his jaw fell.

Why did he push Rin away? Is he pursuing her now? Am I going crazy, or is he insane?

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Do you understand what that means, Brother? Offering your prize is practically making a public vow. Everyone is going to talk about it."

Leo’s smirk stayed firm, his tone calm and sure. "I know exactly what it means.."

With her eyes full of curiosity and her frilly dress bouncing, Vivien walked over. She tugged at Reo’s sleeve and said, "What are you two arguing about?"

With ease, Leo lifted her, his voice warm, his smile softening as he held her close. "I’m not arguing, Vivi. Just deciding which adorable animal to bring you back from the hunt." His shadow wraith, a subtle ripple that was invisible to everyone, moved from his shadow to Vivien’s.

Vivien’s voice was excited, and her face brightened. "Bunnies! Little, fluffy ones!

Leo ruffled her hair and laughed. "Bunnies it is, Vivi. I’ll get some for you as well."

Lucian sank into a chair beside Maria, leaning back with a tired huff as he waved for a servant to bring water.

Maria’s tone was gentle but inquisitive as her grey eyes examined him. "Lucian, what’s bothering him?"

Half-laughing, half-sighing, Lucian’s voice was a mixture of laughter and annoyance. "Brother intends to hunt the largest hunt in the history of the event and present it to Rin Valarune."

A knowing smile played on Maria’s lips as her brow lifted. "Valarune, Rin? If we proposed a match with their daughter, House Valarune surely would be delighted."

As he accepted a glass of water from the servant, Lucian snorted and shook his head. "Yes, but it’s a complete mess at the moment."