Chapter 60 So Much In Common.
Hugo leaned against the door, squinting at the balcony where Lisa stood.
The moonlight seemed to frame her figure perfectly, her hair cascading down her shoulders like a scene straight out of a romantic movie.
Hugo's heart pounded as his mind raced.
"Alright, Hugo, this is it," he told himself. "Your redemption arc. The universe clearly felt bad about earlier. Why else would Lisa be alone on the balcony looking like... that? This has to be fate. Right? RIGHT?"
But another voice chimed in, dripping with scepticism. 'Or maybe she just needed some air, and you're about to make an idiot of yourself. Again.'
Hugo shook his head. "No way. This has to be fate. Cosmic alignment. The gods are rooting for me!" He stood straighter, puffed out his chest, and began his approach.
Halfway to the balcony, Lisa turned to look at him. Her eyes, sharp and green, locked onto his, and Hugo froze mid-step like a deer caught in headlights.
His nerves betrayed him, and his foot caught on something soft. He glanced down.
A padded bra.
'Why? Just why?!' he screamed in his mind as he stumbled forward, arms flailing. He managed to steady himself at the last second, wobbling like a drunk flamingo.
Lisa's laugh rang out, light and melodic. "Careful there! Balcony stunts aren't for everyone."
Hugo straightened, trying to salvage what little dignity he had left. Activated his aura of Zen in a quick burst to calm his nerves.
"That was a warm-up routine. You should see my main act."
Lisa raised an eyebrow, her smile lingering as Hugo finally reached her. She pulled a cigarette pack from her pocket and offered one to him.
Hugo blinked, hesitating. "Uh, no thanks. I don't smoke."
She tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Never? Didn't take you for the cautious type."
The way she looked at him—the tiniest smirk, the raised eyebrow—made Hugo's pride scream. "Cautious? Me? Never!"
He grabbed the cigarette with a grin that he hoped looked confident but probably just looked strained. "I've done crazier things."
Lisa chuckled and pulled out another cigarette for herself, lighting it with ease. She leaned in close, holding his gaze as she brought her cigarette to his, letting the tip catch the flame.
The moment felt electric!
Hugo froze. She was so close he could feel her breath on his face, smell her perfume—something sweet and slightly spicy.
Her lips curved as she glanced up through her lashes. "There," she said, her voice low and teasing. "Now take it in slowly. Don't rush."
Hugo nodded, determined to impress her. He took a deep drag.
Mistake.
The smoke hit him like a truck, and his lungs instantly rebelled. He coughed violently, doubling over as his vision blurred.
Lisa laughed, patting his back. "I said slowly, not inhale the whole thing like it's your last breath!"
The world spun. Hugo's head felt light, his knees weak. He grabbed the balcony railing, blinking rapidly as his vision turned white. "Lisa… I think I broke something. My brain, maybe?"
Lisa smirked, leaning against the railing. "You'll be fine. It's just hitting you for the first time. Relax."
As the dizziness subsided, Hugo managed to straighten up. He looked at Lisa, who was staring out at the city lights.
"So," he said, his voice a little hoarse, "why are you standing out here alone? Don't you have, I don't know, a party to dominate?"
Lisa shrugged, exhaling a thin stream of smoke. "Needed some air. Crowds get… stifling. What about you? Where's the girl you left the pool with?"
Hugo winced. "Yeah, about that… Let's just say I'm not her cup of tea."
Lisa smirked. "What, breathing humans aren't her thing?"
Hugo snorted. "More like she's into guys that are six foot five and 300 pounds of muscle. I've got neither."
Lisa chuckled. "Her loss, then."
Hugo smirked playfully. "And you? No hunk waiting inside?"
Lisa's expression shifted, a hint of something unreadable crossing her face. "Nope. No man."
"Why not?" Hugo pressed. Although he was rejoicing like a drugged cow inwardly, he couldn't let it show. It would ruin his bad boy image.
She flicked ash from her cigarette, her lips curving into a cryptic smile. "Let's change the subject. How about the weather?"
"Speaking of..." Lisa leaned against the railing, gazing up at the stars. "It's a nice night. Feels… nostalgic. Reminds me of home."
Hugo nodded, the cool breeze brushing his skin. He activated his aura of Zen once again to calm his racing heart before speaking.
"Yeah, same. It's got that calm, peaceful vibe. Makes me think of this Spanish diner back in my hometown. Best churros ever."
Lisa turned to him, her eyes widening. "Spanish diner? You don't mean Café Rosario, do you?"
Hugo's jaw dropped. "Wait, you know it?"
"Know it?" Lisa laughed. "I practically lived there! Their churros were legendary."
They stared at each other in shock, then laughed. Hugo couldn't believe this goddess in human skin also liked his favorite diner.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
"No way," Lisa said, shaking her head. "We're from the same town?"
"Looks like it," Hugo said, grinning. "Small world."
Lisa smiled, a warmth spreading across her face. "We have so much in common."
"Crazy," Hugo said, taking another drag.
The smoke hit him again like a truck. The world tilted, and the white haze returned. Hugo blinked rapidly, trying to steady himself, but everything felt distant and surreal.
Through the fog, he stared at Lisa, her face soft in the moonlight. The words slipped out before he could stop them.
"I like you very much."
Lisa blinked, her lips parting in surprise. Then she smiled, her voice soft. "I like you too, Hugo."
He couldn't see her clearly—only the white void. Emboldened by his inability to gauge her reaction properly, he blurted out, "Do you want to come with me?"
Lisa tilted her head, clearly amused. "Come with you where?"
"To the bedroom," Hugo said, his voice cracking slightly.
His heart raced as he awaited her response...
_____
Power stone Goal!
50 PS - 1 Bonus chapter
100 PS - 2 Bonus chapter
200 PS (Quite an achievement as of now) - 3 Bonus chapters.