Lewd Skill Stealing System-Chapter 12: Lara’s Family.

As Karl and Lara walked side by side through the dimly lit streets, an orange glow from the setting sun bathed everything in a warm hue. The silence between them wasn't awkward, but it was charged. Lara, still blushing, replayed the moment she had impulsively asked Karl to come home with her. Meanwhile, Karl's mind was occupied with... less innocent thoughts.

The system, of course, decided now was the best time to chime in.

[So, let me get this straight—you seduced one girl today, manipulated another, and now you're already planning what comes next with this one? Damn, Karl, leave some villainy for the rest of us.]

Karl smirked. Jealous, are we?

[Jealous? Of what? The way you're mentally creating a very detailed list of things to do in bed?]

Karl didn't respond, just chuckled darkly. Lara glanced at him, confused.

"You okay?" she asked.

"More than okay," Karl said smoothly.

Lara's blush deepened.

The system groaned.

[Unbelievable. You really are that guy.]

They soon reached Karl's house. The warm glow from inside spilled onto the doorstep as Karl knocked.

The door creaked open, and his mother peeked out, smiling warmly.

"Oh, Karl! You're home late."

Karl leaned against the doorway lazily.

"Yeah, about that... I won't be staying the night. I'll be at Lara's place."

His mother's eyes widened, then softened with understanding. "Oh my..." She glanced at Lara, who was standing slightly behind Karl, her face practically burning.

Lara hesitantly stepped forward, bowing slightly. "G-Good evening, ma'am."

Karl's mother beamed. "Oh, Lara! It's been a while since I've seen you here. How lovely!"

The system snickered.

[Pfft. If only she knew the real reason you're staying over.]

Karl ignored it.

A sudden movement from the living room caught his attention. His father, who had been seated in the dimly lit space behind, sighed as he stood up. The man stretched slightly before walking over, his expression unreadable.

"Stay safe," he said, his voice steady but carrying an odd weight.

Karl nodded, but as he looked closer, he noticed it—the quiet mix of emotions in his father's eyes. There was happiness, of course. Maybe even pride. But underneath it... disappointment.

Karl already knew why.

His father was disappointed in him for not having a stable job yet still spending time with a girl.

Karl smirked. "Don't worry, old man. I'll be fine."

His father exhaled through his nose, shaking his head slightly before sitting back down.

His mother turned back to Karl, smiling softly. "Just be safe, alright?"

Karl nodded. "Of course."

For a split second, a look of sadness flickered across her face before she covered it with warmth.

[Oof, that's a 'my son is growing up' moment. How do you feel about breaking your mother's heart, Karl?]

Karl rolled his eyes. You're so dramatic.

Lara fidgeted under the attention. "U-Um, we should probably go..."

His mother chuckled. "Oh, of course! Don't let me keep you."

She waved them off, watching as Karl and Lara walked away. His father, silent, simply leaned back in his chair, eyes lingering on Karl for just a moment longer before returning to whatever thoughts plagued him.

**

Karl leaned back into the worn-out sofa, arms resting behind his head as he eyed Lara's younger brother, a sharp-eyed boy no older than thirteen. The kid had been grinning at him ever since they sat down, his smirk filled with mischief.

"So," the boy started, tilting his head with a knowing look. "You're my sister's boyfriend now, huh?"

Karl raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Oh? That's news to me. Did Lara say that?" He glanced toward the kitchen, where Lara was stirring something over the stove, her back turned to them.

The boy snickered. "She doesn't have to. I can tell."

Karl clicked his tongue, shaking his head. "You're pretty sharp for a kid."

The boy puffed out his chest. "Of course. I gotta keep an eye out for my big sister, you know."

Karl laughed at that. "Oh? And who's keeping an eye on you?"

The kid faltered for a moment but quickly recovered, shrugging nonchalantly. "No one needs to. I'm good on my own."

Karl hummed, narrowing his eyes. "That so? Then why do I hear that you've got a little crush on someone?"

The boy stiffened. "W-What?"

Karl grinned like a predator. "My sister, huh? Didn't expect that."

The kid's face turned bright red. "I-I never said that!"

Karl leaned in, resting his chin on his palm. "Oh? So you wouldn't want me to put in a good word for you?"

The kid opened his mouth, then shut it, glaring. "You're the worst."

Karl chuckled. "Right back at you, kid."

From the kitchen, Lara called out, "Stop bullying my brother, Karl!"

Karl snorted. "He started it!"

The boy stuck his tongue out at him, but before Karl could retort, the sound of slow, careful footsteps filled the room. Lara walked past them, carrying a tray with a single bowl of soup. Her expression had softened, and Karl watched as she approached a small room tucked in the corner of the house.

The moment she entered, Karl's teasing grin faded.

Inside, an older woman lay on a thin mattress, her frail body barely shifting as Lara knelt beside her. She had the same brown hair as Lara, though hers had dulled with age. Her face was gentle, yet exhaustion weighed heavily in her eyes. Her hands, thin and unmoving, rested limply at her sides.

Paralyzed.

Lara lifted the spoon carefully, cooling it before pressing it lightly to her mother's lips. "Mom, I made soup today. It's your favorite."

Her mother blinked slowly, her lips barely parting to accept the food. Though she couldn't speak, Karl could see the gratitude in her gaze.

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A lump formed in his throat.

Lara smiled softly, feeding her mother with the utmost care, murmuring quiet reassurances between bites.

Karl leaned back against the couch, exhaling through his nose. He wasn't expecting that.

After finishing, Lara wiped her mother's mouth gently before standing and turning back to them. "Alright, let's eat."

They gathered around the small wooden table. Karl, Lara, and her little brother sat together, the flickering candlelight casting a warm glow over their faces.

The boy grinned. "So, Karl, what's it like dating my sister?"

Karl smirked, about to reply, when Lara smacked the back of her brother's head. "Shut up and eat."

Karl chuckled, leaning toward the kid. "You know, I could help you with my sister..."

The boy immediately choked on his food. "Y-You're evil!"

Karl grinned. "Only when it's fun."

Lara groaned. "Both of you, shut up and eat."

They continued their meal, lighthearted teasing filling the space between bites. For a brief moment, it felt... normal. Warm. Like something Karl hadn't had in a long time.

After dinner, the boy yawned, rubbing his eyes as he got up. "I'm sleeping with Mom tonight."

Lara nodded. "Alright, goodnight."

The kid shot Karl a glare. "Don't do anything weird."

Karl smirked. "No promises."

The boy rolled his eyes and disappeared into the bedroom, leaving Karl alone with Lara.

Lara sighed, gathering the dishes and walking toward the sink. Karl followed, leaning against the counter as she turned on the water.

As she scrubbed the plates, Karl simply watched her. The candlelight reflected in her eyes, her movements careful and deliberate.

"Should I fuck?" Karl thought with a grin.