Tears of Themis – Dates with Luke

In this post, I will summarise the dates or outings with Luke that are only available through the card stories. The focus is on uncovering new aspects of Luke’s personality that can help us to understand him and his backstory better. The stories are listed in the order that I got them.

Background: Luke lost his parents at a young age and ended up being cared for by your parents. Both of you grew up together until high school. After that he left for the capital to pursue a degree in bioengineering and you haven’t seen him for the last 8 years as he had been secretly recruited as an agent of the National Security Bureau. Finally reunited, some things never change but perhaps some things have.

Hobbies: Luke enjoys tinkering with all kinds of gadgets and is the person you can depend on to fix anything up. He also enjoys investigative work, having always regarded Sherlock Holmes as his role model, and is a genius at solving puzzles. He is very fit and exercises daily. With his training at NSB, he is combat fit and adept in use of all kinds of firearms.

Feelings about MC: Luke has always loved you, perhaps first as a younger sister. While he was separated from you, he began to recognise those as romantic feelings and hoped that he can marry you someday. However his shortened life span due an accident during a mission had made him reluctant to pursue you. He feels sorry that he had gone missing in your life for the past eight years and knocks himself for leaving you to grow up all alone. Your lack of awareness of his feelings and disregard over your physical proximity with him puts him in a constant struggle. Luke can be rather a worrywart for you – he worries about your lack of exercise, penchant to skip meals, bouts of insomnia and physical safety in your line of work.

Feelings towards Luke: MC regards Luke as an older brother whom she enjoys pranking, teasing and solving problems together. Though both of them have grown up into young adults in these 8 years, she still behaves as if they are still in their teenage years, goofing around with one another. Perhaps one day she will understand that the love she has for Luke goes beyond family ties. MC realises that in the years spent apart, Luke has become a different person and is beginning to develop her own romantic feelings for him. MC wants Luke to be able to live for himself without putting her on a pedestal.

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Inner Sanctum (SR)

One day, Luke invites you to assist him on an assignment to retrieve a cassette tape from the mansion of an old couple who had already moved out. The old lady wanted the tape to help her ill husband recover his memory after an accident a decade ago.

“I wanted to take you out for some fresh air and a little exercise. You’re actually in pretty good shape. It wouldn’t be an issue if I invite you to go mountain climbing, right?”

“You’ve already amazed me to no end lately, haven’t you? Miss big shot attorney.”

“This place has collected quite a bit of dust. Hold out your hand, I’ll put on the gloves for you. We’ll be going through a lot of stuff. It doesn’t hurt to be more careful.”

“The shelf is too tall for you. Let me handle it. You haven’t rested at all. Why don’t you sit down for a bit?”

After searching the whole house, the only place left to search is the study which is occupied by a very tall bookshelf. Splitting the work, Luke searched the top shelves with the help of a wooden ladder while you scoured the lower shelves.

“I wasn’t blaming you. I was just worried that you might get hurt if I fall over.“

However the layers of dust made the better work of both of you, causing Luke to fall from the ladder and you tripped as you tried to get away. You closed your eyes bracing for impact but it never came. Luke’s warm hands were at back of your head, acting as a buffer between you and the floor. You open your eyes, and Luke’s face is only inches away from yours. Being so close to Luke, you are able to see that he’s at a loss of what to do.

“Your eyes… they’re beautiful. It’s as if the stars in the sky are all hiding in there.” Luke lowers himself and you and him get even closer. The moment was interrupted when Luke’s key hit an accessory and he quickly stumbled back away from you, blushing from cheek to cheek.

“If it were me, the one thing I would never want to forget… would be you. What I mean is, I definitely won’t forget you, no matter what happens.”

“Ha, let’s not bring up the old embarrassing moments. I didn’t know any better back then. But having been separated for so long…I’ve come to understand some things…”

The cassette tape contained a love confession from the lady through the song ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ from the movie ’50 First Dates’.

