Chapter 14: First Payment.
" I won't push you to risk your life but, I'm sure you'll come around after a few more missions." He smirked, But that grin faded fast when I grabbed my phone instead of summoning the mission system panel, heading for the kitchen counter.
[Wait, what are you doing? Shouldn't you be checking the mission list?]
I smirked, catching the slump in his tiny shoulders. "Relax, I'm just getting a quick bite to eat first. A girl's gotta eat before she plays hero." My stomach growled again, right on cue, and I laughed at the way Light's mouth dropped open, like I'd just broken a promise to him.
He zipped after me as I headed for the door.
[You're going out? Why not just make something here?]
"Nope, I'm craving takeout tonight." I said, shrugging on my jacket, since it would probably be cold out by now. Fortunately I knew some good places that would still be open this late into the night.
"You coming, or you gonna stay here and pout?" I grabbed my keys, the jangle loud in the quiet apartment.
Light blinked, his big eyes widening like I'd suggested something wild. "Takeout?" he repeated, as if was surprised I was postponing the missions because of it.
He muttered something about mortals and their priorities but floated after me as I stepped into the hallway, the musty smell of damp hallway and faint scent of cigarettes hitting me like always.
Something that usually happened because my neighbors were probably back at this hour and some of them where obviously smoker's.
As we descended the creaky stairs, I glanced at him, my curiosity sparking. "So, how do I turn those mission points into actual money?"
" I've been meaning to ask you that for awhile now." The idea of turning those abstract points into something real had been nagging at me since I'd started this whole deal.
Light chuckled as if he already expected me to ask such by now.
[It's easy, Just tell me how many points you want to convert, and I'll do the rest.]
[Want to cash out all of them?" He asked with a look of curiosity on his face.
I paused on the landing, gripping the wobbly railing as I thought it over. 22 points wasn't much, but it was all I had after the Lennie mission.
"Let's do ten for now," I said, chewing my lip, with expectation.
The second I spoke, a glowing panel popped up in front of me, hovering in the dim stairwell. The text on it was clear.
[10 Mission Points Deducted.]
[ Remaining Balance: 12 Points.]
It vanished as quickly as it appeared, and before I could blink, my phone buzzed in my pocket.
I pulled it out, nearly fumbling it, and swiped to see a bank notification.
[Credit Alert: $100 Deposited.]
My heart did a little leap, a grin spreading across my face as I stared at the screen.
" This..." I said, my voice echoing in the empty stairwell. "It actually worked."
Light tilted his head, his halo flickering as he studied me. "$100? That's what you're celebrating with?" His tone was skeptical, like I'd settled for pocket change instead of a fortune, as if he was expecting me to be greedy and cash in all my points.
I laughed, the sound bouncing off the walls as I tucked my phone away, already imagining the greasy takeout I'd order.
"Hush, you glowing ping-pong ball." I teased, shooting him a playful glare as I pushed open the building's front door, the cool evening air washing over me.
"A hundred bucks is plenty for a burger and fries. Now keep quiet and follow me, or I'm leaving you behind."
Light muttered something under his breath again but zipped after me, his glowing figure in the night was even more vivid as we stepped into the noisy city street.
****
The bell above the sushi shop's door jingled as Light and I stepped inside, the sound of the city outside vanished the moment I closed the door. At the same time.
The familiar smell of soy sauce and fresh fish hit me, calming my nerves like a deep breath.
I slid into a booth by the window, the worn cushion creaking under me, and I glanced at Light, who hovered above the table, his tiny halo glowing faintly, casting specks of light on the polished surface even though the store already had enough lighting.
His white hair swayed as he floated Infront of me, his gaze fixed on me with that impatient look he got when he thought I was stalling. Well I couldn't blame him, it was a long walk to this place but to me it was worth it.
Mitsubishi-san, the shop's owner, looked up from behind the counter, his weathered face breaking into a warm smile. "Miss Mapel, my number one customer!" he called, his gravelly voice carrying a cheerful warmth that made this place feel like a safe haven. Unlike most men in my life, he was one of the few I found pleasing to the eye because of his friendly nature and courteous personality.
Light tilted his head, hovering closer.
[You come here a lot?] he asked, his high-pitched voice curious but still filled with skepticism.
I couldn't tell whether he was wondering why I frequented this place or whether I had a peculiar taste in culinary matters, whatever it was, I couldn't be bothered with it.
I leaned forward and called out to Mitsubishi-san.
"The usual, please!"
" Coming right away." He nodded, instantly getting to preparing my meal. His English was perfect even while he was a foreigner, making one wonder whether he was brought up here but I knew otherwise.
I dropped my voice to a whisper, just for Light, since no one else could see him.
"It's not really about the sushi."
(AN: kindly leave a comment, power stone or any form of support if you're enjoying the story so far, if not, still drop your thoughts in the form of comments.)