Chapter 6: Date

Caled and Quinn stood before Amelia with a small pouch of herbal leaves in hand. The quest was complete, and the two adventurers felt a sense of accomplishment. Amelia inspected the leaves with a careful eye before nodding in approval.

"Well done, you two," she said, her voice warm but teasing. "You've managed to work together without tearing each other apart. In fact, you seem… closer than ever." She raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Are you sure you're not a couple yet?"

Caled and Quinn exchanged a glance before bursting into laughter. The idea seemed ridiculous, yet neither of them denied it outright. Quinn's cheeks turned a faint pink, while Caled scratched the back of his neck, trying to hide his grin.

"We're just good partners," Caled said, his tone light. "Right, Quinn?"

Quinn nodded quickly, though her heart fluttered at the thought. "Yeah, just partners."

Amelia chuckled, clearly enjoying their reaction. "Well, whatever you say. Just don't let it affect your work." She waved them off, turning her attention to the next adventurers in line.

As they stepped away from the guildhall, Caled turned to Quinn. "Hey, how about we grab dinner tonight? To celebrate finishing the quest. My treat this time."

Quinn hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Sure. I'd like that."

The marketplace was alive with activity as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. The moon began to rise, its soft light blending with the warm glow of lanterns hanging from stalls.

Merchants called out to passersby, their voices mingling with the clatter of carriages and the chatter of townsfolk. The air was filled with the scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and sweet pastries.

Caled and Quinn walked side by side, their steps slow and unhurried. The noise of the marketplace seemed to fade into the background as they focused on each other. Caled reached out and gently took Quinn's hand in his. She looked up at him, her face flushing a deep red, but she didn't pull away.

Caled didn't say a word, but his actions spoke volumes. His grip was firm yet gentle, as if he wanted to reassure her without breaking the quiet moment between them. He guided her through the bustling streets, his eyes occasionally scanning their surroundings but always returning to her.

Quinn felt her heart race as she stole glances at him. The way he looked at her—like she was the only person in the world—made her feel special in a way she couldn't quite explain. She noticed how his gaze never lingered on the beautiful women they passed, how his attention remained solely on her. For the first time, she felt like she belonged in that moment, like it was hers and hers alone.

They eventually found themselves at a small, modest restaurant tucked away in a quieter corner of the marketplace. It wasn't fancy, but it had a cozy charm. The wooden tables were worn but clean, and the large window offered a view of the lively streets outside. A few other patrons sat scattered around, their conversations soft and muted.

Caled pulled out a chair for Quinn, his manners surprisingly refined. "After you," he said, his voice low and warm.

Quinn sat down, her cheeks still tinged with pink. Caled leaned in slightly, whispering something that made her laugh softly.

His eyes sparkled with genuine happiness, as if there was nowhere else he'd rather be.

As they ate, Quinn found herself opening up to Caled in a way she hadn't before. She told him about her childhood, about how she had always admired adventurers and dreamed of becoming one herself.

"I wanted to be someone kids could look up to," she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "Someone brave and strong, who could protect others."

Caled listened intently, his eyes never leaving hers. He asked questions, offered thoughtful comments, and praised her determination.

Quinn felt a warmth spread through her chest as she realized how much he genuinely cared about what she had to say.

The hours seemed to fly by, and before Quinn knew it, they were standing outside the door of Caled's inn.

The night had been perfect, and she didn't want it to end.

[Affection Meter: 90.]

Caled smiled softly, his voice breaking the silence. "I had a great time tonight, Quinn. Thanks for coming with me."

Quinn nodded, her mind still floating in a haze of happiness. "Me too," she murmured, though her heart ached at the thought of the night being over.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice Caled's hand gently tilting her chin up. Before she could react, his lips met hers in a soft, tender kiss.

Quinn's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly melted into the moment. His lips were warm and gentle, just as she had imagined.

The kiss was brief, and Caled pulled away, his expression apologetic. "Sorry," he said, his voice slightly shaky. "I didn't mean to do that out of nowhere."

Quinn didn't respond with words. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him back into another kiss. This one was deeper, more passionate. Caled's hands found her waist, pulling her closer as their lips moved together. The world around them seemed to disappear, leaving only the two of them in that moment.

When they finally broke apart, both were breathless. Their eyes met, and in that silent exchange, they said everything they couldn't put into words.

Caled's voice was soft but teasing as he spoke. "Do you want to come inside? To rest, I mean."

Quinn's face burned, but she nodded shyly. "Okay."

[Affection Meter: 95.]

Caled took her hand and led her inside, his heart pounding with anticipation. As they entered his room, he couldn't help but smile. The night had gone better than he had expected, and he knew that Quinn was already his.

For Caled, this was just the beginning. The red-haired brawler, strong and independent, was now firmly in his grasp. And he had no intention of letting her go.

[Affection Meter: 95.]

As the door closed behind them, Caled's smile deepened. His first heroine conquest was almost complete. Quinn, with her fiery spirit and kind heart, was now his. And he was ready to savor every moment of it.