Harvey's gaze was filled with suspicion. Perhaps growing up in an environment devoid of security, he never
expected or believed in familial bonds. Still, he longed for the kind of kinship that could be a steadfast support at
any time and place.
"What else?" Toph glanced at him, smiling. "My brother always held me dear. I'm his most beloved little brother.
Who else would come to rescue me if not him?"
Curious, Harvey propped himself up with both hands and slowly crawled over. Only then did he carefully examine
the chip embedded within the belt buckle. It was a small, intricate piece, well-hidden and not easily detectable.
"Our grandfather gave this to us." Toph began to chatter. "This thing is something only the Southeast Aciatic military
uses. It's handy for them to communicate with teammates in unexpected situations during missions!
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Ever since my brother and I got these belts, we knew how to use them. He once jokingly said he hoped we'd never
have to use them... Hey, but now we do!
"See, this light is weak, which means the signal is weak. But it's fine. I'll send the signal multiple times, so one is
bound to reach Zuko!"
"And... are you sure your brother's belt is also on him?" Harvey asked.
"Of course," Toph affirmed confidently. "Even if his belt isn't on him, his phone will receive the signal... Anyway, Zuko
will come to rescue us. Chris will, too! I believe in them!"
Harvey fell silent, gazing at him for a long while with a complicated expression. In his gaze, there was envy, along
with emotions he couldn't express.
He was like a child without candy, while Toph had grown up in a candy kingdom. People like him were rays of
sunshine wherever they went.
Harvey never expected that warmth to belong to him alone, but just a little sunlight to clear the darkness in his
heart was enough for him to be content.
"Hey! Hey!" Toph called out to him, but he didn't respond. Toph then wrapped an arm around his shoulder. "What's
up?"
Harvey's heart skipped a beat. When Toph leaned closer, their noses almost touched.
It was the first time he had been this close to him...
Harvey's heart thumped, and his face turned red instantly. His hands clenched together.
"What are you... doing?"
"I called you, didn't you hear me?" Toph was puzzled by his reaction. "What's wrong with you?" Harvey suddenly
pushed him away, retreating to the side. "Quit touching me!" "You..." Toph's eyes widened in surprise.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
It was then the chip inside the belt buckle flashed a few times. Toph excitedly grabbed it but then remembered
Harvey's warning about "walls having ears". He held back his excitement and went close to Harvey's side, his lips
almost touching his ear.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Harvey sighed, shouting loudly, "You were just over there! Why are you getting close
now?"
"You're crazy!"
"Yeah, I'm crazy! Just get away from me!"
Toph was exasperated but could only move back slowly. Then he glanced up, waggling the belt in his hand and
smirking mischievously.
Afterward, he used lip movements to convey, "We're going to be saved!"