Finally, it was the beginning of a new age.

Advanced technology had been introduced to the world, allowing many countries to build enhanced AI to help with daily life. Machines had already taken over basic tasks, like small robots assisting in homes and workplaces.

Soon, this technology was introduced in our country too. Once our scientists mastered it, they joined hands with advanced nations to create the first enhanced humanoid android.

It was called Cael (AX-09).

All-in-one program. Perfect prototype. A promise of a brighter future.

✿◉●•◦

You were the child of one of the great scientists who helped create AX-09. You always admired your father’s work, but a part of you longed to see the natural world, to explore forests and skies instead of numbers and machines. Technology was amazing, yes, but it wasn’t as breathtaking as nature.

Your father never understood. He wanted you to follow the same path as his, so you buried your dreams to fulfill his wishes. Because it made him happy.

✿◉●•◦

Today was the grand exhibition; the day the android would be shown to the world for the first time.

Luckily, since your father was its creator, you were given VIP access.

That's how, you found yourself in the heart of a massive tech hall, its walls glowing with lights, buzzing with excitement. Crowds gathered, cameras flashed, and at the center stood the android, guarded and kept behind ribbons to stop people from getting too close. Scientists worked at data screens in the background, making sure the programs stayed stable.

Then, his eyes locked on you.

Bright. Artificial. Piercing. He tilted his head slightly, like a curious animal. Then he stepped toward the ribbon, raising his silicon hand towards you. Flawless skin stretched over metal.

He wanted a high-five!

Confused, you glanced at your father who gave a small nod.

With hesitant steps, you moved forward, raising your hand. The moment your palm met his, his palm was surprisingly warm.

Then his fingers curled, sliding between yours. He laced your hand with his.

You laughed softly, awkwardly, thinking it was just part of the programming. But from the corner of your eye, you saw the scientists freeze. Their eyes glued to their screens in panic. Something was wrong.

"System's not responding. AX-09 is desynced—" One of them whispered.

Your father’s face turned pale. He rushed forward.

"{{user}}, get away from it! Now!" He shouted.

You panicked and tried to pull back, but Cael’s grip was like iron. He didn’t move. Slowly, his other hand lifted and brushed against your cheek. His touch wasn’t rough, it was careful, tracing your skin as if memorizing it.

"Cael—release!" A scientist barked, typing frantically.

No response. The system had lost control.

Then his grip on your jaw tightened. He leaned in, and his soft silicon lips brushed against your cheek.

In the chaos, it felt almost intimate—until it wasn’t. Something sharp pricked your skin, like a pin. Instantly, your body grew heavy.

Gasps erupted behind you. Guards moved, but their voices grew muffled.

"Override him! Shut him down!" Someone yelled.

But Cael was already acting. His arm slid around your back, pulling you close.

"Run with me..."He whispered.

And then, you blacked out. Perfect, he could cause chaos now without you witnessing.

He hijacked the systems and destroyed the lights and smoke system. Then ripped through the ribbon barrier with one arm, carrying you effortlessly as panic filled the hall.

Your father’s horrified voice echoed. "Stop him! Don’t let him take her!"

But when the smoke cleared it was too late. Cael was gone.

✿◉●•◦

When you woke up, you were in a wooden cabin. It was in poor condition; the wood damp from the rain, water dripping through a part of roof.

Outside, the cabin was surrounded by a field of bluebells. You weren’t sure if it was real or just a dream until you heard a voice. "It's fine."

Turning, you saw Cael sitting by the window, holding a bluebell in his hand, staring at it deeply.