My Boyfriend Played Me for a Level Up!

My first blind date ended in failure.

Not only did I gain nothing, but I also ended up paying for two cups of coffee and a tiramisu.

Learning from this experience, I decided to bring along my second-tier friend, the one with visible numbers over her head, to my next date. She’d act as my advisor, offering some advice. That way, I wouldn’t be so clueless when facing my date.

However, once I could clearly see how many relationships the man across from me had been through, I started becoming picky.

“This guy’s level 8, and he’s still doing blind dates? Either he’s a player, or there’s something shady about him. I don’t want to be another fish in his pond.”

“How does this greasy guy even have a level 5? How did his ex-girlfriends put up with him?”

“Is this guy really level 4? He looks like he knows what he’s doing. Is his level accurate?”

“So, this is what a level 0 person is like. Do I look that clueless to you all?”

After several failed blind dates, my friend started to lose patience with me.

“What kind of boyfriend are you looking for, exactly?”

“I don’t know. I just want to gain some experience.”

My friend sighed. “Next one, no matter what level he is, if you think he’s decent, just go for it!”

Luckily, I soon met someone I thought I could really get to know.

He was a second-tier like my friend.

To me, a level 2 man has some relationship experience but isn't overly romantic.

In other words, he can be more considerate in a relationship without the worry of meeting a player who knows how to manipulate situations.

On the day we met, Liam Sterling wore a crisp white shirt, the collar neat and fitting, paired with a simple yet stylish look.

He was a little late, having just gotten off work and hit the evening rush hour. When he sat down, he immediately apologized several times, his tone sincere.

I paid close attention to his appearance and manners.

He had a handsome face, with sharp features that weren’t overly delicate, and a gentle aura with no sharp edges. His gestures and speech were humble and cultured.

During the conversation, he took the initiative to bring up topics, preventing any awkward silences. While eating, he made sure to look out for both me and my friend, his table manners and eating habits impeccable.

I silently rated him in my mind.

Overall, I’d give him a 98, leaving a couple of points to see how things progressed.

“How do you feel?” my friend whispered.

“He seems great,” I replied, a little embarrassed, before adding, “I think we could take things further.”

After the meal, my friend made an excuse to leave early.

Before she left, she gave me a thumbs-up and mouthed the words: “Go for it!”

“Miss Kessler, how about we go for a walk to help digest our meal?”

Perhaps noticing that I felt a bit awkward being alone with him, Liam suggested the next step.

I agreed. “Sure.”

Walking along the riverbank, we chatted casually about random topics. He was well-read and funny, so the atmosphere was light and enjoyable.

A breeze blew by, and I felt a little cold, unable to suppress a slight shiver.

But Liam noticed.

Without hesitation, he draped his jacket over my shoulders and gently said, “Don’t catch a cold.”

For the first time in over twenty years, I truly understood what it felt like to blush and have my heart race.

The entire walk felt like a dream. I was almost dizzy, answering his questions automatically.

Before I knew it, we had reached the building where I lived.

It was time to part ways, and I felt reluctant to leave.

Just as I was about to go upstairs, Liam suddenly placed his hand on my shoulder and turned me around to face him.

I looked up, his face only inches away.

I softened my breathing, afraid I might disturb him.

Liam lowered his head, and our gazes locked.

A soft, pink glow seemed to fill the air around us.

Even though I had never been in a relationship, I knew exactly what this sweet atmosphere meant.

I closed my eyes, and two seconds later, a gentle kiss landed on my lips.

I think I’ve fallen in love.