YM778.TV Chapter 86: Leisure Time
"Alright, that wraps up today\'s lesson. The one-week deadline starts now. Feel free to train harder, whether it\'s inside the Tower of Trials or seeking guidance from teachers. You have the freedom to do whatever you think will help you succeed. See you all next Monday," Elena said before disappearing into thin air leaving the students behind.
Noah stood up from his seat and was about to head straight to the Tower of Trials to start training, when Arthur approached him. Arthur, who hadn\'t spoken to Noah after greeting him the morning, suggested they go to the café and enjoy some free time before diving into the Tower of Trials.
Initially, Noah was inclined to refuse the invitation. However, he remembered Stella\'s advice about taking breaks and decompressing. So, he decided not to decline Arthur\'s offer but made sure to remind him of something important.
"You will be paying for everything," Noah stated firmly.
Arthur froze in his tracks, not expecting Noah to accept the invitation so easily. He didn\'t mind covering the expenses since he was the one initiating the invitation in the first place.
"Sure, no problem," Arthur replied, a hint of surprise in his voice.
With that settled, the two of them left the classroom and headed towards the café.
The café was a cozy and inviting space, with warm, earthy tones and soft lighting. The walls were adorned with local artwork, giving it a touch of creativity and charm. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, creating a comforting atmosphere. The café had comfortable seating options, including plush armchairs and wooden tables, allowing customers to relax and enjoy their drinks.
There was also a small outdoor patio area with vibrant plants and umbrellas, providing a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city. The menu offered a variety of beverages, from rich espressos to creamy lattes, as well as a selection of pastries and light snacks. Overall, the café exuded a welcoming and laid-back vibe, making it the perfect spot for a casual meeting or a quiet moment of solitude.
As Arthur and Noah walked into the café, they scanned the available seating options and chose a cozy corner spot near the large window. They settled into their seats, ready to enjoy their drinks and snacks. Arthur decided to start his morning with a strong espresso, while Noah opted for a creamy latte.
As they placed their orders, Noah couldn\'t resist adding a side of freshly baked cookies, his favorite treat to pair with his latte. The friendly barista took note of their orders and quickly got to work, preparing their beverages with care. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, adding to the cozy ambiance of the café.
Arthur and Noah chatted, eagerly anticipating their drinks and cookies.
Arthur\'s curiosity got the best of him, and he couldn\'t resist asking, "So, who convinced my friend to ditch his usual stoic attire?"
With a sigh, Noah replied, "It was Lilith\'s aunt, Stella Evangelion."
"Wow! The famous Stella? The renowned designer who created an artificial dungeon?" Arthur\'s eyes lit up with excitement at the mention of Stella Evangelion.
"Yeah, that Stella," Noah replied, feeling slightly annoyed and having second thoughts about coming.
Noticing Noah\'s annoyance, Arthur quickly composed himself and asked for more details about what transpired. As Noah shared the story, Arthur burst into laughter.
"She\'s got a point. You really need to relax, which is why I dragged you out today."
"Yeah, I know, and I appreciate it," Noah said, massaging his temples and feeling irritated.
"That doesn\'t sound like the gratitude of someone who appreciates it," Arthur said, but before Noah could ask him to repeat himself, Arthur chuckled.
"Never mind. He\'s already back."
With a warm smile, the friendly barista returned to Arthur and Noah\'s table, carefully balancing their drinks on a tray. She placed the steaming espresso in front of Arthur, its rich aroma wafting up to his nose.
Next, she set down the creamy latte in front of Noah, topped with a beautiful swirl of foam. Finally, she placed a plate of freshly baked cookies between them, still warm from the oven. The duo\'s conversation paused momentarily as they took in the sight of their delicious treats. Arthur picked up his espresso cup, savoring the rich flavor with each sip.
Noah took a delicate sip of his latte, enjoying the velvety texture and hint of sweetness. They both reached for a cookie, the soft center melting in their mouths. As they indulged in their drinks and cookies, the café around them buzzed with a comforting ambiance, creating the perfect setting for a relaxing morning.
