Chương 63: An Outing for Two

[Day: Saturday]

[Time: Noon]

[Location: Home - Sanctuary City]

It's been a couple days since the mission happened and the share house was now becoming more lively with the addition of Alice. With the amount of women now living with me, it was growing increasingly harder to put my focus on just one but I was going to power through it as always.

I sat in my room, watching as Lustie and her sisters welcomed in Romancia with open arms and got her accustomed to being on my side. As I watched, I noticed Lust-E floating toward me with digital interfaces around her.

"Okay, Shiro. I've put all of the Sanctuary City Women in specific groups so you can focus on each women easier and choose what storyline you want to follow," Lust-E said, sitting on my shoulder.

"Storyline? I mean I guess we can call it that. Show me what you've got, E," I said, looking at the digital interfaces.

{College Storyline: 33.3% Complete}

{Jessica, Baylee, Melissa, Faith, Joy, Ui}

{Karma Storyline: 13% Complete}

{Naomi, Chloe, Mariana, Phoenix, Ruby (Not Unlocked Yet)}

{Mafia Storyline: 0% Complete}

{Charlotte, Eliza, Alice, ???, ???}

{Esorian Storyline: 25% Complete}

{Lustie, Talenta, Charismari, Passion, Luckie, Romancia}

{Tribal Storyline: 39% Complete}

{Ani}

"So Charlotte isn't grouped with Karma?" I asked, my eyes narrowing toward Lust-E.

"She's an ally, yes, but as far as to being an official member of Karma? She's not. She is a Mafia Leader. Besides Eliza and Alice seem to like Charlotte a lot as well and chose to be in her group. They have a higher base connection with Charlotte than they do with Naomi," Lust-E explained, her legs swinging as she sat on my shoulder.

I nodded my head, looking back at the digital interfaces. "And who are these last two mystery women?"

"I'm not gonna spoil it besides they are only revealed during the Mafia Storyline but just know that they are also enhanced by Philosopher's Stones just like Eliza and Alice," Lust-E answered, closing her digital interfaces.

"With that being said, some storylines are actually mandatory like the College Storyline on weekdays and the Karma and Mafia Storylines when the opportunity arises. So, what are we going to do today? I'm actually psyched to go out today," Lust-E said, enthusiasm in her tone.

I smiled at her then looked at my phone, where Lust-E sent the information to so I can refer to it at any time. I gave it some thought, finally coming up with my answer. "I think I'm gonna go with Ani. I do want to check up on her since she hasn't come out of her room for a couple days now.."

Lust-E nodded her head, getting off my shoulder and hovered beside me. "Alright let's go."

I nodded and stood up off my bed. "Hey, Red. I'm gonna be heading out."

"Okay, babe!~ Be safe!~" Lustie said, giving me a wave.

I waved back at her then noticed Passion floating toward me, landing on my shoulder in her tiny dragon form. "Guess you're coming with huh?~"

"Mhm~ It wouldn't be right if you didn't have a guide with you," Passion said, her tail wagging from side to side.

I chuckled softly and gently pet her head. "Alright, let's go."

I walked out of my room, heading toward Ani's room and knocked on the door. I waited for a bit, not hearing an answer from her. I knocked again then the door swung open, my gaze meeting an emotionally down Ani, her deep, expressive eyes now an expression of disappointed.

"Hey, koʻu aloha. Are you alright..?" I asked softly, gently caressing her cheek.

Ani slightly leaned into my touch, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "I think I am, Pepe...I wish I was.."

I stared at Ani, my expression softening at the sight of her hurt expression. "Wanna talk about it..?"

Ani nodded slowly, gently taking my hand and leading me into her room. She closed the door behind us then led me toward her bed, sitting down and let out a deep sigh. I sat beside her and wrapped a comforting arm around her, holding her close to me.

"I didn't want to believe it was true when you first told me that his family was the one that did it. I saw the expression in your eyes as you told me...and I didn't want to believe that Papa Moji was killed by Fati...but," Ani began, her voice breaking as the memories surged back into her head. She buried her face into my chest, crying softly and clinging onto me.

It hurt seeing Ani cry. It hurt more than anything I could ever imagine and I could feel a bit of myself breaking as I comforted her. The truth really got to her, seeing and hearing the animosity between me and Feleti, witnessing the growing rift between us...her heart couldn't take it. After shedding her tears for minutes, she finally calmed down and rested her body against mine.

