Chapter 6: A Kind Boy

Leaf was around 7 minutes from her house, when someone called out to her.

“Hi. Those look pretty heavy, do you need any help?” A boy asked her.

She stared at him silently.

He was around her age, and he seemed pretty sincere.

She held out one of her bags to him, and he carried it, walking her to her house.

He talked with her along the way.

While he was the only one who spoke, it didn’t feel awkward or forced, like it normally would have.

“And then my older sister kicked me out, saying ‘Just stay out! Don’t come back home tonight!’ and then she said ‘So what, sleep in the street, for all I care.’, which is somewhat mean. I didn’t even have time to grab my stuff, like my wallet or my phone. She isn’t a bad person, just slightly excitable. I’m used to not always staying at home, so I think she’s just gotten the idea that I prefer it outside. Which I do. There’s an amazing place in the mountains over there that I use to sleep, watching the stars. I’ll show you sometime, if you want. Oh, by the way, I never got your name. I’m Neko. It’s nice to meet you.” Neko said.

Leaf put down her groceries, stopping for a second, and pulled out her dry erase board.

“I’m Leaf. It’s nice to meet you, Neko.” The board read.

“Hm? Ah. I wondered why you were so quiet, sorry about that. Also, I’ll carry this one, too.” Neko said, picking up another one of her bags while she was distracted.

Leaf sighed, putting her board back in her bag, and picking up the other one.

She continued heading to her apartment, Neko following right behind her.

They arrived, and Neko put the bags by the door for Leaf.

He started to leave.

She grabbed his shirt collar.

“Ack! Yes?” Neko asked.

She held up a finger, asking him to hold on, as she got her board out again.

“Wait. I’ll cook. To thank you. You probably haven’t had dinner, right? You also can’t buy food if you don’t have your wallet.” The board read.

Neko started to laugh.

“I’ll join. Thank you, Leaf. I admit that I would rather not starve tonight. I’ll help cook, too.” Neko said, smiling

Leaf unlocked the door, and brought him inside.

He put the bags on the counter in the kitchen, looking around. He started to put the groceries away in their rightful homes.

“So, what are we making?” Neko asked, looking over at Leaf.

“Beef stew” She wrote.

“What? Really? Well, it is good. Alright, do you know the recipe?” Neko asked.

She wrote it down on a separate piece of paper, handing it to him.

“Oh, got it. I’ll work with the vegetables and stew. You can do the beef, right?” Neko asked.

Leaf nodded.

They washed their hands and got to work.