"Uh, not yet. Why?"
Wise wasn't particularly fond of horror movies. While beginner-level movies like "Porter Mountain" usually didn't contain too many terrifying scenes, he still wouldn't willingly choose to watch one.
"Oh, that's good. I was just thinking, if you hadn't seen it yet, I'd invite you to watch it with me. But if you already had, then..."
Jane deliberately slowed her tone, prompting Wise to ask, "Then what?"
"Then I'd have no choice but to pretend I was too scared to watch this kind of movie alone and beg you to watch it with me again," she replied, blinking innocently as she spoke in a pitiful, helpless tone.
"So? Little Wise, would you be willing to watch it with me?"
"Alright... then let's watch it together."
Wise hesitated for a moment, but in the end, he agreed. Even if it was a horror movie, it was only an introductory one. Besides, the person beside him was the video store's highest-tier member.
The two of them soon began watching "Porter Mountain" together. As the movie played, Wise could clearly sense the subtle emotional shifts coming from Jane at his side.
It seemed that even someone like Jane, who always appeared strong and confident, had a softer side that could be shaken by horror movies.
In that case, maybe he wasn't the only coward after all.
Wise sighed and subtly moved a little closer to Jane, who was sitting beside him, hoping to give her some sense of security.
She seemed to notice and gently leaned closer as well, accepting his silent protection while quietly reassuring him in return.
Only when the movie ended did they both finally let out a breath, realizing they had unconsciously been pressed tightly against one another the entire time.
Their shoulders touched, their thighs brushed together, and even their sides were pressed close. The contact had been far too intimate.
A faint blush spread across Jane's small face, and she quickly moved away a little.
"The sounds of the chainsaws and drills were a bit too immersive at times."
As if recalling the scenes from the movie, Jane half-closed her eyes, her voice lacking much of its usual confidence.
"Yeah, I think so too. That's why, even if it's exciting, I wouldn't go out of my way to watch something like that."
While trying to comfort her, Wise also felt a little surprised. Though Jane always appeared fearless, she was apparently scared of horror movies too.
"Hmph. With you by my side, though, I figured even if someone with a chainsaw barged in, you'd take care of him easily, right?"
What she said wasn't exactly wrong, but there was no way he could simply admit that.
"Well, actually, the door to my store is pretty sturdy, so breaking in wouldn't be easy."
Of course, if the ones trying to break in were Corin or Ellen, then that door would probably be in serious trouble.
But just then, Jane suddenly revealed a sly, satisfied smile.
"Just kidding. I was actually very relaxed the whole time. As for why... it might be exactly what I said before. There's a scent here that I really like, so no matter what I'm watching, I can't get too nervous."
As Jane spoke, she lightly twitched her nose.
'Come to think of it, rodents seemed to possess an especially sharp sense of smell. Could she have noticed something?' He thought.
[Ding! Target Jane has increased her favorability toward the host by 10. Her current favorability is now 80. Additionally, 1000 Emotional Value has been obtained.]
[Current Emotional Value: 25500]
"I had a lot of fun today. It's getting late, so I should head back now."
Jane was only taking a short break. The mission she was currently handling still wasn't finished. Although there had been major progress last night, there was still a little left to do.
For now, this was no more than a chance to resupply and rest before the final battle. Once the mission ended in a few days, she would return here again.
Even so, one thought kept lingering in her mind.
'It's clearly the same person, the same scent... yet my heart keeps telling me they're different. How curious, Wise...' Jane thought silently.
If she, as a Thiren, weren't so sensitive to scents, Wise might have truly slipped past her suspicion.
Watching her departing figure, Wise suddenly felt a heavy sense of pressure settle over him. Fortunately, she had no proof and could only rely on instinct to make guesses.
Still, this could also be considered one of the flaws of his ability. After all, it wasn't some top-tier power, so imperfections were inevitable.
"Brother, I just saw Jane leave. So, how was your time together? Were you so scared that you hid in her arms?" Belle asked with a giggle.
The moment he heard that, Wise immediately strode over and vigorously ruffled her hair several times.
"Ow! Brother, what are you doing? You ruined my hair!"
Hearing Belle's protest, Wise finally smiled. Then he walked downstairs and saw Odile and Odette, along with N18 and Eous, standing by the door and nervously peeking outside.
"What's wrong with all of you? Why are you all gathered here?" Wise asked in confusion.
When the two maids and the two Bangboo saw him, they seemed to have found their backbone, and Odile immediately explained.
"Master, a lot of officers have gathered at the ramen stall next door. Could it be...?"
At that point, she cautiously glanced outside before lowering her voice.
"Could General Chop have been arrested?"
"If that's the case, that's really bad. General Chop's ramen has always been delicious and affordable."
Odette immediately echoed her sister's words, leaving Wise speechless.
What does "caught" mean? That sounds terrible. It should be called finding a good opportunity to turn over a new leaf.
'No, that's not right either. General Chop never did anything wrong in the first place!'
"Don't worry, everything will be fine. I'll go out and take a look," Wise said as he pushed the door open.
The "officers" across the street were members of HAND's Hollow Special Operations. However, all of them looked completely relaxed.
They were most likely passing through after finishing a mission rather than investigating a case. Matters like that should fall under Public Security's jurisdiction.
After only a few steps, Wise spotted a familiar figure among the crowd of Hollow Special Operations members.
A beautiful woman with long pink hair was standing in front of the noodle shop, speaking with General Chop.
He could vaguely hear the latter's voice.
"Ah, just as expected of the elites of Hollow Special Operations Section 6. A notorious gang like Thousand Faces was wiped out by all of you in a single strike."
General Chop praised them warmly and even offered everyone from Hollow Special Operations an eighty percent discount. Hearing that, the others were overjoyed.
Only Yanagi shook her head before replying sincerely, "'Completely wiped out' is just media exaggeration. But since you're being so generous, we'll gladly accept your kindness."
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