Chapter 119

Chapter 119: Chapter 119

I hung up, my heart racing, and grabbed my jacket off the rack, pulling it on. The girls looked up from the couch, their faces shifting to concern.

"What’s wrong?" Kim asked, stepping closer, her brown hair falling into her eyes.

"Everything okay?" Jasmine added, sitting up.

"Richard’s outside Mendy’s place," I said, zipping my jacket. "Staring at her house, smoking, creeping her out. Penelope called. Cops didn’t do shit. I gotta go deal with him."

"Fuck, that guy’s unhinged," Tessa said, her eyes wide. "Be careful, Evan."

"Yeah, watch yourself," Jasmine said, her voice serious. "Don’t let him pull anything."

"Yeah. I won’t..."

‪‪❤︎‬‪‪❤︎‬‪‪❤︎‬

The street was quiet, the morning sun harsh, glinting off cracked pavement as I rounded the corner, my phone’s GPS guiding me to Mendy’s place.

Then I saw him—Richard, slouched across the street from Mendy’s house, a cigarette dangling from his lips. He was a mess: unshaven, dark circles under his eyes, his black hoodie stained, jeans ripped at the knee. The sharp stench of whiskey hit me even from ten feet away, mixing with the smoke he exhaled. He spotted me, tossed the cigarette to the ground, and crushed it under his scuffed boot, straightening up, his eyes narrowing.

"Are you out of your mind?" I asked, striding toward him, my voice sharp. "What the fuck are you doing here, Richard?"

"So they called the cops, it didn’t work. Now they called you?" he sneered, his voice slurred, his breath reeking of booze. "Fucking rat. I knew you’d side with them, you white-knight bastard."

"White knight?" I snapped, stopping an arm’s length away, my fists clenched. "You’re fucking stalking your ex-girlfriend, Richard."

He eyed me, his gaze unsteady, then spat on the ground, the glob landing near my shoe. "Get the fuck out of here, Evan. This doesn’t concern you."

"Mendy’s like this because of us, Richard," I said, trying to drill some sense into his thick skull. "You can’t be serious, you fucking dumbass. Side with her? What the fuck are you talking about?"

"Back off, Evan," he growled, stepping closer, his breath sour. "Know your fucking place. This doesn’t concern you."

"I’m warning you, Richard," I said, my voice low, steady. "Turn back. You don’t need to do this."

"Fuck. Off."

╭────────────────────╮

- Quest Available

==========================

- Title: Back and Back

- Task: Persuade or intimidate

Richard to leave.

- Reward: +50 EXP

==========================

- Accept Quest? [Yes] [No]

╰────────────────────╯

I tapped [Yes] mentally, the UI flaring to life. A persuasion box appeared above Richard’s head—four empty checkboxes, tougher than Delilah’s three. Two chances to fill them. Time for Honeyed Words.

╭────────────────────╮

- Persuasion Attempt: Richard

==========================

☐☐☐☐

==========================

Remaining Chances: 0/2

╰────────────────────╯

"Get out of here before I lose my shit," Richard said, taking a step back, his hands balling into fists. "I’ll stay wherever the hell I want. Call the cops. Call the fucking CIA. I’m not moving."

"Richard..." I started, but he cut me off.

"Shut the fuck up, Evan," he sneered, his eyes bloodshot.

╭────────────────────╮

- Attempting Persuasion

==========================

"You need to go. You’re drunk and

have no idea what you’re doing."

==========================

Base Chance: 30%

Honeyed Words: +30%

==========================

Final Chance: 60%

Upon Succeeding: ☑

▶ Proceed with Persuasion? [Y/N]

╰────────────────────╯

This was the safest one. But... only one box would be filled.

╭────────────────────╮

- Attempting Persuasion

==========================

"Haven’t you already hurt Mendy?

That wasn’t enough for you?"

==========================

Base Chance: 20%

Honeyed Words: +30%

==========================

Final Chance: 50%

Upon Succeeding: ☑☑

▶ Proceed with Persuasion? [Y/N]

╰────────────────────╯

The most sensible choice was this. Upon succession, it would fill two boxes. That meant I could pick the safest option on the last attempt.

╭────────────────────╮

- Attempting Persuasion

==========================

"Mendy didn’t, but I can spread that

sex video on the internet, Richard.

Would you want that?"

==========================

Base Chance: 10%

Honeyed Words: +30%

==========================

Final Chance: 40%

Upon Succeeding: ☑☑☑

▶ Proceed with Persuasion? [Y/N]

╰────────────────────╯

The third option was dirty—too low for me to stoop. I went with the second, hoping to hit hard.

