Their First Meal!

"It's my first time to see you cook Master Akki. I don't even think you can cook, yet here you are. I feel so honored!" Lawrence voiced out and smiled.

"Don't be honored Lawrence, this is not for you." He strictly replied.

"But that's too much for her."

As soon as Akki faced him, Lawrence can sense his coldness. 'He seemed sad. But more like disappointed. Oh-Oh this is not good. I hope this would not affect the food.'

"This is only good for two and that's me and her. Besides you don't deserve it." He still gave him a po-faced.

Lawrence got puzzled. "What? What did I do wrong Master Akki?

"I told you to get all the information you can get about her!" He was almost shouting.

"And I did Master Akki." He directly replied with pride. 'So this is about "her" huh. This woman really puts me into trouble.'

"No, you didn't! I studied everything about her, her taste, her personality, her likes and dislikes! But a while ago she was totally a different person and I was totally humiliated in her eyes! And now she thinks I am weak and that she can easily play me!" He ranted. He was trying to hold his annoyance and anger but his actions and voice could not hide it.

"Master Akki, please calm down. You know, the food reflects the mood and feelings of the one cooking it. You are cooking for her, to impress her, right? You can't do it if you're like this." Lawrence was a bit scared.

He gave him a devil's gaze.

"I am so sorry Master Akki, I have failed you." He felt like melting.

"Perhaps you are right. I can't fail again and I still have a lot of time to impress her and win her heart." He solemnly uttered while pouring the soup.

Lawrence can see that he had a better mood now.

"Can I at least taste it? It smells so delicious. I am starving." He pleaded while tasted his tongue.

He was so focused on setting everything he needed for Zowie's dinner.

"Don't you think this is too much for her Master Akki? You can let our chef cook for her and you did not have to do it by yourself. I hope you will not forget what this is all about." Lawrence expressed.

Actually the chef was there a while ago but Akki ordered him to leave him alone in the kitchen.

As soon as Akki had finished preparing, he left without even glancing at him and like he was not there with him.

"Master Akki, don't you think you are too harsh at me?" Lawrence tried to say while he was walking away. Then, he tried to look if there was still some soup left. He was down when there was none but was uplifted upon seeing Akki came back.

To his total dismay, Akki left again after getting a spoon.

Poor Lawrence!

***

"Please come in." Zowie said after hearing a knock.

Zowie saw him personally bringing her dinner. He was composed now.

"What took you so long dear Akki?" She endearingly asked.

Akki froze for a moment. 'How can she call me comfortably? You must not fail for the second time. Be a man!' He tried to calm himself.

"That's good to hear. We have not discussed anything yet but here you are calling me comfortably and sweetly. I like how you call me Akki. Do not let me get used to it! I might get too possessive!" He smiled sweetly.

Zowie was stunned for a bit. 'You can now play huh. You are way better now! This is going to be fun!'

"Sorry for waiting dear. I wanted to personally cook for you! This soup will do for you now. You've been out for two days now" Akki cautiously set up the food.

"Really I was sleeping for two days now?" She was surprised. "This means the two bowls are for the two days I have to make up? Am I going to eat all of that?" She curiously asked while trying to keep her hair.

But her heart startled when Akki helped her and arranged her hair intently.

'You know Mr. Araneta. You are not that bad at all! You innocently don't know how handsome you are right now with what you are doing. But I must not fall for it.'

Akki caught her looking at him intensely while helping her out. He was a bit happy.

"Are you falling for me now dear?" Akki teasingly looked at her eyes but her eyes looked away. With her reaction, he smiled unintentionally. "No, this one is for you and the other one is for me. I am also starving." He became serious.

"And you are planning to let me eat by myself while you eat yours? Is that so?" Zowie was a little bit annoyed.

"Of course not dear. I will let you eat first before I will have mine." He started blowing a spoon of soup.

Zowie was again surprised of his sweetness. She didn't expect this side of him. He seemed to be a spoiled one.

"No, I would not allow that! That's too harsh! You are starving and I am also starving so why don't we just eat each other?" She unmindfully uttered in an instant.

Akki's face displayed a sort of oddity. He could not believe what she said or did she really said that.

"I mean, I will help you eat the soup while you help me, one spoon at a time." She was somehow panicking.

'What the hell is wrong with you Zowie!' She scolded herself.

"Yeah! Yeah, that would be better!" He shamefully replied.

There was a moment of silence. Both of them felt awkward.

"Can you really do that Ms. Zowie?" Akki tried to break the silence.

Zowie looked at him curiously. Then, he got alarmed upon realizing what she was thinking.

"No! No! That's not it! I mean with your condition, can you really help me out in having the soup." Akki defensively explained.

"Yeah, of course! My hands are totally fine and working Mr. Araneta." She immediately replied.

"Okay. Now open your mouth." Akki requested her.

Zowie did so while Akki was totally careful.

"Hmmm.." Zowie smiled and became teary eyed.

Akki got panicked! "What's wrong? Does the soup tastes that bad? You don't like it?"

Zowie remained silent.

"Come on Zowie, tell me! Or at least say something!" He started to lose his temper. But his heart was struck upon seeing Zowie fell off her tears.

"No! It's totally delicious Akki. It's just that I remembered someone. Someone so closed to me." She said sadly. " That someone used to cook for me like this and take care of me."

Akki took the soup and was about to go out.

"Wait! What are you doing?" Zowie stopped crying and was curious.

"Getting rid of this soup!" Akki angrily replied.

"But why? Because it made me cry?"

"Yes! And because it made you remember Lance!" He was furious and totally annoyed.

Zowie laughed. "You cute guy! Who told you that it was that jerk! You're the one making me remember him now? And for the record, I love the soup. The flavor is definitely my favorite!" Then, she gave him a sweet smile.

"You do?" Akki tried to double check if what he heard was right.

"Yes! One of the bests that I ever tasted. Now, can I continue to have some?" She pleaded.

Akki's face brightened. "I'm sorry." He was totally delighted of what she said but still bothered. "Is it really not him?"

Zowie shook her head indicating a "No" and smiled.

He wanted to ask if it's Claire, her best friend but he might get caught stalking her. Good thing, she didn't asked him why he knows Lance.

"Good!" He was finally relieved and let out a smile.

"How do you know him by the way?" Zowie casually asked while enjoying he shrimp flavored soup.

Akki was stupefied for a short while. Then, he tried to wipe the remaining tears left on Zowie's face and eyes.

"Let's not talk about him this time. Let's finish eating so you can get back to your rest. And tomorrow, we will discuss everything."

"Okay, dear!" She gave him a teasing smile.

'How I wish this scenery could last forever.' Akki smiled back at her.

'I will just enjoy this for now, but tomorrow I have to get myself back.' Zowie was really comfortable with Akki's company but she will not let herself be persuaded by it.