Hui Lang lay slumped on a sack of rice, observing Tian from behind the checkout counter. The angel-turned-human was hustling, smiling ear to ear while stocking shelves, restocking drinks, helping elderly customers find canned beans, and bowing at least a hundred times a minute. It was sickeningly earnest.
And, to Hui Lang's irritation… a little impressive.
'He's... been doing this all day?' Hui Lang mused, snorting. 'Doesn't even get paid much. What's he even smiling about?'
He huffed and turned his little piggy back to Tian. 'Well, maybe I hate him a little less. Ever so slightly. Tiny grain of rice sized. Tch. Maybe.'
By evening, the small supermarket was empty except for the buzzing fridge and the setting sun outside. Tian slumped against the counter, sweat glistening on his forehead, cheeks puffed with exhaustion.
"Phew... that was a tiresome day," he sighed, wiping his brow dramatically. "I don't understand how humans do this every day. Right, Bacon?" He bent down and gently rubbed Hui Lang's head.
Hui Lang let out an involuntary squeak, eyes twitching. 'Being human is amazing, what do you know… But, yeah. Being a poor human does kinda suck.'
Tian laughed softly, clearly not understanding the piglet's sass. He began closing up shop—carefully organizing coins into the register, locking up the cigarette cabinet, and wiping the glass counter with humming contentment.
But before he could finish, the store's bell jingled sharply.
Ding-a-ling.
Two burly men staggered in—clearly buzzed, their eyes slightly glazed. One of them gave a half-hearted grunt. Tian straightened and smiled brightly.
"Welcome! Nice evening, isn't it?" he greeted cheerfully.
The men didn't respond. They wandered into the aisles, knocking over a basket of instant noodles without so much as a glance. Hui Lang's piggy eyes narrowed. Trouble.
He leapt from the floor onto a bag of wheat, clambering higher for a better view. 'Hey, idiot angel, they look shady as hell! You better watch out before you end up in a hostage drama,' he squeaked urgently.
Tian blinked at him and waved. "You're so cute when you sqeal."
'What kind of reaction is that? I'm trying to warn you here!' Hui Lang squealed in disbelief.
Suddenly, a heavy boot landed just inches from his snout. He jumped back in alarm, nearly tumbling off the wheat bag.
"Why the hell do you have a pig in here?" the larger of the two men snarled, reeking of alcohol. "It's stinking up the place."
'Excuse me?!' Hui Lang's rage ignited. 'I am a clean pig, thank you very much! My shampoo costs more than your self-respect!'
Tian hurried over, scooping Hui Lang up protectively. "Sorry, sir, but I made sure to bathe him. He smells really good, see?" Tian held Hui Lang up for a sniff.
'No, don't sniff me—!' Hui Lang struggled uselessly in his arms.
The man scowled and shoved Tian back roughly. Tian stumbled, barely managing to keep his hold on Hui Lang.
Then, without any warning, the man slammed a knife down on the counter.
"Empty the register," he growled.
Tian froze. "H-huh?"
His mind blanked. This wasn't just late-night rowdiness—this was an actual robbery.
The other man leaned in with a sick grin. "Move, kid. Unless you want to see heaven for real."
Tian's face paled. His hands trembled. He wasn't an angel anymore. No powers. No divine light. Just a scared, sweaty twenty-something with a pig in his arms and no idea how to fight off two armed drunks.
"I-I'll open it…" he stammered, inching toward the register.
Hui Lang's blood boiled. 'He's trembling. You've gotta be kidding me.'
He squirmed in Tian's arms, dropped to the ground, and bolted forward with all the strength his little pig legs could muster.
"WHAT THE—!" the man shouted just before Hui Lang slammed right into his knees.
The guy toppled backward, crashing to the ground. Hui Lang leapt up and stomped with all his might on the man's crotch.
"AHHHHHHHHH!" the man shrieked, voice cracking five octaves higher than usual.
The second man turned, stunned. "What the—what the hell's wrong with this pig?!"
Before he could even draw his knife, Hui Lang launched at his shin and bit down hard.
"FUUUUU—!"
Blood filled his mouth. Hui Lang grimaced. 'Ugh, that tastes like old cigarettes and self-hate.'
The man kicked Hui Lang away with a pained cry. The pig hit a shelf and rolled, dazed.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY BACON?!" Tian's voice cracked with rage as he sprinted forward, eyes wide with panic. He grabbed the knife from the counter and shoved the man hard.
"You HURT my pig!"
Fueled by emotion he didn't even understand, Tian reeled back his fist and punched the man square in the face.
The man flew out the door. Literally.
The other man, still cupping his bruised pride, stared wide-eyed. "What the hell, man?!"
He scrambled to his feet, grabbed his partner, and bolted like a terrified raccoon.
The store fell into silence.
Tian stared at his fist in stunned awe. "I… I have my powers…" he whispered.
He glanced at Hui Lang, who was slowly pushing himself upright, fur frazzled and a bit bloodied from the scuffle.
"You were amazing," Tian breathed, rushing to scoop him up again. "My heroic little Bacon."
'Don't call me little, you idiot… but…' Hui Lang let out a tired, warbled grunt and sank into Tian's chest.
He couldn't deny the warmth—familiar, comforting. Damn it.
He wasn't supposed to like being held by this walking disaster of an angel.
Tian smiled down at him, glowing with pride. "We make a great team, huh?"
'Yeah... sure. Just keep your hands away from my crotch next time.'