Chapter 37.5: A Sassy Stroll Through Starcove City
The lights of Starcove City shimmered like stars brought down to Earth. Vapor and Rosie strolled through the busy streets, hand in hand, taking in the vibrant sights. The air was filled with the aroma of food stalls, the hum of chatter, and the occasional burst of laughter. It was the perfect night for a date—or so they thought.
“So,” Vapor said, flipping his hair dramatically as they stopped by a street vendor. “What should we eat first? Something sweet, salty, or me? Because clearly, I’m the snack here.”
Rosie snorted, nudging him. “You wish, Mr. ‘I Can’t Go Five Minutes Without a Sassy Comeback.’”
Vapor smirked. “Oh, honey, don’t act like you don’t love it. You know this attitude is part of the package. Besides, I could have anyone in this city swooning, but I chose you. Feel special yet?”
Rosie rolled her eyes but smiled. “I’m honored, truly. It’s not every day I get to date Star Island’s sassiest adventurer.”
“Correction: most fabulous adventurer,” Vapor retorted, striking a mock pose. “But yes, you’re lucky. And humble, of course.”
They wandered toward a lively café and grabbed a table outside, where they could people-watch while they ate. The waiter approached, barely getting out a greeting before Vapor interjected.
“Let me guess, you’re wondering if I’m a celebrity, right?” Vapor asked, leaning on the table. “It’s okay. I get that a lot. I’ll just have a milkshake. Strawberry. And make it pretty—like me.”
The waiter blinked, unsure whether to laugh or run away. Rosie bit her lip to suppress a laugh.
“I’ll have the same,” she said, waving the waiter off.
As the waiter left, Rosie leaned closer. “You know, if you keep scaring people like that, I’m gonna start charging you for emotional damages.”
“Oh, please,” Vapor said, swirling the straw in his water. “You’re dating me. That’s already priceless. Or should I say... timeless?” He raised an eyebrow, his gaze meeting hers.
Rosie blinked. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I don’t know,” Vapor admitted, shrugging. “Sometimes it feels like we’ve been dating for a really long time. Or maybe it’s just all the dramatic chapters we’ve been through lately.”
Rosie tilted her head, her eyes narrowing. “...Chapters?”
“Yeah, you know,” Vapor said nonchalantly. “Chapter 37, Chapter 35, Chapter 35.5. I mean, it’s like we’ve had more plot than actual dates.”
Mira's Voice is heard from a distance screaming"THERE WAS NO CHAOYER 35.5"
Rosie’s expression flickered with confusion before she shook her head. “You’re so weird sometimes, Vapor.”
“I know,” he said with a sly grin. “But you love me for it.”
Their milkshakes arrived, adorned with whipped cream and colorful sprinkles. Vapor picked up his glass, raising it like a toast.
“To us,” he said dramatically. “The couple who somehow makes chaos look cute.”
Rosie clinked her glass against his. “And to you, for never missing a chance to make everything about yourself.”
“Guilty as charged,” Vapor replied, taking a long sip. “But seriously, Rosie. You’re amazing. And not just because you put up with me.”
Rosie softened, her playful demeanor giving way to something genuine. “You’re not so bad yourself, Vapor. Beneath all the sass, there’s actually a really sweet guy.”
“Oh, don’t ruin it,” Vapor said, waving a hand. “I’ve got a reputation to uphold.”
---
As the night went on, the pair explored more of the city, stopping by a carnival where Vapor insisted on trying every ride and game. Rosie couldn’t stop laughing as Vapor’s sass extended even to the carnival workers.
“That dart board was rigged,” he declared, holding a tiny plush fox he’d won after three attempts.
“Sure it was,” Rosie teased. “But hey, at least you got something out of it.”
“Yeah,” Vapor said, handing her the plush. “Here. It’s not as cute as you, but it’ll do.”
Rosie blushed but quickly masked it with a smirk. “You’re laying it on thick tonight, aren’t you?”
“Always,” Vapor replied, wrapping an arm around her.
As they walked under the carnival lights, Rosie leaned her head on his shoulder. “You know, this has been one of our best nights yet.”
“Obviously,” Vapor said, glancing at the camera—or maybe just the sky. “I mean, what could possibly top this?”
Rosie frowned, looking in the same direction. “Why do I feel like you just jinxed us?”
“No idea,” Vapor said, smirking. “But hey, at least we’re still adorable, right?”
She sighed, shaking her head with a laugh. “Yeah, we are.”
And with that, the two continued their date, blissfully unaware of what chaos the next chapter might bring. For now, they were just Vapor and Rosie—two lovestruck adventurers enjoying their moment in the spotlight.
