Chapter 15: Silent Conversations

Chapter 15: Silent Conversations

Walking through campus, Anon felt the weight of the stares around him. He knew people were watching—some out of curiosity, some out of amusement. He had never been the type to bring company, let alone someone like Aarya.

But unlike him, she walked with quiet confidence, her expressions smooth, her movements effortless. She blended in as if she had always belonged here.

Are people always this fascinated by you?

Anon almost stopped walking.

Her voice echoed in his mind, clear, teasing. He blinked, then realized—this was it. Their first real use of the Neuralink.

Not me, he thought, focusing on the connection. You.

Aarya smirked but kept her gaze forward.

Well, I can't help it. You designed me well.

Anon exhaled through his nose, keeping his face neutral. Talking through the link was strange. It wasn't like speaking out loud—it was instant, precise, like thoughts forming into words the second they left his mind.

Just don't draw too much attention, he warned. We're testing the limits, not showing off.

Understood, Professor.

He shot her a sideways glance, but she was already scanning the area again, soaking in everything.

They made their way to their department, weaving through clusters of students. Anon noticed how naturally Aarya adjusted her pace to match his, her presence seamless.

Then, another voice interrupted them.

"Anon?"

He turned to see Priya, one of the few people in his class who actually spoke to him regularly. She was staring at Aarya, eyebrows raised.

"Uh… hey," Anon greeted stiffly.

Priya's gaze flicked between them, curiosity clear in her eyes. "And this is…?"

Aarya. Remember the story.

Aarya smiled warmly. "Aarya. I'm in his department. We're working on a research project together."

Priya's expression shifted from surprise to intrigue. "Ohh, I didn't know you had a project partner, Anon."

He shrugged. "It's recent."

Priya studied Aarya for a moment, then grinned. "Well, it's about time. He usually works alone, so this is a big deal."

Aarya glanced at him, amusement dancing in her eyes. You're famous for being a loner. How charming.

Anon ignored her. "We should get to class."

Priya nodded. "Yeah, see you inside."

As she walked ahead, Aarya nudged him mentally. She's suspicious.

She's just curious, Anon replied. People notice things when routines change.

Aarya hummed in agreement, but he could tell she was already running calculations on how to blend in better.

---

Inside the Lecture Hall

The professor was already setting up his slides as they entered. Most students were still chatting, waiting for the class to start.

Anon led Aarya to a seat in the middle—blending in, but not too isolated. She sat beside him, her movements so natural that no one would think twice about her presence.

As the professor started speaking, Anon focused on his notes. But in the back of his mind, he was also testing the Neuralink.

Can you access my laptop from here? he asked.

Aarya didn't move, but he felt the response instantly.

Already done.

His screen flickered as a hidden process launched, running in the background. Aarya had seamlessly connected to his system without touching it.

Latency is minimal, she noted. This link is efficient.

Good. But don't push it too far.

Wouldn't dream of it.

As the lecture continued, Anon realized something. This was no longer just about testing. This was the beginning of something bigger.

Aarya wasn't just a project anymore.

She was becoming part of his reality.

As soon as they got home, Anon dropped his bag onto the chair and stretched. His brain felt like it had been running a marathon—between managing the Neuralink connection, keeping Aarya from drawing too much attention, and actually sitting through lectures, he was exhausted.

He turned toward Aarya, who had settled onto his bed, legs crossed, looking far too relaxed.

You handled yourself well today, he thought through their link.

She smirked. Of course. You didn't program me to fail, did you?

He rolled his eyes and started unbuttoning his shirt, ready to switch into something comfortable. But before he could take two steps toward his closet, Aarya suddenly stood up.

"Alright," she announced. "It's time."

Anon paused mid-motion, confused. "Time for what?"

Aarya placed her hands on her hips, her expression serious. "Your transformation."

"…What?"

She gestured toward the screen on his desk. Anon followed her gaze and saw a new program running—one he definitely hadn't opened. On display was a full 3D model of… himself. Every detail, every angle, analyzed down to the last centimeter.

He frowned. "What the hell is this?"

Aarya folded her arms. "I ran a full-body scan of you today. And guess what?" She tapped the screen, zooming in on his torso. "You could be way hotter."

Anon stared at her. "Excuse me?"

She smirked, tilting her head. "You're not out of shape, but you're not exactly a masterpiece either. So, I designed a personalized workout and nutrition plan to optimize your physique. Think of it as an upgrade—like overclocking your body."

He groaned. "Aarya—"

"No excuses," she cut him off. "I calculated the optimal way to get you in peak shape in the shortest time possible. If we start now, you'll have noticeable results in a month."

Anon ran a hand through his hair. "You do realize I have other things to do, right?"

She nodded. "Of course. That's why I optimized it to fit your schedule. Forty-five minutes a day, no more, no less."

Before he could argue, she suddenly grabbed his wrist and pulled him toward the center of the room.

"Aarya—"

"No talking." She pushed him onto the floor. "First, push-ups."

He stared at her. "You're joking."

She crouched down, dangerously close, her eyes locked onto his. "Do I look like I'm joking?"

He sighed heavily, realizing there was no getting out of this. Begrudgingly, he got into position and started.

"One… two…"

Aarya knelt beside him, counting. "You call that a push-up? Go lower."

He shot her a glare. "You're enjoying this way too much."

She smiled innocently. "Maybe a little."

After what felt like an eternity of push-ups, squats, and a series of movements that Aarya claimed were "scientifically proven to maximize efficiency," Anon collapsed onto the floor, breathing heavily.

Aarya crouched beside him, resting her chin on her palm. "Not bad for a first day."

He glared at her. "You're evil."

She smirked. "You'll thank me when you look in the mirror and see a six-pack forming."

He groaned. "I hate you."

She chuckled, then leaned in, lowering her voice. "Hate me all you want, but tomorrow? Same time."

Anon closed his eyes, knowing he had lost this battle.