My Neighbor and I are (NOT) on a Date!

Friday, September 2nd

Over a week had passed after the fundraiser event at Sky’s high school and her bold action of “stealing” a selfie with Super Cop Officer Roads had become the talk of the campus for several days. Some teachers believed it to be a scandalous act, but since the Police Officer didn’t seem quite troubled by the act, they didn’t reprimand Miss Aoi. Sky’s friends, however, were constantly teasing and calling her out over her actions as well as poke fun at how she staked her “claim” over John.

Initially, Sky was embarrassed and feeling overwhelmed by her act of reckless bravery. But as the days went on and she realized that Johnny remained, for the most part, unchanged by this action, she felt she didn’t need to apologize too much. Then again… every time she looked at the picture of herself and Johnny - with her big smile and his embarrassed look, she couldn’t help but wonder if she had crossed a line she shouldn’t have! Still, Johnny didn’t talk about it nor did he look bothered by it afterwards. It was as if nothing new had happened to him… which was kind of annoying for Sky who expected a different reaction from Officer Weirdo… especially after she took a chance and did the unthinkable! Not even a scolding or a look of disapproval. He was, as usual, completely unchanged.

Putting all those things aside, she continued to feel happy and excited over the possibilities of what could happen in the future! She had found her “special someone” and it showed on how she behaved during her livestreams.

“Let me ask you, buddies… Have you ever found your ‘special someone’ yet? ‘Cause I got a feeling that must be one of the most wonderful feelings in the world! To know that there’s a person that could make you feel like you can take on the entire world but also be scared of how hard your heart is beating when they’re near you…” Sky was trying her best during her streams not to reveal anything regarding Johnny or her feelings for him - she knew he occasionally checked her channel, not to mention Detective Fanman…

“I really wish we can all find that ‘special someone’ one of these days. I want all of you buddies to have that wonderful feeling too… To feel strong and weak at the same time. That’s kinda crazy isn’t it? Hehehehehe!”

Sky always showed her sweet and bubbly side during her streams. This time, she was showing her viewers the “girl in love” she was now.

“We wish the same for you, Blue Sky!”

“I wanna find that ‘special someone’ too! Cheer for me Sky!”

“You want to be my ‘special someone’, Sky-chan?”

“You go girl! Keep that ‘special someone’ close! Sounds like a great catch!”

Sky felt incredibly grateful that her fans were encouraging her to follow her heart and were talking amongst themselves about finding love and being happy. The livestream had reached a milestone she never thought she’d reach in a single stream: 250K views - in one night!

Ever since Johnny had become a part of her life, influenced her, cared for her and shared some heartfelt moments with her, she realized this had not just had positive effects on her person alone, but also her passion for livestreaming. She felt she had to show her appreciation to Johnny in the only way she knew she wouldn’t make a fool out of herself…

For Johnny, the events that transpired on August 24th at Robert Brewster High School were deeply embedded in his memory and couldn’t get it out of his mind!

He recalled the way he spoke to the students in Sky’s classroom, he remembered giving them O’Malley’s speech to remind them of why he did what he did and recalled when he played a little soccer with the varsity team.

What he kept repeating in his head was the way Sky looked throughout the day. The way she looked at her with those honest eyes, letting her chaotic feelings rule over her thoughts, how she joked around with her friends and how she cheered for him while he was playing - the fire in his heart burned ever stronger knowing she was encouraging him.

And then there was the “theft”...

Against all his expectations and all he believed could’ve happened in that day, he never expected to be ambushed by his neighbor, give him an impish smile and then grab his arm in order to take a selfie of herself with the loveliest smile he’d ever seen on her and him looking like an idiot in front of the entire school and his partner, Officer Banks! When Nick poked at him to find out what was wrong with him, Johnny said nothing and simply hid everything he felt at that moment behind his usual poker face and laconic language.

He couldn’t openly admit to having a crush on Sky. The implications were too much for the stoic officer. When he discussed the matter with Det. O’Malley, the jolly mentor’s face had dropped a bit and showed great concern - as if Johnny had made a mistake or something.

“I was afraid this was gonna happen, boy.” O’Malley had said to the distraught Johnny while they shared a drink off-duty, “It couldn’t be helped, in the end. You two spend a lotta time together an’ she’s very kind to ya.”

“But, this is wrong… I shouldn’t… I mean! I cannot have these feelings for Sky! She’s my neighbor… and she’s-”

“I know, Johnny. And that’s probably why you’re feelin’ very conflicted by this ‘crush’ of yours.” O’Malley had explained to Johnny in a way he knew the young man would understand. “Feelin’ like this isn’t a bad thing. Havin’ feelings for a nice gal like Missy isn’t a bad thing, Johnny. In fact, I’m actually happy to know there’s somethin’ else in yer heart other than an ol’ man like me or yer job. Feelin’ like this CAN be a good thing.”

John felt conflicted by this revelation - having these feelings could be good, even though he’d seen evidence of the opposite: People tend to act wrongly because they allow their emotions to get the better of them. He had been one of those people before…

“However,” O’Malley had pointed out, “you still need to remember the reality of your situations.”

John knew perfectly well what his mentor was referring to: the age difference.

