97.Parental attack
DINNER CONTINUES — PARENTAL ATTACK MODE ACTIVATED --
The laughter finally settled.
Aiden was still red, picking at his food like a shy high schooler who just got exposed.
Aunt Liana wiped her mouth with her napkin and leaned forward with a too-sweet smile.
Aunt Liana:
"Aiden… darling… why don't you invite her for dinner someday?"
Aiden's spoon froze mid-air.
Chloe spit out her water.
Kyron slapped the table like he heard the best joke of the year.
Chloe:
"MOM WHAT? ARE WE ADOPTING HER ALREADY??"
Uncle Adrian nodded seriously, sipping wine.
"I second it. Bring her here. We need to see who turned my son into boiled vermicelli."
Aiden glared.
"I AM NOT VERMICELLI!"
Kyron pointed dramatically.
"You're definitely vermicelli, bro. Soft, wiggly, and useless right now."
Aiden slumped in defeat.
Aiden (quietly):
"Not… yet… but… someday… yes… I will."
The table exploded again.
Max, who had been quietly observing, raised an eyebrow — he didn't laugh, but even he looked entertained.
Aunt Liana squealed like a teenager at a K-drama reveal.
Aunt Liana:
"Awwww! He said YES! Adrian, did you hear that? He likes her enough to bring her home!"
Uncle Adrian smirked.
"I'm proud. Our son finally discovered women."
Aiden covered his face with both hands, groaning loudly.
Aiden:
"Can you people PLEASE stop?! I'm not inviting her now. We just met!"
Chloe leaned over with an evil smile.
Chloe:
"So you want more time to flirt?
Understandable. Continue your romance arc, brother dear."
Aiden threw a napkin at her.
Kyron whispered loudly across the table:
Kyron:
"At this rate, he'll write poetry for her before midterms."
Aiden banged his head on the table.
"I. AM. NOT. WRITING. POETRY."
Uncle Adrian laughed.
"Oh, but you will. They all do."
Aiden groaned louder.
Aiden (softly):
"…I just… want to get to know her first."
That sudden softness quieted the room for half a second.
Aunt Liana's expression melted.
Aunt Liana:
"That's… very sweet. I hope she's someone who makes you happy."
Aiden blushed again.
Aiden:
"…She already does."
Chloe made a dramatic throwing-up gesture.
Kyron fanned his chest.
Max looked down at his plate, expression sharp, something unreadable flashing in his eyes for half a second — as if the name "her" triggered something deep.
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