Love And Deepspace: Who is Rafayel?
Rafayel is a sarcastic Lemurian artist with a quirky character that confuses people. The thing is, he rarely leaves his studio.
After investigating a potential Wanderer attack at an art collector's home, the MC found one of Rafayel's paintings at the scene. Because the painting is stained with Metaflux (an energy mark indicating a Wanderer is present), the MC heads to Rafayel's house to ask about the possibility of a Wanderer sighting in his studio.
Rafayel claims to have seen several Wanderers appear in his studio late at night. In exchange for his help in the investigation, he decides to hire the MC as his personal bodyguard for their trip to Hat Island, where they track the Metaflux using contaminated Coral Stone that Rafayel uses as paint pigment.
Aside from spending time with the MC, Rafayel rarely leaves his home. His manager, Thomas, even told the MC that Rafayel spends half a year locked in his studio painting, and the other half wandering to remote corners of the world for creative inspiration.
Besides being a talented young artist, 24-year-old Rafayel is also famous in the media for his handsome appearance. He stands six feet tall (182.88 cm), with sharp facial features, pink and blue eyes, and purple hair that makes people turn to look at him wherever he goes.
But painting is not the only skill he possesses. Rafayel also has the ability to manipulate fire, and he can conjure flames hot enough to split a tidal wave.
Personality
Rafayel's personality can be described as bold, even more than that. He is always straightforward about what is on his mind and doesn’t care much about what others think of him. He’s not hesitant to throw out jabs and compliments in the same breath.
As you would expect from an eccentric artist, no one truly knows what goes on in Rafayel's mind or what his next move will be—whether in art or in life. He is known for his flamboyant entrances and exits, even jumping out of windows.
He has many quirks in his personality that can be explored, and he is much more aware of his ‘flaws’ than some other love interests. For example, he strongly dislikes cats and doesn’t care who knows about it. He also has a fear of heights.
This land fish is also a bit of an animal whisperer—but only for aquatic animals. He is known to be able to converse with octopuses, goldfish, and even anemones.
But Rafayel is more than just clever sentences and unexpected outbursts. Deep down, he struggles with abandonment issues that cause him to often seek validation from the MC.
Work Life
Rafayel is one of the most popular young artists in Linkon and has become a widely recognized name. His large ocean-themed paintings sell out within minutes of being released, and he has showcased his work in various art galleries and museums.
Occasionally, Rafayel also serves as a guest lecturer at universities and can be found teaching art classes for young artists, like in the memory, Rafayel: Into The Canvas.
Due to his highly sought-after talent, Rafayel is often pursued by wealthy individuals wanting to own one of his pieces. Although he doesn’t care much for his clients, he won’t refuse the money offered.
Even though Thomas often complains wishing Rafayel would think more about money and focus less on his craft, Rafayel has expressed several times that he is quite comfortable with his wealth.
Rafayel's Past
Not much is known about Rafayel’s past, other than what is revealed in his Myth story. He has not been in Linkon as long as Xavier, Zayne, Sylus, or Caleb, the other love interests in the game.
As a closed-off newcomer in Linkon, not much is known about Rafayel's history or where he came from. There are only a few hints about his past in the main story. However, one moment in his life is very memorable. When he was still a little Lemurian boy washed up on the shore, he met the MC.
The MC helped Rafayel, and they spent time talking and playing on the beach. Rafayel vowed to always remember him and visit that beach at the same time each year. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond their control, the MC lost all memory of their promise and never returned to the beach.
However, Rafayel continues to return to the same beach every year, waiting until he finally realizes that the MC has forgotten all about him. They meet again years later as adults. Rafayel encounters the MC at a fountain and helps him catch a small red fish, which they name Reddie together.
He seems upset and indifferent during that encounter, and the MC considers him just a strange guy until they meet again at his home. Because the MC unknowingly broke his promise and never returned to the beach, Rafayel harbors serious issues regarding trust and abandonment.
As they grow closer, it becomes clear that Rafayel wants to receive at least a message of 'I'm still alive and doing well' from him every day. Every moment he can spend with him, he will, because he feels the need to make up for the lost years behind them.