“Just remember, Johnny, never put emotions before your principles. Soon enough, things’ll change, and you’ll both be ready to pursue what yer heart’s wantin’.”

John hadn’t completely understood that last comment O’Malley had said. But he did get the gist of it… Principles first. Feeling like this wasn’t bad. Be mindful and careful.

He would have to navigate his slowly growing feelings for Sky along with his duty as both an officer of the law as well as a man of principles… for both their sakes.

8:21 PM at Sky’s Apartment

Sky and Johnny were just finishing having dinner. Detective O’Malley couldn’t make it that night due to having to handle a case so he had to cancel at the last minute. While it was a bit of a downer that they wouldn’t be able to enjoy the funny stories of their elder, both John and Skylar understood it couldn’t be helped.

In fact, one of them was eager to have some alone time with the other since she had a plan. The other was being overly cautious of what he would say or do so as to not burden her with his current existential conundrum.

“Hey, Johnny,” Sky said to her guest while he was still juggling with some ramen noodles, “Do you ever dress in anything other than those out-dated suits of yours? I mean, when you go to work, do you wear sweatpants and a t-shirt or something? Or just the suits?”

John turned to look at his host, finally giving up on trying to use chopsticks to carry noodles to his mouth. Her questions caught him a bit by surprise.

“I only wear these suits for my daily routine to work. Obviously I wear my uniform when I’m walking the streets. But when I’m not in uniform? Yeah. I usually only wear these. Just like Det. O’Malley. Why do you ask?”

“Don’t you think there is something… wrong with that kind of outfit?” Sky arched a skeptical eyebrow at John who looked at himself like he might’ve gotten a stain on his clothes.

“Something wrong? Is there some kind of problem with the materials? Did I lean against some wet paint again?” He kept checking himself, but seeing as he didn’t have any signs of damage or stains on his outfit, he was confused.

“That suit is a crime against all fashion.” Sky dropped a bomb which made John’s face freeze with shock. “You look like a teenager who’s borrowing his dad’s wardrobe!”

“I… umm… erm…” For once, Johnny was at a loss for words! Sky never held back her words, but this time it felt a bit… much. He pulled a bit on his shirt and then looked at her, who was nodding at him confidently. “Is it THAT bad?”

“Johnny, you know I’m right on this. I wouldn’t lie to you!” Sky said those words, which oddly made her feel empowered, especially when she said them to Johnny, “You need to start thinking about changing your wardrobe.”

“W-What’s so wrong about this outfit? It fits, it’s practical and-” John was trying to build his case when Sky leaned forward and pointed at him to get his attention.

“You want to be a Detective one day, right Johnny?” He nodded at her question, “Well you need to look the part already! No disrespect to Det. Fanman, but his style doesn’t work on you. You gotta project competence, presence and authority the moment you step up. You need to look the part of a True Officer of the Law, not a burnt out salaryman! You’re Johnny Roads, Super Cop! It's your duty as an officer of the law to project that authority. Best way to do that? New fashion, Johnny!"

After Sky delivered her speech, she realized she’d raised her voice so much that John was staring at her like she had just spoken to the Nation! She caught herself a moment and blushed a bit, especially since Johnny was staring right into her eyes with intensity.

John’s mind was racing to try and find a way to refute her claims or her logic. But they were flawless in his thoughts! She was right! If he wanted to be taken seriously as an officer and a future detective, he had to look the part as much as act like one! Sky called it his duty. Of course it was his duty!

The fire in his chest flared up once more as he stood up nodding at Sky with sharp confidence.

“You’re absolutely right, Sky! I have to do something about it! But…” His confidence suddenly diminished when he realized something, “I’m absolutely no good when it comes to fashion statements or picking a style…”

Sky’s eyes sparkled with opportunity as she went over to Johnny and placed her hand on his shoulder. Her lips curled into an arrogant smirk and proudly held herself.

“Leave that to me, Johnny!” She declared feeling excitement building in her heart! “I, Blue Sky - Rising Livestreaming Star will help you! Fashion is MY area of expertise, hehehe!”

John’s heart skipped a beat when she flashed that same impish smile she’d given him when she stole that selfie with him. But seeing her like this - confident, sure of herself and speaking without hesitation about things she was an expert in, made him admire her even more… and also made him unusually conscious of his feelings again.

“Alright, Sky. I’ll leave the choice of clothes and style to you.” John reached out his hand to her which she took with a giggle, sealing the deal. “Should I expect you to send me some instructions via message?”

“Oh! I have a different idea, Johnny…” Sky giggled with mischief again. “You’re off tomorrow Saturday right?”

“Y-Yeah? Why?” John looked even more puzzled by the sudden change in Sky’s demeanor.

“Tomorrow, you and I are going shopping!” Sky declared with excitement.

“Wait… WHAT!?”

Saturday, September 3rd

11:15 AM at Seaview Bay Mega Mall

Johnny hadn’t been this nervous in a long time. Standing outside the entrance of the mall while off-duty was something he hadn’t planned on, let alone for the reason Sky had told her!

