The interior of the cinema was sleek and modern, a sharp contrast to the chaotic noise of the arcade. Holographic posters floated in the air, advertising the latest action blockbusters and romantic dramas.

  True to his word, Ryn stepped up to the concession stand.

  "One large caramel popcorn and two iced colas," he ordered, tapping his wrist against the payment scanner.

  He balanced the cardboard tray in one hand and the massive bucket of popcorn in the other.

  "Which hall?" Ryn asked, looking around the polished lobby.

  "Hall 7!" Ayla chimed in instantly, pointing toward a corridor on the far left. "Come on, the trailers are about to start!"

  She seemed in a rush, walking slightly ahead of him as if trying to block his view of the digital poster display above the entrance.

  Ryn raised an eyebrow but followed her without question.

  He pushed open the heavy double doors.

  "..."

  Ryn froze in the doorway.

  He blinked once. Then twice.

  The hall wasn't filled with the usual crowd of couples or groups of friends.

  It was a sea of small, bobbing heads.

  Dozens of children, ranging from five to twelve years old, were scrambling over seats, waving glowing toys, or screaming with sugar-fueled excitement. Scattered among them were exhausted-looking parents, scrolling on their phones with the thousand-yard stare of war veterans.

  "..." Ryn slowly turned his head toward the girl standing beside him. "Ayla..."

  To his 'surprise', Ayla was suddenly very interested in the pattern of the carpet. She whistled a soundless tune, her gaze darting everywhere except at him.

  "Why is the average age of the audience below ten?" Ryn asked, his voice flat. "And why are half of them wearing animal ears?"

  "Oh! Look at the time!"

  Ayla gasped theatrically, completely ignoring his question. She grabbed his free hand, her grip surprisingly firm.

  "We're going to miss the opening! Quick, our seats are this way!"

  "Ayla, is this that new cartoon about the..."

  "Hush now! No talking in the cinema!"

  She dragged him down the aisle, weaving through a group of toddlers fighting over a candy bar, and practically shoved him into a seat in the back row, where a few other teenagers were hiding in the shadows.

  Ryn sat down, clutching the popcorn bucket as if it were a shield against the chaos. He looked at the screen, then back at Ayla.

  "You owe me," he whispered.

  Ayla just giggled, stealing a handful of popcorn. "Just watch. You'll like it."

  The lights dimmed.

  The chatter of the children died down instantly, replaced by a collective gasp of awe.

  [ Ashney Animation Studios ]

  Bright, hyper-realistic animation exploded across the massive screen.

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

  The title card faded in over a sprawling, neon-lit metropolis inhabited by anthropomorphic animals.

  [ Beastopia 2: The Divide ]

  Ryn stared at the screen.

  He took a sip of his cola, his skepticism slowly fading as the opening scene began with a surprisingly mature monologue from a fox wearing a police uniform.

  'Well,' he thought, glancing at Ayla, whose violet eyes were already glued to the screen with intense focus. 'At least the animation quality is good.'

  However, as the minutes passed, Ryn found himself genuinely invested.

  The story was surprisingly well-written for a sequel. He watched in silence, occasionally reaching for a handful of caramel popcorn.

  The plot steadily thickened.

  The cynical fox and the optimistic rabbit found themselves framed and hunted by an underground syndicate. The tension peaked when they were betrayed by their cheerful new informant, leading to a desperate chase across the neon-lit city.

  They eventually uncovered the harsh truth behind the city's divide.

  Beside him, Ayla was completely absorbed in the world on the screen.

  Whenever the duo faced danger, she clung tightly to Ryn's arm. During the betrayal scene, she squeezed his hand with surprising strength, her breath catching in her throat. She was clearly affected by every twist and turn.

  Ryn just let her be. He adjusted his posture to make her more comfortable and allowed her to use his hand as a stress ball. He found her raw investment in the animated animals endearing and let her enjoy the experience to the fullest.

  Soon, the climax passed, and the villains were apprehended.

  The scene shifted to a quiet, golden sunset overlooking the sprawling metropolis.

  The fox turned to his rabbit colleague.

  The playful banter faded, replaced by a raw, vulnerable expression. He spoke softly about his past, his walls, and how she had broken them down. He confessed his love, acknowledging the boundaries of their different worlds, and smoothly asked for her hand in marriage.

  The theater grew mostly quiet.

  The younger children stared at the screen, a bit confused by the sudden drop in action and the slow dialogue.

  However, the older audience members held their breath.

  On the screen, the rabbit wiped away a tear and nodded happily.

  "Waaaaah!"

  Ayla suddenly screamed out, bursting into tears.

  She let out a loud, emotional sob, tightly clenching Ryn's hand with both of hers. She pressed her face against his shoulder, crying out of pure happiness for the fictional couple.

  Ryn blinked, entirely caught off guard by the sudden flood of tears soaking his shirt.

  He looked at the sniffling girl clinging to him, then back at the rolling credits, utterly speechless.

  A strong urge to pull out his Arc-Watch and snap a picture bubbled up inside him. It would be perfect material to tease her with later. He ultimately decided against it, choosing to firmly store this rare, vulnerable image of her directly in his mind.

  They eventually left the theater.

  Only after stepping out of the cinema complex did Ayla finally manage to calm herself down. She wiped her slightly reddened eyes with a handkerchief. She was clearly a true, dedicated fan of the movie.

  They walked out onto the bustling streets of the Central Park District. It was already past evening. The vibrant neon signs illuminated the pavement, and a pale moon hung visibly in the dark sky. Their planned activities had officially come to an end.

  Ryn felt a soft vibration on his wrist. He checked his Arc-Watch, reading a new message from his mother.

  "Mom just texted," Ryn said, turning to Ayla. "She is inviting you to eat dinner at our house."

  Ayla smiled warmly and shook her head.

  "I have to return to the estate tonight," she replied politely. "Tell Auntie I will join her next time."

  She then took a step back, clasping her hands behind her back. She leaned forward slightly, adopting the playful persona of a mischievous big sister.

  "So," Ayla asked with a teasing glint in her violet eyes. "How was the date?"

  Ryn looked at her glowing expression under the moonlight. The lingering exhaustion from the crowded amusement park faded away completely.

  A genuine, soft smile formed on his lips.

  "It was great," Ryn answered sincerely. "Thank you, Ayla. I really liked it."

  Her eyes widened slightly at his honest response. Then, her smile grew even more radiant, blooming with pure joy.

  "I am glad," she whispered.

  Just then, a sleek, black vehicle hovered to a stop beside the curb. The tinted window lowered smoothly, revealing a stern-looking woman, Ayla's personal maid, in the passenger seat.

  "Miss Ayla," the maid called out respectfully. "It is time to return."

  Ayla sighed softly. She turned back to Ryn with an apologetic look.

  "Sorry, I have to go now," she said, stepping toward the vehicle. She turned around one last time and waved her hand brightly. "See you soon, Ryn!"

  "See you," Ryn replied, waving back.

  Ayla slipped into the plush backseat. The door sealed shut, and the luxurious car merged smoothly into the glowing night traffic.

  As the taillights faded into the distance, the warm, gentle smile on Ryn's face vanished completely. His features settled back into his usual mask of calm indifference.

  Suddenly, a sharp, cold voice echoed directly inside his mind.

  [ You should stay away from Lady Ayla. The Master does not want to see her with you. ]

  It was the maid's telepathic transmission, left behind just before the car drove out of range.

  Ryn stood alone on the bustling sidewalk.

  He chuckled inwardly at the predictable warning. He shoved his hands deep into his coat pockets, turned away, and began his walk home, completely ignoring her words.

  'Hmph, all bark no bite.'