Edits - Ch 5.1.1

Chapter 5.1.1 - Alter Steven’s thoughts to make him attracted to Tim.

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What good was this app if not to allow him to alter things to his advantage? Tim reasoned. Steven would be happy with him. He just needed to make sure that Steven felt the same way that he did.

Tim checked the caption again:

Steven Roberts is a 16-year-old boy. He enjoys athletic competition, including playing soccer and wrestling. He lives with his father, mother, little sister, and two pet dogs. Although he has only come out to a few close friends, he hopes to find a boyfriend sometime soon. (Show more.)

Tim rewrote the last sentence a few times, finally settling on this revision:

Although he has only come out to a few close friends, he hopes to start a relationship with Tim Smith, his old childhood friend. Steven is very attracted to Tim.

After giving it a reread, Tim pressed “save” before he gave himself a chance to have second thoughts.

The loading bar began to fill, “initializing changes” faster than it had done before. Tim figured that might be because he had not made any physical changes to Steven.

Moments later, his phone began to whine, increasing in volume until the flash. Then, the regular sound of the lunch room returned. Tim glanced over at Steven to find that Steven was already gazing at him. Realizing that Tim had caught him looking, Steven looked away, nervously.

Tim smiled. He stood up and walked over to Steven’s table.

“Hey, man,” Tim said, taking a seat across from Steven. “Just realized it’s been a while since we talked. Good to see you again.”

“H-Hi… uh, Tim,” Steven stammered back, awkwardly. “It’s nice of you to… uh, see me.” He winced at hearing what he had just said.

Tim smiled, finding Steven’s nervousness to be endearing. It would seem that, as tough as he looked, Steven was intimidated by speaking to the most handsome person in the world, to him at least.

“You’re looking good,” Tim said, knowing the weight his compliment would have. “Been working out?”

“Y-Yeah,” Steven said, squaring his shoulders and subtly flexing his arms. “I’ve put in some hours in the gym. Do you…” He swallowed. “Do you like it?”

Tim nodded. “I was just thinking that you look very handsome now.”

“Oh!” Steven said, sounding tentatively excited. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Tim said. “You’re super hot, bro.”

“Y-You too,” Steven said. “I mean, you’re looking great too.”

“Thanks.”

“Hey…” Steven said and paused to work up some courage. “Do you… uh, would you… uh, maybe wanna hang out sometime?”

“Like a date?” Tim asked.

Steven seemed shocked by such a forward response. “Uh, if you want,” he said, clearly hoping that Tim did want it.

“Sure,” Tim said. “Why don’t we start right now? How’s soccer going?”

Steven smiled, not fully believing his luck. “We’re kicking butt,” he said. “Not a single loss yet this year.”

Tim smiled and said, “Tell me more.”

***

They caught up with each other and reminisced about their childhood together. Seeing that Tim was genuinely interested in him, Steven relaxed and started to behave more like the confident boy Tim had known. They were really hitting it off well.

Realizing that Steven would be a good confidant to tell about the app, Tim considered revealing it to him. Maybe Steven would be into playing around with it. However, having thought about the app again, Tim started to wonder if he had made a mistake with altering Steven’s thoughts. As much as he was enjoying the affection, Tim doubted if it was right to have forced it this way. Maybe if he involved Steven in the changes, that might make it better.

Should Tim tell Steven about the app?

Tim tells Steven about the app. (5.1.1.1)

Tim feels guilty about using the app on Steven.

Tim keeps the app secret.