Chapter 368: Haven’s Corner

Inside the car, however, the mood was refreshingly different.

Liz sat close to Arthur, leaning forward against the plush seat as she animatedly recounted a hilarious moment from her day.

Her laughter filled the space like music, bright and infectious, cutting through the usual silence that surrounded Arthur.

Dressed in his signature black attire, Arthur leaned back with one arm casually resting against the leather seat.

His expression remained calm and composed, but every now and then, a flicker of amusement would dance across his lips,a barely-there smile that only Liz could catch.

It made her beam even brighter.

“Big brother! You’re not even listening to me at all!” Liz accused playfully, narrowing her eyes as she leaned closer.

Arthur turned slightly to meet her gaze. “I heard everything,” he replied flatly.

“What did I say then?” she shot back with mock suspicion.

A subtle curve formed at the corners of Arthur’s mouth as he recalled her story.

“You were telling me about how Hugo tried to draw his own team logo in class and everyone said it looked like a potato with wings.”

Liz erupted into laughter so loud that the driver glanced nervously at them through the rear-view mirror.

“It really did look like a potato with wings! I nearly choked trying to hold in my laugh during class! You should’ve seen it!”

While Arthur didn’t join in on her laughter, he couldn’t help but feel grateful for Liz’s presence; somehow, it made his burdens feel just a little lighter.

—

As they approached a quaint café nestled on one of Zenith’s quieter side streets, its warm glow beckoned them closer.

The sign read “Haven’s Corner” in soft golden letters,a family-friendly spot radiating cozy elegance amidst the chaotic neon outside.

Arthur stepped out first, his trench coat brushing against the cool evening air like a protective shield.

Liz hopped out after him, her eyes immediately drawn to glowing lanterns and the gentle sound of piano music wafting from inside.

“You’re taking me here?” Liz asked wide-eyed. “This looks… normal! Not like those fancy scary restaurants you usually pick.”

With an amused side glance as he held open the door for her, Arthur replied dryly: “You don’t like normal?”

Liz skipped past him with a grin. “No way…I love it!”

—

Inside the café, a warm embrace of delicious aromas enveloped visitors, blending the scents of freshly baked bread, rich chocolate, and robust coffee beans.

Families gathered around tables piled high with pastries, a couple exchanged soft conversations by the window, and a group of students huddled over their books in a cozy corner.

Arthur selected a table bathed in the golden glow of city lights streaming through the window,a perfect frame for this lively scene.

He settled into his chair with practiced poise, back straight and demeanor calm.

In contrast, Liz tossed her blazer aside and leaned eagerly over the menu like a kid in a candy store.

“Big brother! Look at all this! They have chocolate cake, strawberry parfaits, pancakes, waffles..oh my gosh,fondue! We should order everything!” Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

Arthur raised an eyebrow skeptically. “You plan to eat all that?”

Liz puffed out her cheeks defiantly as her braids bounced with enthusiasm. “Nope! We’ll eat all that together!”

A faint smile tugged at Arthur’s lips. “Order whatever you like.”

That was all Liz needed. She waved the waitress over with both hands and rattled off an enthusiastic order so chaotic it left the young waitress momentarily speechless.

Arthur leaned back casually, one hand resting near his glass of water, allowing Liz to chatter away happily.

—

When their food arrived,plate after plate overflowing with cakes, pastries, fondue pots bubbling cheerfully alongside sweet drinks,Liz’s joy hit new heights.

She dove into her feast with gusto, humming contentedly between bites while Arthur savored his hot chocolate slowly.

The contrast between them was striking: Arthur’s cool composure stood in sharp relief to Liz’s enthusiastic warmth.

Yet somehow they complemented each other perfectly; it was as if they were two sides of the same coin.

Midway through devouring her chocolate cake, Liz suddenly leaned forward on her elbows and fixed him with serious eyes.

“Big brother… can I share something important?”

Arthur set down his cup attentively. “Yeah go ahead.”

She hesitated for just a moment; her gaze dropped to her fork before she took a deep breath and rushed out: “My friends and I want to form a gaming team..a real one..to compete!”

Arthur studied her expression carefully; his face remained unreadable while Liz fidgeted under his scrutiny.

Her usual confidence wavered slightly as uncertainty crept in.

“We thought… maybe we could train at my place,” she added softly, almost as if afraid he’d dismiss her idea outright.

The silence stretched between them for what felt like an eternity before Arthur finally leaned back in his chair, his dark eyes steady yet contemplative. “And that’s it?”

Liz blinked in surprise. “That’s… all?”

He nodded ever so slightly. “If it makes you happy, go for it. Bring them along.”

Liz’s eyes sparkled with surprise, her entire face lighting up with pure excitement. “Really!? You mean it, big brother?!”

Arthur couldn’t help but smile as his lips twitched. “I said it.”

In a burst of joy, she nearly leaped from her seat. “You’re the best! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

As Arthur took another sip from his cup, he felt a warm glow in his chest at her heartfelt words.

—

But Liz wasn’t finished yet. Leaning closer, her cheeks flushed with enthusiasm, she exclaimed, “Oh..but um… we still don’t have a team name!”

Arthur raised an eyebrow in surprise. “No name?”

Liz buried her face in her hands, embarrassed. “We’ve been arguing about it all day! Nothing sounds right! Clara wants something logical; Dylan is pushing for something ridiculous; Mina prefers something cute;Leo insists on something serious; and Hugo just doodled a flying potato!”

Arthur maintained his calm demeanor but couldn’t hide the hint of amusement in his voice. “A potato team, then?”

“Don’t tease me!” Liz pouted playfully while giving the table a light smack.

A soft chuckle escaped Arthur,rare and fleeting. “Name or no name, it doesn’t really matter. What truly counts is whether you’re serious about this.”

With newfound determination shining in her eyes, Liz lifted her head and declared confidently, “We are.”

Arthur nodded slowly. “Then start tomorrow. I’ll arrange for you to use the game room. Train hard.”

Liz beamed so brightly that the whole café seemed to radiate warmth along with her smile.

—

For the rest of the evening, they lingered there together,sharing laughter over bites of cake and sips of hot chocolate.

Liz playfully teased him about being too serious while Arthur remained composed; yet his silence spoke volumes,a gentle acceptance that wrapped around them like a cozy blanket.

Outside their little bubble, the city buzzed with life: neon lights flickered and people hurried past but at that small corner table? It was just the two of them: brother and sister.

Arthur carried all his shadows while Liz shone with all her light.

And for that night? That was more than enough.

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