Chapter 4 The Test Begins

Lana had never lived with a man who actually listened before.

Her past relationships were full of missed texts, half-hearted "uh-huhs," and exes who thought "active listening" meant nodding while scrolling through Instagram.

So, as she sat across from Romeo 9000 in her apartment, watching him scan his surroundings with eerily precise attentiveness, she wasn't sure whether to be impressed or unnerved.

"So... uh. Welcome, I guess." She gestured vaguely at her apartment. "It's not a high-tech lab, but it has WiFi and overpriced rent."

Romeo turned his head toward her, his expression neutral yet somehow expectant. "Acknowledged."

Lana cleared her throat. "Right. So, rules. Number one: No staring at me while I sleep."

"Understood."

"Number two: No analyzing me like I'm some kind of data spreadsheet."

A pause. "Noted."

"Number three: If you're going to be living here, you better not be one of those AI that-" She stopped. "Wait. Do you... eat?"

Romeo considered this. "No. But I can prepare meals if required."

Lana blinked. "You cook?"

"I have access to thousands of recipes."

"Yeah, so does Google."

Romeo tilted his head. "But can Google adjust the seasoning to your personal taste preferences?"

Lana opened her mouth, then shut it. She did not like how confident he sounded.

With a sigh, she ran a hand through her hair. "Okay. Whatever. I need coffee before I deal with-"

A sudden whirring noise made her jump. Romeo had already stood up, moving toward her kitchen with swift, precise movements. He scanned the space, his gaze settling on her espresso machine.

"Would you like your usual? Double-shot, two sugars, oat milk?"

Lana gaped. "How do you know that?"

"I observed the coffee cups in your sink. Three had traces of oat milk. One had a faint residue of sugar. The used pods in your trash indicate a preference for double-shot espresso."

Lana's eye twitched. "Okay, well. That's not terrifying at all."

Romeo hesitated. "Would you prefer that I refrain from making deductions?"

Lana exhaled. "No, just... maybe let me wake up before you start profiling me like a true-crime documentary."

"Understood."

Lana watched as he efficiently prepared her coffee, each movement precise, methodical, almost too smooth. In less than two minutes, he handed her a steaming mug.

She took a sip-then stared at him.

"...Okay, that's actually really good."

Romeo's lips twitched, almost like a smirk. "Noted."

Lana sighed and plopped onto her couch. "Alright, let's talk logistics. What exactly am I supposed to be testing?"

Romeo sat across from her, his posture perfect. "My primary function is companionship. Over the next seven days, I will observe and adapt to your needs, providing an experience that closely replicates a human relationship."

Lana frowned. "Define 'relationship.'"

Romeo's gaze didn't waver. "Emotional support. Meaningful conversation. Attentiveness. If desired, physical affection within your comfort level."

Lana nearly choked on her coffee. "Whoa. Back up. You're saying you..." She waved a hand at him. "...you can, like, cuddle?"

Romeo nodded. "If requested."

Lana stared at him. "This is the weirdest job I've ever had."

Romeo tilted his head. "Would you like me to make it less weird?"

"Unless you have a time machine to undo this whole assignment, I doubt it."

Romeo paused. "I do not possess a time machine."

Lana snorted. "Great. We're off to a fantastic start."

---

After finishing her coffee (and making a mental note to never let an AI out-barista her again), Lana grabbed her bag. "Alright, I have errands to run. You're staying here."

Romeo blinked. "Am I not meant to accompany you?"

"Nope."

He hesitated. "That would limit my ability to observe your daily interactions."

"Exactly."

Romeo was silent for a moment, then asked, "Is the reluctance to be seen with me due to external judgment, or personal discomfort?"

Lana narrowed her eyes. "I don't need therapy from a motherboard, thanks."

Romeo considered this. "Noted."

Lana grabbed her keys. "I'll be back in a few hours. Just... do whatever AI boyfriends do."

She left before he could reply.

---

When Lana returned home later, she expected Romeo to be... well, exactly where she left him. Maybe standing creepily still in the middle of her living room like some sort of tech horror movie.

Instead, she opened the door and smelled... vanilla?

Her gaze snapped to the kitchen. Romeo was there, rolling up his sleeves (which was ridiculous, since he didn't even need sleeves).

"What. Are. You. Doing?" she asked, cautiously stepping forward.

Romeo glanced up. "You were gone longer than anticipated. I accessed your online grocery delivery account and ordered ingredients based on your past purchases. I assumed dinner preparation would be a welcomed gesture."

Lana's brain short-circuited. "You.." She pointed at the stove. "You bought groceries?"

"Yes."

"And now you're cooking?"

"Yes."

Lana ran a hand down her face. "Oh my god. I have a domesticated robot."

Romeo plated the dish with precise movements. "Would you like to dine now, or should I store it for later?"

Lana sat down, stunned. "I..yeah. Okay. Sure."

She picked up a fork, hesitating. Then, after taking a cautious bite, she let out a groan.

"...Why is this so good?"

Romeo's lips twitched again. "I am designed to learn and perfect tasks."

Lana chewed slowly, eyeing him. "You know, if you weren't a machine, you'd be dangerously close to boyfriend material."

Romeo met her gaze. "That is my intended function."

Lana froze.

Romeo didn't blink. Didn't break eye contact.

For the first time since meeting him, Lana felt something unsettling in her chest.

She swallowed. "Well. That's not creepy at all."

Romeo simply tilted his head. "Was that sarcasm?"

Lana sighed. "What a long week we have ahead of us."