Chapter 15: Got the School Beauty's Number!

Chapter 15: Got the School Beauty's Number!

When Chloe saw my beat-up scooter parked in the alley, there wasn't a single hint of disdain on her face. In fact, her eyes lit up with genuine excitement.

"Perfect! Riding a scooter in the cool breeze sounds amazing," Chloe said, a sweet, radiant smile breaking across her features that made even the afternoon sunlight seem dim by comparison.

And so, I climbed onto the driver's seat with two absolute beauties sitting behind me. As we zipped through the neighborhood streets, we turned into an eye-catching spectacle, drawing envious and bewildered looks from every guy on the sidewalk.

[System notification: Chloe's favorability toward Master has recovered to 50% (Ordinary Friend).]

I finally let out a massive sigh of relief. Her favorability was officially back in the safe zone!

Before long, we pulled into the driveway. Coincidentally, my parents' convenience store was swamped with weekend shoppers, so neither my dad nor my mom could step away. That left just the three of us in the house.

Cooking was second nature to me, and for Sierra, it was even easier. But what genuinely blew me away was Chloe. Despite being born into elite wealth, she tied on an apron and helped out in the kitchen with effortless skill!

With six hands working together, a delicious, sumptuous lunch spread was quickly set across the dining table.

Chloe and Sierra were both beaming, and seeing their bright smiles brought a genuine grin to my face too. If only time could stop right here—sitting at a table with two amazing girls, enjoying a home-cooked meal.

Unfortunately, time always flew when things were going well. Before I knew it, lunch was over.

"Thank you so much for your warm hospitality!" Chloe said politely, wiping her hands as she prepared to take her leave.

"Don't mention it! You're my brother's desk partner—come visit us whenever you have time," Sierra replied warmly.

"I definitely will," Chloe nodded, then glanced over at me with a soft smile. "I really didn't expect a guy like you to be such a great cook..."

A hot flush crept up my neck. Being praised by the girl I was trying so hard to pursue felt indescribably amazing!

[System notification: Chloe's favorability toward Master has increased to 55% (Ordinary Friend).]

Happiness really did come when you least expected it. One home-cooked meal had boosted her favorability by five full percent! At this rate, wouldn't a few more lunchs be enough to complete the synchronization mission?

Just as I was drifting into my fantasy, a painful pinch on my waist snapped me back to reality.

"Ow! Sis, what was that for?" I hissed, rubbing my side.

Sierra glared at me, leaning close to whisper angrily, "You stupid pig! She's leaving right now, and you're just standing there like a statue? Walk her home!"

"But Sis, I'm supposed to give you a ride back to Bellevue High for your afternoon review session!"

Sierra rolled her eyes dramatically. "I can take the bus! Hurry up and take care of your classmate. Don't waste an opportunity like this, got it?" She gave me a sly, encouraging wink.

As expected of my sister. She understood me way too well!

I quickly sprinted downstairs and caught up with Chloe as she reached the front gate.

"Chloe, let me take you home!"

The words flew out of my mouth before my brain could stop them, and an awkward silence immediately hung in the air.

I had actually called her Chloe out loud!

What would she think? Would she think I was being way too forward or pushy?

Chloe paused and turned around to look at me, her cheeks faintly flushed. She clearly hadn't expected me to address her so intimately either.

Damn it! I cursed internally. Why couldn't I control my tongue? I had just managed to rebuild her favorability—was I about to destroy it again?

To my shock, Chloe didn't scold me. After a brief hesitation, she offered a gentle smile. "Alright. You can drop me off at Riverside Garden."

"No problem!" I agreed instantly, practically glowing with relief. As long as her favorability didn't drop, I was golden!

I hopped onto the scooter, kicked the kickstand up, and revved the throttle.

"Your sister is really beautiful," Chloe remarked softly, her voice carrying over the hum of the engine as we merged onto the main road.

"Hehe, of course! You should know whose sister she is," I boasted proudly.

Unfortunately, I got a little too cocky. The front tire slammed directly into a hidden pothole in the asphalt, jostling the scooter violently.

"Ah!" Chloe gasped in surprise. Instinctively, her arms wrapped tightly around my waist to steady herself.

Sierra had hugged me on the bike plenty of times, but being held by Chloe felt entirely different. In her panic, she squeezed so tightly against my back that I could barely draw a breath.

"Th... that... could you loosen up just a tiny bit?" I squeaked out, holding my breath.

"Huh?" Chloe gasped, quickly releasing her grip as embarrassment washed over her face. "I... I'm so sorry!"

Her soft, melodic voice was right at my ear, sending my pulse skyrocketing.

For the rest of the ride, we chatted about school and everyday things, and before I knew it, the high wrought-iron gates of Riverside Garden came into view.

"We're here!" I pulled the scooter to a smooth stop at the security entrance of the luxury gated estate. I felt a mix of excitement and quiet reluctance that the trip was already over.

Chloe gracefully stepped off the bike, smoothing down her wind-tousled hair. She looked utterly breathtaking.

"Thank you for the ride, Zach," Chloe said sweetly.

I looked at her awkwardly, suddenly realizing that during this short afternoon, Chloe had spoken more words to me than she had over the entire past two years combined.

"N... no problem at all! It was my pleasure," I stammered out.

"Oh, right," Chloe added, reaching into her bag and pulling out a neatly organized binder. "Take a look at my review notes when you have time. I hope they help you with your NEE prep."

She handed over the valuable guide, turned on her heel, and began walking toward the gated courtyard.

At that exact second, an unthinking surge of courage took over.

"Chloe, wait! Can I get your phone number?"

The question burst out before I could filter it. Chloe stopped in her tracks and turned back, eyeing me in surprise.