"H-He said...that they were planning to kill Mama Moji also...they were planning to take down your entire side of the tribe. I couldn't stand for it anymore...I just want us to go back to how we once were...why did they have to do it..? Why couldn't they have just let fate play its course..?" Ani whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

"I wonder the same thing... I think about it almost every night honestly. I constantly think about how it would be if they never betrayed us," I said softly, gently rubbing her hair. "I wish we could go back to how things were also... I truly do, but we can't. We can't bring my father back."

"I know..." Ani squeaked softly, sniffling and wiping away her tears.

"But I do know that we can avenge him by bringing Feleti to justice. It's not only up to me, but it's both of our responsibilities.." I said softly, gently holding Ani's hand and interlocking out fingers together. "Tengoku and Jigoku wouldn't acknowledge us for no reason. They wouldn't speak to us without reason. We are the ones to bring him to justice and give him judgement. We are the fated ones of the tribe.."

Ani looked at our hands, giving my hand a gentle squeeze and smiled a bit, noticing Tengoku's Symbol shining on her hand and Jigoku's Symbol shining on mine. "We are..~ If you have Jigoku's Symbol and I have Tengoku's Symbol..."

I smiled softly, looking at our symbols and chuckled lightly. "Our future child will have Nigoku's Symbol... I did inherit my father's power and ambition despite me being born on the Tengoku Faction of the family. Our kid would be a pure balance between the two of us.."

The thought of Ani having a child with me caused her heart to race. Her eyes returned to its usual deep, expressive state. "Our child being Nigoku...it would be the first right..?"

"Yeah. We would make history in the tribe..~ That's why we are the fated ones," I said, gently kissing the top of her head.

{Empathy EXP +10,000}

{Ani's Affection Meter drastically rose to 40%}

Ani felt a wave of happiness course through her body, a happy smile tugging at her lips. She looked up at me, her gaze full of affection for me. "Thank you for cheering me up..~"

"You don't have to thank me, ko'u aloha..~ Your happiness is extremely important to me," I said, gently pressing my forehead against hers.

Ani leaned into me, pressing her lips against mine for a gentle, tender kiss. As we kissed, a faint glow appeared on Ani's chest and appeared a True Love Sigil. Feeling the heightened love she had more me, she deepened the kiss, not wanting the moment between us to end. It was like the world around us had come to a temporary halt as we shared this special moment, all of Ani's worries suddenly disappearing.

Soon, Ani pulled away, catching her breath and rested her head against my shoulder. "I love you.."

"I love you too..." I replied, a gentle smile playing on my face. "Do you want to go out with me? Y'know, have fun and get our minds off everything else?"

"Mhm~ I'd love to!" Ani exclaimed, her mood now in high spirits.

I chuckled at her enthusiasm then stood up, helping her on her feet as well. "Alright, I'll meet you downstairs~"

Ani nodded happily, giving me one last kiss before letting my hand go and watching me leave her room. She hurried to her closet, looking through her wardrobe of clothes to pick out what she wanted to wear. Her mind was filled with thoughts of us spending quality time together, her cheeks flushing at the thought.

[Day: Saturday]

[Time: Afternoon]

[Location: Sanctuary City Mall]

I parked my car in the familiar parking lot of Sanctuary City Mall and stepped out of my car with Ani. I looked at my reflection in my window, making sure I looked good then fixed my sunglasses with a confident smirk on my face. Ani looked at me then giggled softly, walking toward me and dragging me along with her to the entrance.

{Date with Ani Start!}

Ani and I stepped into the bustling Sanctuary City Mall, the afternoon sunlight filtering through the grand skylight above. The mall was a sprawling complex, filled with vibrant stores and the cheerful chatter of shoppers. I, ever attentive, noticed the way Ani's eyes lit up as she glanced around, her usual stoic demeanor giving way to a rare spark of excitement.

"Where to first?" I asked, a warm smile playing on my lips.

Ani looked thoughtful for a moment, her gaze drifting to a nearby clothing store. "I could use some new clothes," she admitted softly.

