Harem Stealing System
Chapter 49 : counter attack

Chapter 49: Chapter 49 : counter attack

Linda had grabbed Eiden’s arm without warning. "Let’s go together," she said casually, her fingers curling around his forearm with unexpected familiarity. Eiden blinked, startled. "Uh... what?" Before he could even process it, she’d already started walking, tugging him along like it was the most natural thing in the world.

He allowed himself to be pulled forward, feet falling into rhythm beside hers. "Do you... need something from me?" he asked, tone cautious. Linda looked up with a soft, practiced smile. "I just thought I’d walk to college with someone I know. It’s nicer that way."

Eiden squinted slightly. Someone she knows? That’s the bar? Sure, we’ve talked. We were in a group project. But we’re not exactly arm-linking walking buddies. And this... this amount of proximity

His thoughts screeched to a halt as he felt something soft and plush press lightly against his upper arm..His head turned stiffly.No way

There it was. Linda’s large prominent boobs , very much real was pressing into his arm, barely a sliver of space between them. She didn’t flinch, didn’t react, as if completely unaware. Eiden’s face flushed an instant red. Whoa! Whoa whoa whoa! It’s touching! It’s literally touching! If he looked down he could even see between her clother where two mellons where pressing at his arm .

He looked sideways at her composed profile. She’s gotta know. No way this is an accident. She’s doing this on purpose. She has to be.

But why? What the hell is she trying to pull?

He scanned his surroundings like a panicked anime protagonist. Is this a prank? Is she playing some sort of Truth or Dare? Did her friends dare her to walk with me like this?

His gaze darted around for hidden cameras, snickering friends behind trees, someone peeking from a bush, but... nothing. It was just the two of them.

So... either she’s plotting something, he thought with a growing sense of dread, or she’s just a "...a heat-driven b*tch with no sense of boundaries," he mumbled under his breath.

Whatever the case, I can’t fall for this trap. I’ve got to compose myself. He took a deep breath and invoked his skill. Face Master activated.

His expression smoothed over like polished glass, neutral, unbothered. Okay, okay. I look calm now. Too calm? No wait... expressionless makes me look dead inside

He adjusted subtly. Relaxed eyelids, a faint upturn at the corner of his mouth. Casual. Confident. There. Nailed it.

Meanwhile, Linda’s mind was a tornado of calculation and doubt. Eiden... the boy my dear, sweet, painfully naïve friend Lyra seems to have a crush on. She smiled to herself. Let’s see what kind of guy he really is.Any average boy would be a tomato by now. Between the seduction of curves and my popularity, who wouldn’t crack? I’ve turned down confessions like I’m allergic to commitment.

But her confidence began to wobble when she glanced at him again. Huh? Eiden’s face was calm. Too calm. What the ?! He’s completely unfazed? She blinked, slightly taken aback. Not even a twitch? Not even a nervous cough? Does he not realize I’m Linda? Like, Linda-Linda?

Her inner monologue hit turbulence. Okay. Deep breath. Maybe... maybe he’s just experienced with girls? But still this calm?

Or wait no. Don’t tell me Her eyes narrowed. Is he gay?

But even that theory didn’t sit right with her. Something about his energy felt... grounded. Not indifferent, not insecure. Just quiet. Controlled. And since when was he this tall? I swear he didn’t feel this tall when we first talked.

They continued walking, silence settling between them like a thin layer of tension. Eiden remained silent, guarded. He was focused more on surviving the close contact than on engaging. Don’t talk. Talking is dangerous. I have no dialogue-based skills. If I say something stupid, she’ll peg me as a loser. Again.

He glanced sideways. And she already rejected me once. No way I’m giving her a second chance to step on my pride. Linda, growing more frustrated by the second, finally decided to break the silence.

"So, Eiden... do you think our group project will get good marks?" Eiden turned his head smoothly, giving her a polite look and a small nod. Then, wordlessly, he turned back toward the road.

Linda stared at him. HUH?! That’s it?? She pressed her lips together. "I mean, I know I didn’t really contribute anything, so maybe I shouldn’t even bring it up, but... I’m still a little concerned."

Still, no answer. Eiden didn’t know what to say. He was stuck in a maze of mental traps.

What if it’s bait? What if she’s looking for reassurance, or worse, trying to make me say something I’ll regret? Nope. Not biting. Silence is safe. But just as he was about to continue ignoring her, something caught his eye.

Across the road standing still, half-in-shock was a familiar face. Deuel. The two locked eyes, both equally dumbfounded. Eiden’s brows furrowed. He subtly tilted his head toward Linda, then lowered his eyes to indicate their still-joined arms. Then he widened his eyes, giving Deuel a look that screamed: Bro. Help me.

Deuel, after a moment of stunned confusion, seemed to catch on. He raised his hand and called out loud and clear: "Eiden! Over here!"

Both Eiden and Linda turned at the call. Eiden used the opportunity to break free as Linda loosened her grip instinctively. Eiden took a few steps, then paused. A little revenge wouldn’t hurt, right? I mean... she did grab me without asking.

He turned back toward her with a smooth pivot. His eyes were unreadable. Linda blinked. "What " Eiden leaned in slowly.

Her eyes widened. W-Wait what’s he doing?! Is he leaning in for a "Wai !" she raised her hands to block him, panic rising but his trajectory suddenly shifted.

His lips didn’t go for her cheek or lips. Instead, he stopped beside her ear. And in a low, soothing tone, he whispered "It’s okay. You don’t have to feel guilty about it. And as for the result... we’ll see when it happens."

His voice was warm, gentle. Almost hypnotic.

[Skill Activated: Soothing Voice]

Linda froze. Goosebumps erupted down her neck. The silky, soft resonance of his words lingered like a perfume.Then, without giving her a chance to reply, he straightened up and looked at her.

The warmest, most natural smile bloomed on his face.

[Face Master: Gentle Smile – Success]

Then he turned and walked toward Deuel, casually placing his arm over his friend’s shoulder. The two walked away like a scene from a movie, leaving Linda rooted to the spot. She stood there, unmoving, as a car passed nearby. The sunlight reflected her face in the window of the car and her reflection was beet red.

Her hand flew up to cover her face. What... just happened? She crouched down slightly, clutching her cheeks. Her heart thudded in her chest like a trapped animal. And in the quiet of the morning street, she whispered softly to herself:

"He’s... dangerous. That gentle voice and that smile... that’s my weakness."