Luke "Warm Embrace"/Rewards

Story Summary

While cleaning up from Luke's birthday celebration this year at the MC's parents' home, Granny Jones stops by and gifts Luke a red packet (money) for his birthday. He wants to refuse, but Granny Jones insists, so Luke and the MC decide to buy her a gift in return. While shopping for the gift later, the two run into an old classmate from high school, who is surprised to see Luke back in town and invites the pair for karaoke.

At the karaoke bar, a group of old classmates welcome Luke back to Stellis and recount memories of worshiping his exercise books after he left. They also praise the MC for her recent news appearances in connection with prominent cases, commenting that it's no wonder so many boys liked her in school. Confused, the MC responds that she didn't know anyone liked her and doesn't remember getting the love letters her classmates claimed her admirers wrote. The old friends misunderstand Luke's career change to detective work, insinuating he's little more than a paparazzo who must have a hard time making ends meet, and Luke politely excuses himself and the MC.

Outside, it begins to snow, and Luke shares childhood memories of snow with the MC in hopes of cheering her up after their friends' misunderstanding. A shop clerk from a nearby store gives them a sales pitch for custom accessories, and the MC notices a snow globe in the shop window, deciding to get one for Granny Jones. They discover one crafted in replica of Snow Ridge Mountain, which is in Mrs. Jones' hometown, and place a customization order for it.

Still out shopping, Luke asks the MC to pick out some clothes for him, but she isn't able to find anything that suits him. He leads her to a smaller store, where he'd reserved an embroidered scarf for her that matches his own. The shop employee serving them is extremely polite and thanks Luke for his help, stating the scarf is the least she can do. While returning from the karaoke bar, the group of former classmates overhear the exchange.

Luke and the MC's old classmates are in awe of the VIP service Luke receives from the owner, revealing that the shop is an extremely expensive one. They begin to treat him much friendlier than they had at the karaoke bar and invite the two out to dinner, which Luke declines. After the classmates leave, one of them messages the MC on social media, suggesting Luke knows something about her missing love letters from high school. As she turns to ask about it, Luke uses her new scarf to pull her close, mildly upset that the day hasn't gone smoothly, and asks her to look only at him.

Two weeks later, when the custom snow globe is ready, Luke and the MC go to Granny Jones' home to gift it to her. She appreciates the gift very much, and she compliments the MC's new scarf, recalling a scarf her husband once gave her as a token of his affection. This flusters the MC, who excuses herself and Luke hastily. Outside Granny Jones' home, the MC asks once again about the love letter from her classmate. Luke denies knowing about it; the MC easily sees through his lie and calls it a shame, saying she would have liked to thank the person for saving her from having to reject the sender.

Illustrations

Embarrassing ThingsYou spent a long time doing your homework, then realized that it was someone else's practice booklet.

Surprise GiftIt wasn't until you put on the scarf that you realized it matches the one Luke has.

Video Call

Video Call		Luke: Warm Embrace (After Story 6)

Video Call script

Luke: Wow, you finally picked up! Mayday, mayday, mayday!

Luke: Why are you still wearing pajamas? It's already noon... Don't tell me you're still in bed?

Luke: You're not? Good. I thought you'd worked late last night, so that's why you're catching up on sleep today.

Luke: Me? It's nothing urgent... I was just picking a present for a friend and was wondering if you could help.

Luke: I owe him a lot of favors, so I was thinking of repaying him this way.

Luke: He's a doctor with a cynical personality... He's got very solid values though and is in general, quite friendly...?

Luke: Even you can't think of anything suitable to get him? *sigh* I guess I'll think about it a bit more.

Luke: It's hard to pick a gift that they might like, right? I've learned my lesson...

Luke: I did give him gifts before, but it was all for formal matters. Not much thought was involved.

Luke: My presents to you? I put lots of thought into everything that I gave you since we were kids!

Luke: Though... Picking stuff for you isn't all that hard.

Luke: I note down the things that you say you like. Also, I'm always tempted to get the interesting stuff for you whenever I come across them!

Luke: So there're actually loads of things I want to give you, but not enough occasions where I can.

Luke: Oh yeah, it's lunchtime now. Should we go for lunch together? I'll pick you up.

Luke: Go wash up. I'll be there in half an hour. Catch you later!

Story Locations

Stellis Central Business District
Central Business District

Main Character's Parents' Residence
Your Residence

Stellis Central Business District
Shopping Mall

Stellis Central Business District
KTV

Stellis Central Business District
Central Business District

Granny Jones' Residence
Granny Jones' Home

Granny Jones' Residence
Street Outside the Neighborhood

Story Characters

Luke Pearce

Luke Pearce

Granny Jones

Randell Gray

Nikolas Reed

Allison Mitchell

Eve Ward

Waitress