บท 193: Childhood Sweethearts (2)

Niko's words seemed to hang in the air, heavy and unexpected. The room fell into a stunned silence as every pair of eyes turned to Niko.

Izan raised an eyebrow, his expression betraying only mild surprise. Elian looked completely taken aback, his lips parted in shock. Aria froze mid-motion, the towel still in her hand, while Orion's face flushed a deep red. Jaxon, for his part, looked like he wanted to disappear into the floor, his usual stoicism cracking under the weight of the attention.

"What?" Elian finally managed, his voice almost a whisper, as he turned his wide eyes to Orion and Jaxon.

Orion and Jaxon exchanged wide-eyed glances, both seemingly grappling with Niko's audacious claim. For a moment, it was as if the air in the room grew heavier.

"Niko!" Aria finally exclaimed, her voice laced with frustration. "When did they ever say they were childhood sweethearts?" She turned to him, arms crossed, her gaze piercing.