Harem Stealing System-Chapter 62: The after

Eiden felt as if his entire body had gone numb.

Lyra was kissing him. On the lips. He couldn’t process how or why it happened. One moment, they were watching the fireworks, and the next her lips were on his.

Before he could fully react, Lyra opened her eyes wide in realization and immediately pulled away. She sat up straight and hid her face behind the life-sized panda doll, hugging it tightly like a shield. Eiden couldn’t even see a hint of her expression.

"What... what just happened?" Eiden blinked, utterly puzzled. "Whaaaaat?" his thoughts screamed. Why did she suddenly kiss him? Sure, he knew she had feelings for him. That much had become clearer over time. But judging from her usual shy, reserved demeanor, she wasn’t supposed to be this bold. Not this sudden. Not this daring.

He touched his lips slowly, still a bit dazed. They were still warm. He looked at Lyra, whose face was still buried behind the oversized panda. The fireworks continued to light the sky above them as the Ferris wheel rotated slowly. But between the two of them, there was nothing but silence.

Soft. That was the only clear thought in his mind. Her lips were soft. Meanwhile, Lyra was having a full-blown meltdown.

What do I do, what do I do, what do I do?!?!

"I kissed his lips! I actually kissed his lips!"

"I was supposed to kiss his cheek! That’s what I planned. That’s what my friends told me! They said it wasn’t crossing the line and that any boy would find it cute. But I... I kissed his lips instead!"

"I’m doomed! This wasn’t in the plan! This wasn’t in anyone’s plan!" Panic. Panic. PANIC. "Do I apologize? Should I say something? But kissing someone without their permission is bad enough... Ugh, I messed up... but but his lips were so soft..."

She buried her face deeper into the panda.

No! What am I even thinking!? "But... my first kiss... my first kiss was with Eiden..." Her thoughts flipped between absolute horror and giddy joy. No no no, don’t be happy about that! You messed up! Meanwhile, Eiden remained frozen, still trying to mentally piece together what had just happened.

Neither of them said a word as the Ferris wheel ride came to an end. The operator opened the door gently, and they both got off, still silent. Eiden hadn’t even seen Lyra’s face once since the kiss, and Lyra hadn’t dared look at his either.

They left the fairground quietly. The air felt different. Not cold, not warm just... awkward.

After a moment, Eiden broke the silence.

"It’s getting late. Let’s go back."No response.

He glanced at her, only to see the big, fluffy panda still covering her face. He took the silence as a yes, and they walked side by side without another word.

At the bus stop, a bus arrived just ten seconds later, as if the universe wanted to save them from further awkwardness. They boarded and took a seat together. The bus was nearly empty, with only a few scattered passengers.

Still, not a single word was exchanged. Just silence.

The bus stopped at their drop-off, and they both got off. They began walking down the quiet street. Eiden glanced at Lyra still panda. Still no face. Still no words. He hesitated.

Should he walk her home? Should he separate here? He mulled over the thought for a bit before deciding, Awkward or not, I should walk her home. It’s late, and I’m not gonna let her walk alone. That’s the least I can do.

They continued walking side by side, step after step. Though neither of them spoke, Lyra felt comfort in his silent presence. Her heart throbbed, embarrassment swelling and folding inside her like crashing waves.

Why did I do that?! Why did I even think that was a good idea?! I want to bury my head underground. No, beneath the underground. I want to cease existing.

But deep inside, she also couldn’t help but wonder Why isn’t he saying anything about it? Is he mad? Did I make him uncomfortable? Does he hate me now? She glanced sideways but quickly pulled her eyes back. Still panda.

But... he’s still walking me home. Maybe he doesn’t hate me. But then why so silent!?

Eiden stopped walking.

They were standing in front of a familiar gate.

Her house. He took a breath. "Good night, then," he said quietly. Lyra looked up, realizing they were already at her front gate. She froze for a moment, processing it. "Good night," she mumbled, almost inaudibly, before turning around and walking in.

Eiden turned to leave. But then "Eiden."

He paused and turned back. Half of Lyra’s face peeked out from behind the panda. Just one eye, part of her cheek, and a fidgety lip.

"It was... an accident," she said softly. "I’m sorry... and... thank you for today. I enjoyed it."

Eiden blinked, taken aback for a moment. She was fidgeting nervously like a little animal caught in the rain. Her hands tightened around the panda’s paw.

He activated Face Master, and then used the Soothing Voice Skill. "It’s okay," he said with a warm, soft smile. "I enjoyed it too. Bye then."

He gave a little wave and turned around.

Lyra stared at his back as he walked away, her face completely flushed. She controlled the impulse to squeal and rushed back inside.

Eiden walked down the road, thinking Fffck. Was that too cheesy? I feel cringe as fckk. But like, what else was I supposed to say? He sighed in relief. Good thing she didn’t ask me out or anything. That would’ve been impossible to dodge. How could I even reject her? And if I said yes... and another girl came into the picture... wouldn’t I be considered cheating? Not that it makes things any better.

He rubbed his temple and shook his head.

"Ugh... this is complicated."

Back at Lyra’s home, she entered through the gate and quietly tried to tiptoe her way to her room, hoping not to attract attention. But the moment she stepped in, her mom called out from the kitchen. "You’re late today. Where were you?" Lyra stiffened for a moment, then smiled. "Hanging out with my friends," she said with as much calm as she could muster.

Her mom peeked out and saw the life-sized panda doll. "Oh my, that’s a big doll you’ve brought home! For a second I thought you were carrying a real animal! You know how you are with animals." Lyra chuckled awkwardly and nodded. "I’ll be in my room." She darted upstairs without another word.

As soon as she closed the door, she dropped the panda beside her bed, flopped down face-first into her pillow, kicked her legs wildly in the air, and screamed into the pillow. Her voice was muffled, her face burning red. And one word escaped her lips. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

"Eiden..."