Sweet Devil [BL]

Chapter 120. Five Years Ago

On that summer day five years ago, the morning light shining through the window was unusually bright, waking up Gabriel earlier than usual. After tossing left and right and realizing he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep, he got up with sleepy eyes and left the bed, wobbling his way to the toilet, then the kitchen.

He hadn't eaten much yesterday, and his stomach was now growling, emitting sounds akin to snarls. Maybe that was the real reason he woke up; he just knew the sunlight wasn't enough to wake him from his dreams. For as long as he could remember, getting out of bed had always been an ordeal, and it wasn't a few sun rays that would solve this little problem of his.

'I'm just gonna eat a little something and go back to sleep.'

With this in mind, he snuck into the kitchen, which was empty at this early hour. There was not even a staff member around, meaning that he could steal a few snacks without being caught. His mother didn't like it when he ate between meals, but how could she scold him if she didn't find out? Anyway, he had always been good at pretending he hadn't done anything bad, having mastered the wide, innocent, and pure-looking eyes that made people's hearts go soft. And it wasn't like he was planning to loot the refrigerator, much less empty the pantry.... So, his little escape to the kitchen should go unnoticed. Right?

But his plan to snatch something inconspicuous quickly went down the drain once he smelled the good smell of a fresh-baked pie. His reason also bid him farewell.

As he tiptoed to the oven, Gabriel couldn't help but salivate and gulp, his stomach growling a little louder with every step he took.

Though no one was currently present, there were signs that someone had been busying themselves in the kitchen just a moment ago. Gabriel had no idea who they were, but he had a hunch they baked the pie for his mother as it was her favorite dessert. It was also one of the rare desserts he had a soft spot for.

He stared at the pie for a long time before eventually succumbing to the temptation. He told himself that he would eat a slice, just one small, little slice. But as he ate, he realized he had underestimated his hunger and willpower and ultimately wolfed down more than half of the pie, leaving behind only a serving for his mother.

"...I'm so dead if she finds out," Gabriel coughed after the deed, scratching his cheek in embarrassment.

It had been so long since the last time he had eaten apple pie that he hadn't been able to stop himself, almost swallowing it whole. It tasted even sweeter than usual as if the cook had added an extra layer of sugar and cinnamon, though there was also a faint bitter aftertaste.

"Let's just flee and pretend I know nothing. That should do the trick," Gabriel nodded to himself, chasing away the guilt with a wave of his hand. What was done was done, and that was it.

Because he was usually as quiet as a mouse, or it would be more accurate to say that no one ever caught him doing bad things, he was pretty sure the staff and his mother wouldn't suspect him. Instead, they would first think that a maid helped herself behind everyone's back or something along these lines. Then, maybe afterward, they would turn their gazes toward him.... If that were to happen, he would just have to say that he had been sleeping at the time of the "crime", which no one would doubt, and he should be free to go.

Before leaving the kitchen, Gabriel decided to at least clean up the mess he made while eating and hide the pie away. The kitchen staff could always bake another apple pie and give it to his mother in the late afternoon. As long as she ate some during the day, she should be satisfied.

Gabriel fled the kitchen with a guilty conscience, yet a contented smile lingered on his lips. That apple pie truly tasted divine! He felt almost regretful to have left a slice for his mother....