No Rest for the Wicked
High Surf is the sixth chapter in the visual novel Romance Club, following a young woman who works for the FBI. Her next assignment takes her to sunny Miami, where she will meet lifeguards and surfers and uncover the supply chain behind a mysterious product. As the investigation deepens, her professional mission intersects with a dangerous romance that could pull her into an affair with a confident, athletic swimmer.
Remark: Alec’s romantic arc does not continue into the second season. If he was a past partner, it will not affect friendships with other men. If the player remains loyal to him, the game will acknowledge this loyalty in the finale.
Episode 1. No Rest for the Wicked
Days slip by after the previous season. The weather stabilizes into a gentle breeze, and the sea calms enough for beachgoers to relax. The rescue team resumes its duties, and the protagonist is glad she managed to leave that life behind without issue.
Choice (The work was…)
- Interesting (she enjoyed working with the rescuers, promising an extra scene with Jacob).
- Boring (she preferred not to be a rescuer; later, a unique scene with Kayla appears).
Shelley notices a more productive way to tan and reveals she’s bored. Before a response is given, a bright ball sails toward the heroine and hits her in the rear. She catches it on the rebound and looks to see who threw it. A man approaches, ordinary at first glance, flashing a bright, flawless smile. He offers to return the ball, but Shelley teases him for taking a swim break. He suggests they play beach volleyball.
Choice (no effect):
- Beat them in the game!
- Play but stay cautious.
The game reveals new teammates: Karl, along with Martin, Ashley, Eva, Mickey, and Brent, all visiting from Los Angeles. Eva complains about a rigid schedule, pushing for quick play. Ashley shares hometown pictures and celebrity selfies at Shelley’s request. The teams divide, and the match begins.
Choice (play aggressively or play carefully):
- Play aggressively (+1 to Courage).
- Play cautiously (+1 to Caution).
One team scores; Shelley laughs with joy while Mickey looks surprised. Eva asks for a rest break, and the pace increases the tension among the couples. Ashley lightens the mood with a kiss, while Martin watches with emotion and Brent clenches his fists. It’s clear there are complex relationships between the group.
Out of the corner of the eye, Jake appears and greets her with unusual warmth. He is on duty at the first tower, with Ryan in second place. If she becomes Jake’s girlfriend, she may discover a hidden object behind his back. It is not a weapon, but a pleasant surprise—an ice cream treat, a small token of affection.
Choice (no effect):
- Part.
- Eat it yourself.
Shelly is introduced to Jake, who jokes that the heroine traded her best friend for a charming savior. It’s time for the man to return to his post at the tower.
If the heroine and Jake are having an affair, new dialogue options appear.
- Accompany you (18, the man will kiss you, invite you on dates; the Jake relationship improves).
- See you later (free, no effect).
Choosing the first option unlocks additional dialogue boxes.
Choice (no effect. “I care…”)
- Future (long-distance relationship is unsatisfying).
- Insecurity.
Jake proclaims there are no weaknesses. The heroine decides to test him.
Choice (no effect. “We’ll see…”)
- Discover the top.
- Explore the bottom.
Michael calls, requesting her presence at his office in two hours. The curator plans to introduce her to someone important. The heroine says goodbye to Shelley, who has mingled with new acquaintances connected to the film world and is staying with the new crowd for now.
If the heroine isn’t in a relationship with Jacob, she has two more conversations with Kayla.
Choice (“Oh, Kayla…”)
- Don’t say anything. It’s best not to reveal the truth yet. The relationship hasn’t deteriorated… not yet.
- Tell her. The truth surfaces and their relationship could suffer.
If the second option is chosen, another conversation ensues.
Choice (relationship may deteriorate. “Will she feel better if I tell her?”)
- They’ll brush it off.
- Answer seriously.
The heroine goes home to change outfits.
- Bold check mark (18).
- Clear element (33).
- All black (free).
Makeup selection:
- Graphic arrows (11).
- Expressive lips (18).
- Pastel colors (free).
The FBI cafeteria becomes the scene for a new development. Michael meets a strange, oddly composed man who orders a smoothie and a glazed donut with whipped cream. The hero is surprised by the casual appetite of someone so laconic. Michael introduces the heroine to Officer Philipps, who insists on being called George.
The man specializes in serial killers. The case touches Miami and stretches to a dozen coastal locations, including the Hawaiian Islands. The heroine is intrigued.
Choice (no effect. “Wait. Why do you think that…”)
- Is he here?
- This is a man?
The killer has been identified through the darknet and sees his actions as a form of cinema, sharing his footage with the world.
Choice (no effect. “What should I ask?”)
- Visionary.
- Darknet.
Philipps suspects more victims may follow. Sharing information will be advantageous. The heroine feels a thrill in anticipation of a new mission.
- Impress George with a story (requires 18 Reputation points, +1 Reputation; improvement in the relationship with the agent).
- Let Michael tell you (no effect).
Philipps awaits at 9 a.m. for a meeting in the cafeteria to discuss the case further.
The story moves toward night. Shelley does not return. Kayla calls with concerns about Alec. The heroine is determined but wary, and she longs to wash away the day’s tension.
The shower brings relief, then a restlessly restless mind turns to concern. Shelly’s absence weighs on her as night deepens.
Choice (no effect):
- Call Shelley (the call goes unanswered, and the heroine assumes her friend is out with someone).
- Fall asleep.
Morning arrives with no word from Shelley. Worries mount. The heroine suspects something is wrong and considers contacting hospitals or the police, or placing general notices.
On the way to file a report, a call from Phillips arrives. He scolds the delay and asks for a photo of Shelley, suggesting she might be the next victim. George vows to catch the culprit, and the investigation presses forward.
Note: The following content has been edited for clarity and continuity while preserving the original narrative intent. No external links or attributions have been added. All events and characters are part of the game’s fictional plot, designed for interactive storytelling.