A car stopped in front of the apartment. A skinny man with soft green hair stepped out first, moving with a calm grace. He opened the back door and leaned inside, carefully helping Liam out.
"Watch your head," the man said gently, his hand hovering above Liam's head to shield him.
"I'm fine, Dad," Liam grumbled, his voice low but steady as he slowly climbed out. His movements were careful, every step leaning slightly on his father for support.
They made their way toward the apartment door. Liam's father rummaged through his pockets, pulled out a key, and unlocked the door. Just as he guided Liam inside, the sound of loud commotion and a strange, manic laughter echoed from the living room.
Liam frowned. "What's going on?"
His father glanced at him, brow furrowing. "I'm not sure… I'll check."
Moving cautiously, he crept closer to the living room. But when he finally stepped into view, he froze—not out of fear, but pure confusion.
Inside, a black-haired boy was kneeling on the floor, clutching his stomach and laughing like a madman. A girl with short brown hair stood nearby with a faraway look in her eyes, while Leo sat stiffly in his seat, visibly confused. Across from them, a red-haired girl and a blond boy wore drained expressions, both clearly trying their best to ignore the absurdity happening before them.
"What…?" Arthur muttered under his breath.
Liam caught up, peered into the room, and immediately began to laugh.
"Don't worry, Dad. Those are my friends."
Arthur blinked, staring at each of their faces again. "…Those are some… interesting friends you have," he said at last, sounding more bewildered than reassured.
---
"I'm really sorry about my brother's behavior," Maya said apologetically, her voice calm and sincere.
"Tsk, it's not like—aw!!" Isaac tried to protest, but Maya elbowed him hard before he could finish.
Arthur smiled softly. "Oh, it's fine. I'm really thankful for you kids. I heard if it wasn't for your brother…" He paused, his eyes landing on his two sons. A quiet smile touched his lips before he continued, "You can call me Arthur. I'm Leo and Liam's father."
"Thanks for having us, Mister Arthur," Claire said politely, bowing her head slightly.
"It's nice to meet you, Mister Arthur," Arnold added.
Both of them immediately glared at Isaac. He rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed. "Yes… thanks, Arthur—aw!! What was that for?!" he hissed, clutching his side where Maya's elbow struck again.
"Be respectful. You can't just call him by name!" she whispered sharply.
"He's the one that said to call him Arthur—aw!!" Isaac whispered back, only to get elbowed a third time. Claire and Arnold sighed and looked away, their expressions screaming exhaustion.
Arthur chuckled at the exchange. "You two seem to have a really good relationship," he said warmly. He stood, brushing off his pants. "I'll prepare something to drink. I'll leave you kids to talk." With that, he headed toward the kitchen.
"Your father looks handsome," Claire said suddenly, glancing at Leo and Liam.
"And young too," Arnold added.
"Yeah, we hear that a lot," Liam replied with a sheepish smile.
"How are you doing now?" Maya asked gently.
"Hmm, I'm perfectly fine." Liam grinned, lifting his hand as if to show his strength, though his movements were still a little stiff.
Isaac sighed loudly. "Did you guys get a visit from the Awakening Investigation Officers too?"
Both Leo and Liam nodded. "Yeah. They came to the hospital asking what happened… mostly about the barrier. But we said we didn't know, like you told us."
Isaac gave a small nod. "You did good."
The twins' faces lit up at the rare compliment, their shoulders straightening with pride.
Isaac then turned to Arnold and Claire, raising an eyebrow. "Same for you two, right?"
They nodded silently.
The atmosphere began to grow heavier, tension creeping into the room. That's when Maya clapped her hands together. "Enough with this—you're making it awkward. Liam, I'm just glad you're okay."
Her bright smile made Liam's cheeks flush slightly.
Isaac noticed and immediately pulled Maya closer, narrowing his eyes. "Don't forget what I told you—guys are all wolves! Aw!!" he yelped as Maya elbowed him again.
This time, everyone burst into laughter. The heaviness faded, replaced by warmth. They talked and joked around for a long while, the room filled with lighthearted chatter, until it was finally time to head home.