I'm sorry

The next morning, Mark woke up with a sense of anticipation. He got ready and headed downstairs, eager to see the progress of the interior renovation.

Mark's shop now looked completely different.

The minimalist design he had chosen was beautifully executed, and every detail was just as he had envisioned.

The clean lines of the furniture, the neutral color palette, and the ample natural light created a modern and inviting atmosphere that was sure to attract more customers.

"This is incredible! Even though I saw the 3D rendering on the screen last night, experiencing it in person is on a whole new level." Exclaimed Mark

As he was taking in the sight of his newly renovated shop, Lily entered with a noticeable change in her demeanor.

Her face appeared depressed, a total contrast from her previous casual demeanor. She briefly greeted Mark with a simple "Hello," but seemed to be more distant than her last visit.

"Hello. What would you like to order?" Asked Mark with a somewhat cold voice.

Upon hearing Mark's distant voice and noticing the lack of warmth in his eyes, Lily's depression deepened.

She knew... She knew she disappointed Mark, she knew she did not have the courage to take such a huge risk but at the same time she felt regret at her choice.

Regret gnawed at her, as she remembered their last conversation where she had told Mark her decision.

Since then, Mark had been visibly more distant and colder towards her. The friendly banter and laughter that used to characterize their interactions had vanished, and Mark now treated her like a stranger:

* 2 days before*

As Mark was putting the finishing touches on the game he was working on, he heard Lily calling out to him from downstairs.

He knew that she had come to give him an answer about whether or not she would help him. Mark found himself anxiously hoping that Lily would say yes.

Despite the changes he had gone through, he still valued their friendship, or so he thought.

When Mark finally went downstairs, he noticed that Lily was avoiding eye contact with him.

It became clear to Mark what was on her mind.

A whirlwind of emotions swept through Mark's mind as he realized that Lily might not give him a positive answer.

He had truly believed that she would say yes, or rather, he hoped for it. However, reality can be harsh and sometimes.

"Hey, Lily. You wanted to talk to me?"

"Yeah, I did. "Said Lily avoiding eye contact

"So, what's your decision? Will you help me?"

"Mark, I... I'm sorry, but I can't."

"Oh... I see. " Said Mark somewhat cold.

"Mark, I'm sorry, but I just can't help you. I don't think I am made for something big like this...."

"Mmm, you are right. Thank you for your time and previous help Lily."

"Mark, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to disappoint you."

Mark didn't say anything , he did not want to pressure Lily into making a decision.

Mark always believed that everyone can make their own decisions in life and that people are different. He just thought that she was not strong enough to take a risk and leave her comfort zone.

Mark did not want to associate with such kinds of people, and since he did not have much feeling for Lily it did not matter.

Some may say that he was cold or arrogant, but he did not think so. Mark heard a saying from his father, "Tell me who you are friends with so I can tell you who you are."

"Mark, please don't be mad at me." said Lily with tears welling up in her eyes.

"I'm not mad, Lily. I'm just... really disappointed."

"I understand. I'm sorry, Mark." She said with a dejected expression.

There is a heavy silence between them as both Mark and Lily feel the weight of the disappointment.

The conversation ends on a somber note, leaving Mark feeling let down by Lily's decision.

*Present day*

Mark made a coffee for Lily who sat at a table in the corner of the shop before going upstairs again to bring down the computer he was saving for her. Since he had one left he would not let it go to waste.

10 minutes after He finished installing the PC, Adrian an a few of his friends came in. The group consisted of five people - three girls and two boys.

"Owner, we want to play 'Rise of Immortals'. The VR version!" exclaimed Adrian and his friends

"No problem. $25 per hour" replied Mark with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"Yes, yes, we know... Adrian responded dismissively."

As Mark was talking with Adrian, he couldn't help but notice a figure in the corner of his eye, catching his attention.

She was one of the girls that came with Adrian's group.

The moment Mark eyes laid on the girl his heart started speeding up, even Adrian voice started to disappear in the background.

The girl had a slender body figure, a symmetrical face and her eyes were an uncommon, striking shade of white. Her shoulder-length scarlet red hair complemented her student attire perfectly.

"Gorgeous."

That was the only word Mark could think of at that moment.

He froze for a few seconds, completely captivated by the beauty of the girl in front of him.

Mark found himself momentarily unable to move or speak.

Probably because Mark stared for too long the girl felt something and turned her head around to face mark gaze. Surprised for a second about the mesmerized look of the boy in front of her, she smiled shily at Mark, brushing her hair behind her ear.

*CRITICAL HIT +9999*

Her actions only added to her allure, and Mark found himself even more captivated by her presence.

Trying to regain his composure, Mark managed to smile back at the girl.

Feeling a surge of courage, he took a step towards her, intending to strike up a conversation. As he approached, he noticed how her eyes sparkled, and he found himself getting lost in their unusual white color.

With a nervous but determined voice, Mark spoke up.

"Hi there, I'm Mark."