Wrapped with Love

Together, Akai and Mrs. Thompson prepared Ryder's favorite lunch dishes - lentil soup, whole-grain pasta with marinara sauce and sautéed vegetables, and a fresh fruit salad with Greek yogurt. As they worked, Mrs. Thompson's expression turned exasperated. "Akai, can you go and ask him to come downstairs, please? This boy of mine is really something! I already asked him to come downstairs as soon as possible, yet he's taking so long. Really, he takes after his father," Mrs. Thompson said, her voice laced with a mix of frustration and amusement.

Akai laughed, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Okay, aunty, you don't get angry. It's not good for your health," she teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Mrs. Thompson playfully rolled her eyes. "You think you're so clever, don't you, Akai? Alright, go get him, and don't let him give you any of his nonsense," she said, waving her hand dismissively.

Akai nodded, feeling a flutter in her chest as she headed upstairs to fetch Ryder. She couldn't explain why, but her heart raced with anticipation, her palms growing slightly sweaty. She reached Ryder's room and knocked softly on the door. "Ryder, your mom wants you downstairs. Lunch is ready," she called out, her voice gentle.

There was a pause, and then Ryder's muffled voice replied, "Coming, Akai. Just a minute." Akai's heart skipped a beat at the sound of his deep voice, her pulse quickening. What was wrong with her? She didn't have time to ponder the question as Ryder emerged from his room, his eyes locking onto hers with a warm smile. "Hey,thanks for getting me," he said, his voice low and husky.

Akai felt her cheeks flush, her heart racing like a wild animal. "Anytime, Ryder," she replied.

As Ryder entered the dining room, his mom beckoned him to hurry up. "Come and sit down quickly, dear. Lunch is getting cold!" she said, her voice laced with a hint of warmth and urgency.

Ryder's eyes met Akai's, and he smiled softly before taking his seat. Mrs. Thompson then turned to Akai, her eyes sparkling with kindness. "Akai, you too, come and join him. You must be hungry after helping me in the kitchen all morning."

Akai hesitated, her eyes darting towards the door. "Aunty, actually, grandma would be waiting for me at home...so..." she trailed off, her voice tinged with a mix of apology and longing.

Mrs. Thompson's expression softened, understanding in her eyes. "Okay, dear. I know how much your grandma means to you. But next time, I won't take no for an answer," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "You're always welcome here, Akai. You know that."

Akai's face lit up with a warm smile, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, aunty. That means a lot to me."

Ryder, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up, his voice filled with encouragement. "Yeah, Akai, you're always welcome here. We love having you around."

Akai's cheeks flushed, her heart swelling with appreciation for the kindness and acceptance she received from Ryder and his mom.

Akai then remembered something and went to the living room to get it. As she returned, she carried a small packet with her. "Here, take it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Her heart raced with excitement, hoping he would love the surprise she had gotten him.

Ryder's curiosity was piqued, and he took the packet from her, his fingers brushing against hers. "What is it?" he asked, his eyes locked onto hers, his face filled with anticipation.Her heart raced with excitement, hoping he would love the surprise she had gotten him.

Akai's smile grew wider, and she leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "You'll open it after you finish your lunch. By then, be in suspense." She winked at him, her eyes dancing with excitement. Her cheeks flushed with nervousness, hoping she hadn't made a mistake.

Ryder's face lit up with anticipation, and he nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "Okay, then I'll give you thanks later," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. His heart raced with excitement, wondering what the surprise could be.

Whatever," Akai said with a shrug.

"Aunty, then I am taking my leave." She informed Mrs. Thompson.

Akai turned to leave, but Mrs. Thompson called out, "Wait, let me ask Mr. Jack to drop you." Her voice was laced with concern, her eyes filled with a motherly warmth. She couldn't bear the thought of Akai going alone, her heart aching with worry.

Akai hesitated, her eyes darting towards Ryder, his eyes fixed onto her.

"Aunty, don't worry, I can manage to go safely," she said, her voice firm but gentle. Her eyes pleaded with Mrs. Thompson to understand, her heart heavy with emotion.

Mrs. Thompson's expression turned stubborn, her brow furrowed in worry. "How can I leave you like this?" she asked, her voice soft but insistent. Her eyes filled with tears, her heart overflowing with love for Akai.

Ryder chimed in, his voice supporting his mom's. "You should listen to mom's suggestion, Akai. It's not safe to go alone." His eyes locked onto hers, filled with a genuine concern. His heart went out to Akai, understanding her desire for independence but also wanting to ensure her safety.

Akai's face softened, her eyes filling with tears. "Okay, aunty. I'll wait for Uncle Jack." She smiled weakly, her heart filled with gratitude for their love and concern.

As Akai sat in the car with Mr. Jack, her mind wandered to the gift she had prepared for Ryder. She had spent hours in the kitchen, baking his favorite cookies, chocolate chip with a hint of vanilla, and carefully packaging them in a decorative tin. Alongside the cookies, she had also made a small photo album, filled with memories of their time together, from laughter-filled moments to quiet conversations.

"Uncle Jack, do you think Ryder will like the gift I made for him?" Akai asked, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

Mr. Jack smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm sure he'll love it, miss. You put so much thought and effort into it."

Akai's face lit up with a bright smile.

"I hope so."

As they approached her house, Akai's anxiety grew. What if Ryder's tastes had changed? What if he no longer liked the cookies she had so lovingly baked?

"Uncle Jack, what if Ryder doesn't like the gift?If his tastes has changed?" Akai asked, her voice laced with worry.

Mr. Jack's expression turned reassuring. "Miss Akai, the thought and love you put into the gift is what matters, not whether Young master's tastes have changed. He'll appreciate the effort you put in, I'm sure of it."

Akai nodded, feeling a sense of comfort wash over her. She took a deep breath, her excitement and nervousness still simmering beneath the surface. She couldn't wait to see Ryder's reaction to her gift.