The large dining table was neatly set. Chandeliers glowed warmly above, their light making the plates and glasses shine. Eren sat with his mother, his sister, and his grandparents, while the servent s quietly moved around serving food. The air carried a heavy, formal silence.
Grandma was the first to speak, her smile gentle.
"Come, everyone. Enjoy the food. I made sure these dishes were prepared just right."
Eren's little sister's eyes lit up instantly.
"Grandma! Did you make rice pudding again? Like last time?"
Grandma laughed softly.
"Yes, I did. And I made extra this time, just for you."
Her words lifted the atmosphere. The girl's eyes stayed fixed on the pudding, her excitement clear.
But then Grandpa set his spoon down, his voice turning sharp.
"Your father and Ryker should have been here. Neither of them understands the meaning of spending time with family."
His heavy tone dragged silence back over the table.
Eren's mother quickly spoke up, keeping her tone polite.
"Father, they're both busy. There's a lot of work on them right now."
Grandpa gave only a cold "hmm," clearly unsatisfied.
Eren quietly stirred the food on his plate. His face remained calm, but inside, he was tired of hearing the same words again and again—about his father's absence, about responsibilities. It was nothing new to him.
Grandma stepped in softly, easing the mood.
"Forget all that. Right now, the family is here. Let's enjoy this dinner together."
Her gaze shifted to Eren, her expression warm.
"Eren, you're looking more and more like your father. But don't stay so serious all the time. You should try smiling a little more."
Eren gave only a small nod. The mention of his father's name made his chest tighten for a moment, but he quickly covered it, wearing his usual blank mask.
Dinner continued. His sister's cheerful chatter and Grandma's light jokes kept the table lively, but Eren spoke very little.
And each time Grandpa's eyes fell on him, Eren's face grew even colder—like he was hiding every trace of feeling behind an invisible wall.