-1 hour later-
'So, why exactly I am listening to a heartbroken girl's rant again?'
I wondered about my reason for entertaining Clarice for the past hour. The girl had been blabbering on and on about her sad story for almost an hour, only pausing to cry her heart out.
I knew who she was, of course. She was one of the known characters in the game, a minor antagonist, similar to Angelica. But she came in the Jilk's individual route instead.
The heartbroken fiancée turned from a kind and caring honor student to a gal who had wild nights with her servants and was hell-bent on hurting the green power ranger. She was very aggressive about it too.
The reason why I was entertaining her… well, it was yet another whimsical decision.
I didn't have to do it. She wasn't going to make me tons of World Points if I helped her. She wasn't that important of a character.
But since she kinda sorta came to me and began crying and showing a rather gloomy face, I couldn't help but take pity on her.
It might also have to do with the fact that I was in a rather somber yet happy mood at the time. And she was quite cute.
Anyway, whatever the reason, I ended up giving her a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen to her heartbroken rants.
But I still couldn't tolerate all the mushy BS she was now telling me.
Why would I give a damn about how smooth and elegant the broccoli man's hair is? Or that he was quite romantic and honest when drunk?
Who gives a damn? Certainly not me.
That's why, when her blabbering went in that direction, I finally stopped her.
"… and then he stepped out of his bike and said he liked it. I was so happy, you know…"
"Okay, listen Clarice."
I finally spoke, causing her to pull her head out of my shoulder and look at me in confusion.
She was still tipsy, but she wasn't as drunk as she was when she first came to me.
Which meant the minor detoxification potion I gave her was starting to show its effects. It wasn't going to cure her fully, but at least she won't wobble helplessly while walking.
"Yes?"
She blinked at me owlishly, her droopy green eyes staring at me.
"You've been too hung up on your ex. Think about everything you've done and how he threw you out so easily despite it. Do you know what that means?"
She once again teared up, looking quite hurt.
But I continued.
"It means he didn't care about you that much. I mean, what kind of idiot would break a years-long engagement and a relationship so nice with a simple letter? He didn't even say it in person. That's just cruel, cold-hearted, and plain rude."
Though tears fell down her cheeks, she still nodded, showing her agreement.
"It was."
"I don't really want to shit about someone I've never talked to, but from what you've told me, it was his fault entirely."
She nodded again.
"And that's why…"
I put my hands on her shoulders, causing her to flinch. But she didn't resist or struggle, letting me continue.
"…you shouldn't be heartbroken over this. This relationship, that selfish and uncaring boy, is not worth all the pain you're feeling right now. You should instead be happy that it happened now and not after your marriage. This event, though it may be painful for you, is actually good for you. You got out of a relationship that wasn't meant to be. And now you can start to move on to a better one."
"But… I spent so much time and effort to become someone worthy of him. I did so much for him… Couldn't he have shown some degree of respect and understanding? He—"
I cut her from another rant and instead spoke.
"Look, Clarice. This is his problem. I don't know why he did what he did. But the problem is, you are trying to degrade your own worth because of a man who didn't love you. You shouldn't do that. Don't ask for his respect or pity."
She stayed silent for a while, thinking about it.
"Then, what do I do? I feel so lost."
"Become happy. You don't need someone else, especially not someone who left you for another girl, in your life to be happy and content. You yourself are enough."
She listened to my words silently.
I gently pulled her chin up and continued.
"And keep smiling."
As she looked at me in a stupor, I smiled in reassurance.
"You are a beautiful and kindhearted girl, Clarice. But don't let a breakup bring you down. You'll find someone better than Jilk in the future. I can assure you."
'I mean, she's a sweet and loyal girl. With a personality like that and her pedigree, she will get many suitors if she tried.'
"I see… But… it still hurts a lot right now."
"It might hurt a lot right now. It's normal for it to be so painful. After all, you gave a lot of yourself to someone, and that someone didn't reciprocate your feelings. But you mustn't let it change who you are or blame yourself or even him. Understand that what was once is now over and try to move on. There's a bright future that awaits you. And… well, if you need any moral support or just want a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen to your problems again, I guess I can help you again."
She stayed still for a long time, digesting the pep-talk I'd been pulling straight out of my ass.
After a minute of silence, she spoke.
"Thank you… For listening to my moping and not making fun of me. You're a very kind person…—um, I'm sorry. May I ask your name again?"
"It's Leon. Kinda rude that you didn't remember my name, you know. I told you at the beginning of this conversation."
I teased by raising an eyebrow at her in mock annoyance.
"A-Ah. I-I'm really sorry, Mr. Leon! I didn't mean to be rude. I was just…I was going through a lot and it slipped my mind…"
She spoke, flustered. Her flushed face only made it more amusing to see.
But I decided to stop messing around and give her a break.
"Haha, it's okay. I was just messing with you anyway. Also, just call me Leon. No need for pointless formalities."
She nodded after a short while.
"I see. Then, thank you, Leon."
Then she turned to look in the distance, thinking about something.
