Broken Glass (Joshua x reader)

Chapter 19

"Hehe~ I have some good news and I've got bad news, which do you want to hear first?"

I was propped up on my elbow as I looked at the boy whose violet eyes shown what could've been mistaken for a sadistic look. I was still wearing the jacket but just put on gloves (which I should've done earlier), to block the sigil from the naked eye completely. Joshua was next to me at one of the stools Mr. Hanekoma had set out in front of the counter. Of course, this seat happened to be in front of the glass display of all the treats Mr. Hanekoma had made and set out, which was just teasing me.

"Oh? Do tell. I would give you my input but I have a feeling you're just going to tell us however you want anyway," I said, yawning aloud as I was ready to close my eyes, and disappear into the land of dreams. I hadn't had much sleep lately after the encounter with all the Reapers I had come into contact with, and worrying about what Joshua was going to do to poor Neku, who had no idea what he was getting into.

"Oh, don't be such a drama queen~" Joshua said, nudging me in the shoulder. Mr. Hanekoma looked at Joshua expectantly, waiting to receive the news, whether Joshua chose to tell us or not.

"Well boss?" Mr. Hanekoma asked, setting a ceramic mug of steaming coffee in front of me. I nodded in thanks and lifted the cup up to my mouth as I took a sip. He then took out a mug from somewhere behind the counter and began to dry it off with a rag. Where did he even get that? Does he just have cups and mugs around his cafe when he gets bored, or does he set them on the floor and play golf as he tries to shoot coffee beans into them, instead of a normal golf ball? Actually, he would never do that as to not injure or spoil his 'precious beans'.

"Well, I suppose I'll tell since you two just want to hear," Joshua sighed. My eye twitched out of slight annoyance. "Well, for one, I have a permanent Conductor now, who has promised to help me find the rouge Reaper." Whatever I was feeling before vanished instantly as my eyes widened in shock as I almost gagged on the coffee I had in my mouth. Calming my nerves, I swallowed the warm drink and looked at Joshua, who was sitting next to me, nonchalantly as he played on his outdated flip phone.

"How much imprinting did that take?" I asked. Joshua huffed as he put his phone away and looked at me.

"Thanks for the confidence in me," Joshua chuckled, flicking a piece of stray hair out of his face. "Neku does happen to be my dear partner after all. Besides, he wouldn't let this opportunity go to waste to try and get more information. I just happen to have a few... tricks, up my sleeve. He agreed, nonetheless, and that's what matters."

"I'm kind of scared for Neku. Don't do anything too reckless, though, alright? Although, I suppose the number of rules you haven't broken already, is limited down to a small amount," I mused, looking at my reflection in the coffee that was swirling ever so slightly in the cup.

"Ouch~ I was hoping for a little more enthusiasm. I'm debating on throwing a party for Neku," Joshua said, placing his hand under his chin in thought.

"Neku would probably hate that, and you know it," I pointed out. Joshua slung his arm around my shoulders, pulling my body closer to his.

"All the more reason to do it dear~ How's the sigil?"

"Did you ask a question straight forward? Did I hear you right?" I teased. Joshua rolled his eyes and Mr. Hanekoma had a ghost of a smile, as it seemed he was trying to hide his true feelings and thoughts on the matter at hand.

"To be frank with you Josh, I wasn't expecting 'Phones to agree to be a Reaper. Surprised me," Mr. Hanekoma said, closing his eyes as he rubbed the back of his neck, holding the cup and rag in the other hand. I nodded in agreement as I took some more sips of the coffee that was set out in front of me.