"Athrun, why'd you stop?"
A blond head popped over Athrun's shoulder as John peered into the restaurant. Spotting the figure by the right window, he gasped in delighted shock: "The Chairwoman? Athrun, you weren't mistaken this time!"
Athrun's expression darkened.
'Must we keep revisiting this morning's blunder?'
John had brought it up half a dozen times already.
"Wait, who's that with the Chairwoman...?"
John's initial excitement soured upon noticing Lacus' dining companion, his face twisting uncomfortably. After repeatedly teasing Athrun about poor eyesight, he'd been thoroughly spooked by Athrun's casual remark that a Demigod could hear conversations hundreds of metres away.
Now face-to-face with the subject of his careless words, John's mood plummeted.
Of course, Athrun had no thoughts on the matter, since he wasn't the one speaking ill of others.
"Let's go say hello."
Since they'd already been spotted, and Lacus had even given him a small wave, Athrun had no choice but to steel himself and approach to greet her.
"Hey, hey, no way, Athrun, don't do this to me..."
Despite his words, John obediently followed Athrun.
After all, if he turned and ran here, he'd probably be remembered by that Eastern-looking Demigod.
First speaking ill of someone, then running away upon meeting - combining these two, it'd be strange if he didn't face consequences later.
When they got closer, Athrun nodded at Lacus and greeted:
"Lacus, long time no see."
"Ah, it really has been a while. Over a year, I think."
Lacus nodded in response, then looked at John beside him and asked Athrun:
"And this is?"
"John Taylor at your service! Please take care of me!"
"So it's Mr John. As for taking care of you, I'll do my best."
Lacus gave a light laugh, then turned to Luo Shu:
"By the way, Luo Shu, you probably don't know Athrun, right?"
"This is Athrun Zala, the only son of my father's close friend Patrick. Most importantly, he's Aunt Lenore's child."
"Actually, I should count as Lenore's daughter, too? Which would make me Athrun's sister by extension?"
To Luo Shu, this was just an introduction, but Athrun was startled.
That Lacus was very close to his mother, Lenore, even being treated as a daughter, was something very few people knew.
From Athrun's understanding, it was because he'd left his mother's side early to study abroad, while Lacus had lost her mother at a young age, and Siegel was too busy.
So for a period, the unattended Lacus had been raised by his mother.
Thus, Lacus rarely mentioned her connection to Lenore in public, deliberately concealing their close relationship - seemingly to provide safer protection.
But now, Lacus had intentionally brought up Lenore's name and claimed to be his sister?
What was going on?
Athrun couldn't quite figure out the current situation.
Meanwhile, John beside him drew a sharp breath, never expecting such an advantage to be right beside him.
Under Lacus's introduction, John's gaze towards Athrun changed completely.
He'd thought Athrun was a rival in becoming the Clyne family's trophy husband.
But now it seemed...
'This was a brother-in-law!!'
'Athrun, I misjudged you!'
'Though you looked pretty lame earlier, mistaking your sister, right now, bringing me to meet her, you're incredibly cool!!'
Before John's excitement could settle, he heard Lacus's gentle voice:
"By the way, Athrun, this must be your first time meeting Luo Shu."
"I'm curious - as my brother, what's your first impression of my boyfriend?"
My boyfriend...
Boyfriend...
Athrun seemed to hear something shattering. He glanced at John, saw him smiling, and said nothing.
After all, Lacus was still waiting for his answer...
'Just... a boyfriend?'
Athrun couldn't help but glance at Luo Shu, sizing him up.
To be honest, he was indeed quite handsome, but Athrun knew Lacus wasn't the type to prioritise looks.
Instead, what she valued most was a partner who could understand her path and support her.
So, was this the man Lacus had chosen?
Someone who understood her and could support her in life?
Considering Luo Shu was rumoured to be the only publicly known Demigod within the SDS, Athrun could see why he fit Lacus's criteria.
But still, Athrun had something to say.
'Brother!'
'You're making a mistake!!'
'Choosing this terrifying woman—aren't you afraid you might slip up one day and get 'dealt with'?'
Just as Athrun hesitated to speak, Luo Shu's expression turned rather subtle.
He was aware that this Athrun had originally been Lacus's fiancé.
But that was before the Abyss Descent altered their world.
Even so, given their fathers' friendship, Athrun and Lacus would have been the most likely pair to succeed.
At least, that's how their parents saw it.
But now... first emphasising she was Lenore Zala's daughter, then stressing they were just siblings, just brother and sister...
'Hey, hey, hey, are you subtly telling me your relationship with Athrun is purely based on your father's friendship, and you only see him as a brother?'
'And more importantly, that Lenore is the priority, while Athrun is just an afterthought?'
Watching Lacus solemnly clarify her stance while pretending to be nonchalant—though clearly eager to distance herself—Luo Shu couldn't help but feel amused.
He didn't bother holding back, breaking into a smile as he extended his hand to Athrun:
"So, should I call you 'brother-in-law,' Athrun?"
"Ah, I don't mind the title, but it'd make me a bit uncomfortable. Just Athrun is fine."
Athrun shook Luo Shu's hand, his expression awkward as he inwardly wondered:
'Why did Luo Shu look so happy after glancing at Lacus?'
'And why was Lacus so visibly relieved after seeing Luo Shu shake my hand?'
'Am I some unspeakable secret between them?'
Athrun Zala was utterly baffled!