A Makeover…

He had heard people mention that sort of thing before, but he wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Sky had told him that he needed to change his wardrobe and looks if he wanted to project authority. He looked at himself wearing a simple pair of dress pants, white shirt and his regular shoes, and he didn’t understand what was wrong with this style. His hair was still a bit shaggy and sometimes got on his face when he wasn’t wearing his cap. Perhaps she saw something different that he didn’t.

He would have to trust her. In the world of fashion he was a complete rookie. Sky had built a reputation online through her fashion advice and tips to improve one’s style. She would be his guide in this perilous mall trip.

“Hey, Johnny!”

When John heard those exact words, his heart raced and felt the fire within it appear again. He was more aware than ever of the effect Sky was having on him, so he had to keep himself calm, at least on the surface. When he turned around, he saw her…

Sky was jogging towards him with a worried look on her face. She had been the one to suggest they meet up there at 11:00 AM since John usually spent his Saturday mornings with some of his coworkers practicing for the next Police Talent Show.

She was dressed in a neat, fitted navy blue blazer with a white trim detail along the lapels and pockets, a cozy white cable-knit sweater worn underneath the blazer, peeking out at the collar and sleeves, a high-waisted A-line skirt featuring a prominent blue and white plaid pattern, bright white knee-high socks, a pair of loafers with a simple strap and buckle, a stylish navy blue crossbody back with a silver chain strap, her usual blue hair clips which helped accentuate her auburn hair and blue highlights, she had styled her loosely, but she also had a hairband at the ready if she had to fix herself into a practical ponytail and, as usual, she was carrying her smartphone adorned with blue faux-jewels as her trademark of Blue Sky.

Johnny remained silent and simply admired Sky’s natural style and pretty looks. Seeing how his heart was pounding a bit he realized something - he was in good hands.

“Sorry for arriving a little late! I was trying to fix my hair a bit wavier today but my tools failed on me in the end. So I had to improvise!” Sky smiled sheepishly as she tried to apologize.

“I’d say the wait was worth it.” Johnny smiled honestly, “You look so pretty.”

Sky caught herself blushing intensely! Johnny had never complimented her on her looks like that before! He’d always give compliments on her skills as a cook or whenever she explained something about her Japanese culture or her passion for streaming. Never had he said something about her looks - until now!

“Th-thanks…” She tugged at her hair for a moment realizing how much his honest words had affected her again.

“Oh God… this is simply too much… It's Great! But it’s too much! Being complimented by the guy you’re crushing on is simply the BEST!”

“So,” Johnny interrupted her inner monologue, “where should we begin?”

“R-Right! First, we need to understand this assignment.” Sky cleared her throat a moment and adopted a ‘serious’ expression as she addressed Johnny. “Officer Roads! Today we’re going to transform you from Officer Weirdo to Officer John. We’re going to find the best outfit based on your age, size and needs.”

Johnny stood at attention and saluted her. “Yes, Miss Aoi!”

“We’ll then see about changing your hairstyle.” She pointed at John’s shaggy hair which prompted him to brush some of it from his eyes. “The clothes are only a part of the makeover. People need to be able to see your face and your eyes, Johnny! It’ll also make you look less scary.”

“Wait… I look scary like this?” John looked at Sky in shock.

“Sometimes! I mean, no offense, but the day we met you kinda gave me the creeps!” Sky could see that her words had the effect of making John freeze up due to the realization.

“... So Nick was right…” John looked crestfallen for a moment until Sky patted him on his shoulder.

“That’s where I come in!” She smirked looking smug. “Johnny, when we’re done here, I’m gonna make you my masterpiece!”

The officer looked at the confident look in Sky’s face, but all he could feel was dread.

“I-I’ll follow your lead then.” He finally said, accepting his fate.

“Alright!” She boldly grabbed onto John’s arm and began to drag him inside the mall. “Let’s go, Johnny! Time’s a-wasting!”

12:21 PM

Sky had been dragging Johnny around the mall for a while now, taking him from store to store to try and find the right style for her crush. Johnny had suggested trying a simple department store to get some generic clothing but was immediately shot down by Sky - she would not allow him to even pitch in! And given his lack of fashion sense, it was well justified.

Every store they had visited was a marathon of Sky rushing through the counters and the displays looking for pieces of clothing that might fit Johnny who was simply standing there holding the dozens of pieces of apparel for him to try on. But when she held them in her hands and imagined Johnny wearing them she was either appalled or downright creeped out. She was struggling to find the perfect outfit but every time she thought she found it it turned out something didn’t work out in the end.

“Oh boy… I never thought this was going to be so difficult!” Sky complained openly as she kept pulling Johnny throughout the mall.

“I guess I won’t be able to escape my ‘fashion criminal’ record…” Johnny made that awkward comment which seemed to flare up Sky’s frustration.

“Oh no! We’re not quittin’ Officer Weirdo! I’m gonna turn you into a proper fashion citizen if it’s the last thing I do!” Sky pouted angrily as she stood her ground.

“Errm… alright, Sky. Just… don’t overdo it alright?” John genuinely looked a bit concerned seeing Sky so fired up. He knew she was passionate in almost everything she did, but this time was determined to succeed.

