Sixty-Third Chapter A Bento Box
Unbeknownst to her, Mingtangyuan Wuki had started to look forward to her time with him during regular occasions.
Ash would often tell many outlandish stories, such as the Milky Way Parliament in the sky and the distant Star of Light, a swordsman who severed evil thoughts hidden among humans and a story about a galactic wolf galloping through the universe.
Her questions usually received unexpected answers, and his viewpoints were often surprising, except for the occasional times when he would inexplicably fixate on odd topics, stubbornly refusing to admit defeat, looking like a petulant child.
“Recently, Lei said she likes someone, but no matter who asks her, she always blushes and won’t say who it is, even when asked by Erika, she giggles and says she’ll help Lei keep it a secret.”
“Likes someone? Oh… And you, Wuki, do you have someone you like?”
Upon hearing this, Wuki’s voice stalled slightly.
“As the student council president, I can’t be a bad example to the students below me, so… No.”
“Tch, have I heard this somewhere before?”
At this moment, Mingtangyuan Wuki had some confusion swirling in her heart.
In the latest battle where Wuki almost defeated Timons, when he handed her the lunch box as a memento and pulled her up, she felt something unfamiliar that seeped into Mingtangyuan Wuki’s long-hidden girlhood heart.
Formerly, Wuki hated Ash because of his stance as an enemy when he bullied Pretty Cure, but now she couldn’t find those former feelings of dislike anymore.
The sun was shining from the side, warmly illuminating the profile of the man under the mask with a smile, while Wuki’s lips opened slightly without closing, temporarily mesmerized.
When did he begin to be the bad guy Mr. Timons, yet chatting happily?
“Wuki, is there anything else you haven’t told me?”
“Huh?” Wuki responded dumbly, having completely zoned out and hadn’t heard what Ash had said.
Her heart fluttered slightly, immediately remembering that even if they talked well together, he is a member of the dark organization and an enemy of mankind.
Could he have already noticed…
“Your body is very healthy, there’s no need for medical treatment, so why are you wandering around the hospital?” Ash pointed at his eyes with two fingers. “I am a doctor, you know. If you don’t trust me, it’ll give me a hard time.”
“It’s not me who needs to go to the hospital, it’s my brother.”
“That makes sense.”
Ash naturally knew how much Wuki cared about her biological brother. According to Wuki, he was born sickly and weak, but recently due to medical breakthroughs, he had a chance to turn things around. If the operation went well this time, it could get rid of his congenital obstacles and put his life right back on track.
“The doctor also said the success rate of this operation is very high, but… my brother, who originally looked forward to the surgery, has become strange, always frowning.”
“He was a man who would smile even when he was uncomfortable with his health —— ah, how can I ease some of the burden for my brother!”
“It’s only natural.” After hearing Wuki’s account, Ash changed his posture, continuing to dangle his leg. “The problem is waiting. Waiting wears away at the little courage that remains.”
“Some people, even if they die in battle on the battlefield, are unafraid; but if they are caught and know they are about to face execution, just imagining it in between can drive one mad,” Ash spread his hands and shrugged, though he personally had no feeling towards such matters. “Your dear brother is currently in a state like someone about to face execution, barely enduring the possible failure outcome, and even trying to cheer him up wouldn’t do any good.”
“Even though my brother is so strong and kind, he is now suffering so much.” As a close family member and the person she respects most, knowing the other’s pain yet being powerless, Wuki clenched her hand tightly.
“I want to be my brother’s strength, I want to protect him!”
Wuki’s sincere and powerful voice resonated in the hearts of everyone around her, even causing a slight noise in the bento box on the girl’s hand.
“Actually, you don’t need to worry so much.” Seeing the girl frown, Ash reached into his pocket.
“No!”
Just as he took out the Sin Mark in front of Wuki, Ash’s words were interrupted by Wuki’s refusal.
“How disappointing…” Shining收回了印章, but in truth, Ash didn’t intend to give up, especially seeing Wuki’s serious expression, a wicked plan brewed in his heart.
“Alright, let’s call it a day.” Patting his bottom, Ash got ready to stand up when he was grabbed by the corner of his clothes, turning around to see Wuki place a bento box in front of him.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Ash raised his eyebrows, unsure if he remembered correctly, that sprite might be hidden in the bento—it would be a disappointment if she were trying to offer it up at this moment…?
Opening the bento box, he saw octopus-shaped sausage, rolled eggs, fried chicken chunks, green vegetables, and rice that filled the box to the brim. When such a full bento appeared before him, he admitted, he was quite surprised.
“Because Mr. Timons always takes away the bento Mom gives me, so…”
After offering the bento, Wuki fumbled slightly and mustered the courage to speak with a faintly red face. “…I thought I should prepare one for you too, this is made by myself, I hope you like it.”
“Oh, ah, yes.” Ash blinked, stunned for a while before responding. “Frankly speaking, I didn’t expect this… How to put it… Anyway.”
“Thank you.”
Scratching his smooth chin with his index finger, before Wuki could say more, Ash turned and retrieved a silver box, releasing a rope to swing away.
“Left…”
Seeing Ash’s departing figure, Wuki felt partly relieved and somewhat disappointed.
“Alright, you can come out now.”
With a relaxed sigh, Wuki expelled the pent-up breath and spoke to the empty space beside her.
Beneath her were busy streets, behind her was a vast blue sky. Sitting on the edge of a skyscraper, Ash leisurely opened the box and picked up utensils specifically prepared for him; he picked up a piece of rolled egg and popped it in his mouth.
“…”
Something bland offered no sensation to his taste buds, but as the roll touched his tongue, it seemed as if something else besides the flavor also melted.
“Tastes pretty good… Well, maybe.”
