16 The Wise and The Charmer

[Day: Sunday]

[Time: Noon]

[Location: Destiny Haven Mall]

I sat at an isolated table in the cozy bookstore that I now seemed to enjoy. I had my warm cup of mocha coffee, a good book laid on the table, and nothing but time on my hands. I didn't know what I wanted to do today, so I just decided to take the day to chill out and enjoy myself.

As I relaxed and read through my various comics and manga, a familiar voice unexpectedly cut through the tranquility. "Shiro?" The surprise and delight in the tone were unmistakable.

Looking up at the source, my face brightened into a smile as I noticed Chloe walking toward me with a cup of coffee and a graphic novel in hand. Her expression mirrored my own—a mixture of happiness and the pleasant surprise of an unexpected meeting.

"Chloe! Hey, what a surprise~ I wasn't expecting you to be here," I greeted, my enthusiasm evident. I was pretty happy to see Chloe as we have been talking over text since our first meeting, but we couldn't really schedule a meeting since both of us were pretty busy.

"Likewise, but I'm glad you're here!~" Chloe replied, her eyes showing her vibrant joy to see me again.

Chloe sat next to me, and we began to catch up over what's been going on over the last week. As we talked and read together, Chloe expressed how she wanted to hang out with me today. "Since we are both here, how about we do something together? I would love to just...do stuff. It doesn't matter what it is."

My immediate acceptance came with a smile, "Sure, I've got nothing to do later anyway so we can definitely just go around and hang out~"

With our plans made, we decided to set the plans in motion. We decided to start it off with a nice reading session, enjoying the world of comics and graphic novels together. I noticed Chloe had found a series she really loved, but the entire collection was too expensive for her to blow off money on it.

I decided to buy the entire collection for her, bringing her a joy she expressed no other guy could give her since she couldn't find anyone who liked books as much as she did. Seeing her radiant smile and her gratitude made me even more happy, Chloe's entire personality brought me a joy a didn't know I had.

After some time spent in the bookstore, Chloe suggested we go to Destiny Central Park so we could stroll around and talk as she wanted to know even more about me. I was happy to take her to the park and I thought it was a good idea since the weather was extremely nice today.

[Day: Sunday]

[Time: Afternoon]

[Location: Destiny Central Park]

In the calm embrace of the city park, under the watch of the sun at its zenith, Chloe and I found ourselves walking side by side along a cobblestone path, the quiet punctuated only by the distant laughter of children and the occasional rustle of leaves underfoot.

Chloe, usually so animated and full of energy, took a softer demeanor, her eyes reflecting the myriad thoughts filling her mind. She had mulling over a conversation she wanted to talk about with me, wanting to share more of herself with me, but couldn't find the right words.

"You know...I don't usually talk about my passion about graphic novels and picture books often. It's...more than a hobby y'know," Chloe started, breaking the tranquilizing silence between us. Her voice was tinged with vulnerability as she allowed herself to share facts about herself. "They're like a refuge for me, a way to navigate the chaos of my thoughts, to find focus amid the relentless energy. It's part of how I experience the world with ADHD—always searching for anchors."

I listened intently, my steps slowing as I absorbed each of her words, my respect for her deepening with each sentence she spoke. Her honesty, her willingness to share a piece of her soul with me, felt like a gift—one accepted with gratitude and care.

"I admire that about you, Chloe." I responded after a moment, my voice sincere. "The way you find clarity and joy within your passions...It is inspiring. We all have many ways of coping, of making sense of our world.."

[Empathy EXP +300]

"For me..." I paused, weighing on how much I should reveal, considering the secret presence of Lustie and my own complexities of my life. "For me, it's about connecting with others...understanding their stories and struggles. It helps me navigate my own path, even if it's a bit unconventional at times."

The park around us, with its sprawling lawns and towering trees, seemed to stand still, lending us a secluded space in time to share and discover. Chloe's glance, full of curiosity and empathy, encouraged me without the need for words.

We continued their walk, the conversation flowing more freely now as we delved into memories, shared laughter over past misadventures, and acknowledged the unique paths that had led us to this moment. It was a dance of discourse, where each shared tale and unveiled vulnerability spun us closer together.

As the time passed, Chloe and I found ourselves a bench, settling into a comfortable silence. We sat shoulder to shoulder, Chloe sticking to me like a honey bee finding a perfect flower to get its nectar from.

"Can I share something personal with you, Shiro?" Chloe asked, her voice soft with a bit of concern that I may judge her.