They finally made their way into a high-end gentleman’s apparel shop which seemed to fit the type of vibe Sky was looking for in Johnny’s outfit. The store clerks were eyeing the trendy young lady and the fashion reject gentleman she was dragging along with her, and smirked to themselves with a haughty look. One of them approached the pair while the girl was inspecting some jeans with a discerning look while the gentleman was simply looking around - until their eyes met. The clerk suddenly felt a cold chill crawl up his spine at the intense look this man was giving him!

“G-Good afternoon. Can I help you find something appropriate for-?” The clerk suddenly had to stop approaching when he noticed that the man was now staring at him as if he were a dangerous intruder or something!

STAY AWAY FROM HER!

The clerk could almost feel the energy of this man threatening him to keep his distance, forcing him to back away and hide behind the counter.

“Ooooh! I think these jeans would look good on you! What do you think, Johnny?” Sky turned to look at Johnny who had instantly turned to look at her in the eye with a soft smile.

“I think those are a good option. Durable, stylish, practical and in a color I like.” He chuckled kindly to her which made her blush. She was unaware of the wall he had placed to protect her from the clerks. “Mind if I take a look around on my own? I might want to get something for Det. O’Malley, like a tie or something.”

“Sure…” Sky looked a bit puzzled by this, but knowing him, he was just going to look around.

Sky had finally made a decision on the ensemble she was hoping to see Johnny try on: a rugged yet sharp black leather jacket, a high quality white button up shirt that wouldn’t strain against Johnny’s torso when he went all “Officer Roads” on someone, the blue jeans he had given the go-ahead and a pair of lace-less black boots. She could picture Johnny wearing this outfit and thought it might just work, even for a weirdo like Johnny.

“If this works, Johnny will upgrade substantially! He’ll say something like: ‘Oh! Sky, you’re a miracle worker! You’re so brilliant, and beautiful! And… and…’”

While Sky was in the middle of her inner fantasy, the clerks noticed that she suddenly burst out giggling like a giddy little girl! Her face had turned bright red at the thought of Johnny complimenting her again!

“Okay! Gotta focus, Sky! Let’s check how MUUUUUUCH!!!!???” When Sky inspected the price tags for each piece of clothing, her heart sank and a feeling of embarrassment mingled with guilt washed over her. “HOLY CRAP!”

“Is something wrong, Sky?”

Sky was suddenly startled by the reappearance of Johnny who was looking at her with concern in his eyes. This made her feel even more aware of her mistake! If he knew what she was trying to put her through by suggesting these items!

“Crap,crap,crap,CRAP,CRAP! If Johnny sees this he’ll blow a fuse and get furious! What on Earth were you THINKING, SKY!?”

“Oh! Umm… nothing! I… I just thought that… umm…” The way he stared at her with those honest and trusting eyes made it impossible for her to lie to him! She didn’t want to lose his trust this early in their… relationship. “Well… you see…”

She showed him the price tags on each piece of clothing and closed her eyes expecting an outburst of anger. All she heard was a soft “I see” from Johnny.

“We’ll take them all.” Johnny announced to the store clerks as he took out his wallet and his credit card.

“Wait, what!? Johnny, please don’t! These are expensive clothes! You don’t have to put yourself through-” Sky saw him take the clothes from her hands carefully, signaled the clerk who carefully took the items from John and went straight to the counter.

“The cost is substantial, yes. But I live frugally, Sky, as you already know. I spend my money only on necessities: utilities, food, and the equipment for my two hobbies. My savings are vast because I never spend. This purchase is not for luxury; it is a professional investment. You convinced me that looking the part is essential for my duty. Therefore, the expense is justified.” He nodded at her as if sealing the deal, which helped her realize something.

Johnny didn’t care about material wealth or buying stuff that he didn’t need. His discipline and principles allowed him to save up enough to consider this kind of expensive purchase as a necessary investment for his future. Sky had to reconsider a few things about John that she hadn’t thought of before… she couldn’t judge or measure his commitment to his way of living with the same biases she’d been carrying all this time. She needed to grow up…

Sky and Johnny walked out of the apparel store with Sky pouting a bit with frustration. She’d wanted to see Johnny try on the outfit she’d chosen for him, but he had to respectfully hold back on that with his usual simple logic:

“We’re going to the hair salon, so I cannot bring new clothes and have them ruined with my hair falling on it. Also, I cannot in good conscience try this on until my entire look is ready. I don’t like to do things in half-measures, either we do this right from the start or we might as well pack it up and go home.”

Sky couldn’t argue with his logic, even if she didn’t like it.

“You know you can be a little pushy sometimes, Officer Weirdo. Not a good thing when you’re hanging around with a girl.” Sky fumed as she watched Johnny smiling in an apologetic way.

“Well, nobody’s perfect. Right?” John looked at her with a kind side glance which caught Sky off guard.

“Darn it! There he goes again saying those things that make my heart skip a beat…” Sky tried to keep her blushing hidden through her pouting.

“So, where is this hair salon you recommended?"

“Ah! Right! It’s just around the corner.”

1:07 PM

The arrival of a couple to the most popular hair salon in the mall wasn’t something that surprised the head stylist, Stephan. He was the most sought out artist of hairstyles around these parts and he always attended couples, would-be influencers and popular celebrities from the city.

