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Chapter 32: Lunch Together

Loxus Pov

Loxus ate some of the chips that Wilt had let him actually buy the other day. Well, that Wilt bought as Loxus had no money.

He scoffed as he pet his kitten. That Wilt sure was a cocky bastard, calling him broke. He had some money. It just wasn't much.

Dusk purred as he sat in his lap.

Loxus looked up from his manga and smiled at the kitten. "Say, are you hungry? I got some kitten fomula left."

The kitten looked up at him with wide, expectant eyes, its tiny tail flicking back and forth.

"Yeah, you must be starving," Loxus murmured, standing up from his bed and stretching his legs. With Dusk in tow, he walked out of his room and made his way to the tiny kitchen. He had left Dusk's bottle and fomula there.

While Dusk could now eat some solid food, Loxus still liked feeding him the fomula. Dusk appeared to like being bottle fed too.

Loxus carefully measured out the formula, mixing it with warm water until it was just right. He tested the temperature against his wrist—it was perfect. Dusk mewed impatiently, his small body vibrating with anticipation.

"Alright, little guy, let's get you fed," Loxus said softly, sitting down at the kitchen table with the bottle ready.

Dusk wasted no time, latching his tiny mouth onto the bottle with a fervor that brought a smile to Loxus's face.

"Man, you're one hungry kitten, aren't you?"

He meowed and wagged his tiny tail.

Loxus gasped as he remembered the toy mouse he had bought for Dusk. He stood up and rushed to his room. After fumbling through his bag, he took out the toy mouse. He ran back to the kitchen.

Dusk glanced up at him in confusion.

Loxus held up the toy mouse, grinning at Dusk's curious expression. "Look what I've got for you," he said, shaking the toy.

Dusk's eyes lit up, and he immediately abandoned the bottle, making a beeline for the toy instead. He pawed at it, his tiny claws attempting to catch the elusive mouse.

Loxus chuckled, pulling the toy away just out of Dusk's reach. "Not so fast," he teased, enjoying the playful banter with his tiny feline companion.

He spent the next few minutes playing with Dusk, watching with amusement as the kitten pounced and tumbled, trying to catch the mouse. Despite his tough exterior, Loxus found an inexplicable joy in these quiet moments with Dusk.

Just as Dusk finally managed to catch the toy mouse, the sound of the dorm room door opening caught Loxus's attention. He looked up to see Wilt entering, basketball in arm.

"Hey," Loxus called out, standing up from the floor. He quickly hid the toy mouse behind his back, not wanting Wilt to see him in such a vulnerable state.

Wilt snickered. "Playing with your cat? Don't let me stop you."

Loxus grumbled. He didn't want to play with others around. "Why are you back anyway? Thought you were shooting hoops."

"I was, but a certain someone told me to rest and eat lunch."

Loxus was curious who this person was, but he didn't bother asking.

"Well, I'm gonna shower. Try making us something, okay?" Wilt asked, passing by him.

He huffed. This guy sure was bossy. "Fine, but I hope you can handle the heat. Also, don't forget our bet."

Wilt snickered. "Relax, I haven't. We can have our game later. But you better prepare to buy that steak when you lose."

Loxus scoffed and crossed his toned arms. "That's my line."

Loxus watched as Wilt disappeared into the bathroom, the sound of the shower starting up a few moments later. He turned his attention back to the kitchen, pondering what to make for dinner. His gaze landed on the chicken breasts they had bought, and an idea formed in his mind.

"Spicy chicken it is," Loxus muttered to himself, pulling out the necessary ingredients. He wasn't much of a cook, but he knew how to handle a few spices. He decided on a simple recipe that he remembered from back home, one that would hopefully impress Wilt—or at least not poison them both.

He seasoned the chicken with a generous amount of chili powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick. As the chicken sizzled in the pan, the aroma of spices filled the air, and Loxus felt a sense of pride. Cooking wasn't so bad, especially when it was this straightforward.

By the time Wilt emerged from the shower, the spicy chicken was ready, and Loxus had even managed to throw together a side salad to balance out the heat. Wilt raised his eyebrows in surprise at the sight of the meal.

"Didn't know you could cook," Wilt said, taking a seat at the table.

Loxus served the chicken onto their plates, trying to hide his smirk. "There's a lot you don't know about me."

They dug into the meal, and Loxus watched Wilt for his reaction. After a few bites, Wilt nodded in approval. "This is good. Really good."

"Thanks," Loxus said, feeling a rare flush of pleasure at the compliment. "Don't expect this every day, though."

Wilt laughed, reaching for his water glass as the spices caught up with him. "Deal. But you're still buying the steak after I win our game."

Loxus just grinned, already looking forward to their match. "We'll see about that." The rivalry between them was something Loxus hadn't realized he'd enjoy so much. But he did.

"This salad could use some work, though," Wilt said, laughing as he pointed at the leafy greens.

He scoffed. "I don't usually eat rabbit food like you do."

Wilt chuckled and leaned on his hand. "You think I do? I usually go for green juice."

Loxus wrinkled his nose. That was even worse. "You really are a strange guy."

He shrugged. "I do it for the health benefits, not the taste."

Loxus shook his head, still unable to fathom how anyone could prefer green juice over a solid meal. "Well, as long as you don't try to convert me to your green ways, we'll get along just fine."

Wilt chuckled, taking another bite of the spicy chicken. "No promises, but I'll try to keep my health sermons to myself."

They finished their meal in silence. Loxus cleared the plates, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Cooking for someone else, especially someone as critical as Wilt, had been a challenge, but he'd risen to it.

As he washed the dishes, Loxus's thoughts drifted to the basketball game they'd play later. He was determined to win, not just for the steak but to shut up Wilt. 

"Hey, Loxus," Wilt called out, breaking his train of thought. "Thanks for the meal. It was really good."

Loxus turned off the tap and dried his hands on a towel. "You're welcome. Just remember this when you're buying that steak."

Wilt laughed as he picked up Dusk. "We'll see."

Creation is hard, cheer me up!

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