Luke "A Star in the Palm"/Rewards

Story Summary

This story takes place in Year 1. Luke is not yet in a relationship with the MC.

While celebrating a relaxing New Year's Eve at Luke's home, the MC looks for a casual video game suitable for their rustiness from not playing together for so long. She finds a beautiful bottle of whiskey and note that says "it's not over till it's over" from a local bar called BAR L. Luke mentions that he'd had a job undercover as a bartender there at the beginning of the year. Curious about Luke's work and past, the MC asks Luke to take her there for New Year's Eve, and he agrees.

At BAR L, the owner, Mr. Cole, shares stories of Luke's time working for him and asks if the MC would like a warm beverage like the last time she was there. Having forgotten she'd sheltered there in a storm near the beginning of the year, the MC praises Mr. Cole's memory. She realizes she was there at the same time Luke had been working there and asks why she hadn't seen Luke, who immediately begins making excuses and trying to change the subject. Mr. Cole suggests the MC try his personally brewed whiskey and explains why he thinks whiskey is a fitting drink for Luke: the brewing process is long and difficult and never over until the brewer decides it's over. As the MC tries to coax the truth about that day at the beginning of the year from Luke, Mr. Cole gets a call that makes him upset.

Luke persuades Mr. Cole to let him help with whatever trouble he's in. Mr. Cole had loaned a friend money, but he was unable to collect in a lawsuit because the friend signed the loan slip with his left hand, then faked having poor handwriting with that hand in a writing analysis later. Since today is the last day to appeal, Mr. Cole was going to let the situation go, but Luke resolves to prove the friend is able to use his left hand skillfully before midnight. Luke tracks the borrower, Ayden Jiminez, to a nearby club. Luke and the MC decide to make their approach obvious to take advantage of Ayden's ego and lure him into a two-pronged trap. After locating him at the club, the MC baits Ayden into showing off at a game of darts.

As Ayden tries to trick the MC into drinking alcohol, Luke approaches, adopting a new, confident persona and pretending not to know her. Luke chastises Ayden for his trick and challenges him to a game of darts. During the game, Luke confidently explains the rules and hits on the MC, displaying more skill than Ayden and forcing Ayden to switch to his left hand. The MC records the switch, but after tying the game, Ayden smugly announces they're too late to file the appeal since the time is 10 minutes after midnight. Luke reveals that he'd hacked Ayden's cell phone to display the wrong time; Ayden attacks Luke but is quickly neutralized.

Mr. Cole submits the appeal on time. As they head back to BAR L, the MC apologizes for pressing Luke about that rainy day, and Luke admits that he'd been there that day and hid from her. The MC makes Luke promise never to avoid her again, and the New Year fireworks begin.

Back at BAR L, Luke insists on being the MC's personal bartender for the rest of the evening. She requests a drink that suits her personality, and Luke makes her an Angel's Kiss. Later, Mr. Cole and Luke reminisce about the day the MC came in. Mr. Cole encourages Luke not to hesitate in pursuing the MC, and he resolves to do so when there are no more secrets between them.

Illustrations

Darts Scoring RulesLuke had the habit of playing darts whenever he was organizing his thoughts. As time passed, you became familiar with its scoring rules.

Text Messages

Text Message		Luke: Airport Pickup (After Story 3)

Text Message script

Luke: Are you awake yet?

I woke a while ago, otherwise I won't make it on time

You: I woke up quite early. I won't be able to pick you up from the airport otherwise.

Luke: Sorry... I made you get up early for nothing.

I just woke up

You: I just got up! I'm getting ready to leave now!

Luke: It's okay. You don't need to rush.

Luke: I've only just arrived at the airport. There's a thick fog over here, and the flight might be delayed for half an hour.

Luke: So why don't you just stay home and catch a couple more snoozes? No need to come pick me up.

I'm up already

You: It's fine. I'm already up.

Luke: With this weather, I'm afraid that the plane will still be grounded even after half an hour's delay.

It's only half an hour

You: A slight delay is no problem at all. I'm heading out!

Luke: So don't worry, take your time.

Luke: The weather is quite bad here. I'm not sure if the plane will take off after half an hour.

Luke: Sorry for wasting your hard-earned rest. I think it'd be better if you stayed home instead.

I want to see you sooner

You: What's wrong with me wanting to see you sooner!?

Luke: Sorry, there's nothing wrong with that.

Luke: Actually... I also wanted to see you sooner.

Think of it as a welcome home

You: Someone has to be there for you after you land.

You: You'd always be there for me whenever I came back from my trips!

You: Every time I see you running towards me, I'd think "I'm home now."

Luke: I feel the same too.

It's decided then

You: Then it's decided. I'll be there shortly!

Luke: Okay. I'll look forward to seeing you then!

So, do want me to pick you up?

You: So, Detective Pearce, do you want me there or not?

Luke: Of course I want to see you! I'm greatly anticipating my warm welcome back~

Luke: Oh, I just remembered. It might get colder in Stellis in the next few days.

Luke: Before you go out, remember to wear extra layers.

Text Message		Luke: Negligible Merit (After Story 6)

Text Message script

You: When did you get so good at darts?

Luke: It's nothing special. I just played darts often after I went to the capital.

Luke: I also had matches with my colleagues once in a while, so I became pretty good at it after a while.

Please explain yourself

You: What kind of matches? I'd like to hear more if there's no confidentiality involved~

Luke: Sure.

Luke: It's nothing exciting though. I think it'll be nothing more than a boring story.

Why didn't you say anything?

You: Darts, bartending, billiards... Where did you learn so many things from, and why haven't I heard anything about this?

Luke: Uhh, I felt like those things were quite plain, so I didn't feel the need to talk about it.

I'm interested

You: I still want to know, nevertheless.

You: I want to know everything about you!

That's not plain

You: How are darts, bartending and billiards plain!?

You: I feel like they're all plenty interesting!

Luke: Okay. I guess I'll tell you then.

Luke: But I've learnt lots of new things, so this might take a while~

Let's get started

You: Then let's hurry and get started! When are you free?

Luke: We can start at any time.

I have a lot of time

You: I have all the time in the world to hear you out!

You: How about we chat till the next morning, just like what we did as kids?

Luke: I don't think staying up too late is a good idea. I've already pulled enough all-nighters due to my job.

I want to make a quip...

You: Sorry, wait. Let me say something...

You: Normal, huh. Why can I feel you grinning from the other side of the screen?

Luke: It's not my fault that you hyped it up so much~

Luke: Why don't you come to my house, and we can chat all we want while playing games?

Sure

You: Sounds good! We'll pass that level for sure next time!

Luke: That's the spirit! I've developed a few more strategies. We can try them out when you're over!

Luke: We'll win for sure!

I'll be even worse at the game

You: I feel like I'll fare much worse if my attention's divided like that...

Luke: I'll prepare something nice to eat.

Luke: We can have a nice long chat and munch on some snacks~

Story Locations

Time's Antiquities
Luke's Home

Stellis Central Business District
Central Business District

BAR L

Stellis Central Business Distrit
Bar Street

HOT&CLUB

Story Characters

Luke Pearce

Luke Pearce

Luke Pearce

Mr. Cole

Aydan Jimenez