〖JJBA - EN〗- Last Judgement

Chapter 74: Loneliness.

Naples, Italy. December 3rd, 1999.

"Happy Birthday Mista!

- But- But how did you know?

- Mmmmh... Maybe I read everyone's files on the sly?

- In Bucciarati's office?!

- In Bucciarati's office!!

- Woooooooow... You're the best, thank you (Y/N)!"

Mista didn't hesitate to jump on the breakfast she had prepared for him under Narancia's envious eyes who was sulking not to have the same thing. It was almost starting to become a birthday ritual for everyone.

"Say, Mista", (Y/N) began. "I was thinking...

- Hmmm?

- You were almost born on December 4th?

- AAH! God forbid! Lord save us!"

(Y/N) and Narancia burst out laughing, and Fugo glanced amusedly over the book he was reading. It was a most ordinary morning. And Abbacchio entered the room, his headphones on. (Y/N) pretended not to have any reaction, but she was starting to have palpitations. He had spent almost two days on a mission and she had not had the opportunity to see him again since the famous morning she had woken up in his bed. And to be honest, she didn't really know how to act in front of him anymore. And obviously, neither did he, since he was making every effort in the world not to meet her gaze. He pretended not to pay attention to others, cut off from the world by the music in his ears.

"Say, guys..." Narancia said, examining him curiously. "What do you think Abbacchio is listening to there?"

All eyes turned to the gray-haired man who was dipping a piece of bread in his coffee without hearing them. Mista chuckled.

"I bet on hard rock!

- You'd be surprised I think..." Fugo answered without looking up from his book.

"Ah yes? Do you know what he's listening to?

- He only listens to hard rock when he wants to piss us off.

- I can confirm..." (Y/N) sighed.

"So what is he listening to?" Narancia asked.

Abbacchio remained indifferent to their questions. He didn't even notice he was being watched.

"I suggest we ask him directly!" Mista exclaimed, licking his fingers.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Fugo advised him. "Not until he's had his coffee."

But Mista was stubborn. And reckless. Maybe even imprudent. So he stood up, and Narancia took the opportunity to steal a pancake from him as soon as his back was turned.

"Heh, Abbacchio?"

No answer. Then Mista lifted the headphones from one ear. And that was enough for Abbacchio to glare at him. So much so that Mista shuddered, trying to laugh it off to look chill.

"Errh... Forget it, man! Sorry to bother you, ehm, I... Yeah, actually-

- He wanted to know what you were listening to", (Y/N) calmly continued.

Abbacchio looked at the young woman, and he gave a very faint smile that disappeared in a split second. But long enough for Fugo to notice. And (Y/N) too, of course.

"... it's none of your business."

And he put his headphones back on his ears. Narancia sighed in disappointment and Fugo motioned for him to get up.