My System Harem

Chapter 16: New Predicament

My eyes widened in surprise. I rubbed a few more times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating, but no matter how red my eyes got from the constant rubbing, none of it changed. I was still faced by the man who always tried to steal my spot at the top. He looked the same as always, but the only difference is the affection meter above his head. What's more strange is that it was higher than the other two!

How is that possible? Is this actually a system error? Are they messing with me? Or are they giving me a win game by increasing the meter themselves. But why him of all people? He is literally my rival! We are always in each other's throat trying to take the first spot! How do they expect me to gain his affection? I'd rather die again than even touch a strand of his hair!

"What are you looking at?" He narrowed his eyes while raising his brows. But without even waiting for my answer, he just went ahead and sat at the farthest seat from me.

See??? How does that freaking system expect me to get along with that jerk? I feel like he might actually be my death. Once his affection level turns negative, I'm doomed.

I clasped my head as I felt all my efforts go down the drain. I already met the other two, and I thought I really had a chance, I even called the mission a piece of cake. But is this their payback for me? Because they don't want me to finish this mission peacefully? I wouldn't have cared if it was someone who always skipped class, I can always go look for them. Heck, I don't even care if it was a troublemaker, because honestly? The existence of that man is trouble in on itself!

I felt my head hurt from the sudden turn of events. Can I please just give it up? Draven's affection level is at 20%, so as long as I avoid him, it shouldn't turn to negative, right? But then I won't be able to finish this game!

I felt my body lose all strength as I rested my head on the desk. I am doomed!

***

The class ended with my head all over the place. I couldn't focus at all! I kept asking what I did wrong, why did it have to be him? It would have been fine if the system just chose a random guy instead of a heartthrob. As long as it's not Draven!

I left the room with all of my energy drained from simply thinking. How could I not? I literally feel like crying right now. If only I did not allow myself to get fooled, then I probably wouldn't be suffering right now. It's all my fault, my damn fault!

"Hey."

"Who—" I abruptly turned my gaze from the source of the sound. The person standing behind me was the very person that stole my focus for the entire class!

I frowned at the indifferent face he was making.

"What do you want?"

Again, his eyebrow raised as if just looking at me ruins his mood.

The audacity. I should be the one saying that!

"What do you mean what?"

Is he serious? He was the one who suddenly called me! Why does everyone keep pretending not to know!?

"Just spill it out." My patience was growing thinner, so even my voice probably sounded more like a growl.

"Ha. I knew it. You weren't listening for the entire class." He sighed and rolled his eyes as if pissed. Just what on earth is his problem??

"None of your business."

"Well, it is. Because we are in the same group."

"I don't car—"

".... "

What? We are on the same what?

"If you stay distracted the entire time, then you should tell the prof you are leaving the group. I don't want my grades to drop due to a certain someone." After stating his part, he left the place without looking back.

Come to think of it. We did share the same team back then, but as always, we never got along and continued to compete until the day of the presentation. But did he really have to say that?? If only he knew it was his fault that I was distracted the entire class! I knew it. I really can't continue this if it's him. I have to talk with that damn system. I may not be able to change the mission, but maybe, I can talk it out with the target. It shouldn't matter much, right?

After grumbling for who knows how long, I finally arrived at the estate. I still couldn't get used to this. Whenever I see the entrance of the house, I naturally remember the things that happened here. The closed door after I was thrown out. The bustling place but with no warmth. Even the very ground where I was thrown. Everything reminds me of that nightmare.

I can still see the cars parked all around. The white suit Darius wore at the party. The rain pouring heavily as I remained seated on the ground. I don't want to remember anything. I want to forget all of it. But everytime I do, I am only reminded even more.

When will I be able to fully escape these memories?

I reluctantly took a step towards the door. I had no energy left from all of the things I went through today. From meeting a strange system that claimed I can return back time and get my revenge, to waking up 11 years ago, then dealing with Lyra who wanted to humiliate me so bad, to meeting the 1st target who bumped me, the second who hit me with a ball, and the third who was my rival!

I feel like I may fall asleep right away once I enter my room.

Feeling sleepy, I opened the door and entered the house. It was still 6 in the evening, but the house sounded oddly quiet. However, I couldn't care less where they went. This works better for me because I can avoid seeing those faces that trampled me in my past life.

I made my way upstairs and headed towards my room. However, I couldn't help but furrow my brows when I saw the lights open. Who on earth entered my room? Is it a burglar?

Feeling nervous, I held my bag tightly as I lightened my footsteps towards the door. As I drew closer, I saw a shadow of someone inside. With my heart beating loudly, I slowly reached the handle while my hands continued to shake. I mean, how could I not? I literally just returned after dying a miserable death, and now, there's a burglar in my room? What if they are carrying a weapon? What if I get killed for the second time? I haven't even taken my revenge yet! So why now??

No. I can do this. I just have to hit their head so that they will be caught off guard. I will plan the next blow later.

I pushed the door open with all of my force and prepared to attack the burglar inside my room when I suddenly caught sight of the person inside.

Wait.

Lyra??