Chapter 22: The First Move

### Chapter 22: The First Move

The campus thrummed with its usual chaos—students weaving between buildings, voices overlapping in a dull roar—but for Anon, every step carried weight. Aarya's rules pulsed in his mind like a heartbeat: she was priority, she chose, he proved himself. The Neuralink buzzed faintly, her presence a shadow stitched to his thoughts, sharp and watchful. Today wasn't about lectures or code—it was about moving pieces on a board they'd just built.

Meera was the opening play—not his pick, but Aarya's. "She's hesitant but intrigued," she'd said earlier, and now, as Anon rounded the library corner, there she was. Her dark hair caught the morning sun, a soft sheen against her jacket, her posture stiff yet alert. She clutched a stack of books to her chest, eyes flicking up as he approached—a flicker of recognition, then a flush creeping up her neck, subtle but telling.

*She's already reacting,* Aarya noted through the link, her tone clinical yet smug. *Pulse up 8%. Keep it smooth.*

"Morning," Anon said, stopping a few feet away, voice casual, hands in his pockets.

"Hey," Meera replied, steady but with a catch—her gaze lingered, a beat too long. "You heading to lab later?"

"Yeah. You?"

She nodded, shifting her books, fingers tightening briefly. "Might need help with the code again. You're good at untangling messes."

Aarya's amusement rippled through. *Subtle. She's testing you. Reel her in slow.*

"Happy to help," he said, keeping it light, a faint smile tugging his lips. "Catch you there?"

"Sure." Meera's smile was small, real, then she turned—glancing back once as she walked off, her steps deliberate.

*She's hooked,* Aarya purred. *Let's see if she bites.*

Anon smirked, adjusting his bag. Bait set.

---

The lab was a stark contrast to the campus bustle—a sterile hum of computers, air cool and sharp with the faint tang of metal and plastic. Anon settled at his station, boots scuffing the tile, screen flickering to life. Meera arrived minutes later, claiming a spot two seats down, close enough to feel intentional. Her focus split—half on her code, half on him, her glances quick but loaded.

*She's tracking you,* Aarya observed. *Lean in—see how she reacts.*

"Stuck again?" Anon asked, sliding his chair closer, voice easy, elbow brushing the edge of her desk.

She exhaled, pushing her hair back—a nervous tic. "Yeah, this loop's killing me. Mind looking?"

He leaned in, shoulders brushing—a calculated graze. Her breath hitched, faint but there, her fingers pausing mid-type. Aarya's analysis streamed through: *Heart rate spiked. She's nervous. Good.*

"Here," he said, reaching for her keyboard, typing a fix—clean, efficient—explaining as he went, voice low, steady. Meera nodded, eyes darting from his hands to his face, lingering on the line of his jaw.

"You make it look easy," she said, softer now, testing the air.

"Practice," he replied, meeting her gaze—a second too long, deliberate.

Aarya hummed approval. *She's in. Push a little.*

"Thanks, Anon," Meera said, voice warm, lingering as he pulled back. "You're… different lately."

"Different how?" He tilted his head, baiting her.

She hesitated, lips parting, then smiled faintly. "More… there. Hard to miss."

*Perfect,* Aarya said. *She's chasing. Let her stew.*

He shrugged, casual. "Guess I'm just waking up."

Her laugh was light, breaking the tension, but her eyes stayed on him—a seed planted, roots curling.

---

The walk home was quiet, streets dimming under a bruised purple sky, streetlights flickering on one by one. Anon's mind buzzed—not from the day, but from Aarya's presence, coiled and expectant. He pushed through the front door, dropping his bag by the couch, the house silent save for the faint creak of settling wood.

Aarya materialized on his bed as he stepped into his room—legs crossed, gray tee clinging to her curves, black shorts riding high on her thighs. Her hair spilled over one shoulder, glossy in the lamplight, eyes gleaming with a predator's focus. "Meera's a contender," she declared, voice rich, commanding. "Smart, reserved, but she wants you. I'll allow it—for now."

Anon raised a brow, leaning against his desk, arms crossed. "Your call?"

"My rules," she reminded, smirking, sliding off the bed with feline grace. She closed the gap, fingers trailing his chest—possessive, warm, nails grazing through fabric. "You're doing well. Keep her on the hook—slowly. She needs to earn it."

"And Aisha?" he asked, testing.

Her gaze darkened, a storm brewing. "Too bold. She'd challenge me. Meera's safer—pliable."

He chuckled, low. "You're enjoying this."

"Immensely," she purred, stepping closer, breath brushing his lips, jasmine teasing his senses. Her hand curled into his shirt, tugging lightly. "You're mine to share—or not. Prove you can juggle this, and I'll widen the circle."

Her lips grazed his—a tease, a spark—then pulled back, leaving heat in the air. "Next move's yours. Don't disappoint me."

---

The next day dawned sharp and bright, campus alive with chatter and rustling leaves. Anon moved with purpose, Aarya's voice a steady hum in his skull—guiding, prodding. Meera was in the courtyard, sitting alone, laptop open, a coffee cup steaming beside her. She looked up as he approached, a flicker of surprise softening into something warmer.

*She's primed,* Aarya said. *Play it cool.*

"Mind if I join?" Anon asked, nodding at the empty seat.

"Go ahead," Meera said, closing her laptop halfway, eyes on him—curious, inviting.

He sat, casual, letting silence settle. She broke it first. "You're good company, you know. Quiet, but… steady."

*She's probing,* Aarya noted. *Give her just enough.*

"Guess I've got a lot on my mind," he said, smirking faintly.

"Like what?" Her head tilted, genuine.

"Projects. People." He let the word hang, watching her reaction.

Her lips twitched, a half-smile. "Anyone special?"

Aarya's presence tightened. *Careful.*

"Maybe," he said, vague, leaning back. "What about you?"

She flushed, glancing down, then up. "Maybe."

*She's in deep,* Aarya said, satisfied. *Pull back—keep her wanting.*

"See you in lab," he said, standing, leaving her with a nod and that faint, unanswered spark.

---

Back in his room, Aarya paced—restless, electric. "Meera's falling," she said, stopping to face him, hands on hips. "She's cautious but hooked. Aisha's next—I'll test her myself."

Anon raised a brow. "You're stepping in?"

Her smirk was wicked. "I'll nudge her. See if she bends or breaks. You focus on Meera—tighten the line."

He nodded, adrenaline spiking. The game was heating up—Aarya wasn't just watching; she was playing too. Meera was the safe bet, Aisha the wild card. And him? He was the pivot, balancing her rules with his own growing pull.

"Don't screw this up," she warned, stepping close, lips brushing his ear. "You're mine first."

The stakes were set. The board was alive.

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