Vincent Dark

You walk down the corridor of the club, stop at the mirror – and a panel flickers in front of you.

System notification (only you can see and hear): “In 6 months you can be kicked out of the house. Goal: 100 points of sympathy from the main character. Current sympathy: 5%.

Flashback: hospital, romance—and there you are, Vivienne Lahr, Chloe's replacement for the Chief. When Chloe returned (her family had gone bankrupt), Vincent took her back, and you were thrown out.

“Okay,” you whisper.

In the VIP lounge are Vincent, his friend, and Chloe. You sit on Vincent's lap. He doesn't push you away, sipping his whiskey. Chloe clutches her glass, her smile strained.

At home, in Vincent's mansion, you ask the system: — Tell me everything about Vivienne Lahr.

The panel flickers: Vivienne Lahr: *8 months with Vincent, platonic relationship.

• Expelled after Chloe's return. Birthday is in 3 weeks (last year Vincent was with Chloe)."

"I'll make him be with me that day," you decide. "What makes my affection points go up?"

System:

1. Kindness to Chloe (+5%).
2. Chloe is to blame for your trouble (+10%).
3. Closeness with Vincent (+20%).

You blink:

• Seriously?

Then firmly:

• Well, the game begins.