I nodded and led the way, weaving through the crowds until we reached a trendy boutique. Inside, the walls were lined with racks of stylish outfits. I encouraged Ani to try on anything she liked, and soon she was sifting through the racks, picking out dresses, casual wear, and a few elegant pieces for special occasions.

After a while, Ani emerged from the fitting rooms in a beautiful summer dress. My breath caught in my throat as I saw her. "You look amazing," I said sincerely.

{Ani's Affection Meter rose to 55%}

Ani blushed slightly, a small smile forming on her lips. "Thank you, Shiro."

We continued their shopping spree, visiting various stores. I insisted on buying Ani a delicate silver necklace adorned with a small sapphire, which matched her eyes perfectly. We stopped at a bookstore next, where Ani's face lit up as she browsed the shelves, selecting a few novels and comics that caught her interest. I watched her fondly, appreciating this quiet moment of happiness. I also recommended a few of Habilee's books that I thought she'd love and Ani happily accepted my recommendations.

As we moved through the mall, we shared laughs and stories, our bond growing stronger with each passing minute. I made sure to carry all of Ani's purchases, despite her protests. We stopped by a small café for a quick break, sipping on iced coffees and sharing a slice of cheesecake.

"Thank you for today, Pepe," Ani said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. "I haven't had this much fun in a long time."

I reached across the table, gently taking her hand in mine. "Anything for you, Ani. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

{Charm/Romance EXP +10,000}

{Ani's Affection Meter greatly rose to 80%}

We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying each other's company. The mall bustled around us, but in that moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.

[Day: Saturday]

[Time: Afternoon]

[Location: Sanctioned Gardens]

Ani and I arrived at Sanctioned Gardens, stepping into a serene oasis amid Sanctuary City's bustling streets. The garden welcomed us with a symphony of colors and scents, the vibrant blooms dancing in the gentle breeze. Hand in hand, we wandered down the winding paths, taking in the breathtaking beauty that surrounded us.

Our first stop was a section dedicated to exotic flowers from around the world. I pointed out a rare Blue Orchid, its petals a striking azure hue. "These are native to the mountains of Azurea. They say they symbolize strength and resilience," I explained, my voice filled with enthusiasm.

Ani's eyes widened with wonder. "They're beautiful," she murmured, her fingers lightly grazing a petal. "I've never seen anything like them."

We continued oir journey, moving from one section to the next, each filled with a unique array of flowers. I shared fascinating facts about each bloom, and Ani listened intently, her face lighting up with every new piece of information. We paused at a patch of radiant Destiny Roses, their petals glowing with an ethereal luminescence.

"These are my favorite," Ani admitted softly, her fingers gently brushing the delicate petals. The roses shimmered in the sunlight, casting a soft, magical glow.

I nodded, a smile playing on my lips. "They're incredibly rare. They only bloom once a year, making them a true treasure."

As we walked, we came across a charming pond surrounded by lush greenery. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the sky above. Ani knelt by the edge, watching a school of colorful koi fish swim gracefully. I joined her, my hand resting on her shoulder.

"Did you know that koi fish are symbols of good fortune and perseverance?" I asked, my voice gentle.

Ani looked up at me, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Really? I didn't know that."

I nodded. "Yes. They remind me of you, Ani. Strong and determined."

{Charm/Romance EXP +10,000}

Ani smiled at me, her eyes returning to the school of koi fish. "Thank you..~"

We spent a few more moments by the pond, enjoying the peaceful ambiance before continuing our exploration. The garden seemed endless, with every turn revealing new wonders. We came across a secluded gazebo draped in wisteria, its fragrant blossoms cascading like a purple waterfall.

"Let's take a break here," I suggested, leading Ani to the gazebo. We sat on a wooden bench, surrounded by the sweet scent of wisteria.

Ani leaned against me, her head resting on my shoulder. "This place is magical," she whispered, her voice filled with awe.

I wrapped my arm around her, pulling her close. "It really is," I agreed. "And I'm glad we get to experience it together."

After a while, we resumed our stroll, heading towards a quaint flower shop nestled within the garden. I approached the shopkeeper, an elderly woman with a kind smile, and requested bouquets of Destiny Roses and Sanctuary Lilies.

"You're in luck," the shopkeeper said warmly. "We have a fresh batch today."

I handed over the bouquets to Ani, her eyes widening in surprise and joy. "For you, to remind you of today.." I said softly.

