Existence in Paradoxical Changes

Chapter Fourteen: The Bulging Responsibility of the Mission

Jared's hands trembled as he pressed himself harder against the wall, desperately trying to hide the embarrassing bulge that betrayed his body's treacherous response. Anne's hand reached out, her fingers barely grazing his sleeve before she recoiled, her face burning with an intensity that made her skin feel as if it were on fire.

"Don't touch me!" Jared nearly shouted, his voice cracking with mortification.

Anne stumbled back, her eyes wide and confused. She understood enough about male physiology to recognize what was happening, despite her limited experience. Her innocence didn't mean she was naive. The sight before her was both shocking and overwhelming.

Jeanne, oblivious to the tension, continued pulling at Jared's arm. "What's wrong? Why are you acting so strange?"

Anne intervened, her voice a desperate whisper. "Jeanne, stop! Just... just leave him alone."

But Jeanne was persistent. Her grip tightened on Jared's sleeve, tugging with increasing frustration. "I don't understand! Why won't anyone tell me what's happening?"

Jared's breath came in ragged gasps. The proximity of Jeanne's touch only intensified his predicament. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he closed his eyes, willing the moment to pass, willing his body to cooperate.

"Please," he muttered, more to himself than to the women, "just... go away."

Anne's blush deepened. She understood enough to know this was a moment of extreme vulnerability for Jared. Her eyes darted around the room, looking everywhere but at him, trying to grant him some semblance of dignity.

Jeanne, however, remained blissfully unaware. Her curiosity burned brighter than her ability to read the room. "Are you sick?" she asked, her hand now pressed against Jared's forehead, completely misreading the situation.

Jeanne's innocent confusion reached a fever pitch. She leaned closer to Jared, her eyes wide with genuine concern. "Are you... are you turning into some kind of monster?" she asked, her voice a mixture of fear and curiosity.

The question hung in the air like a bizarre accusation. Jared almost entertained the thought of having the two beauties right there and then; he was no stranger to such behavior, having had a girlfriend before he went back in time.

"I'll call if I need help!" In a flurry of panicked movement, he lurched toward the door to his room, his body still betraying his embarrassment.

With a dramatic slam, he shut the door, leaving Anne and Jeanne standing in shocked silence.

Anne pressed her lips together, her face still burning. She desperately tried to avoid Jeanne's questioning gaze, knowing any explanation would only create more confusion.

"What just happened?" Jeanne demanded, her hands on her hips.

"Nothing," Anne mumbled, her eyes fixed on the floor. "Absolutely nothing."

But the tension lingering in the air suggested otherwise. The closed door seemed to pulse with unspoken secrets, Jared's frantic escape a testament to the awkwardness of the moment.

Jeanne wasn't convinced. She pressed her ear against the door, listening intently. "Jared?" she called. "Are you turning into a monster?"

Anne chimed in, recalling the middle-age traditions. "I can serve you if you need me."

This almost removed the rationality he had as a man, but the new Trait he obtained from the System, 'Unyielding Composure,' prevented him from making any rash judgments. The Trait was so effective that he not only resisted the side effects of extreme desire but also endured the allure of the two beauties.