Harem Stealing System

As Eiden met Lyra’s eyes, he didn’t know why, but he gave an awkward smile. Lyra, standing quietly behind the group of girls, returned the energy with an equally awkward wave. There was this strange air between themnawkward, sure but not because something awkward had actually happened. It was just... there.

The group of girls was descending the stairs now, chatting and laughing as the crowd’s attention shifted to them. Some guys nearby subtly stole glances, others not-so-subtly blushed. Even some who had arrived with their girlfriends couldn’t help but admire them especially Sasha. The group included Sasha, Crysty, Lyra, Deria, and three other girls Eiden didn’t recognize. His gaze lingered on Lyra again, and he frowned a little. What is Lyra doing here? he wondered. I don’t remember her being close with Sasha, nor have I seen them talk before.

He assumed she must’ve come along with a friend probably Crysty. It was the only reasonable explanation. As the girls made their way down, many guests stepped forward to wish Sasha a happy birthday, handing her presents. She received them gracefully smiling, thanking them, and placing each gift on a large table already piled high.

Eiden watched from a distance, scoffing internally. She’s acting like a noble princess... meanwhile this is the same girl who barges into my room without knocking, steals my bed when she feels like it, and sleeps over in the guest room like it’s her personal suite. She even had a second toothbrush stored permanently in his washroom. Yet now, she was all elegance and poise.

He looked around, quietly impressed by the size of the crowd. She sure is popular... and has a lot of friends, he thought. Then again, some of these people just tagged along like Deuel and John, who rode in through Harry.

While Sasha continued receiving her guests, Eiden slipped into a corner, grabbed a drink and a small plate of food, and observed the scene as he ate. His eyes drifted back to Lyra. She was silent, almost blending into the background, simply tagging along as the other girls talked to one another. Doesn’t seem like she knows most people here, Eiden thought. Probably came with a friend who got too busy chatting to notice she’s left out.

Then their eyes met again. Lyra glanced around and spotted him. Eiden signaled toward the balcony with a slight tilt of his head. Lyra, after a second of hesitation, nodded slightly and began moving toward him through the crowd. Eiden stepped out to the balcony, the cool night air brushing against his face. A few seconds later, Lyra joined him.

"Hi," she said softly. "Hi," Eiden replied, then took the initiative. "I didn’t know you were friends with Sasha." Lyra shook her head. "No, I don’t talk to her often. I came along with Crysty she’s close with Sasha. I’ve known Crysty since middle school."

"I see," Eiden replied gently. "What about you, Eiden?" she asked. "Are you Crysty’s childhood friend?"