This particular couple, however, made his eyes twitch…

The girl was the perfect picture of style, trending fashion and a gorgeous mane of auburn hair with a tasteful shade of blue highlights which accentuated the young lady’s outfit.

The gentleman, on the other hand, looked like he had just rolled out of an office building after an evacuation. His clothes, his manners and his hairstyle? Ugh! Crimes against humanity!

The moment Stephan approached the young lady, he felt a sudden intense chill running up and down his spine. The source? That fashion criminal was staring at him like he was some sort of threat to the girl!

When the girl caught sight of him, Stephan smiled at her and nodded in greeting.

“Welcome to Caesar’s Hair Salon, Miss! Please, make yourself comfortable and tell us, how may we aid you in improving your dazzling good looks?” Stephan was turning up the charm and his business acumen for this pitch. He knew trendy girls like this one always went for the most expensive treatments, the most expensive styles and fashions believing that they would help enhance their looks. All garbage in the end, but what they didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them.

“Oh! I’m good. Thanks! I know my way around here.” The girl’s simple smile and dismissive wave of her hand shocked Stephan.

“How DARE she!? She knows her way around here? Puh-lease!” His eyes followed the girl as she moved over to the fashion criminal who was fidgeting with the shopping bags. The girl said a few things to the man who nodded and approached him.

For a moment, Stephan noticed that this man had suddenly changed… he stood taller and straight. And by the looks of things he worked out since his wrinkly shirt suddenly straightened out from the strain of containing his chest!

“I need a haircut.” The fashion criminal said to Stephan in laconic fashion.

“R-Right! Of course! This way please!” Stephan guided the gentleman to his corner while the young lady followed. “Excuse me, miss, are you with him?”

“Sure am! Johnny here couldn’t really find his way around fashion even with a map and GPS.” Sky flashed an impish smirk towards Johnny who looked at her with embarrassment.

“Could we go easy with the ‘fashion criminal’ thing, Sky? It’s embarrassing enough for me already.” Johnny sat down on the chair offered by Stephan, immediately losing that intensity he had displayed a moment ago.

“So, mister Johnny, was it?” Stephan said in a friendly tone.

“John.” The officer said coldly.

“Erm… John. Right. Apologies. So, what kind of style are you looking for, Sir?” Stephan didn’t want to make another faux-pas with this intimidating gentleman, so he simply kept it professional.

“Ask the young lady. She knows best.” John glanced at Sky with a trusting smile, which made her blush a bit. Stephan saw this and sighed internally… how cliché.

“I see… well then, what’ll it be, young lady?”

“Oh! You can call me Sky, no worries!” Sky smiled and approached the chair where John was sitting, standing opposite of Stephan with John between them. “What we need for Johnny here is to make his hair look modern but also showing stylish authority. A slicked back hair style with a dash of dynamism! Johnny likes to run in the mornings, so he needs it short to avoid overheating or getting some of it in his eyes. So, let’s go with short on the sides, mid length on top, slicked back to show off his face. You got all that, mister?”

Stephan was taken aback! How could this girl speak like she was a stylist like him!? The nerve of this girl to come into HIS kingdom and try to rule over it!?

“Apologies, young lady, but wouldn’t it be best to leave this sort of work to the experts?” Stephan’s snide remark made Sky’s eyebrows twitch and her mouth to twist in outrage. “I’m sure you probably watched a video online on how to bring out the good looks of a person and all that jazz. But when it comes down to it, it’s the TRUE professionals who know what’s best for the customer.”

“Hey! I know plenty enough to be considered a professional too, Mister Fancypants!” Sky’s anger flared up as she confronted Stephan. “I’ll have you know I give fashion advice online through my streams! I know what I’m doing!”

“Oh! I see! So we have an online ‘celebrity’ amongst us! My apologies.” Stephan said those words with such a condescending tone that it made Sky’s temper rise exponentially. “Last I checked, REAL influencers and online celebrities earn millions of views. So how many followers and views do YOU have, missy?”

Sky was backed into a corner now. She couldn’t fight back against the truth of the matter. She was a rising star, but she hadn’t reached the amount of views or clout to be truly considered an online celebrity.

“Why don’t we ask the gentleman here?” Stephan turned to look at John who had remained very quiet all this time and simply kept his usual stoic face. “Who would you truly trust, Sir? The perfect skills of a truly dedicated professional artist like myself? Or the silly advice of a silly girl who only thinks they know better?”

This was bad! Johnny was the type of person who endorsed professionalism over everything else! If the hairstylist gained Johnny’s support, her plan would be ruined!

But at that moment, John stood up and turned to look at Stephan with a cold, hard stare. Sky had seen that glare when Johnny had scared off the landlord and those times he went “Officer Roads”!

“I trust Sky completely. If she believes this is what’s best for me, then I’ll trust her judgement on this.” John reached out one of his hands towards Sky, which she took softly. His hand held on to her firmly, but he wasn’t hurting her. The warmth of his touch made her blush intensely!

“H-He… He really… trusts me that much…? Could it be? No! NONONONONO! It’d be too much!”