"Yeah, you can share anything with me." I said as I looked at her, my voice a gentle anchor.

Chloe tried find the right words, but her mind began racing even more until she finally blurted out, "I'm a stripper..! I—Uhm... It's not just for the money, although it does help. It's also because of the status it brings me...but recently...I just don't like it because of the fact that guys now only see me for my body. I...I wanted you to know this about me because I don't like keeping secrets and..."

Chloe paused, getting everything off her chest. The silence that followed was heavy, loaded with thousands of potential responses. Chloe braced her face for my response, her eyes fixated on a patch of grass, too afraid to look me in my eyes.

After a moment that felt like an eternity to her, I lifted her chin gently, urging her look at me then our eyes locked. My smile was soft, understanding, void of any judgement she had feared. "Chloe, I don't care that you're a stripper...like at all. Your job doesn't define you, not to me anyway. I see you for the person you are inside...a vibrant, beautiful woman with boundless energy. A woman whose joy and smiles brings me happiness. Those other guys who judge you and only see you for your body are guys you shouldn't surround yourself with...they don't understand your circumstances nor will take the time to.."

[Empathy EXP +900]

[Empathy Level UP!]

[Empathy Level: 3 (Social Mastery +10%)]

[Charm EXP +500]

[Chloe's Heart has been stolen.]

My heartfelt response caused Chloe's cheeks to heat up, a blush settling upon her face. It was like a weight had been lifted from Chloe's shoulders, her doubts and fears being erased by the warmth of my acceptance and understanding. She gave me a smile, a genuine, relieved smile, and she nestled closer to me, her heart a little higher.

She gently rested her head on my shoulder. "Thank you, Shiro..~ All the other guys wouldn't have wanted anything to do with me after I tell them what I do...I feel like I can breathe again.."

I wrapped my arm around her shoulder, pulling her into a comforting hug. "You never have to be afraid to be yourself with me, Chloe. Anything you want to talk about or tell me, I'm here to lend open ears, and an open heart and mind."

[Bond with Chloe greatly Increased!]

[Charm EXP +600]

[Empathy EXP +500]

We sat on the bench, just enjoying each other's company and our conversations flowing with ease. Moments go by and Chloe's stomach began to growl, causing us to laugh softly and get up to go get something to eat.

[Day: Sunday]

[Time: Afternoon]

[Location: Destiny Central]

I went through the drive thru of a restaurant called Destiny's, one of the main fast food joints in all of Destiny Central. The food here was said to be top notch in terms of fast food, essentially out performing restaurants like McDonald's and Wendy's. I ordered a meal for Chloe and myself then paid for the meal.

"Wanna take a spin around the city while we eat?~" I asked, offering a nice cruise along Destiny Island's longest highway that sat on the coast.

Chloe's eyes sparkled and she happily nodded. "Hecks yeah!~ Let's do it!~"

I chuckled softly, driving off and steering the car onto the coastal highway. I pressed a button and the roof of the car dropped allowing the ocean breeze to sweep our hair and carrying away our day-to-day worries. The scenic highway that curled around Destiny Islands was breathtaking, a perfect ribbon of asphalt that hugged the coastline, offering stunning views of the crashing waves on one side and luscious greens on the other.

As we cruised along, Chloe reached inside one of the bags, pulling out a couple of chicken wraps and handing one to me. We ate in comfortable silence for a moment, the only sounds being the music from the car's stereo blending with the waves' rhythm.

Chloe stared out the window, her mind racing with imaginative thoughts as she watched the scenery fly past us. She smiled and let out a soft and happy sigh. "This is perfect..~" she said, her voice soft but filled with happiness.

"It really is," I agreed, casting a quick glance over to Chloe before focusing back on the road. There was something about seeing Chloe so relaxed and happy that filled me with an indescribable sense of wellbeing. This moment, simple and unassuming, felt like a snapshot of pure happiness.

As the sky began to paint itself in hues of orange and pink, signaling the approach of dusk, I drove us through the heart of Destiny Islands. The city was alive with light and color, the streets bustling with people and the air filled with the sounds of life. We circled the main plaza, then ventured down lanes lined with quaint cafes and artisanal shops, each turn revealing more of the city's vibrant charm.

Eventually, we found ourselves on a quieter stretch of the highway, one that led to a secluded lookout point Chloe loved. Parking the car, we got out, leaving the lights on and the music playing softly. Sitting on the hood of my car, overlooking the vast, shimmering ocean under a sky ablaze with the colors of sunset, we shared a profound sense of peace.

