The Heart System Chapter 4

Positioned behind the counter, I split my focus between the buzzing of the overhead fluorescent lights and keeping an eye on the entire store. The usual patrons proved dull—a fellow picking up a pack of smokes, then one more snagging an energy drink. I handled their transactions fast, delivered the routine chit-chat, and saw them head out.

The bell tinkled once more, this time with a gentler ring, pulling my gaze upward.

In walked a lady who instantly grabbed my notice. Her outfit was... quite exposing, the sort that sparked the imagination—a snug crop top scarcely hiding her bust and a mini skirt clinging to her every contour. Her stilettos tapped rhythmically as she headed to the snacks section, eyeing the displays. She stopped and selected just one cracker, gripping it lightly with her polished nails.

I scanned the purchase, beeping the barcode, when that hovering panel popped up before me once again, seeming almost alive:

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Daily Task Progress:

Compliment 5 women

Reward: 32 XP

Current: 0/5

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My throat tightened as I mustered a shaky grin, perspiration forming on my brow.

"I... really like your high heels," I uttered, tone a bit clumsy. "My sister had the same ones. Fits really well."

Her sleepy gaze dropped to her footwear. "Oh... yeah. Thanks," she whispered, her words light and playfully coy.

"Mm-hmm..." I replied, adjusting my stance and dabbing at the sweat on my forehead.

She offered a faint grin. "Well... see you."

The panel glowed briefly, acknowledging my fumbling success:

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Daily Task Progress:

Compliment 5 women

Reward: 32 XP

Current: 1/5

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"That was it?" I whispered under my breath. "I figured she’d lose it... damn. When did I last chat casually with a woman besides Jasmine?"

Patrons trickled in and out, and I mechanically processed their orders, beeping products, entering amounts, exchanging banal remarks. Each time a female entered, I compelled myself to praise something minor—her footwear, her purse, her grin. With every instance, the hovering panel flashed, updating the count, subtle alerts popping in the corner of my sight.

Sixty minutes ticked by. The display read:

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Daily Task Progress:

Compliment 5 women

Reward: 32 XP

Current: 4/5

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Just one more patron, and the chore would wrap up. A quiet breath escaped me, anticipation of ease washing over.

Then the entrance bell sounded.

Ice flooded my veins. Flowing golden locks, sharp azure eyes, porcelain skin seeming otherworldly... she had returned. The one who... devoured my eye. My frame stiffened on reflex, muscles tightening. That hadn’t been some bad dream—it was harsh truth. Shit, shit, shit.

She grinned, sauntering leisurely to the register.

"Mint cigarette, please."

"You..." I breathed, gawking. "That wasn’t a dream. You..."

"Ate your eyeball?" she queried offhandedly, cocking her head. "Yeah. It was bitter."

"What did you do to me?"

"Nothing," she replied with a grin, evidently entertained. "Just having fun. Is that illegal?"

"You..."

"Mint cigarette, please."

I gulped deeply, steadying my quivering fingers to fetch the desired pack. I rang it through, pushed it over the surface. She laid down the cash, and I deposited it in the till, my stare locked on her, a mix of terror and fury brewing.

"Just one more girl. And you’ll get the task done," she noted, tearing open the pack casually. "Come on. Compliment me."

"What?"

"Are you deaf?" she inquired, grinning. "Come on. Compliment me."

She perceived the hovering panels, the attributes, the mission... This confirmed it wasn’t delusion. Not a reverie. Pure reality.

I compelled words out. "You... look... good."

"Why, thank you," she trilled. "I changed my hairstyle a bit. You liked it?"

"Yes..." I responded, voice strained with dread and reluctance. "I do."

The panel pulsed insistently, validating the last milestone:

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Daily Task Completed!

Reward: Choose one chest:

[?] [?] [?]

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I let out a breath, my attention yanking back from the interface. I blinked—and she vanished. Poof, just like that.

Damn it. What in the world was this?

I gazed at the trio of chests on the display for what felt like ages, sweat trickling down my face, fingers shaking. My pulse hammered from the blonde’s appearance and the strain of wrapping the task.

At last, I extended—or mentally directed—to pick and chose the central chest.

It snapped ajar, and a picture materialized within: a silver coin bearing a female profile. Words gleamed below: 50c.