"Haven’t you already hurt Mendy?" I asked, my voice firm. "That wasn’t enough for you?"

╭────────────────────╮

- Persuasion Attempt: Richard

==========================

☒☐☐☐

==========================

Remaining Chances: 1/2

╰────────────────────╯

Shit. Only 50% chance, and it failed. One shot left, and the last option was my only hope, even at 40%.

"Enough?" He repeated. "She needs to know why I cheated on her, Evan. She didn’t respect my wishes. And I refused to respect her wishes as well. But when I do it, it’s a problem, huh? I’m the bad guy all of a sudden?"

I had to take the last option. No way around it.

╭────────────────────╮

- Attempting Persuasion

==========================

"Just go, Richard. After all the things

you said to Mendy, how dare you

come to her house. Fucking stalk

her like this?"

==========================

Base Chance: 10%

Honeyed Words: +30%

==========================

Final Chance: 40%

Upon Succeeding: ☑☑☑

▶ Proceed with Persuasion? [Y/N]

╰────────────────────╯

"Just go, Richard," I said, stepping closer, my voice low, cutting. "After all the shit you said to Mendy, how dare you come to her house? Fucking stalk her like this?"

He froze, his eyes flicking from me to Mendy’s house, his jaw tight. Then he puffed out his chest, like some wannabe tough guy, and shook his head.

╭────────────────────╮

- Persuasion Attempt: Richard

==========================

☒☒☐☐

==========================

Remaining Chances: 2/2-Failure

╰────────────────────╯

"You asked for this," he muttered, his voice dark, taking a step toward me.

"Richard," I said, shaking my head, my heart pounding. "Stop it."

Richard’s bloodshot eyes glared at me, his whiskey-soaked breath heavy in the air, his stained black hoodie hanging off his frame like he hadn’t changed in days. He stepped closer, shoving my shoulders hard, his hands rough.

"You trying to get Mendy in your bed?" he slurred, his voice venomous. "Huh? You tryna fuck her?"

"What the...?" I said, planting my feet, my jaw tight. "Stop it."

He shoved me again, harder, and I stumbled back, my sneakers scraping the pavement. "Richard. Stop," I said, my voice low, warning.

"Fuck you," he spat, his chest puffed out, fists clenched.

A cop car rolled up, tires crunching gravel, lights flashing but no siren. The doors opened, two officers stepping out, their radios crackling. Across the street, Mendy’s front door swung open, and Penelope strode out, her short brown hair bouncing, her tight tank top straining against her massive, obviously fake tits. The cops’ eyes flicked to her chest, lingering a beat too long before they shook their heads, focusing.

"Officers," Penelope said, crossing her arms, her voice sharp. "This guy, Richard Hensly, has been creeping around Mendy’s house all morning, smoking, staring, picking up rocks like he’s gonna do something. We called you earlier, and you didn’t do shit. He’s scaring her, scaring me, and I’m done."

One cop, a stocky guy with a buzzcut, sighed, turning to Richard. "Mr. Hensley, not only did Mrs. Aler call, but other residents reported you causing trouble. Loitering, acting aggressive. You’re coming with us to the station to sort this out."

Richard’s face twisted, his hands balling tighter. "No fucking way," he snapped, stepping back. "I’m not doing anything wrong. Just standing here."

"Sir, you’re causing a disturbance," the second cop, taller with a mustache, said firmly. "You can come voluntarily, or we’ll make this harder."

Richard glared, his jaw working, then threw his hands up. "Fine, whatever," he muttered, defeated. The cops grabbed his arms, guiding him to the car, his boots dragging as they put him in the back. The door slammed, and the car pulled away, lights fading down the street.

"Good riddance," Penelope said, brushing her hands together like she was dusting off dirt. She turned to me, her eyes narrowing. "I’m surprised you came."

"Why would I not?" I said, stepping closer, my voice earnest. "I’d like to talk to Mendy again. Please, Penelope."

"She doesn’t want to see you," she said, her tone flat, arms still crossed.

"Just two minutes," I said, holding her gaze. "Please, Penelope. Two minutes, and I’m gone."

She studied me, her lips pursed, then sighed. "Fine," she said, her short brown hair catching the sunlight as she turned. "But you’re talking outside. Her mom knows you—she won’t let you in the damn house."

"Okay, sure," I said, nodding. "I’ll wait here."

"Mm," she grunted, striding across the street, her hips swaying as she disappeared into Mendy’s house.

The sun beat down on the quiet street, the pavement warm as I sat on the curb. I pulled out my phone, the screen lighting up with a notification—a text from Delilah. My thumb hovered, ready to open it, when Mendy’s front door creaked open. I pocketed the phone, standing as she stepped out.

