Morning light spilled through the narrow blinds of Charles's apartment, casting faint golden bars across the hardwood floor. The bed was empty beside him—Olivia had left hours ago, her goodbye whispered with a soft kiss and a look that lingered longer than it should have. He could still feel her scent in the sheets, jasmine and something darker, like temptation bottled in silk.
> [Lust Sync: Olivia Grayson – Bond Level 2 Complete] [Emotional Tie Status: Active – Possessive Tendencies: High] [Warning: Subject may exhibit jealousy toward new targets.]
Charles exhaled slowly. That warning was more than a heads-up—it was a promise of future complications. Olivia wasn't going to fade quietly into the background. But he had no intention of stopping. The system had made its next target clear.
> [New Target: Mia Langford – College Student] [Primary Traits: Shy, Repressed, High Compatibility] [Location: Eastwood University – Library Wing]
He dressed sharply—dark jeans, crisp button-up, the scent of cologne just faint enough to intrigue. Confidence wasn't something he put on anymore. It pulsed beneath his skin, coursed through his voice, walked with him like a shadow. Lust Sync had rewired him. Reforged him.
By the time he reached the Eastwood University campus, the place buzzed with late morning energy. Students rushed across sunlit paths, arms full of books and laptops, faces buried in coffee and stress. Charles walked among them like he belonged—head high, steps slow and deliberate.
> [Target Proximity Detected: 12 meters] [Initiate Approach? Y/N]
Yes.
He followed the system's gentle pull into the library. A cathedral of quiet, sunlight filtering through stained glass panels above long tables and endless rows of books. It was here, among musty pages and hushed whispers, that he saw her.
Mia Langford.
Seated in a corner, isolated like she wanted to disappear. Her dark eyes flickered between the textbook in front of her and her laptop. Her long, mahogany hair spilled over one shoulder, hiding half her face. A loose hoodie and jeans covered her form, but the system had already scanned beyond that.
> [Initial Analysis Complete] [Sync Compatibility: 89%] [Emotional Traits: Repression, Anxiety, Submissive Potential] [Desire Type: Romantic Fantasist] [Command Word Unlocked Upon Bond Initiation: "Imagine"]
Charles approached slowly, not invading her space but making himself known with soft footsteps. He let his voice carry just enough curiosity to seem innocent.
"You always hide in corners, or did I get lucky today?"
Mia jumped slightly, startled. Her wide eyes met his, and she blinked behind thin-framed glasses. "I—uh—sorry, do I know you?"
He smiled disarmingly. "Not yet. But I think we're in the same psychology elective. Professor Langton's class?"
She tilted her head, trying to place him. Her shoulders relaxed just a little, suspicion giving way to social obligation.
"Oh. Maybe. I miss a lot of lectures," she admitted, biting her lower lip.
> [Micro-expression Detected: Nervous Curiosity] [Trust Threshold: 13%] [Suggestion: Establish Common Ground]
Charles took the seat across from her, leaning in just enough to draw her attention without crowding.
"I get it. Langton drones like he's reading obituaries. I usually take notes if you ever need them."
Her lips twitched—a smile threatening to emerge.
"That's... nice of you," she murmured, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. "Most guys don't offer unless they want something."
He didn't deny it. Instead, he let silence settle between them before responding softly, "What if I do?"
Her eyes widened. "Oh."
> [Trust Threshold Reached: 25%] [Initiate Soft Sync? Y/N]
Yes.
A faint pulse echoed through Charles's mind as the connection started forming. Not a full bond yet—but enough to lay roots.
> [Soft Sync Initiated] [Mia Langford: Emotional Vulnerability Accessed] [Memory Thread Unlocked – "Lonely in a Crowd"] [Optional Objective: Draw out her fantasy]
Charles shifted, lowering his voice. "You seem like someone who sees more than she lets on. Someone who imagines things... better things."
Mia's breath caught slightly. Her fingers tightened around her pencil. "You're saying a lot without saying anything."
"I'm saying," he said gently, "that some people hide not because they're weak... but because they're waiting for someone who understands."
Silence. Then, her voice—barely above a whisper.
"I think about that sometimes," she admitted. "Being seen. Noticed. Like in those old books I used to read. Like someone just... knew me."
> [Desire Echo Detected – Bond Opportunity High] [New Command Word Unlocked: "Imagine"] [Reward for Full Sync: Unlock Passive – "Fantasy Link"]
Charles leaned closer, the air between them charged now, not with seduction but recognition. He wasn't dealing with dominance this time. He was dealing with a girl who dreamed of being chosen.
"Then imagine," he said slowly, "a world where you don't have to wait anymore."
She met his gaze again, and something flickered behind her eyes. Something raw. Something hopeful.
> [Sync Progress: 37%] [Emotional Status: Stirred] [Next Phase: Trigger Intimate Moment – Light Touch Recommended]
He reached out—not to grope, not to dominate—but to gently take her hand. It was small, cold, trembling slightly. But she didn't pull away.
"I'd like to see you again," he said. "Away from the books. Maybe someplace quiet. Just us."
Mia's face turned pink, but she nodded.
"O-okay. Yeah. That sounds... nice."
He rose, releasing her hand slowly. The system buzzed softly, pleased.
> [Soft Sync Progress Updated: 45%] [Next Objective: Arrange First Private Encounter] [Potential Traits to Unlock: Exhibitionism, Obedience]
As he walked away, he didn't look back. He didn't need to.
He could feel the tether between them now—thin, but real. Lust Sync had begun its work. And Mia Langford would not remain hidden for long.
---
Back at his apartment, Charles sat on the edge of his bed, the skyline burning orange behind him.
> [Targets: 2 Active]
Olivia Grayson (Level 2 Bond – Possessive)
Mia Langford (Soft Sync – Progressing)
[Global Status Update: Your influence is expanding.] [New Trait Gained: Charisma Boost (Passive)] [Unlocked Path: Dual Bond Management]
He lay back, hands behind his head, mind already moving ahead. The system was evolving. Faster than before. With each woman, each emotional thread, he grew stronger, more persuasive, more dangerous.
And the more connected they became, the deeper they fell.
But deep down, Charles knew power never came without a price.
And soon, someone would try to take it from him.
> Next Target Pending... Incoming Message: "You're not the only one with a system."
His eyes snapped open.
Now that... was interesting.