I stared, voicing it in disbelief. "50c... 50 credits? "What... the hell?" I grumbled, bending nearer to the suspended panel, thoughts whirling.

Then the interface morphed, unveiling a complete primary menu. It hovered ahead, sleek and straightforward:

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EVAN MARLOWE

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Stats Shop

Crafting Inventory

Quests Women

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I breathed out gradually, shaking my head. "Yeah... okay, that’s... real. I’m actually seeing this." I combed fingers through my locks, still persuading myself it wasn’t madness. "50 credits for a coin... whatever the hell that means."

Intrigue overpowered me. I raised my forefinger and hesitantly poked the Shop choice.

Astonishingly, the suspended menu reacted at once, as though sensing my gesture. My digit hadn’t truly contacted—yet the display quivered and unveiled a fresh interface before me.

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SHOP

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• Aphrodisiac Drink (10c)

• Silk Lingerie Set (25c)

• Sensual Massage Oil (15c)

• Mystery Pleasure Toy (30c)

• Flirt Potion (20c)

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Credits: 50c

Select item to purchase

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*New items will appear as you level up*

The remaining hours of the shift blurred by in monotony. Shoppers arrived and departed, a few with faint grins, most neutral, while the outside neon faded as the urban night hushed. Once my work wrapped, I headed homeward to my flat, roads nearly deserted save for far-off traffic drone and sporadic yells piercing the quiet.

Arriving at my structure’s entrance, I fiddled with my keys. The chilly steel fumbled in my grip as I swore softly.

Suddenly, the adjacent door creaked wide. There stood Jasmine, cradling a dish with care. A modest cake sat atop it. My glance darted to the wall clock: one a.m. Odd for her to be up so late.

She donned a baggy t-shirt that skimmed just above her thighs. Bare beneath. The material draped freely over her form, yet hinted at the outline of her underwear below.

"Hey," she greeted, her smile gentle. "The cake turned out edible, so here you go." She said.

I dipped my head, a touch uneasy. "Thanks... uh, nice surprise."

She massaged her lower spine, grimacing a bit. "Man... my back is killing me."

I arched a brow. "Yeah, you said the same thing this morning. What happened?"

Jasmine’s face tinged pink. "A customer... went a little wild. Tried a new position, and let’s just say... my back is paying the price."

I stiffened briefly, recollections of the store surging. Then abruptly, the hovering shop interface reappeared. My sight fixed on Sensual Massage Oil.

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SHOP

-------------------------

• Aphrodisiac Drink (10c)

• Silk Lingerie Set (25c)

• Sensual Massage Oil (15c)

• Mystery Pleasure Toy (30c)

• Flirt Potion (20c)

-------------------------

Credits: 50c

Select item to purchase

-------------------------

I could genuinely test that oil and discover its effects... assuming this shop feature held true. And truthfully, I yearned to get near her. Her figure was scorching—the manner her breasts jiggled per stride since she skipped bras... Hell. Arousal stirred just from the notion. I needed to steady myself, lest I embarrassingly stiffen up on the spot.

"I, uh... know a thing or two about massaging, if you believe it," I stuttered. "If... I mean, if it’s okay with you, I can massage you. For the cake, though—don’t get me wrong."

Her eyes flared wide in astonishment, then she inclined her head gradually. "If any other guy came to me with a deal like that, I’d assume he’s just some horny dog. But... when it’s you? I think I kinda trust you."

"Oh... thanks," I murmured, warmth flooding my cheeks.

"Yeah. I mean... what would a virgin do, right?"

"H-hey..." I blushed deeper. "Come on. Don’t be like that."

"Fine, fine. Come in?"

"I... gotta change first. Be there in five. That work?"

"Yep."

We shared a clumsy smile, and I entered my place. Fuck. I’d committed now. Why on earth did I propose a massage? I’d never administered one to anybody. I was doomed. No way, no way, no way. I could back out—perhaps claim a hand injury, or simply ghost her and carry on. Damn it.

I tossed my bag to the ground and slipped into the lavatory to rinse my hands, eyeing my mirror image. Well... she wasn’t off about my virgin status. Twenty-one and not even a single kiss from a lady. Hell, I was pitiful.

"Okay..." I whispered to my reflection, tone strained. "What are you going to do now, you idiot?"