Chapter 6: Chains and Choices

I never expected Caleb had even more surprises. He’d bought a chest chain, wearing it under his shirt. Still, he was so pure, too shy to speak, his eyes peeking out from behind messy bangs.

He looked up at me through his lashes, almost bashful. The chain glinted against his skin as he shifted, the metal cool to the touch when I finally reached for it.

I slid my fingers into his hair, brushing it back to reveal his sharp brow bone.

He flinched, but let me touch him. I smoothed his bangs, fingertips tracing the lines of his face. “Caleb, trim your hair a bit next time.”

He licked water from his lips. "Did... did it poke you?"

His words tumbled out, anxious and hesitant.

"No," I said honestly. "I just think your eyes are beautiful. They should be seen."

His cheeks bloomed pink. For a moment, I glimpsed the boy he might have been—not just the broken man he’d become.

Always so gloomy—if he’s not autistic, who is?

It was almost cute, watching him fidget. For a second, Caleb’s eyes lit up like a puppy’s. Then, blush spread from his ears to his cheeks, all the way down his neck. Flustered, he stammered, "Sorry, I lost control."

He ducked his head again, looking so miserable I almost laughed.

Caleb was both embarrassed and annoyed. He pulled his bangs from my hand and covered his eyes.

He mumbled something I couldn’t catch. I wondered if he even knew how much I wanted him—how his awkwardness only made me want him more.

I was stunned. Just one compliment and he’s this overwhelmed?

I tried to play it cool, but inside I was melting. The way he responded to every little thing—I’d never met anyone like him.

...

In the morning, I finished my shower feeling refreshed. Caleb was still sound asleep. Not wanting to wake him, I went to the kitchen for breakfast. The smell of cinnamon and coffee filled the air. I poured myself a cup just as the system’s voice chimed in my head.

[You two did it again.]

Well, obviously.

I rolled my eyes and took a sip. [No, why aren’t you running yet?]

Didn’t I just get caught and brought back? Besides, I think he really likes me.

I pictured Caleb curled up in bed, snoring softly. For the first time, I felt almost happy here.

[You don’t get it, do you?]

The system sounded anxious.

[Caleb is the future antihero—obsessively possessive. That’s why he later fights the male lead for the heroine. Even if he likes you now, he can’t escape the plot. He’ll definitely go dark, and then he’ll want both.]

That won’t do.

I frowned, swirling my coffee. I didn’t want to be someone’s consolation prize or side quest.

[Best plan: slowly distance yourself, like boiling a frog in warm water. Take it slow.]

I sighed, nodding. Fine. As much as I hated to leave Caleb’s body, my life was more important.

Wait—system, you made such a huge mistake. Don’t you owe me compensation?

The system chuckled: [You’re already dead in your original world. After this, all the property here is yours.]

Loving parents, billions in assets, endless dresses and bags, houses and mansions—I was seriously tempted.

My mind raced through visions of Miami beach houses, LA boutiques, summers in the Hamptons. I almost forgot what I was supposed to be doing.

Just as I was daydreaming, the kettle whistled. As I stood up, a shadow darted over and hugged my waist.

I nearly jumped, but when I looked down, it was Caleb—face streaked with tears.

Caleb’s tears fell one by one, heartbreakingly pitiful.

He clung to me like I was the last person who could save him. My heart twisted.

"What’s wrong?"

I ran my hands through his hair, trying to soothe him.

"I thought you’d left me again."

His voice was tiny, broken. So he’s got abandonment issues now. I ruffled his hair, lying through my teeth.

"I’m not leaving. Don’t be scared."

He buried his face in my neck, breathing deep like he wanted to memorize my scent. Caleb hugged me tighter, crying so hard my heart melted. His handsome brows furrowed, eyes red and full of grief.

"Don’t leave me. Or I’ll catch you and lock you up."

I laughed, only half joking. The way he said it made my skin prickle. [Small autism, big darkness. Caleb, what other surprises do you have for me?]

Group chat notifications scrolled:

[So shippable! Big perv x autistic ghost]

[Anyone else worried about the plot? The antihero goes after the heroine later—what will MC do?]

[Want to see you run, him chase, love triangle, captivity, forced love—bring it on!]

I shivered. Looks like I need to be cold to Caleb for a while. When he lets his guard down, it’ll be easier to escape.