The surroundings turned quiet as we stopped speaking. Only the leaves fluttering from the occasional gentle breeze were heard for a while.
I spoke after a while.
"Are you feeling better?"
She nodded in response.
"I… do. I'm sorry for dumping everything on you. You don't even know me."
She looked at me apologetically.
'Well, now. She's definitely one of the rarer ones like Olivia. Glad to see there are more girls like her. It'd be a real shame if she turned to her other form, though. I hope she doesn't fall down the rabbit hole this time.'
I smiled a little.
"Don't worry about it. I didn't mind. Besides, I do know a bit about you and your life now."
She blushed, causing her face to get flushed again.
"I-I, yes. That's true. I did rant quite a bit… Um, I know this is a bit sudden, but I am really happy to have met someone kind like you. I don't know what I would've done tonight if I hadn't met you."
Her eyes lost their light as her face became downcast.
'Hmm, what happened in the game's storyline? Right… she might have gone and bought sex slaves and have a wild night with them and then turn into a gyaru.'
"It wasn't a problem. I am happy to help. And I hope you'll think about it and try to move on."
She just nodded in response.
We spent a few more minutes in silence after that before Clarice finally stood up.
I too stood up and watched her as she spoke with a remnant of a smile.
"Thank you again for helping me go through this painful time of my life. I'll be sure to think about what you told me. It was quite… liberating. And I'll be sure to return this kindness someday."
I smiled in response.
"You don't have to. I am happy to help."
"Um…"
She spoke, but then stopped and turned to leave.
But then thinking something else she turned back and paused for a short moment.
I looked at her antics with mild interest.
The next moment, she came close and I felt her soft lips touch mine.
A surprise kiss!
It didn't last long, however. She pulled back soon and with a blush, she muttered as she avoided looking at me.
"For being there for me. Thank you."
I blinked as I saw her quickly turn, her blush starting to reach her ears.
And I had a strange thought.
'This girl… just stole my first kiss.'
I ignored the fact that I could have easily avoided it if I wanted and instead, I grabbed her hand, causing her to turn back in shock.
"Eh?"
I pulled her back, making her stumble on her feet and fall into my embrace; Her free hand resting on my chest as I pulled her chin up.
"That was unfair. You just stole my first kiss after I helped you."
"Eh? Ah, uh, I'm so—mmn?!"
Before she could finish, I closed the distance and now my lips were on top of hers.
I pulled her closer in my embrace, hugging her tightly. She didn't provide any resistance whatsoever.
For the next dozens of seconds, our lips stayed locked.
There wasn't any aggressive make-out, no tongue, nothing. Just two lips touching each other for an extended amount of time.
Once I had had enough, I finally separated from her.
"You taste like fruits... and alcohol. Don't drink more than you can handle. A word of advice."
I idly commented as I fixed her opened shirt showing cleavage. It was a nice sight, but something inside me didn't want others to see them. I finished as she finally process what just happened. And the next moment, her blush turned atomic.
She hid her face in my chest, trying to avoid looking at me.
There was something about it.
'Cute.'
She probably didn't realize, but while we had our lips locked, she ended up hugging me back. Whether it was on reflex or to find more support, I didn't know.
"I'll not apologize for this. I didn't want my first kiss to be a simple peck. There are things I can't compromise on."
I spoke bluntly, only to realize how strange that logic was.
'Oh well. Is it what it is.'
But when given such an opportunity, I couldn't help but be a little aggressive and want more.
"I… It was my first kiss too."
She finally spoke in a mutter
"Oh…"
Now, I wasn't expecting to hear that. So, my next words were more of a reflex than anything.
"Uh… Did you like it?"
She looked at me embarrassed.
"That… I don't know."
"Then, do you want to try again and see if you do?"
And now I was just pushing my luck. That kiss awakened something inside me. (Probably my lust demon.)
Her eyes widened at my suggestion.
"T-That… we can't. I mean, this isn't right. I don't even know you well. We only met a short while ago. This is too quick…"
'Interesting. She didn't outright deny it.'
She was just unsure. But that might be due to her current state. She wasn't completely sober yet.
Now, a gentleman is someone who wouldn't force his desires on a girl if she were not sure about doing something.
I was a gentleman too… sort of. So, I didn't force her anymore. She was right about the fact that she didn't know me well.
"That's understandable. I won't force you, then."
I smiled in reassurance and after petting her head subconsciously, I let go.
Our hug finally broke and we separated. But she still looked sheepish and dazed.
"Then, allow me to accompany you to your dorm. I would feel bad leaving you to walk alone at night."
" … Thank you. I'm sorry for bothering you again."
She replied, still trying to avoid looking at me directly.
I just smiled in response.
"Don't be. I am happy to help. I was thinking about taking a walk anyway."
It was true. I was thinking of taking a walk. A walk back to my dorm, that is.
'Eh, who says I can't take a slightly longer route.'
And with that excuse, I accompanied her to her dorm.
Once there, we bid our goodbyes and I went back to my actual destination, my own dorm.
***