But three weeks later, the nightmare began.
Leo realized the terrifying flaw in his own code. Brom Mode wasn't a temporary overlay. It created a permanent, low-grade psychic tether. The Oppo's battery had died three days ago, but the mode was self-sustaining, a rogue emotional AI living in their neural pathways.
"What? How?"
"Bro," he whispered to no one. "We have a lot of work to do."
"Alright," Leo said. "Standard disclaimers. Brom Mode induces intense loyalty, shared vulnerability, and a permanent desire to help each other move furniture. Side effects include spontaneous high-fives, an inability to lie about your feelings, and a sudden craving for craft beer."
"He tried to replace our shared 'emotional support kombucha' with a generic brand. I felt it. My heart stopped for a second. Then he felt me feel it, so he felt guilty, which made his heart actually fibrillate. We're in an ambulance. If he drinks generic kombucha, I get sympathy arrhythmia!"
"A fractal of our combined soul," Hiro agreed.