The dining table had been filled with warm laughter only moments ago, but the cheerful atmosphere gradually faded into an uneasy silence.
One by one, everyone noticed Young Aether sitting motionless, his eyes fixed on the image displayed on the tablet.
He didn't blink.
He didn't smile.
He simply stared, as though the childish drawing had awakened something buried deep within him.
Jonathan noticed the strange expression first. He reached over and gently patted Aether's shoulder.
"Don't take it to heart, man. He's just a kid. Besides... he wasn't exactly wrong."
Emily nodded with an awkward smile.
"I mean... with most of your face covered and only your lips visible... he simply drew what he could actually see. Honestly, I think he did a pretty good job."
Young Aether blinked once before a soft chuckle escaped his lips.
"Haha... I know. I was just... caught off guard."
His eyes drifted back toward the drawing.
"...It's frighteningly realistic."
