He wasn’t about toin, not when Hera seemed so at ease and Zhane was given the spotlight. Even if he didn’t get his way, being with her mattered more. For now, at least.


    After all, unlike the others, Dave had already crashed one of Hera’s meals with his other friends and even managed to dine in a restricted area, creating a memory he’d carry for a long time. It wasn’t just the exclusivity of the ce that made it special, but the fact that he had spent so much time with Hera. No one else in their circle hade close to matching that level of attention from her, and he knew it.


    So far, he could boast that he was the one who’d shared the most moments with her, and that alone gave him a sense of pride.


    Besides, Dave knew that if he continued to push for his preferred choice, he might end up annoying Hera rather than winning her favor. Thest thing he wanted was for her to be irritated and for his efforts to backfire. Fortunately, Zhane had called him out on his childish behavior, which made Dave realize the potential consequences of his actions before it was toote.


    Zhane’s intervention had been a timely reminder to consider Hera’s feelings and preferences, rather than solely focusing on his own desires. It gave Dave a moment of rity, and he understood that being considerate of Hera’s choices was far more important than insisting on his own.


    When Zhane realized that Hera was genuinely entrusting him with the decision, he felt a warm, fluttering sensation in his chest. It was as delicate and invigorating as a feather’s touch, and he found it strangely addictive. For the first time, Zhane was struck by the rare opportunity to prioritize his own desires without the usual weight of responsibility or concern for others.


    This newfound feeling of being valued and trusted was intoxicating. It made him want to hold on to this moment of selfish indulgence, where he could simply follow his own preferences without hesitation.


    Zhane’s gaze softened further, as if a warm, golden honey were flowing from his eyes, each nce infused with tenderness and admiration. Despite the intensity of his look, Hera felt no difort; instead, it reassured her that she had made the right choice. This deepening connection with Zhane was precisely what she had hoped for, a bond fortified by genuine emotion and mutual respect.


    Hera was confident that this moment of closeness would fortify their rtionship, ensuring that even with Alice’s ’female lead’s halo’—her inherent allure and charm—Zhane would remain steadfast in his feelings.


    Now that Hera had given him the green light, Zhane paused to reconsider the two dining options. As he reflected, he remembered that Hera had a sster in the day. Given that she was granting him full freedom to make the choice and allowing him to be a bit selfish, Zhane decided he would opt for a ce he truly loved, even if it wasn’t one of the current suggestions. He envisioned a special dining experience that would be unique to just the two of them, enhancing their time together.


    In his focus on creating this memorable experience with Hera, Zhane didn’t even notice that his thoughts had naturally sidelined Dave. He was entirely absorbed in imagining a special moment for himself and Hera, relishing the opportunity to be somewhat indulgent and personal in his choice.


    Unfortunately, the restaurant Zhane had in mind was quite far away, requiring a two-hour drive. He didn’t want Hera to miss her ss due to his choice. Noticing Zhane’s conflicted expression, Hera offered a solution: "If you’re having trouble choosing between the two ces, why not pick somewhere nearby for today? We can always visit your preferred spot tomorrow when you have more time."