Legendary Broken Player - VRMMORPG

Chapter 387: - We need to cheer her up



Someone called Leon's name from behind, and it came from the bed above the Capsule Device. When he turned, he saw it was Lily.

"What? Why Hazel?! Why did you call her name?!" she asked, curiosity clear on her face as she swung her legs off the bed and sat up.

"You startled me... why didn't you say you were already here?"

"Why Hazel? Don't tell me you brought her here, huh?" she teased, playfully poking Leon in the chest with her finger.

"Hey, Brother... tell me honestly. Did she flirt with you? And you fell for it, didn't you? What were you two doing here, huh?"

"You're way too interested in adult stuff, huh..." Leon joked, trying to deflect her teasing.

"Leoooon..." she murmured, a little embarrassed, her face flushing slightly.

Leon gently took Lily's hand and pulled her toward the sofa in the center of the room. "Let me explain," he sighed before diving into everything that had happened. Lily listened closely, especially when Leon mentioned Hazel's failed dinner plan with her mom.

She nodded slowly as she took it all in. "Yeah... from what I know, she rarely sees her mom, and her real father too..."

"I think you need to cheer her up," Leon suggested.

"Why? Why do you care so much about her, huh?"

"You don't?"

Lily smiled and nodded. "Yes, I'll figure out something to cheer her up. And... I overheard you on the phone earlier... sorry," she admitted, looking a bit sheepish.

"Nah, it's fine, I don't think I said anything weird."

She giggled. "So, you failed and died in the last challenge?"

Leon sighed again, leaning back into the sofa, rubbing his forehead in frustration.

"What if we go out for a bit... grab something to eat, just to cheer you up? I'm sure you need some time to refresh and figure out how to deal with all of this," Lily suggested.

Leon looked up, a bit confused. "What about Hazel? Do you know where she is now?"

"Are you worried about her?"

"Honestly, yeah," he admitted. "She still has both her parents, but their absence seems to weigh on her. I think it's tough for her."

Lily smiled and nodded. "Let's get ready, then. We can head out. You still have time before you meet that girl, Marlene, right?"

Marlene? Leon hadn't confirmed anything yet. She said she was going to meet him, but there were still a few hours before they had to be back online.

Yeah, maybe I do need to clear my head a bit.

***

The restaurant was far more upscale than Leon had imagined for what was supposed to be a casual dinner. Soft lighting illuminated the spacious room, with tables set far apart, lending an air of exclusivity. In the center, at a round table meant for a larger group, sat Hazel. She wore a simple yet elegant knee-length white dress, her wavy brown hair cascading around her face.

She sat alone at the table, one that had been reserved for a family dinner that never took place. Even though no one else showed up, Hazel had still come. The sight was heartbreaking-she always exuded cheerfulness, but in moments like this, the quiet sadness she kept hidden became painfully clear.

Leon and Lily approached the table, Leon carefully balancing a small birthday cake in his hands.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Happy birthday... to you..." they sang softly in unison.

Hazel froze, her eyes wide with surprise. She quickly dabbed her face with a tissue, standing up as her emotions flickered between shock and disbelief. She hadn't expected anyone to come, let alone with a cake.

"What?..." Hazel stammered, her voice trembling slightly. "What are you doing here? Why?"

"Happy birthday, Hazel..." they continued, ignoring her surprise.

"You know my birthday was a few days ago, right?"

Leon stepped closer with the cake. "Make a wish."

Hazel smiled, though her eyes were clearly a little wet. She closed her eyes, made a wish, and then blew out the candles.

"Yes, happy birthday, Hazel!" Lily said excitedly. "Don't cry... someone like you doesn't look right when they cry, no one would believe it anyway."

Hazel chuckled softly, wiping her eyes. "Who said I was crying?" she replied, before pulling Lily into a hug.

"Thanks." she said.

"Thank my brother, it was his idea," Lily said with a grin.

Hazel pulled away from Lily and turned to Leon. She took the cake from his hands, set it on the table, and then wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. "Leon... thanks..." she

whispered.

"You're welcome... now I've given you my gift, right?" he replied with a smile.

She nodded. "How did you know I'd be here?"

"I overheard when you were on the phone with your mom. Sorry..." he admitted.

"No, I'm happy you came," she said softly.

Lily, standing beside them, sighed and playfully tapped Hazel on the shoulder. "Hey, I see that smile on your face. Enjoying that hug a little too much, huh? Now let go."

"Your brother doesn't mind, and I need comfort," Hazel giggled.

Lily rolled her eyes and gently pushed Hazel toward her chair. "Alright, enough... I know you're just using those tears to take advantage, aren't you? I've known you long enough to see

right through that."

Leon joined them at the table.

"Have you two had dinner yet?" Hazel asked.

"Nope, we came for the fancy meal you would treat us to," Leon teased.

Hazel smiled and nodded. "Well, I hope your stomachs are ready."

Soon, the food began arriving, and they settled in, chatting while enjoying the meal. It was supposed to be Hazel's family dinner-with her mom-but instead, she was here with

friends.

Out of nowhere, Hazel spoke up. "Lily, you know, I already confessed my love to your

brother."

Lily sighed. "You're giving me a headache... I've given up. That's your problem now, you two

adults."

"Lily, seriously?" Hazel said with an eager grin. "So, you're finally giving us your approval?"

"Who said that?" Lily shot back, then added with a smirk, "Besides, I'm not sure you can

handle the competition."

"Oh, really?" Hazel grinned back. "Let's see about that."

"You two realize the person you're talking about is sitting right here, right?" Leon

complained.

Both girls just laughed in response.

They continued eating while Lily and Hazel chatted away, laughing and joking as if they'd

been close forever. Their natural bond stood out to Leon, who rarely engaged in that kind of lighthearted banter. He couldn't help but wonder-did he even have any real friends?

Hazel turned to Leon. "Hey... what about the mission in the game? Did you manage to

complete it?"

Lily quickly chimed in, "He failed. That's why he looks so deep in thought."

"Oh... it must've been tough," Hazel said softly.

Leon just nodded in silent agreement.

"If only I could help..." Hazel added, her voice trailing off.

Help? Leon wondered if Hazel's level was really high enough to make a difference.

"No way... you're not needed," Lily chimed in teasingly. "My brother's strong, and he's got two powerful women fighting by his side-both way better than you. And they're prettier

too."

Hazel tilted her head, giggling. "So, you're still set on keeping me from getting close to him,

huh?" she teased back.

Leon felt his phone vibrate and quickly checked to see who was calling.

"Laura?" he muttered softly to himself.

The two girls glanced at him curiously.

"I need to take this call," he said, standing up and stepping away from the table for a

moment.