Enigma HR-67 || Eng~

01. A Gift of the Future

The rain tapped rhythmically against the window of the small apartment as Leeseo's father busied himself in the workshop. The soft hum of machinery and the occasional clink of metal parts were the only sounds that broke the quiet of the room. Leeseo, barely four years old, sat cross-legged on the floor, her wide eyes watching her father with an intensity that belied her age.

The workshop was a chaotic haven of wires, circuits, and half-assembled gadgets. It was a space where Leeseo's father could let his imagination run wild, away from the constraints of the outside world. Today, however, was special. Today was Leeseo's fourth birthday, and her father had promised her a gift like no other.

Leeseo's father was a man of vision, always tinkering with new ideas. His passion for robotics and artificial intelligence had been a driving force in his life, often consuming him to the point of neglecting his own well-being. Yet, despite his often-absorbed nature, he was devoted to his daughter. He had worked for months on a project he deemed as the crowning achievement of his career—a gift for his daughter that would mark her special day.

"Just a little more," he muttered.

His hands deftly adjusting a small panel on the robot's chest. The robot was unlike any toy Leeseo had ever seen—its sleek, metallic surface was polished to a high shine, and its eyes glowed a soft blue. It was designed to resemble a child, with features that mimicked those of a human boy, but with an unmistakable mechanical elegance.

Leeseo's father had been working on this robot since before she was born. The robot's original purpose was to be a companion for her, a playmate who would grow alongside her. He had infused it with advanced AI, making it capable of learning and adapting, and had even given it a voice. He hoped that one day, it would be more than just a toy—it would be a friend.

As the clock struck noon, Leeseo's father finally finished his adjustments. He carefully carried the robot out of the workshop, its blue eyes now dimmed to a soft, welcoming glow. Leeseo's eyes widened in awe as she saw the robot for the first time.

"Happy birthday, Leeseo," her father said with a warm smile.

He gently placed the robot in front of her. "I'd like you to meet HR-67."

Leeseo's small hands reached out tentatively, her fingers brushing against the robot's smooth surface. She tilted her head, studying its face with a mixture of curiosity and wonder.

"Is he alive, Daddy?"
Her father chuckled softly, kneeling beside her.

"In a way, yes. HR-67 is designed to interact with you, to learn and grow just like you. He's your new friend."

Leeseo's face lit up with a bright smile. "Can I name him?"

Her father nodded. "Of course. You can call him whatever you like."

Leeseo thought for a moment, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"I want to call him Leehan," she decided, her voice filled with determination.

"Leehan it is," her father agreed, his eyes sparkling with pride. "Now, why don't you say hello to Leehan?"

Leeseo looked up at the robot. "Hi, Leehan!"

The robot's eyes brightened, and its voice emitted a cheerful tone. "Hello, Leeseo. It's nice to meet you."

Leeseo's laughter bubbled up as she heard the robot's voice. She reached out and hugged Leehan, her tiny arms wrapping around the robot's metallic frame. Her father watched with a sense of fulfillment, knowing that his creation had already begun to bring joy into his daughter's life.

As the days turned into weeks, Leeseo and Leehan became inseparable. They played together, explored the apartment, and shared countless adventures. Leehan's advanced AI allowed him to adapt to Leeseo's needs, responding to her emotions and learning from her interactions. To Leeseo, Leehan was more than just a robot—he was her twin brother, a constant companion who understood her in ways no one else could.

Leeseo's father continued to work on his other projects, but his focus remained on ensuring that Leehan was a perfect match for his daughter. He marveled at how well Leeseo and Leehan interacted, often noting the uncanny resemblance between their bond and that of real siblings.

Yet, even as the years passed and Leeseo grew older, there was a lingering sense of anticipation in the air. Her father's health began to decline, though he kept it hidden from his daughter. He poured all his energy into his work, determined to ensure that Leeseo's future would be bright and secure. The robot, now affectionately named Leehan, continued to be a source of comfort and joy for her, a testament to her father's love and dedication.

To be continued..

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A/N

I'm not an English author also English isn't my native language so please excuse me if there are any grammatical mistakes! I hope you'll understand.

And reminder,
this story has short chapters.

Hope you'll enjoy this!