Mendy looked rough—her dark hair a tangled mess, dark circles carved under her eyes, her frame thinner, like the past weeks had drained her. Her oversized hoodie swallowed her, the sleeves dangling past her hands, and her jeans hung loose. She crossed the street, her steps slow, and stopped a few feet away, crossing her arms, her expression guarded.

"Yes?" she said, her voice flat, tired.

"Mendy," I started, my throat tight, hands stuffed in my jacket pockets. "How, uh—how are you?"

"Bad, Evan," she said, her eyes flicking to the ground, then back to me. "You?"

"Same," I said, nodding, shifting my weight. "Look, I... I wanted to apologize. I know what I did was fucked up. Convincing Kayla to tell you that video was fake—it was wrong. I did it because Richard was my friend, and he swore he wouldn’t do it again. I was an idiot to help him cover it up."

She stared at me, her lips pressed thin, her arms tightening across her chest. "You thought lying for him was the best option?" she said, her voice sharp but low, like she was holding back a flood. "Evan, that video... seeing it, hearing you and Kayla play it off like it was nothing—it broke me. You made me feel like I was crazy."

My chest tightened, guilt clawing at me. "I know," I said, my voice softer. "I thought if I backed Richard up, he’d get his shit together. He promised he’d stop, and I believed him like a fucking moron. I should’ve been straight with you. I fucked up, Mendy, and I hate that I hurt you."

She exhaled, her shoulders slumping slightly, her eyes searching mine. "Why’d you cover for him? Why not just tell me?"

I ran a hand through my hair, the weight of her words sinking in. "I was loyal to the wrong person," I admitted. "Richard was my friend, and I thought I could fix him by keeping his secret."

Mendy didn’t say anything at first. She just groaned, turned her back to me, and covered her face with both hands, letting out a heavy sigh. She stood like that for a few seconds. Then she brushed her hair out of her face, turned around, and met my eyes.

Mendy nodded, then shrugged, her arms loosening. "Fine... I forgive you, Evan."

Relief hit me like a wave, my shoulders relaxing. "Thank you, Mendy. Really. Thank you. You have no idea how much that means."

"And I’m... sorry you had to fight with my idiotic ex in the hospital," she said, her voice quieter now. "And just now, you were about to fight again. Why? Just for me?"

"Because it’s the right thing to do," I said, my voice firm. "Richard’s out of control. He doesn’t get to fuck with you, me, or anybody like that."

╭───────────╮

EVENT

===============

Mendy’s Interest +2

╰───────────╯

The UI flashed, catching me off guard. Interest from Mendy? Shit, she really meant it. Forgiveness was a start.

╭───────────╮

WOMEN - INTERACTIONS

===============

Jasmine: Interest: 27 / 40★

Kayla: Interest: 5 / 20

Tessa: Interest: 20 / 40★

Kim: Interest: 15 / 20

Delilah: Interest: 20 / 40★

Cora: Interest: 100 / 100★★★★★

Mendy: Interest: 2/20

===============

Progress:

★☆☆☆☆ - 20 Interest: Milestone reward

★★☆☆☆ - 40 Interest: Milestone reward

★★★☆☆ - 60 Interest: Milestone reward

★★★★☆ - 80 Interest: Milestone reward

★★★★★ -100 Interest: Milestone reward

===============

Select a woman to track progress.

╰───────────╯

The air turned awkward, the weight of our words settling between us. Mendy shifted, her sneakers scuffing the pavement, her eyes flicking to the house. I cleared my throat, scratching the back of my neck.

"Well, I should get going," I said. "Don’t wanna miss the bus."

She nodded, giving a small wave, her expression unreadable. "Yeah. See you, Evan."

I returned the wave, watching as she turned and crossed the street, her hoodie swaying as she headed back to the house. The door clicked shut behind her, and I exhaled, turning to walk away, the sun warm on my back, my mind already spinning—Delilah’s text, Kim’s shopping trip, and the mess with Richard finally cooling off.

Now, time to check that text from Delilah.

’Hey, Evan.’ I stopped, a little surprised, and typed back,

’Hey, Ms. Komb. Something wrong?’

’Yeah yeah. I just wanted to thank you again for the computer. It works so much faster now.’

I grinned, typing, ’Aah, Ms. Komb, don’t even mention it. It was a pleasure.’

My fingers hovered, starting another message: ’I actually pray every night that your computer gets dusted faster and I can come and clean.’

Too desperate. I deleted it, shaking my head. No need to push—Delilah was at 20/40 interest, and with the system, anything was possible.

‪‪❤︎‬‪‪❤︎‬‪‪❤︎‬