Chapter 5: After-Hours Temptation

At night I held the box, looking at the pen lying inside, illuminated by my bedside lamp.

Outside, the L train rattled by, but inside, it was just me, a magic pen, and way too much imagination. Afraid that Ethan might have something going on, I didn't dare touch it. What if he's at dinner with clients?

【The male lead is showering ahhhhh】

【Really good figure—abs, chest muscles, deltoids. Just that place is mosaiced, can't see clearly】

【Can't see clearly but can imagine roughly. Who dares question a web novel male lead's capabilities?】

【Ah, he's washing so carefully. He dares wash but I don't dare look】

So he's showering. Well, that changes things.

I decisively lifted my hand to pick up and grip the pen, wrapping my fingers around it firmly.

The next second, the comments screamed in my vision.

【Ahhhhhhh! So sudden—the male lead's legs went weak, almost fell! Luckily he supported himself against the wall】

【My god, little sister, what are you doing? Give me more】

【The male lead's face is so red. Is he having a fever?】

【Little sister, little sister, you're playing at just the right time】

Thinking about it, I removed the pen cap with a deliberate twist.

A drop of ink dripped down onto my bedsheet.

Why is it suddenly leaking ink? That's... interesting.

【My god, the male lead should be showering...】

【Hehehe, he better be showering】

【Mainly his expression is too cold—we can't tell either】

【Tsk tsk tsk, curious what expression he'll have when he's with little sister later】

"Eh, this pen's quality is too poor." I said aloud to my empty apartment, smirking.

Saying this, I picked up tissue to wipe the ink that dripped from the pen tip, making sure to be thorough.

Then gripped the pen again, tighter this time.

【Ahhhhh, little sister, what are you going to do?】

【I see she seems about to write. Oh my god! Can the male lead handle it? Don't collapse powerlessly later】

【Please wait a moment, little sister—let him recover】

【So satisfying, this story. Can the author open a new book? I'll guarantee collections】

Suddenly, the phone rang. My personal cell, not my work phone.

Ethan's voice carried restraint, barely controlled. "Hey. I need you to look at a doc for me. Can you hop online? Like, now?" His breathing seemed slightly uneven.

What could I be doing, baby? Playing with my new favorite toy.

You're asking knowingly, you adorable pervert.

"Just looking at my phone," I said, feigning innocence.

He tried to sound all business: "I, uh, need you to check a document. Like, right now." Sure, boss.

Overtime? At 10 PM?

I really laughed, unable to help myself.

I used a bit more force with the hand holding the pen, running my thumb along its length.

【Ahhhhh, he can't take it, little sister】

【Even thinking of overtime—he's really begging for mercy, baby~】

【Hahaha, is this still the web novel male lead I know?】

【Mainly little sister has no restraint, so he's scared too】

"Are you... still using the pen right now?" His voice cracked slightly on the last word.

Should I mess with him? Nah. Or… maybe just a little. "Yes." Simple, honest, devastating.

The other side was quiet for a while. I could hear him breathing.

"Don't use it for now. That pen's ink cartridge automatically generates a bit of ink each day—using too much is bad for the bod... bad for the pen. Use it sparingly, treasure it more." Nice save, Ethan.

【Oh my, male lead, you better be talking about the pen】

【It is the pen, baby. What are you all saying? I don't understand~】

【Big innocent girl—you came to read web novels but still don't understand】

【Little sister blushed. Why?】

【Actually I always feel something's weird. Little sister seems to know...】

"Mr. Blackwell, I understand." I made my voice softer, sweeter.

"I'll be careful with the pen, but I don't want to work overtime." I paused, then added, "Not tonight."

"Is that okay?" I let a little whine creep into my voice.

Perhaps knowing his feelings for me made me bolder.

I unconsciously acted coquettish, something I'd never done before.

Ethan's voice on the other side was very soft, almost tender. "Okay, then come to my office tomorrow." There was promise in those words.

"Mm, I know, Mr. Blackwell~" I drew out his name just a little.

【Little sister is so happy not having to work overtime. So cute, so cute—I'll kiss you to death】

【So sweet I can't handle it. How could the male lead not like her?】

【Our male lead has so little self-control—he'll be seduced to death by little sister later】

【So looking forward, so looking forward. Dead plot, please fast-forward】

【Worthy of being a web novel male lead—you're still too capable】

【Little sister, touch the pen again! Please】

Originally I wanted to touch the pen again, to test the limits.

But thinking about it, I decided against it. Let him recover. Tomorrow's another day.

So I wrapped the pen in tissue and put it in the box, tucking it safely in my nightstand drawer.

After that I didn't touch it again. But I did dream about it.

I dreamed the pen turned into a key, and Ethan was waiting on the other side of a locked door.