Urban System in America

Ellie blinked, then raised a brow with mock skepticism. "That’s it? No mysterious backstory? No secret double life? You’re too pretty to be that boring."

Rex chuckled. "Sorry to disappoint. I left my superhero cape at home."

Lena raised her hand slightly, a playful yet thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Well, I have some reservations about that," she said, her voice laced with light teasing.

Rex turned to look at her, an amused smirk playing at his lips. He seemed to understand what she meant without needing an explanation. "Alright," he conceded with a chuckle, "maybe a normal person—with a bit of money, and an unfair advantage in the genetics department."

Ellie glanced back and forth between them, her head tilting like a curious puppy. "Hmm? What are you guys talking about? Anyone kind enough to fill me in?" she asked, her lower lip jutting out in a comically exaggerated pout.

Lena shot her a knowing smile. "Nothing much. Just saying that Rex here might not be as ordinary as he claims—especially with a face like that."

"Okay, okay, enough cryptic talking. I don’t want to know anymore," she huffed, pouting like a kid who’d been denied her favorite candy.

Rex and Lena both burst into laughter at her adorably dramatic expression.

But Ellie quickly bounced back, her mood flipping like a switch "Anyway! It’s fate that we met like this. Let’s exchange numbers and meet often!" she beamed, her bubbly smile radiating enough warmth to light up the whole patio, and unconsciously affect everyone around her.