“When we can say goodnight and stay together. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could wake up in the morning when the day is new. I believe that there’s no ifs between the two of us. I will make it all come true.”

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Radiant Sunlight (SR)

After you learnt that Luke never got the chance to take his graduation photos, you decided to conduct a belated graduation photo shoot for him so that while eight years have passed since both of you met, you could at least relive some important moments in his life.

“I’m sorry. I promised to attend your graduation ceremony no matter what… I was really pressed for time, and couldn’t even manage to have my graduation photos taken. Sorry for not having anything I can show you.”

“Stop staring at me like that… I can’t make that kind of expression towards you.”

“Um.. why don’t we take some high school yearbook photos as well? You can wear my summer uniform and I’ll wear the winter uniform.”

Under pressure from you about how you looked in the photos together, Luke couldn’t pull himself together to give the right answers.

“No. I think it looks great, just as you do right now. Uhh.. Oh! I’ll take the photo for you! How about that? I studied photography for a bit! Everyone has their best angle, you just need to find it. No no! That’s not what I mean! You look good from many angles… You’ve been beautiful for so many years… I’ve… “

Later Luke receives a customer at his shop. It was an old man who had dropped water on his entire photo album, damaging some of the photos in the process. He hoped that Luke could help him restore the photos of his late wife.

“I have always thought that memories are a type of comfort. That’s why I wanted to restore them but… he’s always holding onto this album in the more recent photos. He tries to smile, but there’s a sadness in his eyes. It’s the same even in the family’s group photos. I can’t imagine how he must feel when he’s by himself. The memories are beautiful when the person is around. But when they’re gone, beautiful memories become pain. If memories become the main source of pain, maybe it’s better to never have those memories to begin with.”

“Let’s take a break. There’s no rush to head back. You must be tired as well from all the walking. You were changing the foot you stood on back at the animal statues to rest your feet, weren’t you?”

Turned out the rest stop at the amusement park after a day of helping restore the old man’s photos was pre-planned by Luke. He saw how disappointed you were not being able to ride in the pumpkin carriage for your graduation photos and playing with sparklers with your family.

“In the end, everyone started making figures of whatever came to their mind. And I made this… (a portrait of you lit by golden sparks). I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to keep my promise.”

“It’s a trick question again! I won’t fall for it again! You tricked me again! Oh I’m gonna get you now!”

Having spent a great day reliving your graduation ceremony with Luke, you suddenly had an epiphany on how you can help the old man. As the fireworks overhead were too loud, you place your lips directly on Luke’s ear to repeat what you said. When you finished talking, Luke’s cold ears were burning hot.

We cannot avoid regrets, just as we cannot avoid goodbyes. But all we can do is to hope to cherish what is in front of us, rather than regretting not doing so until it’s been lost.

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Among the Great Blue (SR)

You’ve been suffering from insomnia for three days since the conclusion of a difficult case. Luke invites you to camp with him in the oceanarium under the blue waters to help you sleep.

“It’s been three days. Why didn’t you call me earlier? I can always chat with you.”

“I’m already awake, so why don’t I chat with you until you fall asleep? A fair amount of chatting helps you relax, and it’s good for your sleep. Don’t underestimate me. Don’t worry, talking won’t affect me much (while exercising) or… do you not want to talk to me?”

At the oceanarium, you marvel at the beautiful moon jellyfish as Luke shares his knowledge about them with you.

“I think it’s more about the meaning of life. Life is short, and one should enjoy every second of it.”

As Luke continued with his commentating of the jellyfish, he had inadvertently gathered a group of children around him. A disgruntled young boy disagreed with what Luke said and ran off. Turned out his parents had neglected him during the excursion and were now frantically looking for him. You volunteered to help look for him at the nearby beach.

“I do agree that we should be thankful for what we have, but I don’t think we should ignore the pain of those that have nothing. No matter how big or small the issue is, or how old you are, the pain you feel is still very real. I don’t think you can compare one’s agony with another’s. Everyone copes differently. I can’t say I understand how you feel, or that I’ve been through what you have. But I promise I’ll listen to everything you have to say.”

