Do You Enjoy Unrequited Love?

Is there anything worse than unrequited love?

You mustn't be like that, ma'am. View it as a challenge! Embrace it! Why don't you tell me all about it?

Oh no, you misunderstand. It's not me who has the problem. A friend of mine, he's an engineer, and he has his eye on a girl he simply has no chance with.

Interesting... I'd say this situation warrants further research.

Research, huh? How is someone else's love life any of our business?

Aldo, don't you see what a valuable case study this could provide?

If you really want to know more, you should speak to the man himself. He's been having a hard time concentrating on work, you'll probably find him moping around the tavern.

Oh my, his heartache is affecting his life that much? I really must meet this intriguing gentleman. He'll make a fine test subject... Tee hee hee...

Did you say "test subject?!"

Who are you? Leave me alone. I'm not in the mood to chat right now.

Don't be so hostile, friend. We came all the way here to meet you after hearing about your troubles of the heart.

You think it's fun watching people in pain, huh? Don't you have anything better to do?

This is not about fun. This is about my life's work; my mission to fill our world with love!

Why do I always get stuck with the crazies? Ah, whatever. Maybe getting it off my chest will make me feel a little better. It's like this: I visit a lot of people's houses on callouts, repairing machines and whatnot. That's how I met...her.

The object of your affection?

Yeah. The granddaughter of a rich man. She smiled at me, and I knew. I knew I could never love anyone but her.

Love at first sight, huh? So what's the problem?

As if she would ever give me the time of day. She's out of my league. She'll probably think I'm too old for her.

...... That...is...wonderful! Longing, guilt, inner conflict, this has it all!

Pom, try to have some delicacy! You really are enjoying this, aren't you?

Look at it this way, all we have to do is get her to notice you and you'll have your happy ending. Tee hee... I think I can do something about that. What do you say?

You mean we could be together? Sure, if you can make that dream a reality, I'll agree to anything!

There's a good boy. I just need something from you first.

Yowch!

A single hair. This will do.

You're up, Aldo. I'm going to need you to guide me somewhere.

Where is that, exactly?

There's a place called Moonlight Forest in your time, correct? I need essence from one of the monsters native to it. That's all we need to solve this problem! And I'll finally have a prototype of the love potion I've been working on all these years!

Hold it right there! You can't use something like that to manipulate people's feelings!

Don't be such a philistine. The fulfilment of true love is justice itself! Now take me to the forest this instant!

What a beguiling place! It's like something out of a dream. The cool atmosphere, the ethereal light... I'll bet this is a popular spot to come on dates, am I right?

Not really. No one comes here if they can help it. Monsters don't care if you're on a date, they'll attack all the same.

What a pity. It looks ideal for setting the mood and allowing affection to deepen...

You like it that much?

Even a man I usually care nothing for could appear charming against the backdrop of this secluded sanctuary ♡

You...don't mean me, do you?

Well, that all depends on... Oh! Look, over there.

Aldo, pay attention. Do you know what that is?

Wow, you don't see these around very often. Must be a rare species.

That's the monster I need for my potion. Slice it up at once! Chop, chop!

Splendid, I got the essence! After all these years, my dream is about to come true! Time to jump right in and test it. I just mix in one of my hairs, and...

Why yours?

It'll dissolve in the potion, then you're going to drink it. If you fall in love with me, we can call the experiment a success! ♡ I think I'll call this stuff "Charm Dose α."

Are you crazy? I'm not drinking that.

Come on, Aldo, we all have to make sacrifices in the name of science!

I never signed up to be your test subject!

Hmph... Fine, have it your way.

Ow!

I'll have to test it on myself.

What?!

A bit of Aldo's hair, and...

*glug glug glug* Phew! Well, it tastes all right.

P-Pom?

......

Oh my, my heart is beating like crazy♪ You look so gorgeous today, Aldo. Normally I'd say you're not my type, but right now... Ooh, I can barely contain myself!

Charm Dose α is a complete success!

Whatever you say, handsome! ♡ Lead on, and I'll follow you to the ends of the earth.

It's almost time. According to our engineer friend, the lovely young lady passes this way every day on a walk with her grandfather. He's admired her from afar for so long...

