Chapter 34: A Midnight Peace Offering
Exactly one hour had passed since Ren stepped out into the biting night air. The door to the apartment creaked open, and Ren walked in, looking exhausted but carrying several heavy, grease-stained paper bags. Snow was perched regally on top of his head, acting like a fluffy white crown.
Ren closed the door behind him with his heel, his hands full of the haul. He had spent nearly everything he had:
1 Cold Drink: 5 Copper Coins
1 Juice: 8 Copper Coins
1 Burger: 1 Silver Coin (10 Copper)
1 Pizza: 3 Silver Coins (30 Copper)
In total, he had dropped 4 Silver and 13 Copper Coins at a local late-night spot. For someone living in Sector 4, this wasn't just a meal; it was a small fortune.
As soon as he set the bags on the kitchen counter, Snow hopped down from his head. She tapped Ren's bandaged hand with her paw, then pointedly patted her own stomach and let out a demanding meow.
Ren couldn't help but chuckle. "Yeah, yeah, I didn't forget you, little glutton." He pulled out some fresh chicken and a small bowl of milk, setting them aside for her. Snow immediately began to feast, her tail flicking in satisfaction.
Taking a deep breath, Ren grabbed the main bags and walked toward Hana's room. He pushed the door open softly. The room was dark, and Hana was curled up on her bed, facing the wall.
"Hana? I'm back," Ren whispered, setting the bags on the edge of the bed.
Hana sat up, her eyes still red from crying. "You broke my favorite bowl, Ren. Just go away. I'm not hungry."
Ren didn't leave. Instead, he sat on the edge of the bed and pulled her into a firm, brotherly hug. "I know, I'm sorry. I'll find a way to fix it, or I'll get you a better one. But look at what I brought first."
"I told you, I don't want—" Hana started to protest, but then the scent of melted cheese and grilled meat hit her. Her stomach betrayed her with a loud growl.
Ren started pulling the items out: the steaming pizza, the thick burger, and the cold drinks. Hana's eyes widened. "Ren... where did you get all this? It's the middle of the night! And this must have cost a fortune!"
Ren just gave her a tired smile. "Don't worry about it. Let's just say the 'police' have good connections. Now eat."
Hana's anger finally melted away. She grabbed the burger and took a huge, messy bite, a smile finally breaking through her sadness. She looked up at him, her mouth half-full. "Ren? Aren't you going to eat?"
Ren looked at the delicious food, his own stomach cramping with hunger since he hadn't eaten properly since the potion. But he thought about how little they usually had, and how much Hana needed this win.
"Nah," Ren lied, standing up and heading for the door. "I grabbed a snack while I was out. I'm stuffed. You finish it all, okay? Don't leave a single crumb."
Before she could argue, Ren stepped out of the room and closed the door. He leaned against the wall in the hallway, his hand throbbing and his stomach empty, but listening to the sound of Hana finally enjoying her meal made the pain worth it.