Xavier and Anna sat comfortably on his worn-out couch, engaged in lighthearted conversation. They exchanged laughs, reminiscing about old memories, and even decided to share a quick meal together. However, as the night stretched on, Xavier couldn't shake the feeling that Anna kept glancing at him, as if something was on her mind.
Finally, he broke the silence between their jokes and casual talk. "Is there something wrong with me?" he asked with a raised brow. "If it's my tattered clothes, I can change if they're bothering you."
Anna tensed slightly before shaking her head. "No, it's not that... I just noticed you look... different."
Xavier tilted his head, confused.
She hesitated for a moment, then continued, her voice softer now. "You're taller, leaner. Your face—" she stopped mid-sentence, suddenly realizing what she was about to say. A faint pink hue dusted her cheeks. "Never mind, forget I said anything. I'm talking weirdly."
Xavier blinked at her, slightly taken aback, but quickly reassured her. "It's okay," he said, rubbing his cheek awkwardly. He had noticed the changes too. Ever since he left the hospital, he had been working out, with the system accelerating his progress at his own pace. However, Anna didn't know that. Even if he wanted to tell her about the system, he doubted she'd believe him. And if she did, it would likely be out of guilt or pity—neither of which he wanted.
Anna's voice pulled him from his thoughts. "You look strong now."
His eyes widened slightly at her words.
Noticing his reaction, Anna quickly added, "I mean, you've always been strong. It's just... now your appearance matches your personality." Her face reddened again, and she exhaled in frustration. "Ugh, I sound so stupid."
Xavier couldn't help but smile, a genuine warmth spreading through him. "Thanks, Anna." He hadn't realized how much her words would mean to him. Many people had judged him based on his status as an E-Rank Hunter, dismissing him as weak. But Anna? She had known him before everything—before the system, before the Cataclysm, before his struggles. Hearing her acknowledge his growth made him happier than he expected.
But before he could dwell on the moment, a system notification suddenly appeared in his vision.
[Daily Quest: Complete Your Nightly Workout]
- 100 Push-ups
- 100 Sit-ups
- 100 Squats
- 10Km Run
[Time Remaining: 59:42]
Xavier sighed at the reminder.
Anna noticed and raised an eyebrow. "You okay?"
Without answering, Xavier slid off the couch and into a plank position, beginning his push-ups with steady, effortless movements.
Anna stared, completely dumbfounded. "Xavier... what are you doing?"
"Working out," he said simply, pushing himself up and down without pause.
"At this hour?"
"I always work out before bed."
Anna pulled out her phone and checked the time. "It's past one in the morning," she muttered in disbelief. Realizing how late it was, she sighed and got to her feet. "I should go. I have an early morning at the Hunter Agency tomorrow."
Xavier, still doing push-ups, glanced up at her. "Be safe on your way back."
Anna gave him a small smile. "You too. Don't overdo it, alright?"
He chuckled, mid-rep. "I won't."
She lingered at the door for a second before nodding. "Goodnight, Xavier."
"Goodnight, Anna."
With that, she stepped out, closing the door behind her.
As soon as she was gone, Xavier groaned internally, his arms continuing their rhythmic movement against his will. He wanted to die of embarrassment. Doing push-ups right in front of her? Now she probably thought he was some kind of workout freak.
As if mocking him, the system timer ticked a little louder in his head.
"I know, I know," he grumbled, quickening his pace. "I'm doing them already."