Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part One]

CHAPTER 140: Revelry Beneath the Canopies

"I hardly recognized you without your usual work attire," he said with a rare smile. "You look stunning."

For the first time since they'd met, Daisuke took a good, long look at Thalia Misthaven. Her light blonde hair fell in a soft, sleek wave just above her shoulders, framing her face with a natural elegance. Caramel-brown eyes sparkled warmly, giving her an inviting, cheerful expression.

She wore a cozy winter outfit: a high-necked, white knit sweater dress that combined style with warmth. Over this, an open mustard-yellow coat added a touch of color and sophistication. Thigh-high white socks tucked into tall boots completed the ensemble, and a satchel slung over her shoulder added a hint of adventure to her look.

Thalia's cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, unable to meet Daisuke's gaze after his unexpected compliment.

"Th-Thank you," she murmured. Normally, she'd look him over and find the nerve to compliment him back, but she wasn't quite brave enough to meet his gaze—not yet. "I-I've actually thought about this for a while... you don't act your age at all, you know?"

Daisuke's smile deepened a tad, his disposition cool and collected, butterscotch eyes smoldering. "I didn't exactly have a choice," he replied, a hint of steel in his tone. "This world isn't exactly kind to children."

Thalia pursed her lips coyly and pulled down at the hem of her dress, her stance adorable. "You don't play fair, do you?"

Daisuke chuckled, his voice velvety soft and smooth, and unexpectedly warm—a striking contrast to the cold monotone she remembered from when they'd first met months ago. "Shall we?"

"Okay," she murmured with a slight pout, though her face brightened as Zephyr poked his head out from Daisuke's shirt, a small blue bowtie neatly tied around his neck, perfectly matching his eyes. "Aww! He's absolutely adorable!"

The pup stuck his tongue out in contentment as the girl's gentle hand caressed his head. He sensed the importance of the day for her, and with that quiet understanding, he settled into perfect obedience, eager to be on his best behavior.

***

The dappled sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting intricate patterns on the forest floor. Maple and birch trees, their bare branches braving the biting cold of winter, stood alongside the resilient pines, creating a vivid tapestry of colors that blended seamlessly into the tranquil woods.

Thalia strolled beside Daisuke—a quiet and nerve-racking stroll on her part—her heart racing with every breath of the crisp air. The cold nipped at her rosy cheeks, prompting her to tug her scarf tighter, but her gaze couldn't help but wander to the man beside her. Even in silence, his drop-dead gorgeous looks were as captivating as ever, his presence effortlessly drawing her in, even when his eyes weren't on her.

He was wearing a navy-blue coat with silver embroidery along the chest and shoulders, paired with silver-metal pauldrons for light protection. Underneath, he had on a simple white shirt, open at the collar, showing a pendant around his neck. A brown leather belt held small pouches at his waist, and his grey-brown pants were tucked into knee-high leather boots. The coat's tail flowed behind him as he moved, giving him a sleek, practical look.

All of a sudden, Thalia felt a shiver run down her spine, settling into places she wouldn't even dare to mention. Without warning, Daisuke had taken ahold of her hand, his butterscotch eyes narrowed as he glanced around.

"I-Is something wrong?" she squeaked, her voice tinged with concern as she tried to follow his troubled gaze.

"Just a few nuisances," Daisuke murmured back nonchalantly, his right hand moving in a blur sporadically as he sent dark projectiles flying in several directions.