“Let’s go, Sky. If this is what a ‘truly dedicated professional artist’ does around their customers then we’ll take our business elsewhere.” John’s threatening presence made Stephan back away a bit.

Just then, the owner of the salon came running towards John and Sky who were about to walk away.

“Wait! Please! Officer Roads, please wait up!” Being called out with his professional title made both Johnny and Sky stop on their tracks.

“Can I help you, Sir?” John stood between this new arrival and Sky, effectively protecting her. She was still a bit dazed by the fact that John kept holding her hand…

“I apologize for the rudeness my employee has shown today. Please, if you’ll allow it, I can have any of my free stylists to help you and your lady friend.”

“Do I know you, Sir?” John looked a bit skeptical.

“I’m not sure if you do, but I sure know who YOU are, Officer Roads. You saved my daughter’s life and that of her family during that fire in their apartment building a few weeks ago. Please, Officer Roads, let me thank you by offering our services - free of charge!”

Sky suddenly felt a wave of emotion in her chest again. Hearing of Johnny’s actions and how his work impacted the lives of other people made her feelings for him evolve… she didn’t just love him for his kindness towards her, but also his selfless actions towards others.

“I appreciate the offer, Sir, but I’d have to insist on paying for services rendered. Your daughter’s gratitude and the fact that no one got hurt is reward enough for me.”

“SO COOOOOOOL!!! Johnny’s #1! Number One in the City! In the Country! IN THE WHOLE UNIVERSE!!!!” Sky tried to hide her excitement and emotions from Johnny who was still talking to the owner. If he turned to look at her she wouldn’t be able to contain herself and hug him!

“You’re so gracious, Officer Roads. Please, come this way. Stephan, we’ll talk later…”

“Yes… sir…” Stephan sat down on a chair in defeat while Sky smiled both in triumph and excitement!

Johnny and Sky were escorted by the owner to another part of the hair salon where another stylist was ready to listen to their request. The nice stylist listened to Sky’s words and even made a few suggestions of her own to compliment her intended vision of Johnny’s transformation. Both the streamer and the stylist came together in an alliance with Johnny’s new looks as their main goal!

John was more relaxed now as he realized that Sky and the new stylist understood each other and cooperated in this massive endeavor - to turn Officer Weirdo into Officer John Roads. When the stylist began her work, Sky sat behind him, but they each could look at each other’s eyes through the mirrors.

For a moment, all they did was look at each other while the stylist continued to work. A few minutes later, Sky got a call on her phone but she wasn’t getting a good enough reception within the salon.

“I’m sorry, but I gotta take this call! I’ll be back soon alright?” Sky excused herself to the stylist before casting another look into John’s eyes. His gaze softened to signal that he’d be fine now.

Once outside the salon, she spoke into her phone:

“Okay! Hello? Who’s this?”

“Good afternoon, Miss Blue Sky. We apologize for disturbing you on a Saturday, but we wanted to reach out to you for a while.

I represent Lady Blue Cosmetics and we’d like to extend an invitation to collaborate with us in a small marketing campaign we’re starting in a few weeks. We’re starting a new line of cosmetics for young ladies of your age and we’d like to ask if you could endorse our products during some of your livestreams.”

Sky started to feel excited again! She had made her own money thanks to these sorts of deals, so she was aware of what they expected and what she’d get out of it.

“I’d love to know more details about this before I make a decision. Is it okay if you could reach out to me next week? I’m kinda in the middle of a… date…?”

“OH MY GOD! I went and said it!!! A date? We ARE on a date, Johnny and me, right, RIGHT!? No,no,no,no! This ISN’T a date! It’s a ‘fashion experiment’ - a mission to help Johnny change! Totally NOT a date! Not… yet… anyway…”

The voice on the other side of the phone was heard chuckling softly.

“I understand. Apologies for interrupting your date. We’ll contact you later with the details. In the meantime, I’ve sent you a message with my e-business card. Feel free to call us with your questions. Enjoy your date!”

“T-Thanks! I-I will!” Sky hung up the phone and sat down for a second. A lot of things were happening at the same time and quite fast too! She needed to return to Johnny as soon as possible.

When she returned to the hair salon she noticed that John wasn’t on his chair! The stylist was waiting patiently by a dressing room. John hadn’t left her since the bags of the clothes he’d bought earlier were there, but they had been emptied!

“W-Where’d he go?” Sky asked in a slight state of panic.

The stylist smiled benevolently at Sky and pointed at the dressing room. The sounds of someone moving around inside could be heard. Johnny was in there!

“Johnny? Is everything okay?” Sky asked softly.

“Y-Yeah! Just… give me a minute!” Johnny called out from the other side.

Sky sat down on the same chair Johnny had been sitting on a few moments ago. After a few moments, the door knob jittered and the door opened.

Sky’s eyes grew round with surprise when she saw Johnny step out…

The shaggy hair was gone… the ill fitting outfit he’d worn had been discarded…

His hair had been expertly styled. Short on the sides and mid-length on top, swept back and slightly up from the forehead. His face was in full display, emphasizing his strong jawline and sharp gaze.

He wore the outfit Sky had picked for him - the blue jeans fit him perfectly to his long limbs without restraining his athletic frame.The boots he wore gave him comfort as well as practicality. The white shirt he wore looked like it had been made specifically for him since it didn’t strain nor hide any of his strong torso.

