Chapter 1: The Curse Awakens
The cold wind bit at Kaito's skin as he stumbled backward in the dimly lit alley. Rain pelted down in sheets, drenching his clothes and plastering his dark hair to his forehead. His breath came in ragged gasps, each exhale forming a cloud of mist in the freezing air. Standing before him, illuminated by the flickering light of a broken streetlamp, was her.
"You said you loved me, Kaito." Her voice was eerily calm, belying the wild glint in her eyes. The knife in her hand gleamed.
Kaito's heart pounded in his chest. "I did. But we're not good for each other. You know that."
"No." She took a step forward. "If I can't have you, no one can."
He turned to run, but it was too late. Pain exploded in his side as the blade sank into him. The world tilted, his vision blurring as he collapsed to the wet pavement. The last thing he saw was her tear-streaked face, twisted in anguish and obsession.
Everything went black.
Light flooded Kaito's vision. He jolted awake, his heart racing as he instinctively clutched his side. But the wound was gone. He blinked, taking in his surroundings. Instead of the alley, he was lying on a bed in a bright, unfamiliar room.
"What the—"
A sudden pop-up appeared before his eyes, glowing with golden light.
[Congratulations, Kaito! You have been reincarnated into a new world!]
"Reincarnated?" Kaito sat up, his confusion deepening.
[You have also been granted an SSS-rank ability: Eros Curse!]
"Eros Curse?" he repeated, dread settling in his gut. "That doesn't sound good."
The pop-up was replaced by a new message:
[Passive Ability Activated: Eros Curse — Your charm and attractiveness are now enhanced to an irresistible degree! Beware: this ability is uncontrollable and may lead to obsessive behavior in others.]
Kaito's eyes widened. "Oh no. No, no, no! This is a nightmare!"
"A nightmare? Come on, Kaito, where's your gratitude?" a playful voice chimed.
He whipped his head around, searching for the source. A glowing figure materialized in the corner of the room—a small, winged sprite with an impish grin.
"Who are you?" Kaito demanded.
"I'm your Stimulation System," the sprite said, hovering in midair. "You can call me Simmy. I'm here to help you navigate your new life—and make sure it's entertaining for me."
"Entertaining?" Kaito's eye twitched.
Simmy shrugged. "What's life without a little chaos?"
Kaito barely had time to process his situation before the door to his room burst open. A nurse rushed in, her face flushed.
"Oh! You're awake!" she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.
Kaito shifted uncomfortably. Something about her gaze felt too intense.
"Uh, yeah. Thanks for checking on me," he said, trying to sound casual.
The nurse stepped closer, a dreamy smile spreading across her face. "You're so… handsome."
Kaito's stomach dropped. No. Not already.
"I should… get some rest," he said, inching toward the bed.
The nurse's eyes narrowed with sudden determination. "You don't need to be alone. I can stay with you."
Simmy's laughter echoed in his head. "Well, that didn't take long."
Kaito shot the sprite a glare. "Shut up."
"What was that?" the nurse asked.
"Nothing!" Kaito bolted past her and out the door.
Kaito raced down the hallway, his heart pounding. I have to get out of here.
But as he turned a corner, he collided with another woman—a tall, athletic student with sharp eyes and a predatory smile.
"Well, well," she purred. "What's the rush?"
Kaito took a step back. Her gaze was locked onto him, filled with a dangerous intensity.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to—"
"Don't apologize." She grabbed his arm. "You're mine now."
Kaito's brain screamed. Why me?!
Simmy appeared beside him, grinning. "Things just keep getting better!"
"Help me!" Kaito shouted.
"What do you want me to do?" Simmy asked innocently. "I'm just here for the show."
Kaito twisted out of the woman's grip and sprinted down the hall. He didn't stop until he reached an emergency exit.
Leaning against the wall, Kaito struggled to catch his breath. His mind raced with fear and frustration.
"I can't live like this," he muttered. "I need a plan."
Simmy floated beside him. "Avoiding all social contact? That's going to be tough with your curse."
"I don't care," Kaito snapped. "I'll do whatever it takes."
"Good luck with that." Simmy's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Your life's about to get a lot more interesting."
Kaito groaned. Why me?
And so, his cursed journey began.