Cherished Memories Intro: Sugary Moments
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
- Hover to view spoiler content.
Story Script
Pax President's Office
The night is peaceful, and the sky is low. The whole city grows quiet as darkness falls.
You are sitting in Marius' office waiting for him to get off work. You casually open a popular e-book to pass the time...
You: (Starting when they were kids, the main character in this story gave his girlfriend a gift every year...)
You: (Even though it's a little cliché, it still sounds pretty romantic when reading this part of the story.)
You: (Wait a second — speaking of gifts, what should I get Marius for his birthday this year...?)
Before you can continue your train of thought, a pair of strong arms wrap around your shoulders from behind. A warm and familiar scent follows.
Marius: [Player], what are you thinking about? I just got off work, and I saw you frowning.
Marius: Did you get bored while you were waiting? Or... is that book bad?
Marius sits down next to you as he speaks. Glancing at your screen, he raises his eyebrows slightly.
You quickly lock the screen so he won't discover what you were thinking, and then try to change the subject.
You: No... But you were so quiet when you came in. You surprised me.
Marius: I didn't mean to. Trust me! It was just because you were so absorbed in your book.
Marius: Never mind about that. You looked so upset just now. What's wrong?
Seeing that Marius isn't letting it go and stubbornly insisting on getting an answer from you...
You can only pretend to be stressed out and make up an excuse.
You: Well, what else could it be? I'm just a little tired from work lately...
You: It's easy to get stressed when I think about all the work I haven't finished yet.
Marius: ...
Upon hearing this, Marius is seemingly reminded of something. He is surprised for a moment, but the same troubled expression you just wore suddenly reveals on his face.
Marius: *Sigh*... Looks like we're in the same boat. I'd been having non-stop meetings all day in the past week... and I'm feeling stressed too.
Marius: I hope to find some time to relax...
You: (He's been working so hard...)
Just as you are about to speak up and comfort Marius, he makes the first move and shifts closer in front of you.
His troubled expression vanishes in an instant, and his tone grows relaxed, perhaps even somewhat cunning.
Marius: [Player]... since we're both stressed out, why don't we play something together to relax?
You: Pfft... Your expression changed so fast. Those "meetings" you mentioned weren't just an excuse, huh?
Marius: No way! I have indeed had meetings all week, and I do want to do something with you to relax...
Marius: Since the ancient books say "feigning defeat" will help you gain sympathy and make your target more willing to take the bait, I thought I'd give it a try.
You: (It sounds like he has just made that up, but I have to admit, I did feel bad for him for a second there.)
To avoid appearing like you've been tricked, you clear your throat and sit up slightly.
You: So what do you want to do together?
Marius: Hmm... Well, I'm actually not sure.
You: Huh?
Marius: A while ago, I asked Vincent to find something new and fun you and I could try out together.
Marius: Then he brought a package over this morning. He said it's a new game that's perfect for couples.
Marius: But I've been so busy today, I haven't even had time to open it...
Marius: Why don't we... take a look at it together?
A spark of hope glimmers in Marius' eyes. It appears particularly bright in contrast to the dark sky.
It seems like... he's really looking forward to playing with you. Without giving it another thought, you nod in agreement.
After Marius goes to grab the package, you open it up together...
You rip away the outermost layer of cardboard to reveal a beautifully crafted box with the words "True Lovers" printed on it. There are also several big and small items contained within the box.
You: The game is called... "True Lovers"? That's a pretty special name.
Marius: Hmm? Yeah, you're right. Let's see how to play it first.
You: Sure.
Marius takes out the instruction booklet from the box, spreading it out on the coffee table.
Marius: Hmm... It says players need to follow the instructions to draw something before starting the game...
Marius: Then we need to choose a starting point every day. Each starting point will follow the interwoven line that leads to a random endpoint.
You: Players need to complete the corresponding task in the instructions according to the symbol at the endpoint...
You: If the players successfully complete seven tasks in ten days, they are considered "True Lovers."
You look at Marius after reading the final sentence in the instructions.
Judging by his smile, you can tell that the game sparks his interest.
Marius: Cool. It sounds pretty fun.
You: Looks like you're determined to win.
Marius: Of course. I don't think there's anyone in the world more fit to be "True Lovers" than you and me.
Marius: What do you say, Miss? Want to try it with me?
You glance at the cardboard box holding the game and back at Marius.
You: (It looks like Marius really wants to play. Maybe I could use this as an opportunity to get some inspiration for his birthday present too... Why not...?)
The corners of your lips raise slightly too upon making up your mind.
You: All right. Let's do it together.
You: Then what should we do now? Should we start with the drawing?
Marius: [Player], why don't we start tomorrow? I got off work pretty late today because I was so busy... I'm exhausted.
Seeing Marius pout, you can only close the instruction booklet.
You: Okay, okay.
You: If you're tired, let's go home and res—
Before you can finish voicing your suggestion, Marius wraps his arms around your waist and lies on the soft couch...
His soft, fine hair brushes past your neck, causing a slightly ticklish sensation.
Marius: I think I'll rest here for a bit. We can go back home later.
Marius: Just hug me and let me rest my eyes here for ten... no, five minutes... Okay...?
Marius' tone is soft, expressing a request anyone would find impossible to refuse.
You nod slightly, gently running your fingers through his hair to help him relax.
Upon earning this affirmation, Marius holds you even tighter.
Marius: I knew it. You're... the best...
Marius' voice grows quieter and quieter, and he finishes his sentence with a listless and drowsy tone.
The city outside the floor-to-ceiling windows is quiet against the gentle backdrop of the nighttime sky.