When he stepped out, he put on the leather jacket in a simple movement to finish the ensemble. He walked closer to where Sky was and scratched the back of his head looking a bit embarrassed.

“So, ummm… h-how do I look?”

John was left blinking in confusion as he noticed that a lot of people were gawking at him. When he turned to look into Sky’s eyes, he noticed that she was completely at a loss for words and blushing intensely.

Inside Sky’s mind something similar to a heavenly choir could be heard. Seeing Johnny after his makeover hit her like a ton of bricks!

“OH.MY.GOOOOOODDD!!! Is THIS Johnny? MY JOHNNY!? Where’s Officer Weirdo!? He’s GONE! No Officer Weirdo! OFFICER HOTTY! JOHNNY HAS GRADUATED TO OFFICER HOTTYYYYYYYY!!!”

…Sky…. Okay….?

“What am I gonna do!? This is TOO MUCH!!! I never expected him to be THIS good looking! My experiment was such a massive success, but this is WAY beyond my expectations! What if someone else wants to dig their claws on MY Johnny!? He’s HOT! Others can see it too! I know it!”

…are…. Skylar!...

“Ahhh… so this is what it feels like to fall in love with your own creation… My Johnny… My Officer Hotty!”

“SKY! Are you alright!?”

“Eh?”

Sky suddenly realized she must’ve spaced out for a good while, because she was laying on a couch while Johnny was looking at her with concern in his eyes. Now that she could see his face clearly she realized how handsome he looked, even when he was clearly troubled by something.

“I’m fine, Officer Hotty… I was just… thinkin’ how good you was lookin’...” Sky was still talking in a daze, completely mesmerized by how Johnny looked.

“She’ll be fine, Officer Roads. I believe your lovely companion just wasn’t ready to see your new looks.” The owner had been watching over both customers and helped put Johnny’s mind at ease. “I dare say you might’ve overloaded the young lady’s heart too much! Hehehehe!”

The rest of the staff giggled amongst themselves while Sky blushed profusely. John helped her sit up. Having him so closer to her made her feel even more bashful.

“Geez… you had me worried sick. You just sat there staring at me like I was a freak. Glad to know I actually pulled it off.” He turned to the salon staff and smiled. “Thank you all for helping Sky make me a better man.”

This made the entire staff blush and swoon! Sky caught that and realized that now that Johnny was good looking AND had perfect good manners, his charming personality would make him even more popular!

“I have created a Monster!”

2:57 PM

Sky was still processing the fact that her initial “pet project” of helping Johnny get a makeover resulted in something far beyond her imagination.

After they left the hair salon - she needed to get Johnny away from all those ladies who wanted a piece of him, she kept noticing that people were looking at them, noticing how she clung to Johnny’s arm and how they both looked good together. This had caused her to keep blushing and feel dizzy from all the emotional overload she was suffering. John had suggested they have a light meal to relax for a moment. This didn’t help… Everywhere they went, girls would look at Johnny and swoon. She could almost sense whenever they tried to take a picture of him which prompted Sky to throw a threatening look at them.

“STAY AWAY FROM MY JOHNNY!”

The girls would immediately get scared and scampered off elsewhere. Johnny remained oblivious of this as he enjoyed his meal. He didn’t look too satisfied with his choice of food…

“What’s wrong, Johnny?” Sky asked innocently.

“It’s not the same. I prefer your cooking over any of this.”

Sky’s heart felt like he’d dropped a bomb on it again!

“HOW IN THE WORLD IS THIS GUY SO CUTE!? You just know how to destroy me, Johnny!”

“Errm… well! It can’t be helped!” Sky said nervously. “Maybe next time we’ll bring our own stuff?”

“You mean like a picnic? I’d like that! I’ve never been on a picnic before. Maybe by the beach?” Johnny smiled at her.

“Johnny and me… having a picnic… at the beach!? Wait! Does that mean I’d get to see him in swim trunks only?” Sky’s head began to puff up steam as her thoughts ran wild!

“I guess that’d be too much… People might start thinking we’re on a date or something.”

Now, after their meal, Sky was simply walking aimlessly with Johnny. She thought of how quickly things evolved from one day to the next! Johnny had been the nicest guy she’d ever met and now he had the looks to be considered “almost perfect” - he still couldn’t cook to save his life. But that just meant he was human… What did he always say? Nobody’s perfect. So this was fine too!

“Hey, umm… would you like to step inside this shop?” Johnny got her attention prompting her to look at there he was pointing.

“Ice cream!? I’D LOVE TO! I LOVE ICE CREAM!” Sky’s face finally lit up with a bright smile which made Johnny’s eyes sparkle a little.

“I love ice cream too! Huh! Seems we do share something in common, eh?” Johnny laughed softly and smiled.

She’d never seen him smile and laugh like that before. The more time she spent together like this, the more she saw a part of Johnny she’d never seen until they started hanging out together. Could it be that they had helped each other change after all?

Everything that happened afterwards was a bit of a daze for Sky. They had walked into the ice cream parlor, patrons and staff looked at the two of them and thought they looked cute together, which went over Johnny’s head but landed squarely in Sky’s heart!

