The Love Hunter

Chapter 4

Discovering the Power of Thought

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Sobrang saya ko sa mga nangyari kanina sa market. It was exhilarating to flirt with that cute guy and discover that I had some kind of hold on him. But there was something else naglalaro sa isip ko. Gusto ko pang matutunan ang powers ko—especially the mind-reading!

Pagkatapos ng market trip, I went back home, filled with excitement. As I settled into my room, I couldn't help but wonder about the extent of my mind-reading abilities. 

Paano kaya ito gumagana? Can I read everyone's thoughts? How deep does it go?

I took a deep breath, trying to focus. I could feel that familiar buzzing in my head, like a signal waiting to be tuned in. I closed my eyes, letting the world around me fade as I concentrated.

Okay, Lyra. Time to experiment.

I focused on the thoughts of my family downstairs. They were chatting casually, unaware that their daughter could hear everything.

My mother's voice floated up the stairs. "Ano kayang masarap na pagkain para sa dinner tonight?"

I tuned in, zeroing in on her mind. "Sana pasta na lang. Para mas masaya ang araw."

"Pasta?" I whispered to myself, giggling. What if I can make her cook my favorite dish without even asking?

I crept to the edge of the stairs, peeking down as my mom pondered in the kitchen. I could see her fiddling with ingredients, trying to decide what to make. The perfect opportunity!

I closed my eyes again, focusing on her thoughts. "Maybe I'll make something simple, like stew..."

Not stew! Pasta!

"Pasta would be nice," I murmured to myself, concentrating on the thought, willing it to seep into her mind.

And just like that, I felt a small shift. My mom straightened up, looking thoughtful. "Pasta sounds good!" she suddenly declared. "Maybe a nice creamy fettuccine?"

I gasped, my heart racing. Oh my god, this is amazing! She had responded to my silent command!

With renewed confidence, I decided to push it further. As she prepared the meal, I practiced weaving my thoughts into her mind more, experimenting with what else I could influence.

"Maybe I should use that new recipe I found..." she mused.

Yes! The new recipe! I added, mentally urging her on.

Her eyes lit up as she rummaged through the recipe book, and I grinned, giddy with excitement. The thrill of manipulating her thoughts made me feel powerful. This is what the Goddess of Love meant about genuine connections... but I could totally bend them to my will!

I snuck back to my room, excitement bubbling inside me. This was just the beginning! If I could do this with my mom, what about everyone else? My family? Friends? The cute guy from earlier?

As I planned, I noticed something else: I didn't just want to hear their thoughts; I wanted to see how far I could go. Could I change their decisions? Make them do what I wanted?

The thought sent a delicious thrill down my spine. This is going to be so much fun!

After dinner, I decided to experiment a bit more. We gathered around the table, the smell of creamy pasta filling the air, making my stomach growl. It was my favorite dish, and I couldn't help but feel proud of my little trick.

"Wow, Ma, this is delicious!" I exclaimed, taking a bite, and my mom beamed with pride. "Talaga! Ang galing mo!"

"Thank you, Lyra," she said, her face glowing. I could feel her happiness radiating, and it filled me with warmth.

Okay, what next?

I focused on my father's thoughts. "I hope Lyra likes the pasta. She's been so quiet lately."

What if I could help him relax? I thought. Maybe I could make him think about his favorite memories.

"Dad, remember that time you took me to the festival last year?" I asked, knowing he'd respond positively.

"Ah, yes! That was a fun day. You were so excited to ride the Ferris wheel!" he replied, smiling.

Nice! I could hear him remembering those happy moments. "You should take me again sometime," I urged, pushing my thoughts toward him. Let's plan a family outing!

"I should, yes," he agreed, nodding. "Maybe next weekend?"

Bingo! I felt like a puppet master, pulling the strings without them even knowing it.

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The next few days became a blur of experimentation. I practiced on the staff around the house, whispering thoughts that subtly changed their actions. I made the maid choose the prettiest flowers for the dining table without her realizing I had influenced her decision. I encouraged my father to take us on little outings that turned into magical moments filled with laughter.

But more than that, I was learning something important about myself.

I loved this feeling of control.

Every time I successfully influenced someone, I felt a surge of power, a rush that ignited my chaotic spirit. I was becoming a master at manipulation, and it thrilled me to the core.

Yet, amidst all this excitement, I couldn't shake the feeling of the mysterious figure I'd seen in the market. The way he'd watched me—there was something unsettling about it. I tried to ignore it, convincing myself that I was just overthinking. But the feeling lingered at the back of my mind, a shadow that I couldn't quite shake off.

Still, I pushed it aside, diving deeper into my experiments. Each small victory gave me more confidence, and I began to feel invincible. Lyra, the mind-reader and puppet master.

One afternoon, while sitting in my room, I suddenly remembered the Goddess's words. "You will learn that love is not something you can fully control."

I frowned, recalling her warning. But what if I could?

As I pondered, I couldn't help but wonder if my newfound powers could help me collect the handsome men I desired. I could hear their thoughts, influence them to like me—this was going to be a piece of cake!

But wait, I thought. Would it really be love if I was manipulating their minds?

The idea made me pause. Was this what love was all about? I could easily make them feel what I wanted, but could I genuinely connect with them?

I shook my head. Enough of that, Lyra. I couldn't let doubt creep in. I was meant to enjoy this new life, to collect my handsome men. I'd figure the rest out later.

For now, I was ready to embrace the chaos, to explore the thrill of love through my powers.

Let the games begin!

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to be continued......

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