Noah couldn\'t deny it any longer - he didn\'t despise his present circumstances. In fact, he found them quite enjoyable. The relaxation that surrounded him momentarily made him forget about his ambitions and instead allowed him to fully immerse himself in the simple pleasures of the moment. It was a beautifully serene experience that touched his soul.
As they departed from the café, Arthur enthusiastically pulled Noah along, leading him towards their next destination: an arcade.
Excitement filled the air as Arthur eagerly led Noah to the bustling arcade just a few blocks away from the café. The neon lights of the entrance beckoned them inside, promising a world of fun and adventure. They stepped through the doors and were immediately greeted by the lively sounds of arcade games, the clinking of coins, and the cheers of victorious players.
Arthur\'s eyes lit up as he scanned the rows of arcade machines, each one offering a different kind of challenge. Without wasting a moment, he darted towards a racing game, motioning for Noah to join him. The two friends hopped into the sleek racing seats, gripping the steering wheels with anticipation.
Engines roared to life as they selected their favorite cars and tracks. The race began, and Arthur and Noah found themselves immersed in the thrilling world of virtual speed. They maneuvered their vehicles, expertly dodging obstacles and overtaking opponents, their laughter and shouts of excitement filling the arcade.
After a round of intense racing, Arthur and Noah moved on to a different section of the arcade. They found themselves drawn to a classic pinball machine, its vibrant colors and flashing lights captivating their attention. With a flick of the wrists, they sent the metal ball bouncing off bumpers and targets, racking up points and triggering dazzling animations.
Time seemed to fly by as they ventured from one game to another, immersing themselves in the nostalgic atmosphere of the arcade. They challenged each other to air hockey, tested their reflexes in shooting games, and even tried their luck at winning prizes in the claw machine.
As the afternoon sun began to set, Arthur and Noah finally took a break from their gaming marathon. They found a cozy corner in the arcade, sinking into plush bean bag chairs. With tired but content smiles, they reminisced about their favorite moments, reliving the excitement and camaraderie they had experienced throughout the day.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the city streets, Arthur and Noah strolled towards their final destination for the evening - a lively bar tucked away in a bustling corner. The sound of music and laughter spilled out onto the sidewalk, inviting them to step inside and join the festivities.
The bar\'s entrance was adorned with twinkling fairy lights, creating an enchanting ambiance. The aroma of delicious food and the clinking of glasses filled the air, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Arthur and Noah found themselves a cozy spot at the bar, eager to unwind and enjoy the night.
The bartender greeted them with a friendly smile, ready to whip up their favorite drinks. Arthur ordered a craft beer, while Noah opted for a refreshing cocktail. As they sipped their beverages, they engaged in lively conversation, sharing stories and laughter amidst the lively chatter of the bar.
The bar was alive with energy, the music pulsating through the speakers and enticing people to hit the dance floor. Arthur and Noah couldn\'t resist the rhythm, and soon they found themselves joining the crowd, moving to the beat and letting loose. They laughed and danced, their worries melting away as they embraced the carefree spirit of the night.
As the night wore on, Arthur and Noah made new friends, engaging in conversations with fellow bar-goers and exchanging stories. The bar became a place of connection, where strangers became acquaintances, and acquaintances turned into friends.
With each passing hour, the bar became a haven of laughter, music, and unforgettable memories. Whether it was singing along to their favorite songs, challenging each other to bar games, or simply basking in the joyous atmosphere, Arthur and Noah savored every moment.
As the night grew late, and their spirits soared, Arthur and Noah knew it was time to bid farewell to the bar. With hearts full of joy, they made their way back into the night, cherishing the memories they had created together.
Their adventure had taken them from the café to the arcade and finally to the bar, each place offering a unique experience and a chance to bond. As they walked side by side, the night air filled with anticipation for the next chapter of their journey, knowing that the memories they had made would forever be a cherished part of their friendship.
Deep down, Noah secretly relished in his current situation. He would indulge in moments like these once every couple of months, but if Arthur or Stella were to witness his newfound contentment, they would be utterly shocked, perhaps even falling on their faces and sternly berating him, convinced that he was incapable of change.