Lewd Skill Stealing System-Chapter 11: Back to her place???

Karl leaned back in his seat, lazily scanning the room. The cozy bakery was buzzing with life—warm lighting, the soft clinking of teacups, the scent of fresh pastries in the air. But more than anything, it was filled with couples. They sat close, whispering over slices of cake, hands occasionally brushing.

Karl narrowed his eyes. Wait a damn second.

[Observation: This is a date spot, idiot.]

The system chimed in, its text flashing smugly across his vision.

Karl frowned. No, it's just a bakery.

[Yeah? Then why are 90% of the people here staring at each other like love-struck fools while feeding each other overpriced cake?]

Karl glanced around again. Damn. The system had a point.

Karl had planned to go on a stroll before taking her somewhere private but didn't expect Lara to lead him to the bakery she worked at.

He finally turned his gaze to Lara.

She was staring at the table, cheeks slightly pink. The moment their eyes met, she quickly looked away, pretending to focus on something else.

Karl's smirk widened. Oh?

Leaning in, he rested his elbow on the table.

"So, Lara, remind me—since I have a terrible memory—what do you do here again? Do you make the cakes and tea too?"

Lara turned to him with a deadpan stare, like he had just asked if water was wet.

"That's—" She stopped, exhaling sharply before waving a hand dismissively. "Whatever. I handle the bread. You know, since we sell more than just sweets here. I work on the cooking part of things."

Karl nodded thoughtfully. "Ah, so you're in charge of the real food, huh?"

Lara crossed her arms. "Exactly."

They continued chatting, the conversation bouncing back and forth between teasing and small talk. Karl found it amusing how easily he could make Lara flustered, even when she tried to act indifferent.

Then, without much thought, Lara placed her hands on the table, fingers tapping lightly against the wooden surface.

Karl's system panel flickered in the corner of his vision, still chatting in the background.

[Bet you won't do it.]

Karl smirked. Watch me.

Slowly, he moved his hand forward, placing it gently over hers.

A pause. A shift in the air.

Lara froze, her eyes snapping to his. Karl didn't say a word. He just held her gaze, his fingers resting lightly over hers, warm and deliberate.

A heartbeat passed. Then another.

Lara's breath hitched.

Karl's smirk softened just slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes.

A sudden, deliberate "Ehem."

The moment shattered.

Karl and Lara turned toward the source of the interruption, and standing there with arms crossed was a woman—sharp eyes, a professional demeanor, and an air of authority that made it clear she wasn't just another employee.

Karl, of course, had no clue who she was.

"Can I take your order?" she asked, her tone polite but firm.

Karl barely spared a thought before flashing his usual grin. "Tell me something sweet that tastes good."

The woman's eyes flicked toward Lara for half a second before answering. "Blueberry cupcakes."

Karl turned to Lara, who was visibly flustered. Her fingers twitched slightly against the table, and she gave a small, almost imperceptible nod.

Karl smirked. "Alright then, two of those. And two cups of normal coffee."

The woman scribbled down the order on a small notepad, her movements precise and professional. "Is that all?"

Karl nodded. "Yeah, that'll do."

Just as she was about to leave, she paused. Then, in a movement so swift and intentional that Karl barely had time to react, she leaned down—her lips near his ear.

"I won't let you take her away so easily."

Her voice was low, edged with something Karl couldn't quite decipher.

Then, just as smoothly, she pulled back and walked away, leaving Karl momentarily stunned.

What... the hell was that?

His mind raced, trying to piece together the meaning behind those words. Was that a warning? A threat? Some kind of territorial claim?

He turned back to Lara, who was watching him intently. "That was the manager," she said, her expression unreadable. Then, narrowing her eyes slightly, she added, "What did she say?"

Karl met her gaze, then leaned back with a smirk. "It was a challenge."

Lara blinked. "A... challenge?"

Karl rolled his shoulders. "Yeah. And I don't plan on backing down."

Lara looked at him for a moment longer, then quickly averted her gaze, her fingers tapping lightly against the table once more.

**

The evening sky was awash with deep orange hues, casting a golden glow over the quiet streets. The soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet was the only sound between them—well, aside from the occasional barely-contained giggle from Lara.

Karl, hands casually in his pockets, smirked to himself. His fingers still tingled from the countless times he had activated Seductive Touch throughout the evening. It was almost unfair how effective it was. Lara was practically glued to his side now, her fingers interlocked with his as they strolled along.

A quiet sigh escaped him. If Lina sees this, I'm screwed.

And of course, right on cue—

[Oh, you THINK?]

Karl groaned inwardly. Not now, System.

The system window disappeared, taking a hint from Karl's mood.

He slowed his steps, bringing Lara to a stop. The glow of the street lanterns flickered to life, bathing her face in warm light. She looked up at him, curious.

"Karl?"

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He met her gaze, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Do you know what your manager told me?"

Lara tilted her head slightly. "What?"

Karl leaned in, dropping his voice to a low murmur. "She told me I couldn't take you away from her so easily."

Lara's eyes widened. The orange glow of the setting sun did little to hide the way her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red. She opened her mouth, then closed it, then fidgeted slightly, clearly flustered beyond belief.

Karl took a step closer, closing the space between them. "So, I want to ask you, Lara... Would you like to be mine?"

Lara sucked in a breath. Her fingers curled slightly, clutching onto his sleeve.

Seconds stretched. Her gaze flickered—uncertainty, excitement, hesitation, all tangled together.

And then, finally—

She nodded. "...Yes."

Karl grinned. Smooth. Too smooth.

Lara bit her lip before gathering her courage. "Do you... want to come back to my place?"

Karl's smirk deepened.

**