Chapter 27: No.27: Falling Deeper...
Upon finishing the deliveries intended for Summer’s shift, Bruce invited her to keep him company for a while, as she was now free since her afternoon shift had already been covered.
As such, on getting to the dessert café they’d met at the day before yesterday, Summer thanked him for helping her with her job, as she couldn’t remember the last time she had free time to herself.
To which Bruce simply waved it off as no big deal, while signaling for the waitress, which luckily wasn’t the same one Summer had worked with last time, as today’s shift was being handled by another young lady, making things less awkward for the duo.
Noticing Bruce’s gesture, the waitress immediately brought out some snacks, pudding, and two chocolate smoothies for the duo.
Surprised, Summer was about to say they hadn’t ordered anything yet, but Bruce simply thanked the waitress, causing her to realize he’d made the order prior to her arrival.
As Bruce had gotten here earlier, simply texting her the location to meet for their quality time together, he was able to place an order upon arriving, telling the waitress to wait until he gave the signal before serving them.
Thinking she’d be the one to shoulder the bill this time due to Bruce having lent a hand to lessen her workload today, Summer hadn’t expected him to treat her again despite being the one who had assisted her.
Causing her to reply,
"You already helped me... with my work today. There’s no need to go this far. If you’re still feeling guilty about the ex thing, there’s no need. I told you, I understand, so you don’t have to prove anything... to... me..."
As she said this, her eyes drifted between Bruce and the snacks before her, lingering on the latter longer than intended as her words became somewhat sluggish, trailing off a bit, as though struggling to look away from the alluring treats.
Smirking upon realizing his plan had worked, Bruce decided to give her one last push to ensure she accepted his treat today, while leaving the rest to the sweets to seduce her into submission.
"Though I still feel partly guilty about what happened, I know you’re not the kind that requires such things from others to prove their sincerity. Plus, this isn’t related to that." He said, a warm smile finding its way onto his face. "I just came into a bit of extra cash lately at work and decided to spend some time with the most beautiful girl I know, while enjoying something sweet to match the sight."
Hearing Bruce’s words, while already under the influence of the sweets’ hypnotic allure, Summer instinctively grabbed the smoothie and took a sip as she simply replied with a, "Hmm...!"
Yet, as she did, Bruce noticed a subtle change, as the tips of her ears reddened slightly with a bright crimson tint.
Upon taking a sip, the taste sent a cool, refreshing sensation through her mouth.
Similar, yet deliciously different from the milkshake she’d had last time, Summer felt as though all her stress and worries melted away from the taste, while she herself nearly melted into the chair because of it.
Making sure she took careful sips this time to avoid repeating the same mistake as last time, Summer quickly regained her composure before inquiring with a smirk, deciding to change the topic.
"Hohoho! So, what kinda work exactly are you doing that would allow you to have access to such luxury? Tell me all the deets. I promise, I won’t steal it... without your permission, of course."
Struggling to compose himself as his eyes twitched subconsciously at the sight of Summer’s mischievous attempt to figure out his source of income, while an innocent expression appeared on her face as she blinked multiple times as though her words were the purest thing in existence, Bruce chuckled before replying with a smirk.
"Hmm! Work? What is that? Is it edible? How can one as great as I be shackled by the prospect of working for someone else? I simply desire wealth and it magically appears before me."
Giving an innocent expression in return...
Well, as innocent as a plus-sized guy could get at least, Bruce feigned ignorance, tilting his head as though clueless about her question, while secretly divulging the truth to her.
’Well... at least, partly the truth.’
Stunned by this, Summer stayed silent for a bit before...
"Pfft! Bwahaha...!"
Unable to restrain herself any longer at the sight of Bruce’s adorable expression as his cheeks jiggled when he tilted his head to the side, the sight reminded her of an old video of the now-extinct majestic panda begging its caretakers for food.
Causing Summer’s heart to unconsciously skip a beat, she decided to laugh it off instead to cover it up.
Laughing as well at the sight of Summer enjoying herself, Bruce smiled in return.
"Anyways. Regarding the question pertaining to the work I do at the moment... for now, let’s just say... it’s a secret."
Winking as he said this, Bruce placed a finger on his lips while smiling in reply.
Since their relationship had long gone past the point where he felt like he was practically walking through a field of active landmines, Bruce was now able to keep certain information to himself without making it seem as though he didn’t trust her.
Instead, he made it clear that it wasn’t a matter of lacking trust, but rather that he simply didn’t want to tell her for a reason or two.
The exact reason though, he’d leave to Summer’s wild imagination.
’Perks of being close, I guess.’
Pouting upon hearing his reply, Summer’s cheeks puffed slightly in protest at Bruce’s reluctance to share his secret.
The sight caused Bruce to unconsciously forget to breathe for a few seconds before regaining his composure as he coughed, clearing his throat while instinctively looking away.
As he did, Bruce realized that Summer was practically a deadly weapon designed to deal critical damage to this body’s fragile heart.
Calming down soon after, a slightly worried expression appeared on Summer’s face as she noticed the subtle change in his body.
Though barely noticeable, as the changes were very slight, Summer realized Bruce had lost some weight, as his cheeks weren’t as round as before, and his body seemed a little less plump, or chubby rather, than usual.
"Just hope you’re not pushing yourself too much. Cause you look... different... than usual."
Surprised by Summer’s observation, Bruce hadn’t expected her to notice the subtle changes in his physique.
As it had taken a while, and some serious scrutinizing, for even him to finally notice the difference in his own body after staring at himself in the mirror.
Yet, Summer had noticed it as well.
An awkward smile finding its way onto his face, Bruce decided to tell her the truth, as he realized she’d most likely worry unless he at least gave her a believable explanation.
"Honestly... the reason for that is kinda a bit embarrassing." Scratching his head as he spoke, Bruce continued with an awkward smile. "The truth is, I just recently joined a gym yesterday. So, I’ve been trying to work out a bit to improve myself."
Shocked, Summer hadn’t expected Bruce, of all people, who had practically hated anything physically engaging, to willingly join a gym, much less actually take it seriously.
Yet, at the thought, she suddenly recalled the night they spent gazing at the stars a few days ago, when Bruce made his intentions to change clear.
’So, he actually meant it?’
Thinking this, Summer couldn’t help but let her mind wander as she recalled one of his reasons for wanting to improve, which was to protect those he held dear to him, as well as when she quietly rested her head on his arm while they lay on the ground together.
The memory caused the tips of her ears to suddenly grow warmer than before, resulting in her burying her face in her smoothie to hide her embarrassment.
Noticing the sudden change, as well as the deeper shade of red on the tips of her ears, Bruce briefly wondered where her mind had drifted off to this time.
Before he could come up with a reason why, however, a sudden notification drew his attention, causing a slight smile to appear on his face.
[Affinity Level: 59+...]
[Affinity Level: 60...]
[Affinity Level: 61...]
[Affinity Level: 62.]
[Congratulations! Host has successfully made significant progress in your relationship with a Bonded Target.]
[Every amount spent on the Target, Summer Monroe, will automatically generate a x40 Rebate, unless the daily limit is exceeded.]
....
’Booyah!’
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