Leon entered the room and placed the cake box he had received from Laura on the table. Both Hazel and Lily followed him, curious about what he had brought.
“Woah, what did you bring, Leon…” Hazel said with enthusiasm, flashing a smile at Leon.
“Uh…” Leon opened the box. “A friend gave me this… try it.”
“Woah… really… may I?” Hazel asked, still brimming with excitement.
Leon grabbed some plates and started cutting pieces of the cake.
“Who is this from, Leon?” Lily asked, looking suspicious. “Friend? Which friend?”
“It’s definitely from a girl, right?” Hazel teased and giggled. “No way it’s from a guy.”
“Freya?” Lily speculated uncertainly. “No, if it were from Freya, she would have brought it over herself.”
Hazel tried a piece and displayed a delighted expression. “Hmm… the cake is delicious… Did she bake it herself? Oh… is this woman also one of those competing for your brother’s heart, Lily?” she asked, turning to Lily.
“Stop talking about things like that,” Lily said, elbowing Hazel’s side. “Behave! Is it okay for you to act so flirty in front of a guy, huh?”
Hazel leaned over and whispered to Lily, but Leon could clearly hear her. “You need to be aggressive if you really want something, you know… I’m teaching you firsthand…” she said, giggling.
Leon laughed at their playful exchange and took a bite of the cake. Somehow, it tasted even sweeter now than when he had tried it at the park. Maybe finishing his run had dulled his taste buds then. But honestly, this cake was just amazingly sweet and delicious, with a blend of fillings inside. Whatever toppings Laura had mixed into the batter were just fantastic.
“I’m going to bake a cake, too,” Hazel said with a smile, looking at Leon. “Would you like to try it?”
Lily sighed, almost ready to give up on Hazel’s antics.
“For the record, I’m not an expert at taste-testing cakes, okay,” Leon said.
“Don’t worry, I just want to show some effort,” Hazel replied, her face glowing with excitement.
“Enough,” Lily finally said, conceding.
Leon nodded. “That’s fine. I’m always open to free stuff,” he said casually.
Afterward, Leon tried to address something Hazel had mentioned wanting to ask him about. “So, what about the thing you wanted to discuss, Hazel? Just so you know, I’m not that great at Immortal Legacy, but my friend knows more about it,” he said.
“No, it’s about combat. That’s why Lily is no help with this. I want to learn more about sword fighting. I know you’re good at it. I saw your raid battle back then,” she said excitedly.
“Oh, I don’t consider myself that good. There are others on the team who are better,” Leon responded.
“But you’re the one I can reach,” Hazel insisted.
The conversation then shifted towards discussing how to fight more effectively and better utilize the game’s battle mechanics.
“I want to learn Kenjutsu too… May I join your training session?” Hazel asked eagerly.
“Sure… if you want, I can go with you to register at the Martial Arts Center,” Leon replied casually.
“Leon, you’re really walking blindly into Hazel’s trap… she just wants to get closer to you. Are you that naive?” Lily said, looking exasperated.
“Lily, you know I’m a sword fighter too, right? I need Kenjutsu training just as much,” Hazel explained.
“You’re already good with a sword… stop the drama,” Lily said, starting to give up, but Hazel just giggled and pinched Lily’s cheek.
“Oh, Lily… you’re so cute when you’re angry. Next time, how about we go clothes shopping again, okay?” Hazel said, then turned to Leon. “I think Lily needs more clothes. Let’s have another shopping day.”
Leon nodded. “Yes, sure, if Lily needs it.”
“You’re taking her bait again, Leon!” Lily exclaimed.
Leon then continued, “But Lily said your level is high, Hazel?”
Hazel nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! My level is really high! But Lily told me not to meet you in the game.”
“That’s not what I said,” Lily defended herself.
“I play the game with her,” Hazel said, glancing at Lily. “I help her level up.”
Lily chimed in, “I just said it wasn’t the right time to meet Leon in the game, you understand, right? He’s so busy… I wanted to level up first.”
Hazel nodded eagerly, “Yes, I understand. Let’s surprise your brother later, okay?”
Their conversation continued with playful banter between Hazel and Lily, and it was clear that Lily talked more when she was with Hazel. They seemed quite close, and it was the first time Leon had seen Lily bring a friend home. He felt happy about it.
Hazel appeared to treat Lily well, though Leon still felt the need to ensure Lily was genuinely treated better at her new school. He knew Lily often hid her problems from him or their uncle, not wanting to burden others.
“Oh, by the way, Hazel,” Leon continued. “Thanks for the hat.”
“Oh… yeah, sure… Do you like it?” she asked excitedly. “Why aren’t you wearing it? I can get you more if you need backups.”
“Yes, I’ll wear it. I never really wore hats before, but yes, I like it. I’ll start wearing it.”
Hazel giggled. “That’s good! I’ll buy you more… because giving is my love language, and my zodiac is Sagittarius. What’s yours?”
Lily squeezed Hazel’s wrist. “Stop it… you’re getting out of hand.”
“Lily…” Hazel turned to Lily with a questioning look. “I’m just talking about zodiac signs… and love languages… it’s personality stuff… nothing serious,” she said, giggling.
Leon just smiled as he listened to their chatter. After a few minutes of random conversation, with Leon simply trying to keep them company, it was finally time for Hazel to go home. Lily was subtly urging her to leave, even going so far as to gently push Hazel toward the door. “I’ll be back. I really like you guys… you’re so warm,” Hazel said, standing with her back at
the door.
“Goodbye, Hazel,” Lily said, handing Hazel her bag.
“Are you really going to let me go down to the lobby alone? I’m still underage,” Hazel said
with a questioning look.
“You came here by yourself,” Lily replied. freēwēbnovel.com
However, Leon needed to discuss something with Hazel, specifically Lily’s situation at
school. It seemed better to ask one of her classmates directly.
“I’ll walk Hazel to the lobby,” Leon said.
Lily sighed and shook her head. “Fine then. I give up,” she said.
Hazel beamed at Leon’s offer, then opened the door and stepped outside, with Leon
following suit.
“Wait, Leon, take this,” Lily said, tossing something to him. Leon caught it-it was the hat
Hazel had given him.
“Thanks, Lily,” Leon said as he put on the hat, which covered his blonde hair.
“That looks cool on you,” Hazel remarked.
She then turned to Lily, “Bye, Lily…”
“Bye,” Lily replied.
Leon and Hazel then walked down the hallway toward the elevator, continuing on their way.
But then, the atmosphere between them suddenly turned quiet as they walked side by side.
“Ugh, I’m so nervous,” Hazel admitted. “What do you want to talk to me about, Leon?” she asked, smiling up at him since Leon was taller than her.
“It’s about Lily…” Leon replied.