Red Flags in the Rearview

Chapter II: The Challenge

Reymark tapped his fingers on the café table, his confidence still intact despite the stinging words from Lianne earlier. "So, what's the plan, genius?" he asked, glancing at Rayne.

Rayne leaned back, his signature smirk playing on his lips. “Simple. We act the part, win the game, and walk away with the dates. How hard can it be?”

Reymark snorted. “Have you met Lianne? That girl practically breathes sarcasm. And Jhenny? She’s… different. Confident, but not in the way I’m used to.”

Rayne raised an eyebrow. “You sound nervous.”

“Please. I don’t get nervous,” Reymark shot back. But the truth was, he couldn’t quite shake the way Lianne had looked at him—like she could see straight through his charm.

Just as Reymark was about to elaborate, the sound of heels clicking on the floor pulled their attention. Jhenny and Lianne approached their table, drinks in hand and mischief written all over their faces.

“Boys,” Jhenny said, settling into a chair with a graceful ease that made Reymark sit up straighter. Lianne followed, her expression as unreadable as ever.

“So,” Lianne began, setting her iced latte on the table. “Do you two even know what being a ‘perfect boyfriend’ means? Or were you planning to wing it?”

Rayne smirked. “We’ve got this. How hard can it be?”

Jhenny laughed, exchanging a glance with Lianne. “Oh, this is going to be fun.”

“We’re setting the rules,” Lianne added, leaning forward. Her dark eyes locked onto Reymark’s. “No flirting with other girls. No shallow compliments. And definitely no making bets about us behind our backs.”

Reymark raised his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. No bets, no flirting. Anything else?”

“Yes,” Jhenny said, her tone serious but her eyes sparkling with amusement. “You actually have to listen. Like, really listen. To what we say, what we like, what we hate. Think you can handle that?”

Rayne grinned. “Piece of cake.”

Lianne didn’t look convinced. “We’ll see. The first test starts now.”

Reymark frowned. “What test?”

Lianne crossed her arms. “We’re going shopping. Let’s see if you two can survive an afternoon of carrying bags, giving honest opinions, and not complaining.”

“Shopping?” Reymark repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Jhenny grinned. “What’s wrong, Reymark? Afraid of a little retail therapy?”

Rayne laughed, clapping Reymark on the shoulder. “Come on, man. How bad can it be?”

As the four of them headed out, Lianne and Jhenny exchanged a subtle nod. They weren’t just testing the boys’ patience—they were testing their ability to adapt.

***

Two hours later, Reymark and Rayne found themselves standing in the middle of a boutique, each holding a growing stack of shopping bags.

“What do you think of this one?” Jhenny asked, holding up a floral dress.

Rayne, who had been zoning out, snapped to attention. “Uh… it’s nice?”

Jhenny raised an eyebrow. “Just nice?”

Reymark, smirking at Rayne’s discomfort, decided to chime in. “It’s pretty, but I think something with a darker color would suit you better. Brings out your hair.”

Jhenny tilted her head, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. “Not bad, Reymark.”

Meanwhile, Lianne emerged from a fitting room, wearing a sleek black jumpsuit. “Well?” she asked, her tone challenging as she spun around.

Reymark opened his mouth, ready to throw out a quick compliment, but stopped when he caught the look in her eyes. She didn’t want flattery; she wanted honesty.

“It’s good,” he said finally. “But I think the cut doesn’t quite suit you. Maybe try something more fitted around the waist?”

Lianne blinked, clearly not expecting an actual critique. “Huh. Okay.” She disappeared back into the fitting room, leaving Reymark feeling strangely triumphant.

Rayne leaned over, muttering under his breath, “Since when do you know about women’s fashion?”

“Since five minutes ago,” Reymark replied with a smirk.

As the afternoon wore on, the boys found themselves navigating a minefield of opinions, requests, and subtle tests. By the end of the trip, they were exhausted but oddly satisfied.

As they walked out of the mall, Jhenny glanced at Rayne. “You did okay,” she said, her tone teasing.

“Okay?” Rayne repeated, feigning offense. “I carried half the mall on my back, and all I get is okay?”

Jhenny laughed. “Don’t push it.”

Lianne, meanwhile, walked beside Reymark, her expression unreadable. “Not bad,” she said quietly.

Reymark looked at her, surprised by the unexpected compliment. “Thanks. You weren’t half bad yourself.”

Lianne smirked. “Don’t get used to it. The week’s just getting started.”

Reymark grinned, feeling a flicker of excitement despite himself. This challenge might be harder than they thought—but for the first time, he was actually looking forward to it.