Richard couldn't help but incessantly glance at his wristwatch, the intervals between each look growing shorter as anticipation bubbled within him. Today was the day – a casual dinner with Sara, something that had seemed simple in theory but now felt monumental. Since the moment she had agreed, his mind had been in overdrive, replaying potential scenarios and interactions, each more elaborate than the last.

Should he play it cool, greeting her with a suave smile and a nonchalant nod? Or perhaps, should he opt for a more genuine approach, wearing his heart on his sleeve? The quandary of how to navigate this interaction left him second-guessing his every hypothetical move.

In the years preceding the zombie outbreak, Richard's romantic interactions were virtually non-existent, leaving him ill-prepared for this moment. Though a plethora of anime and K-dramas had offered him a glimpse into the world of love and courtship, he couldn't shake the feeling that emulating those dramatic gestures would come across as insincere and forced.

As the clock's hands inched closer to the appointed time, Richard found himself trapped in a whirlwind of uncertainty, earnestly hoping he'd find the right balance between his genuine self and the charm he hoped to exude.

Wait, since it's going to be a date, he has to look cool. So Richard approached his wardrobe and checked for clothes. Inside the wardrobe were tens of clothes ranging from polo shirts, polo shirts, long-sleeves, and others. He had gotten a lot of clothes thanks to the zombie apocalypse where everything in the supermarket or malls within the Oriental Garden became virtually free. 

Realization struck Richard like a bolt of lightning – if this was to be a date, even casually so, he had to emanate a sense of coolness. Swiftly, he made his way to his wardrobe, surveying its contents with a critical eye. The wardrobe was brimming with an assortment of clothing: polo shirts of various hues crisply ironed long-sleeve shirts and a plethora of other options.

In the chaotic world shaped by the zombie apocalypse, the deserted malls and supermarkets within the Oriental Garden had inadvertently become treasure troves. The once bustling shopping centers now stood silent, their abandoned wares free for the taking. Richard had seized this opportunity, accumulating an impressive collection of attire, a silver lining in an otherwise grim reality.

Yet, as he rifled through the neatly folded garments, he found himself at an impasse. Each piece seemed to hold a promise of potential, but the question lingered: which one would strike the perfect chord, encapsulating the essence of coolness he so yearned to portray? The weight of the decision bore down on him, as he understood the subtle power of a first impression.

After moments that felt like an eternity, Richard's eyes settled on a simple black polo shirt paired with dark jeans. The simplicity of the outfit seemed to whisper promises of an effortless cool, striking the balance he sought. He wanted to make an impression, yes, but not at the cost of appearing overly calculated.

With a decisive nod, he pulled the garments from their hangers, the smooth fabric slipping through his fingers like liquid confidence. He couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him as the decision was made. Simple, yet undeniably cool – or so he hoped.

As he changed into the chosen outfit, Richard allowed himself a moment of contemplation in front of the mirror. He turned this way and that, trying to catch a glimpse of himself from all angles. "This will do," he muttered, his voice a mix of determination and a silent plea for reassurance.

The clock's relentless ticking reminded him that time was of the essence. Taking a deep breath, Richard squared his shoulders, gave himself a final once-over in the mirror, and with a newfound sense of purpose, he stepped out, ready to face whatever the evening had in store.

His style was simple, but he hoped it carried the coolness he desired. After all, it was not just about the clothes, but the man wearing them – and tonight, Richard was ready to show Sara just that. 

***

Since the residence of Sara was not in the same building as his, he would have to go and pick her up, which is what a gentleman would do. Fortunately, he had come prepared. 

On the rooftop, a VN-60N White Hawk was parked and ready for use. The VH-60N is a presidential helicopter primarily used by the President of the United States of America. However, it didn't look like the White Hawk the United States President used. The painting was not white and green but rather it was all black. He had bought the helicopter for one purpose, and that was to serve as his personal air transport within and outside the Oriental Military Camp.

Richard confidently approached the VH-60N White Hawk. As he climbed aboard, he was greeted by the crew. 

"Good evening, sir," the co-pilot saluted, a hint of amusement in his eyes. He knew about Richard's plans for the evening and had been more than willing to assist.

"Everything ready for takeoff?" Richard asked.

"Yes, sir. The White Hawk is ready to fly," replied the co-pilot, his hand hovering over the controls, ready for Richard's signal.

"Where to sir?" The pilot asked as he glanced over his shoulder, looking at Richard.

"To the Ayala Exchange Tower 1." 

"Roger that sir," the pilot began the pre-flight procedure, making sure everything was in order before takeoff.

The engines roared to life, and the helicopter started to lift off the rooftop, making its way to the Ayala Exchange Tower 1 where Sara lived and worked. 

Richard sat back in his seat, trying to calm his nerves and focus on the task at hand. He knew he had to make a good impression on Sara, and he wanted everything to go smoothly.

But why is it hard to calm himself? Ever since he boarded the helicopter, his heart couldn't stop beating. Is it just him or does it happen to everyone in such situations? The uncertainty of the answer made him more restless. He took deep breaths, reminding himself to stay composed.

"Just be yourself," he muttered under his breath, trying to push away the nagging doubts and second-guessing that threatened to overwhelm him. He knew he had a tendency to overthink, and he didn't want that to ruin his evening.

The city lights twinkled below as the helicopter glided through the sky, providing a serene backdrop to Richard's internal turmoil. He couldn't help but marvel at the stark contrast between the calmness of the night and the chaos that had ensued during the zombie outbreak. It was as if the world had two faces, and tonight, he was witnessing its more peaceful side.

Before long, the pilot's voice came through the intercom, "We are approaching Ayala Exchange Tower 1, sir. Preparing to land."

Richard straightened up, his attention shifting back to the task at hand. He thanked the crew as the helicopter touched down smoothly on the rooftop of the tower. The crew wished him luck and told him they would wait for him.

"Okay, let's pick her up." 

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