“But they keep looking… not because they will definitely find company, but because there is hope of finding one.”

“A lucky person’s lifetime is cured by childhood, while an unlucky person’s lifetime is spent curing childhood. I am very luck to have the best family in the world!”

“Always a part of your family, huh… Guess that’s better than nothing.”

As you settle to sleep, you helped Luke to dry his hair and comb it down so that it won’t be a mess the next morning. With the sounds of nature and Luke’s familiar scent next to you, you soon drifted off to a deep sleep. You woke before dawn and found that Luke had left his mattress so you got up to look for him, and found him hunched up in pain at a corner. You rushed up to him to ask if he was ok and he quickly explained that he just had an embarrassing moment and didn’t want you to pry further.

“Last week, when I came here to solve a case. I knew you would like it back then when I first saw it!”

“You don’t have to repay me. Instead… How about you just call me the next time you need someone? How can I not be (bothered by it)?! You used to tell me everything. Are things different now after 8 years of separation? Who was it that said I was family yesterday, all lies! Fine, I’ll forgive you in light of your good attitude.”

“By the way, we’re heaving seafood for breakfast today! Why not? Means it’s fresh, no?”

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Timely Rescue (SR)

You and Luke decided to check out the new airsoft arena that had just opened in Stellis. It was a crowded weekend as everyone else seemed to have descended to try out the new games. You decided on The Treasure Map game where you play against 9 other teams of two to four to collect treasure map pieces to reveal the location of the treasure.

After getting into your combat attire, Luke offers to help you adjust and tighten your straps. As he did so, you recall how he used to help you get your hair out of your backpack zippers. Back then you were the same height but now he’s much taller. As you turned to look at him strapping you in, you accidentally brushed your forehead past his lips triggering an awkward moment between the two of you.

Once the games began, you and Luke sprinted to a safe location to store the tracker on you while strategising how to win the game. Luke observed that majority of the teams had four players, made up of experienced players who are big and burly. Since your team had only two people and with you being inexperienced, the others might attempt to take you down first. “Not a credible threat? We’ll make them regret that!” Luke tells you confidently that both of you will win the game with flying colours. I’m guessing you haven’t figured out what Luke had been doing all these years…

As two teams approach you, you hunker down to defend your position. At this moment, you observed Luke is already in position to take down your assailants. It seemed like you finally realised that Luke had muscled up all these years and his expressions had taken a cold steely look that you never seen before. You can’t help feeling that he looks really good. When Luke finally caught you gawking at him, “What is it? You keep staring at me.” You keep explain away that you’re trying to learn how to spot your enemies from him.

Luke quickly took out the enemies and retrieved their map pieces. You realised that he wasn’t boasting when he said he would win this game. Luke shared that the research project he worked on was half-military so he had ample opportunities to master all types of firearm and close combat skills. Before long, you had gathered 6 out of the 10 map pieces. Though victory was close at hand, you felt down as you had contributed nothing to the process.

When you explained to Luke that you wanted to enjoy the game by actually playing it instead of having Luke carry you through it, he apologised. In his enthusiasm, he had only been focused on winning. You offered different ways in which you can contribute but Luke disagreed with each of them claiming that you either didn’t have the experience, expertise or stamina to do so. In your anger, you threw a tantrum that this was just a game.

Just then both of you came under attack from the remaining teams. They have decided to team up to take down Luke first. You noticed that the strongest team had now gathered the remaining pieces and was stealthily heading towards Luke’s location. You needed to alert him of this danger so you caused a distraction which made your opponents reveal their location. Luke used this opportunity to take them out. However you also got hit in the leg as a result which now renders you immobile.

