The sparkle in his eyes

chapter 7

Atsushi pov

How can be some plant so heavy?

I think to myself as I'm walking down the street with a fig plant I bought this morning. I picked the smallest on so Akutagawa can see how it actually grows, but its still quite heavy. 

I hope this will make him at least a little bit happy. I'm not sure how often he gets gifts, but looking on how he treats people and how people threat him, I would say its not that often.

Once I get to his apartment, I hesitate before knocking. Is this really a good idea? I don't want to make him annoyed by being too pushy. 

After a while, I finally built up enough courage inside of me to knock. For a few minutes, nobody answers but then, I suddenly hear some muffled sounds from the other side. The door opens and I see Akutagawa... 

...not in the best condition. 

He's really pale and has watery eyes. He opens his mouth as he tries to say something, probably trying to curse at me again. But instead, he stumbles and almost falls on the ground. I quickly let off the fig plant and catch him.

"Let...go of me... weretiger." he mumbles into my shoulder and I can feel the heat from his face. He tries to push away, but he doesn't have any strength left. When did he got sick like this? He looked fine yesterday in the shop. 

I pick him up and carry him to his bed. I lie him down and cover him with a blanket. He doesn't say anything and just turns away. From the heat of his skin I can tell that he's got a really high fever.

"Just lie down, Akutagawa. Have you been to a doctor?"

He just shakes his head in disagreement and answers quietly "Let me be. Please...just let me be."

"Alright, as you wish."  I leave his room and I can hear a quiet sigh of relief from him. Am I that annoying? Well... I'd rather be annoying than let him suffer. It hurts me a little to see him suffer like this. I would rather see him in his angry and grumpy mood than in this state. 

I put the fig plant that I left before the door inside and I place it in his livingroom near a window. As I look out, I realize that he has some nice view from up here. A pretty big part of Yokohama is visible and during the sunset it has to be even more magical. I think I might pay him a visit one summer evening, since sunsets are the most beautiful in summer. 

I chuckle a little as I imagine his reaction if I actually show up at his place with this intention.  

My eyes glance at the keys from his apartment on the table. I shouldn't do this but... he's too weak to even stand up. He won't find out. Besides, I'll be gone just for a few minutes and I do this for his own good. 

Nearest pharmacy is just a few minutes away, so I'll buy him some medicine and than maybe cook some soup for him. It always helps me when I'm sick.

.

Once I return, I try to unlock the door from his apartment as quietly as I can. I slowly walk to his bedroom without making any sound. He didn't move an inch. Not only that, but he fell asleep as well. Should I wake him up and give him the medicine or should I wait until he wakes up by himself? I softly touch his shoulder. He mumbles something still in his sleep. 

I decide to not wake him up for now. I close his door and go to the kitchen. I take a look around, opening opening some of the drawers. Where could he have pots in here? After I open every single drawer, I finally find a pot big enough. I take some ingredients from the fridge. 

Now it's time to gather all of my knowledge I got from watching all those cooking reality shows with Kyouka.