Chapter 40
"C-can I have fruit salad?" the boy quietly asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Hiroshi's smile widened as he turned towards the man behind the counter. "I'll have fruit salad and a cheese sandwich, please," he ordered, his tone polite yet firm.
The man nodded with a grunt and disappeared through the swinging door behind the counter, leaving Hiroshi and the boy alone at their table. Hiroshi watched the boy settle into his seat, his expression thoughtful and gentle.
After a moment, Hiroshi leaned forward slightly, his eyes fixed on the young boy. "What's your name, little guy?" he inquired, his voice warm and inviting. The sudden sound of Hiroshi's voice startled the boy, who had been staring quietly at his lap.
"I'm Seraphael," the boy replied softly, his gaze lifting to meet Hiroshi's with a mixture of curiosity and timidity.
Hiroshi raised an eyebrow in response to the unique name. "And what does that mean?" he asked gently.