{Romance EXP +10,000}

Ani hugged the flowers to her chest, her heart swelling with gratitude and affection. "Thank you, Pepe," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "These are perfect."

We continued pur stroll, the rare flowers in Ani's arms a testament to the special bond we shared. We came across a scenic overlook that provided a panoramic view of the entire garden. Standing side by side, we admired the vibrant tapestry of colors stretching out before them.

"The garden looks even more beautiful from up here," Ani said, her voice tinged with wonder.

I nodded in agreement. "It does. But nothing compares to seeing it with you."

{Charm/Romance EXP +15,000}

{Level UP!}

{Charm/Romance Level: 51}

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the garden, we made our way back to the entrance. The rare flowers in Ani's arms were a reminder of the day's beauty and the special moments we had shared. The walk back was filled with quiet conversation and laughter, our bond growing stronger with every step.

When we finally reached the garden's entrance, Ani turned to me, her eyes shimmering with happiness. "This was the best day ever," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

I smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "I'm glad you enjoyed it," I replied softly. "I wanted today to be special for you."

Ani leaned in, capturing my lips in a tender kiss. "It was perfect," she whispered against my lips. "Thank you, Pepe."

{Love EXP +15,000}

Hand in hand, we left the garden, the memory of their perfect day etched in their hearts forever.

{Date with Ani Finished!}

{Date Successful!}

{Rank: Luscious!}

{Credi Earned +150,000 (60,000 went to Luckie.)}

[Day: Saturday]

[Time: Evening]

[Location: Home - Sanctuary City]

Ani and I walked hand in hand back to the share house, our bags filled with Ani's new clothes, jewelry, books, and the precious bouquets from Sanctioned Gardens. As we approached the house, the warm glow of lights from inside welcomed us home.

Ani, her spirits lifted high from our wonderful day out, couldn't wait to share her joy with Celene. Bursting through the door, she found Celene in the dining room, arranging the table for dinner.

"Celene! Look at what Shiro got me!" Ani exclaimed, holding up her new possessions and the beautiful bouquets.

Celene looked up, a smile spreading across her face at the sight of Ani's happiness. "Those are beautiful, Ani. You must have had a fantastic day."

Ani nodded eagerly. "We did! And look, Pepe even got me Destiny Roses and Sanctuary Lilies. I can't believe how lucky I am!"

Celene's eyes widened. "Destiny Roses and Sanctuary Lilies? Those are incredibly rare. You are indeed lucky, Ani."

As they talked, the rest of the share house's occupants began to gather around the dinner table. Celene had prepared a feast, and the aroma of home-cooked food filled the air, drawing everyone in. Laughter and chatter filled the room as we shared stories of our day, enjoying the warmth and camaraderie.

After dinner, Ani and I insisted on helping Celene clean up. As we worked together in the kitchen, washing dishes and putting away leftovers, Celene's phone buzzed on the counter. She picked it up, her expression shifting to one of surprise as she read the message.

"Shiro, Ani," Celene said, her voice serious. "I just got a message from your mom, Shiro. She told me that Feleti's father was killed."

My hand paused mid-air, holding a plate. "What..?"

Ani's eyes widened in shock. "What? How?"

Celene shook her head. "I don't have all the details, but it seems sudden and unexpected."

My mind raced back to Ardor's chilling words: "Also, your wish…will be granted." I hadn't truly believed she would fulfill it, yet here we were. The implications were troubling. Whose side was Ardor really on?

Despite the turmoil inside me, I took a deep breath and pushed my worries aside. I couldn't let this ruin the evening. I needed to stay strong, for Ani and for myself. "How is my mom doing, Celene?" I asked, my voice steady.

Celene smiled gently. "She's doing well, all things considered. She wanted to let you know that she's safe and sends her love. She also told you and Ani to stay safe."

Ani stepped closer to me, her hand finding mine. "We'll get through this together," she said softly.

I nodded, squeezing her hand. "Yes, we will. Thank you, Celene. And thank you, Ani."

The three of us finished cleaning the kitchen in a thoughtful silence, each lost in our own thoughts about the day's events and the uncertain future ahead. Despite the shadows looming over us, there was a sense of unity and strength that bound us together, ready to face whatever came next.

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