Hey, Pom. About that potion...

Shh! Here they come.

Hello there! I'm from the Elzion Institute of Medicine. Do you have a moment, miss?

Huh? Who, me?

What do you want with my granddaughter?

There's a nasty infection going around among young people of her age.

Oh dear... That is cause for concern.

That's why we at the EIM are distributing this immunity supplement to those at risk.

How thoughtful! Drink up, girl, we don't want you getting sick.

Here you are. Take this vial.

Hold on a sec, Pom!

Sorry, but I can't allow you to do this. She has no idea what you're going to do to her.

Aldo, everyone falls in love with someone sooner or later. And love is a wonderful thing, isn't it? Does it really matter what sparks it?

That doesn't give you the right to force someone to feel that way.

This is all in the name of science. We all have to...

You know, the effects of this potion only last for a day or so.

Huh? Really?

Of course. Like, right now, all I see when I look at you is a thoroughly dull young man.

Oh, okay. That's good to know. (Part of me kind of feels like I've been insulted, though.)

If I tell her this is a love potion, it will skew her perception and the effects may last even longer. Far better for her to take it unsuspecting, go on a nice little date and let genuine romance bloom, don't you think?

Uh, maybe, when you put it that way...

Of course I'm right! Trust me on this. Unrequited love is a serious matter. If left unchecked it can be highly hazardous, even fatal! ...Emotionally.

Emotionally...fatal? I'm not sure what that means, but I guess you are an expert...

Sorry for the wait, folks. Here, the supplement's all ready for you.

Do I have to drink the whole thing?

You don't have to force it down. Take as many mouthfuls as you need.

All right. *gulp gulp gulp*

That should do the trick. I'm sure it will take effect very soon. Tee hee hee...

There's still some left... This boosts the immune system, right?

Here, Grandfather. You have the rest.

Hm? Oh, thank you, my dear.

What?!

On no!

*gulp gulp gulp*

I can't be the only one to stay healthy. It'll work on my grandfather too, right?

Oh... Of course. Yes, he'll be fine...

That's great! He's all the family I have, I don't know what I'd do without him. Both my parents passed away when I was little, you see.

Thank you for your help, Doctor. We'll be on our way now.

Pom, what do we do now? What is that potion going to do to the old man?

You guys, we have a problem! There have been...developments. That girl's grandpa just sent me a message. He wants to speak to me, and he's coming here!

Uh...her grandpa, you say?

He said he wants to discuss something very important... You don't think he's going to forbid me from seeing her, do you? What do I do, what do I do?

Ah, thank you for making time for me.

Oh, it was nothing!

Is it true you're single, young fella? Not married? Not seeing anyone right now?

Huh? Uh, yes, I'm not seeing anyone...

Well, it must be my lucky day! How'd you like to go out with me?

Whaaat?! I...uh, that is to say, I'm not sure we...

Pom, what gives? Look what your potion's done!

Don't be so close-minded, Aldo. This is wonderful. Love in any form is something to celebrate!

Pom...

Heh heh heh! I'm just yanking your chain, boy. Come on in, my dear.

This is my granddaughter. She tells me she's admired you for some time now.

I...see you around now and then. At first I was just kind of drawn to you because you reminded me of my dad. But the more I saw you, the more you were on my mind and now, well... I...l-like you.

Holy moly! You really mean that?

Yes.

I was opposed to it up till now. But I had a change of heart. I don't know what did it, but I feel like I'm seeing you in a whole new light. If you're interested, I'll give my blessing to your relationship.

That's fantastic! I always wanted to tell you something, too...

So...did that potion work on her at all?

Doesn't look like it. She already felt something for him.

But it sure did a number on the old man, for him to suddenly approve of him. You can still call the potion a success, right?

No, this batch was a failure! If it had worked, the old man really would have fallen in love, too.

The whole idea of a potion that strong is kind of scary... Oh, but it only lasts one day, right? Won't he go back to thinking that guy's no good for his granddaughter tomorrow?

Love will take its course. If those two are meant to be together, he'll relent in due time. The experiment may have failed, but at least we helped a man in despair find love!

Don't forget the girl. We helped her be honest with her feelings, too.

You're right! Aren't we the greatest?