"…"
"Hello?"
"!!!"
A few seconds later.
"…"
"Hello again?"
"!!!"
The child, Noah, hid behind Allen, clutching the back of his father's shirt while cautiously peeking around him. The instant Young Aether's eyes met his, the little boy flinched in surprise and quickly disappeared behind his father again, only to peek out once more a few seconds later with the same innocent curiosity.
A gentle smile found its way onto Young Aether's face as he watched the adorable thing.
"Such a cute child."
He sat comfortably on the soft sofa in the living room while Allen and his two children occupied the couch opposite him.
Noah continued stealing tiny glances at him from behind Allen's shoulder. Every time their eyes met, the boy would gasp softly, hide again, then slowly peek back out as though trying to convince himself that the handsome stranger hadn't disappeared.