To take down the last team, Luke comes up with a strategy that involved you. Though you knew that he could have easily done it alone, you were touched that he went the extra mile to include you. Finally your team has all the map pieces which revealed the treasure location 5 km away and only 20 minutes left to arrive there. With your current condition, there was no way you would be able to get there in time so you told Luke to go on ahead while you wait for him here. However Luke refused to back down. Without another word, he carries you on his back and starts sprinting towards the location. “I said we’re gonna win together. Hang on tight!” That was actually quite touching, perks of having a man who is really strong.

When you tried to resist and ask Luke to put you down,

“You’ve had your fun, but I’ve yet to achieve my objective. You may have given everything you’ve got, but I haven’t… So, how about you let me have my fun too? I’m going to win this with you.” You finally relented and asked Luke to let you down so that you can remove all your equipment so that it would be easier for Luke to carry you. “You know… I’ve been wanting to do that for a while, but I was afraid that you’re gonna run as soon as I let you down…” That’s quite a funny and rather childish thought but I guess it only comes as Luke has grown up with you.

Luke also decides to remove his gear, then he uses his t-shirt to wipe his face, revealing his abs beneath. You immediately blush at the sight. You commented that Luke is really different now, that he looked so dashing in full gear and how adept he was with the gun. Luke coughed in embarrassment. Then both of you continued towards the treasure location as Luke carried you on his back. You are grateful that Luke had always given you the sense of reliability and security. You cheered him on as both of you achieved your victory together.

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Iridescent Heartbeat (SSR) – Mysteries of Lost Gold

During your vacation, you were over at Luke’s place helping him to clean up his antique shop to pass time. While going through his things, you found a pair of tickets to the soft opening of Nosta Theme Park. When you told Luke about the tickets, he shared that he had originally planned to surprise you with a fun-filled excursion but after reading reviews about the rides, he thought twice about going with you as many of the rides had limited the safety devices in order to maximise the thrill of danger. But you finally convinced him to bring you there, so off you go, back to Nosta again.

Two days later, you find yourself onboard the plane bounded for Nosta. As you stare in amazement at the themed interior, you noticed that Luke was busying himself with a tablet. Apparently he was reading about all the negative reviews of the park. You told him not to read those as it would affect his experience, but he rebutted that knowing these would help him to better prepare for what-ifs. You tried your best to assuage him of his fears so that both of you can relax and enjoy the trip.

“I know that I overthink things too much sometimes, but that’s only because… that’s because… I really, really like you. I like you so much that I don’t want anything bad to happen to you. So, don’t hate me… don’t get tired of me… okay?”

And this is precisely why I cannot bring myself to appreciate Luke.

After checking into your hotel, it was time to plan your itinerary. Luke immediately suggested safer activities which is unlike his personality. In order to convince him that it was alright to let loose, you suggested doing the bungee jumping instead. After queuing two hours for your turn, you regretted your decision as you peered over the platform.

“Who was it just now that said: ‘Let’s do the two-man bungee jump and chase that thrill of danger!’ Now she’s all scared and we haven’t even jumped yet.” When you denied it, “Oh? Then why’s your leg shaking?” To which you replied that it’s because you were excited.

Not wanting to call you out, Luke pulls you into an embrace to calm you down. When you asked him what he was doing, he replied, “What am I doing? I’m preparing to make the jump. Didn’t the instructor tell us to make sure that our movements are in sync? I just chose a position that meets that requirement and lessen your fears…. that’s all.” Trying hard to be smooth, Luke.

When you refuse to admit that you’re afraid, Luke tells you that there is no need to act tough around him, and that he would be with you through it all. “If you’re scared, then just look at me. I will always, always, protect you.” Looking into his eyes and held in such an embrace, you’re not sure of how to feel until the operator broke the awkwardness with a cough, informing you that it’s time for your jump.

Later, while recovering from the exhilarating experience, you realised that the bindings around your leg might have been too tight causing some discomfort in your ankles. However you are loathed to complain about it, fearing that this would make Luke worry again after all your effort to help him relax. However it wasn’t long before Luke noticed something was wrong with your feet and he quickly examined it. You told him it was fine and you just needed to rest for awhile.

