The room fell silent for a moment. The only sounds were ticking of the clock and the clatter of pans as Edan prepared dinner.
Eugene rubbed the back of his neck, trying to hide his guilt. "Uhh... Emi, I'm sorry. I... I forgot to take my wallet, so I couldn't bring your cake."
The lie tasted bitter in his mouth, and his guilt doubled when he saw Emily's smile falter. Her lips trembled, and tears welled up in her eyes.
"Uh... Emi please don't cry," he said gently, kneeling slightly to meet her eye level. His voice was soft, calm, but carried a hint of nervousness. "I'll buy it tomorrow... I-if you want, I can go now and get it."
"It's fine, just buy it tomorrow," Aria's voice cut through as she entered the living room. Scooping Emily into her arms, she added, "Tonight, little one, you'll eat broccoli."
"Dinner's ready!" Edan called. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the dining room as they stepped in, Emily still sniffling in her mother's arms.
***
[The Next Day]
After school, Eugene went to the Spencer house to pick up Emily, backpack in one hand and her promised cake in other. Eugene stepped into the open living-dining area and found Arnold seated at the dining table, chin resting on his folded hands, while Emily napped on the couch nearby.
"I heard... you awakened," Arnold said in a grave tone.
"Y-yes," Eugene hesitated. He gulped hard before replying, "Leah did say something like that." He wasn't used to this side of Arnold. Until now, he had only him as a cheerful, funny uncle.
"Why don't you sit? This is going to be a long talk," Arnold said, gesturing for Eugene to take a seat.
"I won't beat around the bush," Arnold continued, as Eugene sat down across from him at the table. "Since you've awakened, why don't you join the Bureau?" Arnold said, his tone still grave.
"Pardon?" Eugene blurted out. For a moment, he thought Arnold was joking—but the man's expression didn't waver.
"You've just awakened—still weak. And worse, you come from a civilian background. That makes you the easiest target for the organizations that prey on young Awakeners," he said. After a brief pause, he continued, his voice steady as he explained, "The Bureau is a government organization that maintains peace within the awakened world by keeping such groups in check."
His tone softened as he added, "We'll protect you." To Arnold, the Bureau wasn't just a workplace—it was a cause he believed in.
"Do I... really have to join?" Eugene asked, his voice hesitant.
"Well... it's not like you have to," Arnold said. "We'll still protect you," he added, reassuring Eugene. "But if you join, you could become strong enough to protect yourself."
Eugene sat quietly, his mind racing as he considered Arnold's words. The thought of becoming stronger, of being able to protect himself, weighed heavily on him. After a long pause, he finally looked up, determination flickering in his eyes. "Alright... I'll join," he said softly.
Arnold's eyes gleamed at Eugene's words. He slammed a paper and pen on the table with excitement. "Good! Here's the registration form. I've filled it out—you just have to sign."
Eugene was momentarily stunned. Then, taking a deep breath, he signed the paper. "You knew I would agree?" he asked as he handed it back.
"I wasn't sure," Arnold said while tucking the paper in his pocket, then added with a grin, "but thanks to you, I just won 100 bucks. Leah had bet you wouldn't." He laughed and continued, "Be careful—Leah's going to get you back, since she lost 100 bucks because of you."
Eugene was momentarily speechless at Arnold's words. But his expression quickly turned worried as he pictured Leah's angry figure, already imagining her scheming retaliation.
Arnold's expression grew serious. "Be ready at 5 a.m. sharp—tomorrow," he said. His gaze didn't waver as he added, "Your training starts then."
Eugene clearly didn't like the idea of early morning training, but before he could voice his protest, Emily stirred from her nap.
She glanced at Eugene, rubbing sleep from her eyes. Her face lit up when she spotted the cake lying on the table. She ran over to him, eyes sparkling. "Yay! You bought bought it!"
"You brat," Eugene said, pinching her cheeks. "You're happier to see cake than your brother."
Emily grabbed the cake eagerly, still giggling, and hugged it to her chest. Eugene shook his head with a smile, ruffling her hair. After a few more playful exchanges, they both turned toward the door, ready to leave.
Before Eugene could leave, Arnold called out one last reminder. "Remember—5 a.m. tomorrow." Eugene nodded in response, closing the door carefully behind Emily.