Chapter 8: Accepted

Chapter 8: Accepted

Later that evening, Holo sat across from Mr. Grave in a small, dimly lit office within the facility. The older man leaned back in his chair, his hands steepled in front of him as he studied Holo with a satisfied expression.

"Well, kid," Grave said, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, "it seems you've done the impossible. Congratulations on winning over Trixie's heart."

Holo shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his gaze dropping to the floor. "I don't know if 'winning over' is the right way to put it."

Grave raised an eyebrow. "You've made more progress with her in two weeks than anyone here has in years. She's calmer when you're around, she listens to you, and she's completely fixated on you. That's a win in my book."

Holo sighed, rubbing his temples. "Even if that's true, it doesn't feel right. I like Trixie—I really do—but I feel like I'm manipulating her. She's been through so much, and now I'm just... taking advantage of that."

Grave's expression hardened, and he leaned forward, his voice low and serious. "Listen, Holo. This isn't about what feels right or wrong. You signed up for this. It's your job to form a bond with these girls, no matter what it takes. Trixie's attachment to you is a step in the right direction, and if you want that ten million dollars, you'll keep moving forward."

"But what about her?" Holo asked, his voice filled with frustration. "How is it fair to her? If I say yes to her now, knowing I'll have to do the same with the others later, isn't that... cheating?"

Grave shrugged, his tone dismissive. "It's not your job to worry about fairness. These girls are broken, Holo. They don't need someone who's worried about morals; they need someone who can stabilize them. And like it or not, you're that person."

Holo clenched his fists, torn between his sense of duty and the guilt weighing on his chest. He knew Grave was right—this was the deal he had made. But that didn't make it any easier.

The next morning, Holo made his way to Trixie's cell, his heart heavy with uncertainty. He had spent the entire night wrestling with his decision, trying to figure out how to handle the situation without hurting her—or himself. But in the end, he knew he didn't have a choice. Grave was right. This was his job.

When he stepped inside, Trixie was already waiting for him. Her eyes lit up as soon as she saw him, and she grinned, her usual mischievous energy radiating from her. "Hey, Holo! You're early today."

He nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I... wanted to talk to you about something."

Trixie's grin widened, and she sat cross-legged on the floor, motioning for him to sit as well. "What's up?"

Holo hesitated, his chest tightening as he struggled to find the right words. Finally, he took a deep breath and said, "I've been thinking about what you said yesterday. About... being together."

Trixie's eyes sparkled with anticipation, and she leaned forward, hanging on his every word.

"And I've decided..." Holo paused, swallowing hard. "I'll be your boyfriend."

For a moment, there was silence. Then, before he could react, Trixie sprang to her feet and tackled him to the ground, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. "Really?!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. "You mean it?"

Holo winced as the air was knocked out of his lungs. "Y-Yeah, I mean it," he managed to say.

Trixie laughed, burying her face in his shoulder. "You don't know how happy this makes me, Holo. I promise I'll be the best girlfriend ever. I'll do anything for you!"

He forced a smile, trying to ignore the guilt gnawing at him. "I'm glad you're happy, Trixie."

But her grip on him didn't loosen. Instead, it tightened, and her tone grew darker. "But you'd better not leave me. Ever."

Holo tensed, his heart racing as she pulled back just enough to look him in the eye. Her pupils were dilated, her gaze intense and unyielding. "If you ever try to leave me, I'll kill you. You're mine now, Holo. Forever."

He swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond. "I... I won't leave you," he said softly, though his voice wavered.

"Good," Trixie said, her tone brightening again as she hugged him even tighter. "Because I'd rather die than lose you."

The sound of the door opening startled them both, and Holo looked up to see Grave standing in the doorway with a small device in his hand. "Sorry to interrupt," Grave said, his tone calm but firm. "But we need to discuss something important."

Trixie reluctantly let go of Holo, though she kept one hand on his arm as if to remind him that he wasn't going anywhere. Grave stepped closer, holding up the device—a small, black collar with a metal clasp.

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"What's that?" Holo asked, his stomach sinking.

"It's a precaution," Grave said simply. "A shock collar, specifically designed to keep Trixie under control if she gets out of hand."

Trixie's eyes narrowed, and she let out a low growl. "You're not putting that thing on me."

"It's not up for debate," Grave said, his tone cold. "You've proven time and time again that you're a danger to others, and this is the only way to ensure everyone's safety."

Trixie's grip on Holo's arm tightened, her nails digging into his skin. "Tell him no," she said, her voice trembling with anger. "Tell him I don't need it."

Holo glanced between her and Grave, his mind racing. He hated the idea of putting a collar on her—it felt dehumanizing, like treating her as an animal instead of a person. But he also knew how dangerous she could be, and he didn't want anyone else getting hurt.

"Trixie..." he began, his voice soft.

"Don't," she snapped, her eyes glistening with tears. "Don't say it."

"I don't want this either," he said gently. "But it's just a precaution. If you promise to stay calm and not hurt anyone, they won't have to use it."

Her jaw tightened, and for a moment, he thought she might lash out again. But then she looked away, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "Fine," she muttered. "But only because it's you."

Grave nodded, handing the collar to one of the guards. "Good. Let's get this over with."

As the guard approached, Trixie flinched but didn't resist as the collar was secured around her neck. The device emitted a faint beep as it activated, and Grave turned to Holo with a satisfied smile. "There. Now we can all sleep a little easier."

Holo didn't respond, his heart heavy as he looked at Trixie. She refused to meet his gaze, her usual fiery demeanor replaced by a quiet sadness that made him feel sick to his stomach.

When the guards escorted him out of the cell, Holo glanced back one last time. Trixie was sitting against the wall, her head bowed as she fiddled with the edge of her jacket. The sight of her like that—defeated and vulnerable—made his chest ache.

"I'll see you tomorrow," he said softly, though he wasn't sure if she heard him.

As the door closed behind him, Holo couldn't shake the feeling that he had crossed a line he could never come back from.

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