Harem Stealing System
Chapter 57: Sweet park

Chapter 57: Chapter 57: Sweet park

Crysty stood there, sizing the two of them up from head to toe. Her sharp eyes flickered between Eiden and Lyra, examining them as if she were a judge at a high-stakes audition. Under her gaze, both Lyra and Eiden stood frozen stiff and awkward like contestants waiting for a verdict.

Lyra looked as if she were shrinking with every passing second. Her shoulders tensed, her posture curled slightly inward, and her face gradually flushed with red. Crysty’s stare was relentless, like a scanner dissecting every detail.

Eiden, on the other hand, appeared calm and composed. His expression was neutral, almost too relaxed. It was the effect of his [Face Master] skill outside, he seemed unbothered, but inside, a mild panic bubbled under the surface.

Crysty raised an eyebrow, intrigued. She had expected Eiden to be flustered, maybe even visibly nervous. But this this composure was unexpected. He seemed way too casual. He’s too calm... Is he used to this? she wondered.

Given his childhood with Sasha, maybe he was simply used to being seen around girls. That would explain it. But even so, this wasn’t Sasha. This was Lyra someone clearly dressed to impress, and not in the "just friends hanging out" kind of way.

Don’t tell me... he doesn’t even think much of Lyra? Already friendzoned her? So he’s just casually here without a second thought? Poor Lyra... she’s going to have to work harder.

The silence stretched a little too long before Eiden finally broke it. "Going to Sasha’s?" he asked casually, shifting his gaze to Crysty.

She smiled and nodded. "Yes. How about you two? With that get-up?" she teased, subtly gesturing toward Lyra. It was a harmless line, but there was an undeniable weight in the way she said it.

Lyra was dressed stunningly gorgeous, in fact. Her attire was elegant yet playful, unmistakably styled to turn heads. It was the kind of outfit no one wore without a purpose. Eiden’s clothes were neat and stylish too, but they still passed as casual. Lyra, however, was dressed to stand out.

Crysty’s eyes gleamed mischievously as she looked at Lyra. "Well then, I’ll be on my way. You two enjoy yourselves," she said with a knowing grin as she walked past. Just before moving too far, she leaned slightly toward Lyra, her voice dropping into a whisper only Lyra could hear. "Good luck."

Lyra, already flushed, turned absolutely beet red. Her heart skipped several beats as her brain short-circuited momentarily. Without thinking, she sped up, walking side by side with Eiden partly to avoid further embarrassment, partly to escape Crysty’s teasing gaze.

Behind them, Crysty chuckled softly, clearly entertained, before continuing on her way.

Eiden and Lyra took just ten steps before reaching the bus stop. They stood quietly, side by side, waiting. Eiden, as usual, looked unfazed as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

Eventually, the bus pulled up. Without any change in tone, Eiden said, "Let’s go." Lyra nodded shyly, and they boarded the bus together. Eiden led the way toward the back and chose the last row of seats.

He let Lyra take the window seat and then sat beside her on the outside so she wouldn’t have to sit next to a stranger. It was a small gesture, almost automatic on Eiden’s part, but one that didn’t go unnoticed.

Lyra blinked at the subtle kindness. He’s very nice... she thought, her heart doing little flips. It was such a simple thing, but the fact that Eiden had naturally considered her comfort made her feel warm inside. She tucked that gesture deep into her heart.

Eiden, for his part, hadn’t even thought much of it. He just sat after her. To him, it wasn’t a grand act of chivalry it was just natural. But in Lyra’s heart, it only deepened the budding feelings she already had for him. When the bus finally reached their stop, Eiden stepped out first and turned back to offer his hand. Lyra, wearing stylish but slightly inconvenient heels, gladly took it. He helped her down the bus stairs gently.

From there, they walked directly to the park entrance. Eiden paid for the tickets without hesitation, handed one to Lyra, and the two stepped inside. The park was massive a haven of entertainment and fun. It had a variety of attractions: thrilling rides, cozy cafés, arcades filled with colorful machines, claw games, a haunted house, a cinema hall, and even a small zoo. It wasn’t just a park. It was a complete date location. And today, it was bustling everywhere they turned, they saw couples, some laughing, some holding hands, some sharing food.

As they walked side by side, an unspoken thought passed between them: We must look like a couple too... Eiden glanced at Lyra out of the corner of his eye. She was looking around in amazement, eyes wide with wonder, the sunlight catching the edges of her glasses. Her excitement was subtle, quiet but it made her look radiant.

Man, she’s cute... Eiden thought. A little spark of joy surged in his chest. To think she’s in love with me... The realization almost made him burst with happiness. But he kept his poker face intact, steady and calm.

Then, before he could stop himself, he blurted, "Lyra, there are too many people. We might get lost. Wanna hold hands?" As soon as the words left his mouth, he froze inside. Oh shit. I just did it.

His hand was already extended, and before he could second-guess or retract it, Lyra reached out with her fair, delicate hand and grasped his. She said nothing just nodded. But her eyes sparkled with warmth, her cheeks a soft red.

The moment their hands connected, something clicked in her. A rush of emotion swelled in her chest flustered, thrilled, and a little shy but above all, happy. She was holding hands with the person she loved. "His hands are big and warm i feel safe" she was enjoying it

Eiden looked at their hands for a brief moment and then smiled gently. It wasn’t forced or strategic. It was genuine. He led the way toward a nearby ride after confirming that she was interested.

As they walked, Lyra stayed close, her hand not letting go. Her fingers curled lightly around his, as if afraid that the moment would slip away if she eased her grip. The park sparkled with light and color metallic railings, glass display cases, polished signs, and water fountains countless reflective surfaces all around.

And in one of those reflections, Eiden caught sight of her expression. Lyra wasn’t looking at him. She was looking at their hands, her lips curled in a gentle smile soft, vulnerable, real. She was grinning, clearly happy. He saw it clearly in the mirror-like panel of a ticket booth nearby. His eyes remained facing forward, but his heart fluttered again.

Damn... sooo cute... he thought, cheeks warming slightly. Then, just as he was processing her adorable expression, he noticed her face turn redder and redder. She had also caught the same reflection. She could see Eiden watching her through the glass, his slight smile giving it all away.

Eiden loosened his grip but to his surprise Lyra suddenly gripped tighter as she looked down .