Complete

10: Aisles

"Bacon, eggs, lettuce..." Mew mumbled as he checked the shopping list that Avia passed to him

Avia would normally get it but since Mew is on leave, he didn't want to trouble Avia. It won't be good for her to carry so many groceries since it would be bad for her back.

Walking around the supermarket, he slowly ticked off the items that he already got. Oblivious to the whispers from the mothers who swooned and stares from the children who view Mew as a giant.

"Last but not least, milk." Mew swiftly manoeuvre the cart to the milk aisle, searching for the brand that he usually buys.

Focussing on sifting through the milk aisle, he didn't realise that someone was walking towards him with their cart, also not looking where they are going.

Needless to say, there was a crash, the opposite person falling to the floor with a loud groan.

"Fuck that hurts!"

Mew's eyebrows furrowed.

This voice sounds familiar...

Running over to help the person, Mew's lips tugged into a smile upon seeing that someone to be Gulf, who is sitting on the floor groaning in pain.

"I know it is an accident but next time watch where you are going. Though it is not entirely your fault since I too wasn't-Mew?!"

Gulf's eyes widened, his brain stuttering for a moment. His eyes took in the image of a casually-dressed Mew, every part of him going on pause while his thoughts catch up.

"Come on you big baby." Mew hauled Gulf to his feet, Gulf still looking at Mew in a daze.

Hearing Mew's nickname for him, Gulf was reminded of the phone call, causing him to snap out of his daze. His cheeks burned, the only thought in his mind being to put some distance between him and Mew.

Why am I meeting him so soon! It has only been three days. I haven't planned how to react and behave when around him, especially after that...

Gulf scurried away from Mew, using his cart to shield himself. Mew chuckled at how Gulf mirrored a kitten that is hiding in a corner, wary and shy.

Mew smirked subtly.

Looks like I can only use this way to get Gulf to come and talk to me.

Pouting, Mew whined.

"Gulfie~Why are you hiding from me? Are you upset because I accidentally bumped into you? Or is it cause you are shy from our similar-to-phone-se—"

Gulf's eyes widened at what Mew was going to say.

Before Mew could finish, Gulf was already covering his mouth with both of his hands, glaring at him.

"Asshole." Gulf hissed.

Though with those ears that are tinted red, Gulf only looked adorable in Mew's eyes, not the least bit scary.

Mew's eyes glinted mischievously.

With his eyes locked on Gulf's, he licked Gulf's hand that covered his mouth. He couldn't help but coo at how Gulf's doe eyes widened.

Swiftly pulling his hands away, Gulf gave Mew a death stare. Mew swore he could see a tiger cub snarling at him.

"Mew!"

"Yes?" Mew tilted his head as he looked at Gulf innocently with his puppy eyes.

"You-Never mind." Gulf huffed, sulking.

Mew simpered at this sight. Cradling Gulf's face, he pleaded softly.

"Aww baby, don't sulk. Sorry na~ I won't tease you anymore."

"You better!" Gulf frowned, warning Mew.

"Promise. Scout's honour." Mew declared seriously, raising his right hand, his thumb to his palm.

Gulf felt his anger melt at Mew's hilarious antics, a smile breaking across his face. Seeing Gulf smile, Mew gazed at Gulf tenderly.

That smile is the prettiest thing I have seen in a long time.

"Are you grocery shopping for Avia?" Gulf asked, breaking Mew out of his thoughts.

"Yep. What about you? You have so much food. Can you finish it?" Mew peered at Gulf's cart. Baking supplies, fresh produce and food staples nearly fill the cart to the brim.

"Of course not! I can eat a lot but even I can't finish this much." Gulf laughed.

"Oh? With this soft belly, I thought you can finish it." Mew smirked, patting Gulf's stomach.

"Hey!" Gulf sulked, pushing Mew's hands away.

Noticing how Gulf seemed self-conscious, guilt started to trickle into Mew's heart.

"I am just kidding. You are actually lean, muscled in all the right places. Your belly is covered in a layer of softness, which is not bad. I like it."

"You-You promised not to tease!" Gulf raised his finger, as if scolding a child.

"Okay I won't tease anymore." Mew laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender.

"Jokes aside, why did you buy so much food? Is it for your brothers?"

"Well not really. It is for the children at the orphanage. This week is my turn to stock up the fridge."

"The orphanage your brother owns?"

"Yep! The nine of us would take turns to buy the groceries. Of course, there are people taking care of the orphanage and they could go grocery shopping. But my brother prefers them to stay at the orphanage and ensure the children's safety. Plus, the supermarket is just beside the pet clinic, making it convenient for Jaebeom, Lin Yi, Weizhou and me to drop by."

"Can I visit?"

Mew was curious to see the orphanage. He was nearly an orphan himself. At least he had Bright with him, supporting each other until now.

"Are you sure? Once you enter it won't be easy to leave. The kids would swarm you like crazy and not leave your side till you are exhausted."

Gulf was worried that the children would bother Mew. Nevertheless, he was extremely happy because the children hardly have any visitors.

"Yep. Can you send me the address? I would have gone with you but the frozen food would go bad so I will drop it off first. Plus, I can't go empty-handed. I want to buy them some gifts." Mew smiled happily, excited to go to the orphanage.

"If you insist. I will send you the address and meet you there then." Gulf beamed, happiness flooding his heart.