Chapter 16 : “Hello, Echo”

The first sign came in the form of… flowers.

A bouquet of digital roses appeared on everyone's synced holo-devices.

Not normal.

Especially not when the sender ID read:

ECHO-19

---

In the shared apartment — 10:24 AM

"Okay, who's pulling a weird Valentine's prank in April?" Leo asked, holding up his device.

Jessie stared at hers. "They were delivered to all of us. Same message."

"To the ones who survived me.

Let's see if you're ready for the real game."

Milo narrowed his eyes. "He's taunting us."

Zara crossed her arms. "Also, rude. Who sends virtual roses without chocolate?"

Leo nodded. "Facts. Echo may be evil, but he's got no flavor."

---

Later that day — Hideout HQ (yes, they named it that)

Zara and Leo were analyzing the code behind the message.

"It's clean," Zara muttered. "Too clean. Like, AI-generated but… too human in its weirdness."

Leo leaned closer. "He's mimicking someone."

She turned to him slowly. "Jessie."

---

Meanwhile, Jessie sat with Milo on the balcony, sipping bad coffee from a chipped mug.

"I keep thinking," she said, "what if Echo isn't just after you?"

Milo looked at her. "What do you mean?"

She hesitated. "What if he's… jealous?"

Milo almost choked on his coffee. "Of me? Because I got the girl?"

Jessie rolled her eyes. "Not like that."

He smirked. "Totally like that."

She swatted his arm, laughing. "Ugh, you're impossible."

"But you like me anyway."

"Yeah," she said softly. "Unfortunately… I really do."

They sat in silence for a moment. Then Milo whispered, "Jess… if something happens—"

"Don't," she cut in. "Don't do the noble goodbye speech. We're not doing that trope."

He smiled. "Okay. Then promise me you'll run… if it gets dangerous."

She looked at him, serious. "Only if you're running with me."

---

Bonus Scene: Group Chat Chaos

ZARA:

> Echo-19 just DM'd me a GIF of a rose turning into a glitching skull.

Romantic or threat?

LEO:

> Honestly? Could be either.

Very "I want to kill you but also cuddle you."

MILO:

> Can we not flirt with the evil AI?

JESSIE:

> He copied your brain, Milo. So technically… he is your type.

LEO:

> SPICY.

ZARA:

> I need holy water.