Harem Stealing System

Eiden narrowed his eyes at Linda as she stood in front of him, smiling sweetly while handing over a neatly wrapped chocolate box. He accepted it without saying a word at first, then finally murmured a flat, "Thanks." Linda giggled in response, brushing her hair behind her ear as she said, "You're welcome." But behind her smile, her thoughts ran wild. Hehehe… I haven't given up on exposing your real self, Eiden. Let's see how you react after receiving chocolate from a pretty girl like me. I'm fully prepared. Her smirk remained hidden beneath her cheerful expression, while Eiden, on the other hand, was internally spiraling.

What the hell is going on? Why is she giving me chocolates? Did she fall for me? No… that doesn't make sense. We've barely even talked… unless she's really that easy to impress? But then again, I don't recall her dating anyone. I've never heard about her having a boyfriend, not even a rumor. What the hell is she thinking…? Eiden stared blankly, unable to muster anything else to say, still holding the chocolate with a dumbfounded look on his face.

From just outside the classroom door, Lyra stood silently in the corner. She had seen the entire exchange. Her eyes widened and then slowly dimmed as Linda's chocolate was handed over with such confidence. Why is Linda giving Eiden chocolate? When did they get so close? Her chest tightened as anxiety wrapped around her like a vice. Her grip on the small paper bag she carried tensed, pulling it closer to her chest. Her vision blurred as emotions clashed violently within her confusion, jealousy, worry, sadness. She blinked rapidly, forcing back the tears. It's just chocolate. It doesn't mean they're a couple. Friends can give chocolate too. It's not a big deal. Not a big deal… she told herself, trying to believe it. But her trembling fingers clutching the handle betrayed her internal panic.

Back inside the classroom, Eiden looked at Linda and asked awkwardly, "You want me to eat it now?" Linda tilted her head and laughed, "Why are you asking me that? You can eat it whenever you want. Besides, it's not handmade, so don't bother giving me a taste review." Eiden nodded, replying, "I see." Then, a second later, he blinked and asked with a confused frown, "It's not handmade?" Linda let out a dramatic sigh and shrugged, "Nope. Sorry to disappoint." Eiden shook his head quickly, replying, "No, I'm happy. Really. It looks expensive, and I'm sure it'll taste good." Linda smiled gently before turning away and walking off, waving goodbye as she left.

Their interaction hadn't gone unnoticed. A few students in the classroom who caught glimpses of the scene whispered among themselves. The expression on their faces carried one common thought: Linda likes that guy? Eiden sat down for a moment, staring at the chocolate box again before slipping it into his bag. His mind was still a swirl of unanswered questions and mixed signals, but one emotion stood out among the rest happiness. It's the first time someone other than Sasha gave me chocolate… His mood lightened a little, and he rose from his seat to head out of the classroom.

As he stepped outside, something at the edge of his vision caught his attention. To his left, Lyra stood alone by the wall, still holding that paper bag tightly against her chest. She didn't seem to have noticed him, completely lost in her own thoughts. Eiden took a step toward her, raising a hand slightly, intending to call out. But then, from the hallway, he spotted Deuel and Harry approaching. Without a second thought, Eiden turned away, letting his hand drop as he walked toward his friends instead. Behind him, Lyra continued to stand there, frozen in her own swirling emotions.

By the time Lyra finally snapped back to reality and walked into the classroom, Eiden was gone. She glanced around, her eyes scanning each seat in quiet urgency, but he was nowhere to be seen. A wave of emptiness passed through her as she stepped back out into the corridor. As she wandered the hallway, Sasha spotted her and quickly approached. "Hey," Sasha said with a soft smile, tapping Lyra gently on the shoulder. Lyra turned around slowly, not surprised, her gaze distant but calm. "Hello," she greeted quietly.

Sasha tilted her head and offered, "Want to head to the cafeteria together?" Lyra hesitated, her fingers tightening slightly around the handle of her paper bag. After a few seconds, she gave a small nod. The two began walking together, and gradually, as Sasha chatted casually, Lyra started responding more comfortably. Sasha was effortlessly good at making people feel at ease. Her natural charm and experience with shy, reserved types like Lyra allowed the conversation to flow more smoothly than expected. While Lyra was quiet and not exactly outgoing, she wasn't completely closed off either. Years of being around people like Linda and Crysty had shaped her social comfort in subtle but meaningful ways.

As they continued talking, Sasha's eyes briefly dropped to the paper bag Lyra still held tightly. With a curious tone, she asked, "What's that?" Her voice was casual, more polite conversation than genuine interest. Lyra paused, her grip tightening again for a moment before she answered softly, "Just something." Sasha didn't push the topic, instead smoothly shifting the conversation to their mutual friend. "You heard from Crysty lately?" she asked. Lyra nodded, grateful for the change in direction, and soon they were discussing Crysty's latest antics.

When they finally arrived at the cafeteria, they spotted Linda and Crysty already waiting near the entrance. Linda waved them over. "Hey guys! They're selling the Valentine's special cake today," she said with a grin. Sasha's eyes lit up instantly. "Really? I heard it's super tasty. Let's get it!" Linda nodded in agreement. Over the past few weeks, Sasha and Linda had grown surprisingly closer, bonding more than they had in the past. Before, they had been acquaintances with shared circles, mostly through Crysty. Sasha usually hung out with Crysty along with other friends, while Crysty separately spent time with Linda and Lyra. Now, somehow, the four of them Sasha, Linda, Crysty, and Lyra were spending more and more time together as a group.

They joined the line for the Valentine's special cake, the buzz of excited chatter around them creating a warm background hum. Linda glanced toward Lyra and, with playful curiosity, pointed to the paper bag she was still holding. "What's that?" she asked with more direct interest. Lyra froze for a moment, fingers twitching slightly as her nervousness began to return. Crysty, noticing the shift, jumped in smoothly to change the topic. "Say, how many flavors do they have this year?" she asked Linda, leaning in slightly with interest. The distraction worked.

Linda's focus immediately shifted. "Four! Strawberry, chocolate mousse, mixed berry, and tiramisu. I'm going for tiramisu!" she replied enthusiastically. As the conversation continued around her, Lyra released a quiet sigh of relief. Her grip on the paper bag loosened just a little, and the storm inside her began to settle for now.