“You’ll really let me know? You won’t pretend that nothing happened just like you did just now? So long as I don’t find out? You’ve always been like this. You never say anything, shouldering everything by yourself, but I… But this accident could have been prevented. It’s all my fault. I didn’t check the equipment properly back on the platform. I didn’t protect you well enough. I shouldn’t have… let my guard down. And now you’ve paid for it…” Now that he is in a state of self-reproach, your sunshine has turned all gloomy. Inwardly your heart aches to see him like this but it also stirred up anger within.

You tried to reason with him that it wasn’t just his fault and that you too were careless, so why not just treat this as a learning experience. When he continued to self-loathe, you finally lost it and turned away from him in anger. Luke tried desperately to soothe your anger by apologising and treating you to cotton candy. When you refused to budge, he finally relented and agreed to go canyon rafting to make it up to you. Looking at his pleading sincere eyes, you couldn’t be angry for long and insisted that he promises not to be behave like this anymore.

You told Luke, “Remember, when we are together, we face everything together.”

As the rafting guide goes through the safety precautions with both of you, Luke interjects with his own advice, probably as someone well versed in rafting too. As he rambles on, you realise that Luke hasn’t grasped the real reason why you were upset with him and was overcompensating with his protectiveness. You continued to reason with him – that while it’s good to prepare for accidents, he shouldn’t be paranoid or there is no way either of you would enjoy the experience. When you realised that he isn’t going to understand your point of view, you decided to make a bet with him.

For the duration of the canyon rafting, you would call the shots so that you can prove to him that you can be safe and have fun without preparing anything beforehand. However, not too soon after the instructor left you, you began to realise that rafting wasn’t your cup of tea as you continued circling in the same spot. Luke tried to intervene but you refused to give in, causing the raft to rock even more violently and you started to panic. Luke quickly brings the situation under control and explained what you did wrongly gently. You finally relinquished control back to the better player. I can so identify with this feeling, the price of being stubborn!

Both of you spent an enjoyable time rafting in the sea as you take in the beautiful scenery of the island. Finally, Luke guides both of you to a sea cave which you hadn’t seen on the map. He had planned this as a surprise for you. At the right moment, the sunlight bounces off the sea cave walls to form a brilliant rainbow that stretched across the surface of the sea. Luke explained that this was a rare natural phenomenon that could only be seen after rainfall. When you asked him how he knew about this, he shared that he read this from an online guide where some tourists had shared about this little secret haven, underscoring the importance of being prepared.

Considering that Luke’s preparedness had certainly won over your desire for spontaneity, you apologised for what you said to him earlier and that you had lost the bet. Luke quickly replied that there was no competition between the two of you. He also agreed with you that it was sometimes more interesting to go with the flow too. Just then you spotted a double rainbow. In his excitement to steer the raft into a better angle, Luke causes the raft to capsize. Your mind goes blank as all sounds were muffled by the water. As you struggled to get out, a pair of strong arms wraps around your waist and pulls you up.

Heaving a big sigh of relief that both of you were fine, you attempted to return to the raft. However Luke restrains your movement by tightening his arm around your waist. “Let’s stay like this for a while. Just for a bit.” Luke promises that he won’t make you angry by sweating excessively over the small stuff anymore. You told him that he can’t guarantee he won’t slip up again, but you assure him that no matter what, you would always be with him. So he can be confident about being himself.

Upon returning back to Stellis City, Luke realised that this trip had given him time and space to heal both physically and mentally. He had finally overcome the emotional hurdle inside – he realised that he may take things too far when it comes to you, protecting you from all dangers, hoping that you’d never get hurt. Now he recognises that sometimes he just needed to go with the flow and look forward to more adventures together.

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How I Remember You (SR) – Symphony of the Night

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Peaceful Place (SSR) – Romantic Rail Getaway