Sam unlocked his door and stepped inside, holding it open for Asia.
"It's not far. You sure you're okay stopping by?"
Asia nodded with a grateful smile. "Yes. Thank you again."
She walked in behind him, rolling her small suitcase gently across the wooden floor. The way she entered—calm, unhesitating—caught Sam slightly off guard.
She didn't hesitate. Didn't flinch. She trusted him.
He frowned to himself. You just met me. What if I wasn't a good guy?
Still, he said nothing. Just kicked off his shoes and gestured toward the living room.
"It's not fancy, but it works."
Asia took in the space with wide, curious eyes. Minimalist, clean. A folded blanket on the couch. The hum of the fridge. No decorations, but somehow… warm.
Then came a faint movement behind them.
Sam turned—and there she was.
Tiche stepped out from the hallway, her dark clothes hugging her frame, arms folded loosely as she leaned against the doorframe. Her gaze flicked to Sam first, then to the stranger beside him.
"Oh," Sam blinked. "You stayed home today?"
Tiche's expression didn't shift, but there was a subtle tightness to it.
"You didn't need me today."
That alone raised a brow.
Sam muttered under his breath, "Could've fooled me."
He turned to Asia. "This is Tiche. She's sort of my… caretaker. Helper. Whatever word works."
Asia bowed politely. "It's very nice to meet you, Miss Tiche."
Tiche studied her for a moment. Then—surprisingly—she returned the bow, shallow but respectful.
"Likewise," she said, her voice smooth, steady. "You don't smell like trouble."
Asia blinked. "Ah—thank you?"
Sam gave a short laugh. "That's high praise, coming from her."
"I mean it," Tiche added, stepping a bit closer. "You feel… calm. Safe."
She looked at Sam. "That's rare, even for someone like her."
Asia tilted her head. "Like me?"
Tiche didn't elaborate, but her tone gentled. "You've been hurt. But you're not bitter. I can respect that."
Asia's smile flickered—touched by surprise, but genuine. "I… thank you."
Sam blinked. "Okay, wow. Are you feeling okay?"
Tiche shot him a look. "I'm not a statue, Sam."
"I dunno. You had a solid two weeks where I thought you were half ghost."
"I didn't know if you'd survive that long."
"…Fair."
He moved toward the kitchen, unloading groceries onto the counter.
"Anyway, I was gonna cook something simple. Rice, egg, broth. That okay with you, Asia?"
Her stomach answered before she could—loud enough to echo slightly in the quiet apartment.
Her hands flew to her cheeks. "Oh no—I'm so sorry—!"
"You're fine," Sam said, grinning. "Take a seat. It's not a feast, but it's food."
As he began prepping, his fingers moved on instinct. Chop. Pour. Stir.
Something nudged faintly in the back of his mind, but he brushed it off for now.
Tiche stepped into the kitchen, leaning near the window with arms crossed.
"She's very polite," she noted.
"She's been through a lot," Sam replied, cracking eggs into a bowl. "She deserves a break."
Tiche's gaze lingered on Asia. "She believes in people too easily."
"Yeah. I noticed." He didn't look up. "Still. It's kind of refreshing, you know?"
Tiche gave a soft, almost imperceptible hum.
Sam plated the rice balls and egg, laid out three bowls, and called out,
"Alright, table's ready."
Asia rose from the couch, hands clasped politely. "You really didn't have to do all this."
"I did it for me," Sam replied, sliding her a bowl. "You just happened to benefit."
Tiche took her seat across from Asia, lifting her bowl with quiet efficiency.
"He's lying. He cooked extra because he knew you'd say yes."
Sam sighed. "Et tu, ghost-ninja?"
Asia giggled—small, musical.
Tiche glanced at her, then at Sam.
"She's good for your mood."
"Don't start playing matchmaker."
"Didn't say I was."
They ate in silence for a moment—comfortable, warm.
Sam stirred his rice, and as he did, a subtle ripple passed through his mind.
Not visual. Not even audible. Just… known.
[Main Quest Complete: Proximity Achieved – Main Cast Located]
Reward: Silver Advantage Skill Ticket
A pause. Then—
[Trust Gained: Asia Argento]
Reward: Silver Trait Ticket
His expression didn't change. But he took a long sip of broth and glanced sideways at Asia.
Not bad for a grocery run.
