Chapter 28
Harley had returned to the country y three days ago, solely to celebrate his mother’s birthday.
Aside from his family, only his closest friends knew about his return–like Connor Gordon, the slightly eccentric young man currently captivated by the claw machines.
The two had been inseparable since childhood.
Watching Connor’s unabashed enthusiasm, Harley shd off his headphones and gave him a flat, unimpressed look. “Connor, are you serious? Aren’t you a little too old for this!”
“What’s wrong with reminiscing about childhood? Connor shot back.
“It’s childish Harley made a move to
is put his headphones back on, but Connor grabbed his arm
“Come on, I helped you shop for your mom’s birthday gift. The least you can do is indulge me for five minutes. Let’s play a few rounds”
Before Harley could protest, Connor was already dragging him toward the claw machines.
When they got closer, however, they were greeted with an unexpected sight. Most of the claw machines were completely empty. wiped out
“What the heck?” Connor exclaimed, his jaw dropping. “Why are all the claw machines empty?”
Harley scanned the area with his usual disinterest. “Maybe they’re being restocked.
“Then why isn’t there a sign!” Connor frowned, glancing around before shouting. “Hey! Anyone here?”
A store attendant quickly emerged from a back room “Yes, how can I help you!*
their content
Connor pointed at the rows of empty machines, his tone incredulous. “What happened to all the toys? Why are the machines empty?”
The attendant bowed apologetically. “I’m so sorry. A young lady just cleared out all the toys in these machines. We’re in the process of restocking them. If you’d like to play, you can wait a bit.”
e what?” Connor gaped, gesturing at the rows of machines. “She emptied all of these by herself?”
“Yes… The attendant’s voice trailed off, and they sighed dramatically, clearly still reeling from the ordeal. “She never missed, not once. Every coin, a prize. If the gentleman accompanying her hadn’t offered to buy all the prizes at market value, we might ve gone bankrupt
Connor’s jaw dropped even further
He turned to the indifferent Harley beside her and said, “I thought I was already a pro at claw machines, but it turns out there’s always someone
Harley shrugged nonchalantly. “No matter how good you are, it’s just a claw machine. What’s there to be surprised about?”
“Hey, you little brat…
Connor, feeling the conversation going nowhere, glanced over at the staff and asked curiously. Do you happen to know which way that young lady
Maybe he could still catch up.
she mentioned wanting to try a shooting game, so she headed toward the shooting range over there, the attendant explained, pointing in the frection of the arcade.
Commner’s face lit up. “Got it, thanks” He turned to Harley with newfound excitement. “Harley, let’s head over there!”
Harley, however, was less than enthusiastic,
Shaking off Connor’s hand, he frowned, “Are you serious about this! You’re acting ridiculous. Do you really want to embarrass yourself over a claw machine are a pellet gund”
Connor rolled his eyes. “Cod, you’re such a snob What’s so embarrassing about playing games?”
“I think it’s plenty embarrassing
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9:26 AM ₫
Chapter 28
“You” Connor was starting to lose his temper.
He huffed, spun on his heel, and stalked off toward the shooting range. “Fine! Stay here and sulk. I’ll go have fun on my own.”
Harley pressed his lips into a thin line, watching Connor for a moment before turning away, fully intending to leave
But just as he took his first step, a crisp, cheerful voice rang out from the direction of the shooting range.
“Nick! Look, 1 hit the little bear! This one’s for you!”
Harley froze mid–step.
The voice struck him like a bolt of lightning, rooting him to the spot. His eyes widened, and his head snapped toward the shooting range.
Harley thought. That voice…
Meanwhile, Connor was still grumbling
grumbling as he walked, only to feel a sudden gust of wind rush past him.
“Huh?” He glanced over his shoulder and saw Harley striding past him with purpose, his usually calm demeanor replaced by something urgent and
intense.
“Harley?” Connor called after him, stunned.
For a moment, he was confused, but realization quickly dawned, and his face broke into a mischievous grin.
So that’s how it is Connor chuckled to himself. And here I thought this guy didn’t care. Turns out he’s just too proud to admit it.
Watching Harley practically sprint toward the shooting range, Connor shook his head and laughed. ‘Guess he couldn’t resist after all