"I almost don't want today to end because I don't know when I'm gonna be able to see you again because of work..." Chloe said softly, leaning her head on my shoulder.

"This week is my Thanksgiving Break, and I'm free all week except for that Thanksgiving...we can always hang out when we're not busy.." I replied, my arm around her waist, holding her close to me.

Chloe smiled and looked up at me. "You mean that..? We can really hang out any time?"

I looked at Chloe, playfully poking her nose. "Anytime..~"

[Bond with Chloe increased.]

Chloe giggled softly, closing her eyes. "I've never felt so happy like this before...I wanna thank you for such a wonderful time..~"

"You don't need to thank me, Chloe..~ I'm just glad you're having a great time. Your happiness is all I care about..~" I said.

Chloe's gaze met mine once again, her lips parting. She leaned into me, our lips gently meeting for the first time. Her lips were so soft and sweet, tasting just like Strawberries. Our kiss lasted many moments, the world around us feeling like it was moving slow. We finally broke the kiss, our eyes still locked on each other.

"Thank you again..~" Chloe said softly.

I gently stroked her hair, brushing her hair behind her ear gently. "Anytime..~"

In that moment, with the world stretched out before us in all its glory, Chloe and I found joy not just in our surroundings, but in the sheer delight of being together. It was a simple joyride around Destiny Islands, yet it felt like a grand adventure, a shared journey through the beauty of the present, with the promise of many more to come.

[Day: Sunday]

[Time: Evening]

[Location: Chloe's House]

I parked my car in front of Chloe's House that lied within Sanctuary City. I noticed she lived in the same neighborhood as Naomi, now becoming more curious about Chloe. "A friend of mine lives here as well.."

"Yeah? What's their name?" Chloe asked, curious about who I was referring to.

"Her name is Naomi. I don't know if you know her." I said.

Chloe gasped and a smile played on her face. "Nao Nao?~ She's one of my best friends!~ I'll tell her you said hi~"

I chuckled softly and nodded. "Alright..~ Hey, you be safe out here okay?"

"Don't worry about me..~ Nao Nao has me protected as I do know what neighborhood I live in. Karma actually likes me, you be safe as well and if Mark and his goons give you trouble, I'll call Dante and Mariana for you!~" Chloe giggled softly.

"A girl like her also has connections?~ Sheesh it's always the prettiest girls that are the most dangerous..~" Lustie chuckled as she watched in her tiny companion form.

'I was wondering if you were gonna speak. Sheesh it's weird not hearing you talk every other sentence.' I thought to Lustie.

[Seriously. Like you're being more observant than normal.]

"I don't need to yap every chapter you know! Besides your moment with Chloe was beautiful...and me talking would've ruined it like it is right now! Focus, Boss!" Lustie said.

"Anyway, I'll catch you later~ Also thank you for the books, I promise to repay you~" Chloe said.

I smiled at Chloe and chuckled softly. "No need for that, Chloe..~ All I need to see is your smile and your happiness.."

[Charm EXP +900]

[Charm Level UP!]

[Charm Level: 4]

[Romance EXP +500 (Romantic Speech)]

Chloe blushed then leaned into me, kissing my lips quickly before pulling away. "Yeah..but you deserve to be rewarded as well..~ When I find a suitable one for you, I'll make sure you get it the moment it comes to mind..~"

"Since that's the case...I can't wait for my reward then..~" I chuckled softly.

Chloe giggled softly then prepared to leave my car. "I'll see you soon..~"

"Likewise." I replied.

Chloe left my car, waving goodbye to me before heading to her front door. I watched her, smiling at her and feeling my heart racing as I watched her. Just like with Naomi, parting ways with Chloe without knowing the next time I'll be able to see her hurt me a bit, but it ignited a flame within me.

[Love EXP +300]

[Love Level UP!]

[Love Level: 2 (EXP Gain for all traits +30%)]

"Alright, let's head back home..~ I know Whitney is waiting for me." I said.

"Yep!~ Let's get to it!~ Lust-E you already know the drill!" Lustie said.

[Affirmative!]

[Date with Chloe Successful!]

[Date Analysis: Kept Chloe happy the entire time, Total money spent $500, Wholesome Bonus, Secured a kiss!]

[Grade: XX]

[Credi Earned: 25,000 Credi]

[Ambition EXP +2500]

[Ambition Level UP!]

[Ambition Level: 3 (Luscious Presence/Unleash Potency +20%, new Skills available!)]