Cheat Million Love

That night, Nic was reading a book when a system notification suddenly popped up, startling him.

"System Notification: One of the system features will soon be removed."

Nic panicked. "What?! What's getting removed? Don't joke around with me like that!"

The system responded calmly, "The feature being removed is the requirement to kiss all of your girlfriends on the cheek before making a new one official. Reason: The jealousy rate among your current girlfriends is now 0%. From now on, any official new girlfriend will automatically have loyalty and no jealousy traits."

Nic let out a relieved sigh. "Thank goodness it's nothing serious. But... why does it feel like this is making everything way too easy for me? This system is insane," he muttered, shaking his head with a small smile before returning to his book.

---

The next morning at school, Melody asked Markus to meet her behind the school garden. Markus arrived with a pounding heart, filled with nervous hope.

"Markus," Melody began calmly but firmly. "I need to ask you something, and I want an honest answer. Do you like me?"

Markus froze. His face flushed red, and he avoided her eyes. But after a moment of silence, he nodded. "Yeah... I've liked you for a long time, Melody," he admitted quietly.

Melody gave a small smile. "In that case, I've written a new song. I want you to hear it—and give me your honest opinion."

Markus lit up. "Of course! I'm sure it's amazing. Your songs always are."

Melody pulled out her violin and began playing a completely random, clumsy melody. Her voice followed—off-key, chaotic, almost like she was goofing around. Markus stared, stunned, struggling to believe what he was hearing.

When she finished, Melody looked at him hopefully. "So? What do you think? It's good, right?"

Trying not to disappoint her, Markus forced a smile. "It's really good! I love it. You're just as talented as always."

Melody gave a thin smile. "Thanks, Markus. I really appreciate everything you've done for me."

Markus blinked. "Wait… what do you mean?"

But Melody only smiled again and walked away, leaving Markus frozen and confused.

---

At the Unity Club, Melody walked straight to Nic, who was chatting with a few of his girlfriends.

"Your plan worked, Nic," she said with relief.

Nic smiled. "So, he said your song was good?"

Melody nodded. "Yes. And that proved something… Markus has changed. He's started lying just to make me happy. Just like my dad used to—but at least my dad would tell me I was bad. Markus says I'm great."

Nic pointed his fingers like a gun and subtly activated a Love shoot in her direction without anyone noticing. "Now you see, Melody? You don't have to be afraid anymore. Markus isn't being honest."

Melody chuckled, but there was a real sense of release behind her smile.

---

A little while later, Melody met with Markus one last time. She looked at her cousin with complete honesty, even though it wasn't easy.

"Markus," she said softly. "I know how you feel about me. And I really do appreciate everything you've done."

Markus tried to interrupt. "Melody, I—"

She raised her hand gently, signaling him to let her finish. "But I can't return your feelings. I can't give you what you want from me. I think it's time I be honest with you."

Markus's expression darkened. His eyes widened with disbelief, a mix of anger and confusion clouding his face. "Why, Melody?! Am I not good enough for you?! I've always tried to make you happy! I've always been there!"

Melody lowered her head, her voice trembling but firm. "And that's the problem, Markus. I want someone who's honest with me, not someone who lies just to keep me smiling. I don't want to live in a lie anymore."

Markus looked devastated. His eyes were red, realizing that Melody had figured out he had lied earlier. Still, he didn't cry. "I wasn't lying! I just didn't want to see you upset..."

"I know, Markus," she replied gently. "But I don't need overprotection. I want to be free to be myself."

There was nothing left to say. Markus stood silently, then turned and walked away, his world collapsing in silence.

---

Later, at Unity Club, Nic's girlfriends were gathered when Melody walked in, her steps unsure. All eyes turned to her—but not one of them looked at her with hostility.

Taking a deep breath, Melody spoke up. "Can I join Unity Club? I want to be with you all... and with Nic."

The girls exchanged smiles. Olivia approached and said warmly, "Welcome, Melody. You won't regret it. Nic can be annoying sometimes, but he's someone who truly makes us feel appreciated."

Melody smiled, the weight finally lifting off her shoulders. For the first time, she felt free to be herself—finally, she had found a new home.

---

The weekend arrived. The morning sky was clear, and a soft breeze carried the scent of flowers from the city park. Nic stood by the park gate, hands in his jacket pockets, casually checking the time on his phone.

Soon, the sound of approaching footsteps caught his attention. Leona appeared with her trademark smile, wearing a simple yet elegant white dress accented with a golden ribbon at the waist. Her long blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight.

"Sorry, did I keep you waiting long?" she asked cheerfully, though a hint of worry glimmered in her eyes.

"Heh, not really. I just got here," Nic replied with a soft smile.

They strolled into the park together, chatting lightly. Flowers were in full bloom, and families played all around.

"Nic," Leona said as she walked beside him, "what kind of flower do you think suits me best?"

Nic turned to her thoughtfully. "Hmm… maybe a white rose. Elegant, soft, but with strength behind its beauty."

Leona giggled, her voice like a calming wind chime. "You're smooth."

"I'm just saying what I really think," Nic shrugged, trying to sound casual—but his cheeks flushed a little.

After some time in the park, Nic gently touched Leona's cheek. "I know another cool place. Let's take the train."

Leona nodded, curious but willing. They rode into the city and stopped in front of a tall building with the name "Skyview Lounge" displayed above.

"This place? Whoa, it's really tall," Leona gasped.

Nic nodded. "Yeah. It has a great view of the city from the top. Thought we could chill and enjoy it together."

They took the elevator to the top floor. Skyview Lounge was a glass-walled restaurant offering a stunning view of the city. They chose a seat by the window. Below, the city was bustling, and the evening lights were just starting to glow as the sun dipped into the horizon.

Leona ordered a hot chocolate, while Nic went for lemon tea.

"So, Leona," Nic said, "do you like places like this?"

She gazed at the view before replying. "I love it. Peaceful but still full of life. Places like this remind me of when my family used to have dinner together… but that hasn't happened in a while. Everyone's always busy now."

Nic nodded. "Must be lonely… being part of a rich family but feeling left behind."

Leona smiled, though it faltered slightly. "Yeah, sometimes I feel trapped in a world of wealth and loneliness. But at the same time, I'm grateful. That's why I try to enjoy small moments like this."

There was something warm in the way she spoke that touched Nic.

"What about you, Nic?" Leona asked suddenly. "What do you value most in life?"

Nic paused to think. "Maybe… the chance to be myself. I used to feel pressured to be someone else just to be accepted. But now, I get to live on my own terms."

Leona gave him a sincere smile. "Well, looks like now you're the one being admired." They both laughed.

Their conversation flowed easily, filled with gentle laughter and smiles. As night fell and the city lit up beneath them, it became the perfect backdrop to end their date.

Outside Skyview Lounge, Leona turned to Nic. "I had a really great time. Thank you, Nic. It felt… fulfilling."

Nic chuckled. "I'm happy if you're happy."

She added, "You really know how to make someone feel special when they're with you."

Nic blushed slightly. He knew it was thanks to the system… but he smiled anyway. "I… just follow my heart."

They walked toward the station together, enjoying the calm night. Deep down, Leona knew this was a memory she'd always treasure.

To be continued...