As they conversed, Travis's hand, in a bold and almost daring move, found its way to rest lightly on Ashley's thigh, a gentle yet unmistakable gesture that sent a thrill through her. Sitting beside him, Ashley felt a rush of excitement and a flutter in her stomach at his touch, her heart beating faster as she stole a glance at Travis.
'Why do I feel so electrified all of a sudden? These unexpected sensations must be a sign of something more than just casual interest,' she thought, her mind racing with both anticipation and confusion.
Across from her, Travis and Lauren were deeply engrossed in discussing their favorite anime series, their voices blending in a harmonious exchange of excitement and enthusiasm. Ashley couldn't help but admire Travis's handsome features—the way his eyes lit up when he talked about his favorite characters, the confidence in his voice, and the subtle charisma that drew her in.
'Is it possible to feel this drawn to someone I've only just met? We connect over anime, but there's something else, something magnetic about him,' Ashley pondered, struggling to make sense of her growing attraction.
Lost in her thoughts, Ashley found herself stealing glances at Travis, captivated by his presence and the way he engaged with others. Each moment spent in his company deepened her intrigue and sparked a newfound curiosity about where their connection might lead.
Travis was suddenly brought back by the voice of the system.
[ Yo, check the girl beside you. She's heated ]
' Huh what do you mean?'
Travis turned towards Ashley, noticing the dark pink glow surrounding her entire body. She looked at him with a mesmerized expression, her breath slightly uneven as if under a spell.
Unnerved, Travis glanced down and saw his hand resting on Ashley's thigh. He quickly withdrew it, startled to see a faint red glow surrounding his hand as well.
"Why is the skill on?" Travis thought, puzzled by the sudden activation.
"It's passive, so it's constantly active. I forgot to tell you that," the mysterious voice in his head replied.
"That doesn't make sense. I touched my mom this morning, and nothing happened," Travis argued, trying to make sense of the situation.
"Oh, well, she's high level, so it's not surprising," the voice explained casually.
"High level? What does that mean?" Travis asked, his confusion deepening.
The voice remained silent, leaving Travis to ponder the implications of these newfound abilities and their connection to the people around him.
[ Just upgrade the system and you'll know. For now just act like nothing happened. Also you accomplished the mission.
**Task Completed**
Mission 1 - Learn of the four Arousal Colors. **(4/4)**
Reward: **$100** ]
Travis was surprised by the quick response to his completed mission as he checked his phone and found the reward deposited into his bank account.
"Wow, that was quick," he remarked to himself, a slight grin forming as he pocketed his phone. The bell signaling break time rang, prompting Travis to stand up and stretch, feeling the need to move after sitting for so long.
"Hey, do you guys mind if we go for a walk?" he asked Lauren and Ashley.
Lauren shook her head. "No, I was actually thinking of doing that."
Travis turned to Ashley, who seemed lost in thought, staring out the window. "Ashley, are you alright?" he inquired.
Breaking out of her reverie, Ashley smiled at Lauren and Travis. "Yeah, I'm alright. Just hungry, that's all," she replied, her eyes briefly meeting Travis's as she spoke.
Noticing his gaze, Ashley licked her lips and smirked playfully. "I should go get something to eat. I'll meet you guys back here."
Travis smiled back. "Nah, let's go together. We can also check out the cafeteria when we're done walking around."
"Okay, sure," Ashley agreed, her smile widening as they prepared to head out together for a stroll around their new school grounds.
As they stepped out of the classroom, Travis led the way with Ashley and Lauren beside him. They walked down the corridor, their footsteps echoing softly against the tiled floor. Travis pointed out various classrooms, the library, and the administrative offices as they passed by.
"So, what do you guys think of the school so far?" Travis asked, glancing at Ashley and Lauren.
Ashley looked around, taking in the spacious hallways and the modern architecture. "It's definitely different from my old school in New York. I like how everything feels more open and less crowded here," she remarked, her eyes scanning the bulletin boards adorned with student artwork and announcements.
Lauren nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it has a really welcoming atmosphere. And the facilities seem well-maintained," she added, her gaze wandering to the courtyard visible through the windows.
As they continued their tour, they reached the school courtyard bathed in sunlight. Students were scattered around, some chatting in groups, while others enjoyed the outdoor benches under the shade of trees.
"Let's head over to the cafeteria," Travis suggested, leading them towards the building across from the courtyard. They entered through the glass doors into a bustling cafeteria filled with students lining up at food counters and sitting at tables with their friends.
Travis guided Ashley and Lauren through the food options, pointing out his favorite dishes and snacks. They grabbed trays and loaded up with food, finding a table by the window overlooking the courtyard.
"So, what classes are you guys looking forward to the most?" Travis asked as they settled in, enjoying their meal together amidst the lively atmosphere of the cafeteria.
Ashley thought for a moment before replying, "I'm excited for art class. I've always loved drawing and painting."
Lauren nodded enthusiastically. "Same here! I can't wait for the literature and creative writing classes. I've heard great things about the teachers."
Travis smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie growing between them as they discussed their interests and aspirations for the school year ahead. They spent the rest of the break getting to know each other better, sharing stories and laughter as they explored more of their new school together.
As Ashley, Lauren, and Travis walked together, they were interrupted by the voices of two guys up ahead. One with blonde hair was boasting loudly, "I'm telling you bro, I'm gonna bang half the Freshmen this time."
His companion, with black hair, shook his head skeptically. "I doubt it," he replied dismissively, until he noticed Ashley and Lauren approaching.
"Hey, check out those Freshmen," the black-haired guy remarked, nudging his friend.
The blonde guy looked up, his eyes narrowing with interest as he appraised Ashley and Lauren. "They look good. Wanna do a two-man?" he suggested with a grin.
His friend hesitated briefly, glancing at Travis who was walking beside Ashley and Lauren. "What about the dude?" he asked, voicing concern.
"Just ignore him," the blonde guy replied casually, his attention already fixed on Ashley and Lauren as they approached closer.
TO BE CONTINUED