Jason adjusted the zombie costume he'd thrown on and walked briskly toward the dorms of the Fine Arts Academy.
The Spirit Array he had bound earlier was quietly working inside him, making his steps light and his body feel almost untethered. Tonight wasn't just about Halloween fun — it was also the official start of his fifth major task. Another wave of fortune was waiting for him, and just thinking about it brought a smile to his face.
Before Jason could even reach the entrance, Holly Larson was already there waiting. She stood by the dorm gates in a sleek zombie-girl outfit — nothing over the top, but stylish enough to highlight her curves and playful energy.
The moment her eyes landed on Jason, she ran straight into his arms, laughing, then quickly pulled him by the hand toward the gate.
Affection +1.
Jason smirked to himself. A simple meeting could raise her bond with him. Not bad at all.
On the balcony across the way, Megan, watched with growing bitterness. She had spotted Holly standing there in costume and had already suspected something. When Jason arrived and Holly practically launched herself into his arms, Megan's worst guess was confirmed.
She stood frozen, heart sinking, watching the very scene she had hoped never to witness.
"Isn't that Jason… with Holly Larson?" a voice asked from behind her. It was her friend, stepping out onto the balcony, following Megan's line of sight. Her words trailed off as she noticed Megan's expression and decided to stop herself.
She understood well enough. After all, Jason wasn't just anyone — he was the kind of guy who casually bought a high-end restaurant for a girl like it was nothing. His reputation had only grown with each new rumor. Seeing Megan rattled made sense.
Trying to shift the mood, she said gently, "Megan, why don't you just invite someone else? It's Halloween. There are plenty of guys who'd love to spend the night with you."
Megan knew that was true. Her so-called fish pond was full — countless suitors waiting for just one word from her. Usually, she could juggle them easily, setting up class reunions or group outings to keep her "catch" lined up without misunderstandings.
But tonight was different. Tonight, the boy she wanted wasn't biting.
For the first time, she had offered someone a Halloween couple's costume — a symbolic gesture, almost a confession. And Jason had refused.
The hook she prided herself on had slipped from her control, and now her heart was tangled in a way reason couldn't fix.
"…Forget it," Megan muttered. Halloween was supposed to be her stage, the perfect moment to cast her net wide. But none of her other admirers looked appealing now. Her mind was full of Jason, and Jason alone.
Meanwhile, Holly and Jason had already left the gates, slipping into Jason's sleek black Lamborghini Revuelto. A few minutes later, they rolled into the bustling Halloween festival on the commercial strip near campus.
They strolled under the glowing lanterns, eating skewers and candied apples, darting in and out of shops, and finally entering the haunted house.
At first, Holly clung lightly to Jason's arm, laughing at every jump scare. But as they went deeper, she pressed closer, looping both arms around his, then leaning against his shoulder. By the end, she was practically in his chest, burying her face and inhaling his scent like it was something she needed to breathe.
Jason chuckled, not bothering to push her away. His natural confidence, his looks, the quiet charm of someone who never lost his composure — Holly was already at the point of no return.
For her, Jason had already crossed the line. He wasn't just someone fun to hang out with — he was boyfriend material, plain and simple. And tonight, under the Halloween lights, she wanted nothing more than to stay wrapped in his arms.
But tonight, Holly couldn't explain why Jason felt different.
There was something new about him — an aura that clung to his skin, warm and inexplicably comforting. It wasn't cologne, it wasn't some fleeting body fragrance; it was more like a subtle force that drew her in, undeniable and intoxicating.
The closer she held him, the stronger it became. Her arms tightened instinctively, her cheek pressed against his chest, and she realized she didn't want to let go.
Her breath hitched. Oh God… is this that "physiological attraction" people always talk about?
She had heard whispers of it, but this was overwhelming, far more powerful than she'd ever imagined.
Affection +2.
Jason noticed how much clingier Holly was than usual. For a moment, he wondered if his natural charm had somehow gone up a level. Then, thinking it over, he realized the only new factor was the Spirit Array pulsing softly in his body.
The formation fed him directly, yes — but anyone close enough would also be enveloped in that faint concentration of spiritual energy. Against bare skin, the effect was even stronger. That must have been what Holly was sensing, though he knew the array was only amplifying what he already had — his looks, confidence, and the aura of someone untouchable.
As Holly clung to him, her hand slid across his torso — and froze on his abs.
She blinked, then slipped her fingers beneath his shirt, openly tracing the ridges. "Wow… these are way sharper than last time. When we went to the hot springs, they weren't this cut."
Jason laughed softly. "I've been working hard. Results speak for themselves."
Her chin rested against his chest now, her eyes glinting with mischief. "And your chest? Is it just as defined?"
Jason leaned down, his lips brushing her ear. "Want to see for yourself?"
Her face flamed red, but she nodded without hesitation. "Yeah. I… I want to."
Jason grinned. "Fair's fair — I'd like to see yours too."
Holly bit her lip, but didn't object. That silence spoke louder than words.
They slipped out of the haunted house hand in hand and climbed into the Lamborghini. Ten minutes later, the two of them walked into the Seaview Grand Hotel, where Jason's connections had secured a top-floor luxury suite with sweeping glass windows overlooking the ocean.
But neither of them paused to admire the view.
The door closed behind them, and they fell into each other, lips locking with raw urgency. Jackets hit the floor. Fingers traced muscle and curve. Holly marveled breathlessly, "Your body… it's perfect. How did you change this much in just a month?"
Jason only smirked, pulling her closer.
Her answer came in another gasp, her voice muffled against his chest. "And your pecs… they're amazing."
Heat filled the suite, their passion burning brighter than the city lights outside. For Jason, the night was more than just another mission completed. For Holly, it was the point of no return.
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