Chapter 12 – Here, kitty, kitty <3

Levi must have gotten out of bed the wrong way today, otherwise why would he be feeling so strange?

Getting no response from the other party, Noah continued in a tone that was two parts guilty, three parts regretful, and five parts apologetic “Once again, I am so sorry about all this, brother-in-law! Sister and I were supposed to take you around together, but it seems you are stuck with just me today.”

“Oh! And my personal bodyguard Trey,” Noah added, motioning his head towards Trey, who was trailing behind him at a respectable distance. Trey gave a polite nod in response, his face just as stoic as Levi’s.

After waiting a moment and still getting no response, Noah peeked towards his tall brother-in-law, who still had an unreadable expression on his face.

“Um… I know hanging out with me isn't as great as spending some romantic time with your soon-to-be wife, but… don’t worry, brother-in-law! We can have plenty of fun, even with just two of us!”

Levi’s eyebrow imperceptibly twitched. Why were all “fun” activities for two that came to his mind rather inappropriate? Since when did his mind start seeing dirty innuendo everywhere?

“…errr... three.” Noah corrected himself. After all, Trey was there too.

Levi’s eyebrow twitched again. Two sounded much better than three...

Noah was starting to get a little bit uncomfortable under Levi’s intense stare. Was he displeased? Angry? Contemplating leaving? Was he waiting for something? Or was he just awkward with strangers?

"Um… brother-in-law? Are…are you alright?"

Finally, those tightly-closed lips opened to let out a deep and husky grunt that made a shiver run down Noah’s spine: "Mn."

Noah stood there, dumbfounded. ‘I’ve spoken so much, and all you have to say is “Mn”?’

No, wait, is it that you won’t speak unless asked a question??

Noah decided to test out that theory right away: “Brother-in-law, have you had lunch yet?”

And sure enough, he received an immediate response: “No.”

Noah’s eyes lit up with dazzling brilliance, making the hearts of two black-clothed men in his vicinity skip a beat.

Ah, so his brother in law was just a man of few words in general! He wasn’t giving him the silent treatment intentionally! Good, good!

“Any cuisine you especially like or dislike? Or a restaurant you want to visit?” The corners of Noah’s pink lips curved up inadvertently, making him look like a cat that had just successfully pulled off a successful fish heist.

“None.” Levi’s fingers twitched with a sudden urge to pat a certain cute creature.

“Then, is it alright if I pick a place?” He stared at Levi expectantly with those bright shining eyes, making the other feel like he would melt under his gaze.

“Mn.” That grunt came out even huskier.

“Great, then shall we?” Noah half turned, waiting for Levi to follow.

However, Levi made no move to follow and didn’t even hum a response for a while.

Just as Noah was about to lose his wits, thinking where he went wrong, Levi unfurled his crossed arms and reached out towards him.

Noah stood there, staring blankly, unsure of the other’s intentions. And so, he didn’t make any moves to dodge as this reticent brother-in-law…

…started to pet and stroke his head as if he was rewarding a kitten for being obedient.

Noah stood there wholly frozen and dumbfounded, staring with utter bewilderment up at the tall man, his thoughts in a jumble “Blackie… what’s happening…?” ( ꒪Д꒪)

“Your thoughtful brother-in-law is putting your mess of a hair in place.” Blackie sneered as if he had asked the most stupid question imaginable.

Ooooh! Noah finally snapped out of his confusion. Now it all made sense! This brother-in-law, who had trouble expressing himself, was just bothered by his ruffled appearance! (灬ºωº灬)

Noah’s tense nerves finally relaxed, and he lowered his head to grant easier access to his hair.

It would seem that this brother-in-law wasn’t displeased with him after all. This entire time, he was just contemplating whether it would be too brazen if he patted his messed-up hair down!

“But wait, Blackie, why are the corners of his lips curled up like he is enjoying himself?” 🤔

Blackie’s contempt deepened, “Because he is laughing at the dumbass who went around with a head looking like a chicken nest.” (눈_눈)

Noah decided to just ignore the spiteful ai and concentrate at this brother-in-law, who wasn’t nearly as unapproachable as he had heard. In fact, wasn’t this brother-in-law a bit… cute? (≧ω≦)

Noah’s eyes curved into crescents, unaware at how at that moment, he looked exactly like a cat enjoying a petting. The effort of holding in a chuckle made a soft flush tinge his cheeks pink, making him look even more mesmerizing to the two observers, whose hearts skipped a beat.

As Levi looked at the perfectly docile and obedient little kitty, who was only a single step short of letting out a purr, he felt something warm bubble up in his chest.

‘Really like a cat.‘

‘Soft and warm.’ (⺣◡⺣)♡

‘Mn, hair is even fluffier than a Persian we have at home.’

Noah was indeed, much like a cat, finding the large and warm hand caressing his head rather comfortable. ‘Actually, feels really nice to have an elder brother,’ he thought. Feeling cared for was the best. ╰(*°▽°*)╯

Sure, he had many elder brothers and sisters in the orphanage, but Noah couldn’t remember what their relationship was like, nor the warmth of having a family. Sure, Aris’s family was warm and loving, but the one they loved was Aris, not Noah. Receiving their care left one feeling bittersweet.

However, this brother-in-law was different. He had never really met Aris before, so whether he liked him or disliked him, those feelings would fully belong to Noah and have nothing to do with Aris. If the two of them developed a close brotherhood in the future, it would be all due to Noah himself and would have nothing to do with Aris. It meant that Noah didn’t need to feel guilt or complicated feelings when interacting with this brother-in-law.

Everything was pure and simple—just a younger brother interacting with his elder brother.

What Noah didn’t know is that this elder brother of his, viewed him not as a younger brother but more as a cute little creature that one just wanted to pet and spoil:

‘Wanna pet longer…but… probably shouldn’t…’ Levi let out an internal sigh of regret.

‘…not the right time and place,’ Levi glanced at their surroundings from the corner of his eye. ‘Mn. Should stop now. Can resume petting later.’

Finally, Levi, with great reluctance, pulled his paws out of Aris’s hair, and let out a long overdue “Mn.”

Bodyguard Trey’s ever-darkening facial expression finally eased up when the offending claw was off of his young master’s head. But internally, his heart was bleeding. Why didn’t he come up with the excuse of setting Aris’s hair in place?!? He wanted to pet Aris’s fluffy head too!! ＞︿＜

And so, the three men, one hailing the beauty of brotherhood, one looking forward to playing with his newly found pet, and one lamenting his crush on his employer, left the train station. Completely unaware that they were on a totally different wavelength from the others.