My Guardian Angel (Utapri)

《Chapter 06》

Akari shifted her attention to the clock for the nth time that hour. She should be in the comfort of her own home but the opposite was happening to her. She seemed to be on the edge. She might be sitting silently but her eyes were anything but calm.

Earlier, she had arrived in her apartment with Eiji and Yamato. Right now, Yamato was indulging himself in something she prepared called 'sandwiches', completely unaware of the turbulence in her mind. On the other hand, the brown haired angel was sitting next to her on the couch, watching the volatility of her eyes.

"Tenshouin-san, it's not that big of an issue." Eiji calmly stated. "It's just apologising to nii-san."

"It is a big deal since it involves Eiichi." Akari sighed. "That Eiichi with whom I've had disagreements nearly every day. I know I should apologise to him for a better start." She lightly rubbed the side of her neck. "....But I don't know how to apologise genuinely.  . . . Especially to him."

"It'll work out with food," Yamato suddenly butt in with food in his mouth.

"I think that applies to only you, Yamato." Akari deadpanned.

"No, maybe he's right." Eiji suddenly chimed up. "If you pour your genuine feelings into what you make and have a heart to heart conversation, then I'm sure it'll work out."

Such a pure way of thinking. But will that actually work? Still, I don't want to turn him down when he looks this hopeful.

Akari smiled slightly. "Okay, if you say so. Do you know what he likes?"

At that, Eiji shook his head. "As you know, angels don't need sustenance. I haven't seen nii-san preferring any food."

"Hmmm…. Maybe I should try something that'll loosen him up? He must have been stressed with all the piled up works."

"That's a good idea."

Something to de-stress him….. coffee, perhaps? With his occasional bitter comments, he ought to have bitter tastebuds.

At that moment, Eiichi landed on the balcony gracefully and entered.

"Nii-san, you're back! Welcome back." Eiji beamed.

"Yeah." Eiichi patted his younger brother's shoulder.

"How's the situation in heavens?" Yamato asked after finishing his sandwiches.

"I've taken care of the disturbances. So, everything is stable for now."

Eiji eyed Akari and then his brother. He signalled Yamato with his eyes. "Well then, we'll take our leave. See you later, nii-san, Tenshouin-san."

And with that, Eiichi and Akari were left alone in her apartment. Their eyes met. Instantly, Akari held up a hand.

"Wait a moment, don't say anything." Akari headed behind the kitchen counter and began preparing two mugs of coffee. Eiichi watched her with a raised brow, wondering what she was up to.

Once she was done, she came up to him and handed him the red mug. "Here you go."

"What's this?"

"Coffee. It will help you with your fatigue."

"Angels don't tire themselves that easily."

"I know. It still wouldn't hurt to take it." When he remained unmoving, she urged him and handed him the mug. "Come on, take it. I didn't put anything weird in it."

"....Alright." Resigning, he accepted the drink and took a sip. Akari didn't notice the glimmer in his eyes. "Interesting taste."

So, he actually likes bitter? She quietly sipped her drink, hiding her smile behind the mug. They drank silently while leaning against the kitchen counter.