Harem Stealing System-Chapter 23: Another victim

Eiden stared at the movie poster in front of him. His eyes moved from the bold letters to the overly dramatic poses of the characters, and finally, to Lyra, who stood beside him with a calm face.

Pitiful creature, he thought. Another victim heading into the battlefield unaware of the horrors that await. His silent lament was interrupted when Lyra said, "I’ll go buy the tickets." Eiden gave a small nod. "I’ll get the popcorn."

They parted ways, and Eiden walked over to the snack counter. He scanned the options and then looked at the seller. "Give me something... colorful. Something a girl would enjoy during the show." The seller raised an eyebrow. "Colorful?"

"Yeah, like... pink or sparkly or whatever," Eiden replied casually, motioning at the display behind the counter. The seller looked confused but complied, picking out a pink-tinted popcorn bucket with some glittery stickers on the side. He filled it to the brim with warm popcorn and handed it over.

Eiden gave a slight smirk as he accepted it and turned away. "Strange guy," the seller muttered under his breath.

Eiden found Lyra waiting near the entrance with the tickets in hand. They walked in together and made their way to their seats. Lyra led the way through the dim aisle, and Eiden slowed down for a second as he realized something. The seat she had chosen the second row from the front, second seat from the left was the exact one he had occupied yesterday. A slow, dry chuckle rose in his chest.

What are the odds? He didn’t say anything, just sat quietly beside her. As the show began and the room darkened, the murmurs faded and the hum of anticipation settled in the air.

Even though he had seen the movie before, Eiden still found himself enjoying it not quite as much as yesterday, perhaps, but it had its charm. Lyra, on the other hand, seemed completely absorbed, eyes glued to the screen, fingers mindlessly scooping popcorn into her mouth. Eiden didn’t touch the bucket. He just watched.

A few minutes passed, and then he straightened slightly in his seat. He knew what scene was coming next. The buildup was obvious. Onscreen, the characters leaned in. A kiss began.

Eiden glanced at Lyra. She was still munching, apparently unfazed. But then the kiss on screen lingered... and deepened. It didn’t stop it escalated.

He looked at her again. Her eyes were still open, but her pace had slowed. Her cheeks now bore a soft red hue, slowly intensifying.

The screen grew more intense. So did the atmosphere.

Eiden leaned back and casually looked around. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he began to notice it couples around the theater getting... comfortable. A few rows back, movement caught his attention.

Thud. He turned sharply. Behind them, just a row back, he spotted a couple engaging in what could only be called a repeat performance of yesterday.

No way... He squinted. Aren’t they the same couple? Kinky lovebirds, huh? Was yesterday not enough? He shook his head slightly, smirking.

Turning back to Lyra, he noticed the redness on her face had spread all the way to her ears. Her eyes struggled to stay on the screen. She looked like she was trying to pretend she wasn’t seeing anything. Then, something dropped.

A bra lay innocently between her feet.

Lyra quickly turned her head and stared into the popcorn bucket like it held all the answers to life. Eiden almost laughed out loud.

Ah yes, the popcorn scene has arrived.

He leaned in slightly and whispered near her ear, "Is the popcorn that interesting?"

Lyra, already on the brink of a blush explosion, jerked slightly.

"Y-Yes... t-the c-color... i-it’s p-pretty..." she stammered. Eiden chuckled and grabbed a handful for himself. Marvelous performance, he thought as he munched, A+ distraction technique. Now I get why people enjoy teasing others.

The scene continued, the theater remained dim, and the couples around them were in their own world.Then another thud to the back of her seat and a popcorn flew out her mouth and landed in the bucket ..... Lyra’s eyes became teary , ?!?! That was in her mouth the whole time ? Did she forget chewing and swallowing due to the embarrassment? Lyra’s eyes began more teary as she was in the verge of crying. Eiden while holding his laugh commented inwardly " Hang in there, Lyra"!!

Eventually, the movie ended. The lights came up softly, and couples began adjusting their clothes, whispering to one another as they left one by one. Eiden didn’t move. He looked at Lyra, who still hadn’t raised her head. "Need more time?" he asked softly. She gave a tiny nod, still staring at the popcorn.

After a few quiet moments, she finally raised her head and whispered, "S-Shall we go?"

Eiden stood up and nodded, waiting as she composed herself. They exited the theater in silence.

Outside, Eiden checked his watch. It was getting late. "Should we call it a day?" he suggested. Lyra nodded without hesitation.

They walked to the nearest bus stop, still not saying a word. Eiden didn’t press her for conversation; he understood well enough. The silence between them wasn’t awkward it was shared. After a short ride, they got off. Eiden turned to her. "Want me to walk you home?"

She nodded again, softly, and began walking. The route was quiet, and the only sounds were the occasional chirps of crickets or the distant barking of a dog. After several turns and around fifteen minutes, she finally stopped in front of a gate. fгeewebnovёl.com

"This is my place," she said. Eiden looked at the house. It was big. Not as extravagant as Sasha’s, but definitely bigger than his own.

He smiled lightly. "Good night." Lyra bowed her head slightly. "Thank you... and good night."

She walked inside, and Eiden didn’t wait for the door to close. He turned and made his way back, walking alone through the dim, familiar streets. It took him nearly fifty minutes to reach home. As he entered, he was greeted by his mother’s voice.

"You’re back late today," she said from the kitchen. "I’m already finishing up dinner."

Eiden smiled tiredly. "Okay," he replied, making his way toward his room. He collapsed onto his bed, sighing into the pillow. "System-chan."

Ding!

Lyra progress: 86%

A wide grin spread across his face. "Success," he whispered and let sleep take him.

Some time later, the door creaked open gently. Dally Mores, Eiden’s mother, peeked inside. She saw him asleep, still dressed, sprawled slightly over the sheets. "No wonder he didn’t come for dinner," she whispered fondly. "He’s already out cold."

She walked over quietly and kissed his forehead before pulling the blanket over him.

Must be tired. I wonder what he did today? she thought. I’ll make a big breakfast tomorrow he’ll wake up starving for sure.

She turned off the light and closed the door softly behind her.

Meanwhile, in a cozy, dimly lit room, Lyra lay on her bed, phone in hand, exchanging texts with Crysty.

Crysty: How was the date i mean hangout?

Lyra: Don’t act like you typed the word date by accident. You could’ve just deleted it if it was a real mistake.

Crysty: Come on, Lyra, loosen up a little! If you nag too much, Eiden might lose interest.

Lyra paused, cheeks flushing.

Lyra: None of your business.

Crysty smirked as she read the reply. Oh? She’s not denying Eiden’s interest in her... Is she finally catching feelings? She quickly typed again.

Crysty: Anyway, tell me the juicy details already!

Lyra’s mind flashed back to the movie, the popcorn bucket, the couple behind them, and... the bra. Her blush deepened. She wrote back:

Lyra: Good night.

Putting her phone aside, she flopped on her bed and spread her arms, staring at the ceiling. A single name escaped her lips, almost in a whisper.

"Eiden..."

Updated from fr𝒆ewebnov𝒆l.(c)om