She ordered a cup of strawberry, vanilla and blueberry ice cream. Meanwhile, Johnny added a double scoop of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. After paying and stepping outside to enjoy the outdoors for a while, they sat down under the shade and enjoyed their treat… and the occasional brain freeze!

Sky was still adapting to these new changes and would probably need a little time to settle down. While she was enjoying herself, she kept noticing that people were looking at both her and Johnny wherever they went now. Before he had changed, no one paid attention to him. They just saw him as she’d seen him before - a weirdo. Now people could “see” him. Comments from people passing by were always directed on how good they both looked together, which made her think more on one major possibility: Maybe they were meant to be together?

“You hear them, Sky?” John spoke which made her look up at his face. “It seems that people think we’re on a date or something. Guess it can’t be helped… we do look like it.”

“D-Does… does it bother you?” Sky managed to ask. “I mean! This could lead to a misunderstanding! Right? So… maybe this is a problem for you?”

“No.” He answered without missing a beat. “It doesn’t bother me in the slightest. In fact, this is a nice change of pace. Normally I’d be working out or doing something related to my work right now, which isn’t bad, but… it’s not always good either. Having fun like this isn’t bad at all.”

He turned to look at her with those deep honest eyes piercing through her own blue eyes. She felt her heart beating hard in her chest.

“I enjoy spending time with you like this.”

Sky’s face, for once, didn’t turn completely red - only her cheeks. No one in her entire life had said that to her… not her ex-boyfriends or even her best friends. This new sensation made her feel hopeful… hopeful that perhaps… deep inside the Officer… Johnny actually felt the same way about her.

“I… I enjoy spending… time… with you…” Sky looked down with a bashful look on her face.

“Hehehehe! Well, I guess we can look forward to more of these moments. Yes?” John smiled and reached out towards Sky, offering her a taste of his ice cream from his spoon. “Here, say: Ah!”

Sky’s face finally went completely red as she stared between the smiling face of Officer Hotty and the spoonful of ice cream he was offering to her!

“WHAT!? You’re feeding me from YOU spoon!? Does this count as an… INDIRECT KISS!? OMG!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME, JOHNYYYYYYY!?”

Sky slowly began to lean forward towards the waiting spoon that Johnny had prepared for her. Her heart was now pounding in her chest. The closer she got, the harder it hammered! She closed her eyes and prayed she didn’t make a fool out of herself!

“Ah…..”

It was sweet. Chocolate and vanilla. Different on their own. Together they made a perfect combination.

When she pulled back from the spoon, she opened her eyes to look at Johnny who smiled. “Good wasn’t it?”

5:24 PM on the way to Johnny’s and Sky’s apartment building.

Sky had been reeling over the ice cream incident ever since it happened. Her mind was racing to try and minimize the impact it had on her - it didn’t help. Johnny had acted like it had been the most natural thing in the world, but for her, it was the first act of intimacy she’d had with him outside of playful banter.

Sure! They were closer now and all that! But they couldn’t go any further than this! She knew that Johnny wouldn’t cross that line! And still! The fact that he didn’t realize that this “indirect kiss” happened left her both flustered and somewhat frustrated!

Johnny was the perfect guy in her book, but he was also a bit too oblivious of the effect he had on her. She hoped she’d be able to cope with this as time went by… or she’d go insane!

“Guess we’re just about done with today’s excursion.” He spoke softly as they arrived at their apartment building and began to climb the stairs to their floor.

“Y-Yeah… I had a great time… Johnny.” Sky’s voice was trembling a little. Still recovering from the day’s ordeal.

“About that picnic idea…” Sky looked at Johnny as he spoke. There was a look of expectation in his face. “I’d like to try that sometime, if that’s alright with you.”

Sky smiled softly and nodded. “Sure! I’ll think of something that’s easy to cook and carry. Maybe some sushi and-.... Johnny?”

Her voice fell silent when she noticed the hard expression in Johnny’s face. Now that his hair wasn’t hiding much of his expressions, she could clearly see the furrowed brow and intense gaze in his eyes.

“Sky, are you expecting visitors in your apartment?”

“N-No… why?” She suddenly caught a scent in the air… homemade cooking! Her eyes grew round with shock.

“There’s someone in your house… and I can smell someone cooking.”

Fear mounted inside of Sky… but it wasn’t for the same reason Johnny might’ve thought.

From inside the Aoi family apartment, the sounds of running footsteps could be heard. Suddenly the front door burst open and an adult lady who was the spitting image of Sky appeared. She was dressed in a comfortable tailored suit and wore her hair up in a tight bun. Johnny could see the same playful smile drawn in this lady’s lips that he’d seen on Sky before.

“Sora-chan! You’re finally back!” The lady’s voice was bright and full of energy.

“Wait… Sora-chan? Sky, is this…?” Johnny turned to look at Sky in disbelief.

She nodded gravely and stepped ahead of Johnny.

“H-Hi, mom. Welcome back!” Sky managed to say weakly.

“OH CRAP!!!” Sky lamented inwards as her mother gave her an impish smile.

Well… does anybody else hear “Boss Fight” music?