13 Dad's Beast

Liam prepared himself for the day ahead, his focus not on studies, but just to meet Eri and score things even with some people...

It was a Wednesday, and according to his schedule, he had only three lectures lined up. However, he knew that today he wouldn't be spending much time in the classroom; instead, he maybe called to the vice-chancellor's office.

!!!PERE PERE PERE PERE!!!

His phone chimed with a ringtone that brought a sense of nostalgia. It was the distinctive sound of a turtle acting as a telephone from his favorite anime, "3 Piece." As he glanced at the caller ID, a smile tugged at his lips—it was Eri.

<Good morning~> a sweet voice greeted him from the other end.

"Good morning," Liam replied.

<Are you coming for class today?> Eri's voice held a hint of anticipation.

"Yes."

<Okay! I'll be waiting.>

"Alright."

<Love you~>

"Love you."

During the call, Eri's affectionate tone warmed his heart. Liam took a moment to assess his appearance in the mirror. Despite being a bit on the lean side, he couldn't deny his newfound handsomeness. The earring and watch that Eri had gifted him the day before added to his charm.

In just one day, Liam had undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding his nerdy exterior to reveal a devilishly handsome young man. He clicked his tongue in mild annoyance. "I really need to start working out."

Heading downstairs to the dining hall, he was greeted by his parents.

"Good morning, Mom, Dad."

"Good morning, son."

"Good morning, my handsome son," his mother chimed in with a loving smile.

"Dad."

"Yeah?"

"I want your bike."

David's eyes widened with excitement. "Really?"

Liam said nodding. "Yeah, I guess."

"Thank God my dear bike won't stay in the dust anymore!" David exclaimed, clearly thrilled.

He was an avid bike enthusiast.

In fact, Liam's family was well-off due to their inheritance from a successful business. During his younger days, David had owned various types of bikes. However, the family faced some difficult times, leading David to reluctantly sell even his most cherished Darley bike. It held many precious memories, including moments spent with Ava.

After their financial situation improved, David managed to buy back the bike, paying five times the original price since the seller knew David's desperation, but it was worth every penny to him.

Now, years later, David found himself unable to ride the bike due to lack of time and physical constraints. It sat in the garage, collecting dust, which pained his heart. However, it seemed that his son, Liam, would be the one to inherit those memories.

With a joyful grin, he led Liam to the garage.

"Honey, breakfast is already ready!" Liam's mother called out, noticing them heading to the garage before having breakfast.

"Just a few moments, darling!" David's enthusiastic voice echoed back to her.

"Honestly, what am I going to do with them," she mumbled in good-natured annoyance.

In the garage, Liam followed David's lead as they passed by other vehicles without much attention. They arrived at a secluded spot, where a bike-shaped form was hidden beneath a dusty cover.

David reached for the cloth, and as he pulled it away, a cloud of dust billowed into the air, both men's gaze locked onto the sleek black machine beneath.

It lay there, a silent and powerful presence, like a dormant beast ready to roar.

With a contented smile, David moved towards a side wall, retrieved a key, and handed it to Liam. "Son, I'm passing on all my memories of this bike to you. Please take care of it. Both your mother's and my memories are intertwined with this beast."

With a heartfelt smile, David reached out to touch the bike, then turned with a chuckle. "Let's go have breakfast, or your mother will chew us out alive, hahaha."

"Mm," Liam responded, his eyes lingering on the bike as he ran his fingers gently across its frame.

*

Around the dining table, the family joyfully indulged in their breakfast.

"Ah, the memorable times," David began, his eyes lighting up. "You know, son, the day I proposed to your mother, I took her on a very romantic drive with this bike." His words earned a playful nudge from Ava, prompting a chuckle from him. "Hahaha."

"It would be great if you got yourself a girlfriend and went on drives too," David suggested with a smile.

"I've got a girlfriend," Liam announced proudly.

"Yea—wait, you did?" David's surprise was evident.

"Yes, just yesterday I confessed to her, and she accepted my feelings."

"Oh! That's why! That's my son, hahaha!"

"Do you have her photo?" Ava interjected, intrigued by the news, thinking it might be her potential daughter-in-law.

Liam remembered taking pictures yesterday during their shopping excursion, as well as when he captured her trying on earrings.

He took out his phone and showed his parents a photo of Eri.

"Oh my! She's so beautiful."

"Indeed," David chimed in, equally astonished.

The entire breakfast turned into a lively and cheerful affair.

As it was time for university, Liam contacted Eri.

<Hello~?>

"Are you on your way to the uni?"

<Yeah, I just got on the bus.>

"Get off at the next stop, I'll pick you up. Where is the next stop?"

<Wait, did you get a car or something?>

"Well, a bike. Are you disappointed?"

<Why would I be? I'm just happy that you're trying new things. Alright, the next stop is Aria.>

"Alright, stay there, I'm coming."

<Hai~>

Ending the call, Liam put on his helmet and settled onto the bike.

Inserting the key and gripping the accelerator, he unleashed a spine-tingling sound.

VRRRROOOOOOOOOOM!!!!

With a powerful roar, he zoomed out of the estate and headed towards the stop.

Along the way, people's attention was drawn to the imposing black beast as it roared down the highway. The bike's classic and antique design was a rare sight, capturing everyone's surprise with its vintage allure.

As he approached the stop, he spotted Eri standing there, waiting for him. Liam slowed down, coming to a smooth halt, and lifted his helmet off.

His wavy hair cascaded down as he ran his fingers through it, adjusting his appearance. He noticed Eri gazing at him, her cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment.

"Hm? Falling in love all over again?" Liam playfully quipped, a chuckle escaping him.