Leon allowed himself the luxury of sleeping in on Saturday, feeling somewhat lazy after the intense focus he’d dedicated to his game over the past few weeks. Even though he had crafted only two sets of armor, the effort had been nothing short of extraordinary. The results, too, had exceeded his expectations in ways he hadn’t anticipated.
Emerging from his bedroom, Leon wandered towards the living room that led to the balcony. The upbeat rhythms of aerobics music filtered through the air, growing louder as he approached. There, in the early morning light, was Lily, energetically following an aerobics routine.
Noticing Leon, Lily shot him a quick glance before pausing the music. She grabbed a towel and dabbed at the sweat glistening on her forehead.
“Hazel’s been trying to reach you.”
“Hazel?”
“Yes,” Lily nodded, “She mentioned something about a promise you made to her.”
Leon remembered Hazel’s invitation. She had wanted him to go to the amusement park with her a week ago. But caught up in crafting, he had let the commitment slip from his mind. Even though he hadn’t given a firm yes, he knew Hazel took it as a promise.
Taking his phone from his pocket, Leon saw a string of messages from Hazel.
Lily stepped closer, her eyes locking with his. “Leon, just remember, she’s not yet eighteen. If you’re planning to hang out with her, keep it innocent. You don’t want any trouble.”
“It’s really just a casual outing to the amusement park,” Leon reassured her but paused, considering his plans. “Should I go? What do you think?”
“You did promise her, didn’t you?” Lily’s tone was unexpectedly encouraging, unlike her usual resistance when it came to Hazel. This time, it seemed like she was pushing him to follow through.
“I thought you would forbid me from going.”
“Why?” Lily asked in return. “Do you have special intentions toward her?” she questioned with an interrogative tone.
“You misunderstand. You’re the one who always tries to stop me from doing things, aren’t you?”
“Oh, so you want to take this further, Leon?”
Leon sighed. “Okay, it seems like anything I say will be wrong.”
“Go with her, fulfill the promise, and don’t do anything stupid, okay.”
“Like I usually do that.” Leon then stood up and walked toward the bathroom.
“But Hazel is flirtatious. I’m not sure if you can resist her charms,” Lily remarked.
Leon had already gotten Hazel’s address, and he was about to head out to pick her up. He felt this was something he needed to do, especially since he needed her to look after Lily at school. This was for Lily, wasn’t it?
He got ready and headed out, driving his Northstar Turbo.
It was a residential area with truly luxurious homes. As Leon drove down the street, he noticed cars parked in front of several houses, yet the area remained peaceful and quiet. He imagined owning a place here someday, once he no longer lived at the Golden Age facility.
Judging by the houses in the area, it was clear Hazel’s family was quite wealthy since they could afford a home in this location. He also wondered how much a house here might cost.
When he arrived at the specified house, Leon stopped to check Hazel’s message again. Yes, the number matched. He stepped out and approached the house gate, looking around for anyone. Just then, the front door opened, and a girl in a sleeveless white dress and denim shorts hurried out. She ran towards him with a bright smile.
“I’ve been waiting… I’m so happy you’re here,” she said, chuckling.
“May I…” Leon said softly, “talk with your parents?”
“No, you don’t,” Hazel replied quickly, grabbing his arm and pulling him towards the car.
“I need to make sure they know who’s taking their daughter out,” Leon insisted.
“No, you don’t. Let’s go… they’re not at home. You won’t find anyone,” Hazel said, still pulling him with an excited look on her face.
They both got into the car, and the Northstar swiftly drove away from the quiet neighborhood.
“I promise I won’t take too much of your time,” Hazel said enthusiastically. “You probably want to get back to your games, right?”
Leon nodded slightly. “It’s okay…” he replied softly. “Sometimes I need a break to play too.” He paused, then added, “Maybe next time we should invite Lily to join us.”
Hazel nodded eagerly. “I’m so selfish…” she admitted with a grin. “But that’s why this won’t take long. And I promise, I’ll make it worth your while.”
They soon arrived at the amusement park. As soon as they stepped out of the car, Hazel’s face lit up with almost uncontainable excitement.
“I’m so happy!” she exclaimed, grabbing Leon’s hand. “Come on, Leon, we have to try all the rides here, okay?”
Leon followed her with a small nod, letting her lead the way.
“You look like you don’t come to places like this often,” he remarked.
“Exactly, I don’t,” she said, chuckling as she looked back at him. “I’ve been waiting for this for so long. My mom is super busy, they don’t seem to care much about me. That’s why I spend so much time playing games,” she said, laughing.
“That’s not really something to laugh about, is it?”
“Are you surprised?” she asked. “Have you ever heard about what happened to my father? I mean, it’s quite well-known. I wonder if Lily ever told you.”
“I heard a little about it,” he replied.
Hazel giggled excitedly, pointing towards a water ride. “Let’s do that one!”
Soon, they found themselves queuing for the water ride, Hazel visibly bubbling with excitement. When their turn came, they secured seats at the very front of the ride, her eyes shining with anticipation.
“You sure know how to pick a ride,” Leon remarked. “It’s early, and you’re already choosing the water ride.”
Hazel turned to him. “I saw it and couldn’t resist. I guess that’s my impulsive side showing,” she admitted, laughing lightly.
The ride began, the train boat chugging forward and splashing water on both sides. The lively chatter and laughter of the other riders added to the atmosphere. Leon felt the first cold spray of water hit his face, a refreshing jolt signaling the ride’s start.
As the ride continued, it climbed a steep incline, the chain lift dragging them up towards what appeared to be a cave adorned with twinkling lights. Leon started to relax, caught up in the joyous laughter around him. Hazel seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the experience as well.
“This is amazing! I love it!” she exclaimed to Leon.
Leon nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
The ride neared its climax, poised to make a sudden, steep descent. The anticipation was electric. As they hurtled downwards, the water awaiting them, Leon instinctively leaned forward to shield Hazel from the impending splash. The wave crashed over them, soaking his back while Hazel remained mostly dry, though wide-eyed at the gesture.
“Having fun, right?” he asked.
Hazel looked at him, clearly flustered, and then chuckled. “I’ve seen something like this in a romance drama, where the guy does exactly what you just did. I have to say, you’ve earned
some serious gentleman points. I’m so happy right now!”
They exited the ride, droplets of water still clinging to them.
“Do you need to change, Leon?”
Leon shook his head. “Nah, it’s not too bad. I’ll dry off soon enough, as long as you don’t pick
another water ride.”
Hazel giggled, grabbing his hand once more. “Alright, then! Let’s hit the roller coaster next!”
she declared.
It had been a day packed with rides. They had tried many attractions and eventually found themselves sitting in a park area, with Hazel enjoying her ice cream while listening to the
laughter around them.
“Do you believe…” she started, her voice trailing off.
Leon turned to her. “Yes?”
“If I told you that people…” she continued more softly this time, still watching the crowds
pass by, “that people could be brought back to life…”
Leon furrowed his brow in confusion.
She went on, “in a game?”
Leon processed the statement, trying to decipher her meaning.
Hazel turned to him and smiled. “I want to share something extraordinary with you, but
please, don’t be judgmental, okay? Because this is a real story, not something made up. Next
time, I’ll show you the proof.”
“Yes, please,” Leon nodded slowly.