---
The last of the rice bowls sat empty on the table, chopsticks resting across porcelain edges. Sam leaned back in his chair, absently sipping the remains of his tea while Asia held her cup with both hands, posture still carefully polite.
A quiet peace settled in the apartment. Not awkward, but fragile—like the hush after a storm.
Outside the window, dusk had crept in unnoticed. The sky glowed with the warm hues of a fading sun, casting long shadows across the floor.
Sam blinked, eyes narrowing slightly.
"…It's getting late."
Asia followed his gaze to the window and gave a soft gasp. "Oh… I didn't realize it was already evening."
"Edge of town's not exactly a short walk," Sam murmured, frowning faintly. "And I'm guessing the place you're looking for isn't lit up like a hotel lobby."
Asia nodded slowly. "It's an old church. I don't even know if it's still active."
Sam glanced at the clock, then back at her. "You'd probably reach it after sunset. Not the safest timing."
She smiled gently, but there was a flicker of unease in her eyes. "I've traveled at night before."
Sam opened his mouth to reply—
"She can stay."
Both turned toward the voice.
Tiche stood beside the living room, already clearing the table with a casual grace. Her expression didn't change, but her tone left no room for argument.
"…Stay?" Asia asked, wide-eyed.
Tiche nodded once. "You're not walking alone to the outskirts of town in the dark. You can sleep here. Just for the night."
Sam blinked. "Where?"
Tiche tilted her head, as if it were obvious. "The couch. I'll rework the living room into a temporary sleeping space."
Asia clasped her hands to her chest. "I don't want to impose, I—"
"You're not," Tiche said evenly, already setting bowls in the sink. "I've done more for people who deserved it less."
Sam rubbed the back of his neck, glancing between them. "You're serious?"
Tiche looked at him. "Would I say it if I wasn't?"
"…Fair point."
Asia looked between the two of them, visibly overwhelmed. "I—thank you. Truly. I didn't expect this kind of kindness."
Sam gave her a small, tired shrug. "Sometimes, life throws you a good curveball."
Tiche disappeared into the hallway, already gathering blankets and folding cushions.
"I'll set things up. Just don't let her trip over your combat boots."
Sam muttered, "They're by the door…"
Asia laughed softly.
"Thank you," she said again, quieter this time, but filled with something earnest. "For everything."
Sam met her gaze, and for a moment, his usual guarded walls thinned.
"You're welcome."
And for the first time in what felt like weeks, the apartment felt less like a refuge… and more like a home.
---
Sam closed the door to his bedroom with a soft click and exhaled through his nose.
The lights were low, casting a faint amber glow over the minimal space. His jacket hung by the corner, the dog tags on his chest lightly tapping together as he sat at the edge of the bed.
He rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"Okay," he muttered, opening his palm. "Let's see what jackpot I hit this time."
The Silver Advantage Skill Ticket shimmered faintly before dissolving into glowing script.
You may choose one of the following:
– [Intimidation](Rare): You are skilled at intimidating others, invoking fear with your presence alone. Instinctively, you know how to stand, speak, and move in ways that inspire dread.
– [Intermediate Kama Sutra](Uncommon): You are well-versed in the arts of physical pleasure. This skill enhances your ability to read partners' responses, heightens sensual awareness, and improves your performance in intimate situations.
Sam blinked.
Then blinked again.
The room was quiet for a long moment.
"…Right," he said flatly. "Intimidation it is."
He didn't hesitate to confirm, but his brow furrowed in exasperation.
"Why was that even an option?"
As if the system had heard him (and it always did), the second ticket materialized: the Silver Trait Ticket.
He rolled it without ceremony.
New Trait Acquired – [The Taker](Elite)
All female infernal, holy, and divine beings are more naturally drawn to you. Their affection gain rate is increased. Additionally, you find them more attractive on a subconscious level.
Sam stared at the glowing text.
Then slowly tilted his head back and groaned into the ceiling.
"What are you trying to make me?" he muttered aloud. "That's the fourth damn one. Golden Shot, Lethal Charm, Kama Sutra, and now this? What the hell?"
He threw himself back onto the bed with a dull thud, staring blankly at the ceiling.
"I swear if I roll something like 'Demonic Fertility' next, I'm uninstalling this world."
The room stayed silent, the system wisely saying nothing more.