Naoko gazed at Orson, her big eyes sparkling with something different, as though in her world, only he existed. If Orson didn't know this crazy woman so well, he might have blushed and had his heart race. But the truth was, Naoko had clearly dressed up with the intent to use her beauty to seduce him.
"Let's not give people the wrong impression. We're not at that stage yet," Orson said, casually pushing her hand away, deliberately maintaining some distance.
"Do you have a girlfriend?" Naoko asked, speaking with a broken mix of English, her eyes fixed on him intently.
Orson sighed and shook his head, half-guessing that she was asking why he was so resistant to her. He opened his mouth, trying to figure out how to answer. After a brief pause, he said, "I'm allergic to you. We can go on a date, but only for a walk."
"Allergic? You mean you're moved, right?" Naoko's innocent smile came with a sly look in her eyes. The sun hit her face, and she added seriously, "I can be your girlfriend!"
"You can forget that!" Orson snapped, slightly irritated. Naoko looked at him, confused, clearly not understanding what he meant.
Orson couldn't bring himself to be harsh to her, especially since she was so beautiful. Still, he felt frustrated, unable to vent his growing irritation.
Orson sighed deeply and began walking ahead. He had known that meeting Naoko would turn into a disaster.
"Have you had lunch yet?" he asked casually, making a motion as though grabbing for food. Naoko shook her head, looking somewhat confused.
"I'll take you to eat. Afterward, we'll head our separate ways," Orson said, still unsure if she understood him.
Orson wasn't picky about food. Instant noodles were often his go-to meal, but he did know the small street vendors around the apartment area. He led Naoko through the winding alleys. This seemingly innocent, bright little woman attracted a lot of attention wherever she went.
He had underestimated the impact of her being labeled a "once-in-a-century beauty" by Japanese media. Even while waiting for the light to change, men came running up to ask for a photo with Naoko.
"Hey, could you step aside for a moment?" one man said.
"Naoko, you're so beautiful! Can we take a photo together?" another man called out.
Orson stood aside like an unnoticed piece of furniture, his self-esteem taking a huge hit. The handsome, charming, US Triple Crown winner was now nothing more than a backdrop. No one cared who he was or what he was doing. Stay tuned to My Virtual Library Empire
He just hoped they'd keep their distance during the photos. The last thing he needed was to be too close to the goddess.
"I said, if you want to eat, you'll have to wear this!" Orson grumbled.
"Okay, Orson-kun!" Naoko cheerfully responded.
Fed up, Orson bought a mask from a pharmacy across the street and put it on Naoko, covering half her face so they wouldn't be constantly followed by people.
Due to his wounded pride, Orson's lunch budget quickly went from 100 gold coins for the two of them to just 20 each.
They ended up at a local fast-food joint. Naoko seemed in disbelief at how cheap the meal was and stood outside, unable to hide her displeasure at the hole-in-the-wall place.
"Hot dog... tastes good," Orson said with a satisfied smile.
Naoko hesitated but eventually nodded, not sure how to respond. This wasn't what she had in mind for their "date." She had probably expected something grander, like a fancy dinner.
"Hot dog, tasty!" she exclaimed a few minutes later, devouring the meal without a care.
They continued to wander around, eating their way through the street like any couple out on a date. It was hard to stop once they'd started. One hour later, Naoko had finally calmed down a little. Orson bought them both a soda and led her to a riverside park.
"It's so beautiful!" Naoko exclaimed, looking out at the view.
Orson leaned back on a bench, enjoying the rare moment of peace. He glanced at her figure as she looked out over the water. She may be crazy, but there was no denying her charm. Despite her madness, she had a unique, alluring aura about her, one that set her apart from ordinary women.
"Now, tell me why you risked everything to wish for The Divine Item fragment," Orson said after a long pause, returning to the matter at hand.
Naoko, still sitting beside him, turned her head and gave him an innocent smile, almost as if she didn't understand what he was asking.
Orson lit a cigarette, watching her silently, waiting for her to explain.
Naoko suddenly stood up, bowed deeply, and said seriously, "Orson-kun, be my boyfriend! I'll treat you well!"
What?!
Orson's jaw dropped. This was completely unexpected. In an instant, dozens of eyes turned toward them. Some of the men around were practically grinding their teeth in jealousy.
Orson's face turned beet red, and for a moment, his mind went blank. This wasn't a playful exchange in Infinite Dimensions. This was reality, and it was entirely different.
Naoko was openly confessing her feelings in front of everyone, and the pressure was mounting. Orson felt like he was suffocating, the sweat starting to bead on his forehead. This felt worse than facing the Golden Dragon King!
"Orson-kun, I really like you!" Naoko said loudly, her voice ringing out. A nearby old man sweeping the street stopped to look at them.
"Get together! Get together!" people started chanting.
"Go for it, man! If you love her, don't hesitate!"
Orson's mind was in turmoil. He looked around and saw tourists raising their hands, ready to applaud the happy couple. It was clear they were hoping for this kind of fairytale ending, and everyone was eager to see them together.
If he rejected her outright in front of everyone, he feared he'd be mobbed or worse, labeled a heartless jerk.
Orson's mind raced. He wished desperately that Bradley or Madman were here to back him up. Bradley was tough and could take a punch, while Madman could distract Naoko with his antics.
But now, standing there, he was completely alone.
He stepped forward, placed his hand gently on Naoko's delicate shoulder, and she tilted her head back, even standing on tiptoe to look up at him.
The crowd gasped. Their excitement was palpable, like they were watching a scene from a movie.
Naoko smiled seductively, her red lips inviting, her expression a mix of shyness and expectation.
Orson's heart raced. This situation had gone completely out of control.
How had it come to this? This was supposed to be his turf, and yet now, he was the one who was completely at her mercy.