Chapter 12
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 12
Chapter Title: Angel and Demon (3)
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How did I end up like this...
"Meow..."
It was so frustrating watching those two idiots stay silent.
Sure, they exchanged a few words, but the conversations always fizzled out.
To keep the talk flowing without breaking, they needed a common topic.
And that's when I came up with my genius idea!
Transforming into an injured animal.
Considering the boy's occupation that I'd analyzed beforehand, my choice was sure to be a success.
"Meow... are you okay...?"
"Meeeow..."
The only problem was that I had to turn into a cat myself and act the part.
It stung my pride a little... but it was still way better than just watching those two stumble around.
Please, for the sake of my efforts, let this lead to something good.
Bella carefully reached out and stroked the crying kitten.
"It's okay... it'll be fine..."
She murmured in a trembling voice.
Her knees were touching the dirt, soiling the hem of her skirt, but she didn't care.
All she wanted was for the tiny life in front of her not to be in pain.
'What do I do... it looks like it hurts so much...'
Tears welled up in Bella's eyes.
Maybe it was because she'd spent so much time in the human world.
She never would have felt emotions like this before, but now she couldn't help projecting onto this small, fragile kitten.
Her heart felt so stifled.
To think she couldn't even save this one little life properly.
She knew exactly what would happen if she just left it here and walked away, so she couldn't bring herself to leave carelessly.
As she pondered helplessly what she could possibly do for this kitten...
"May I take a look for a moment?"
A warm, calm voice spoke, and someone's hand gently rested on Bella's shoulder.
Bella startled and looked up.
Rael had come out of the cafe at some point and was now squatting beside her.
"Mr. Rael...?"
"Injured animals are sensitive. Touching them wrong could make it hurt even more."
His voice was far gentler than his usual curt tone.
Rael took off his jacket, laid it on the ground, and approached the cat cautiously.
"It's okay. Don't be scared."
"Meow..."
Rael's hand gently cupped the kitten's scruff.
It was a smooth, practiced motion, as if he had plenty of experience.
The kitten mewled at first but soon quieted down in Rael's arms.
"How... how did you do that so well...?"
Bella stared at him, entranced.
Rael wrapped the kitten in his jacket as he replied.
"I'm a veterinarian."
"Really...?"
"So, leave this little one to me. Don't worry."
Rael stood up, cradling the kitten.
"Would you like to come to my clinic with me, Bella?"
Bella blankly stared at Rael, who was offering his hand while saying her name.
'He... he just said my name...'
He'd never called her by name before.
'And now he's suddenly closing the distance like this...?'
"Bella...? What's wrong?"
His long, slender hand looked so warm.
He was extending the same gentle hand he'd used on the kitten, calling her name directly.
'This is my chance...!'
Without hesitation, she took his hand.
"I'll go with you."
With Rael's help, she stood up. Her skirt was covered in dirt.
And the way he looked at her now was definitely different from before.
"This way. My clinic isn't far."
Rael started walking, carefully holding the kitten. Bella followed close behind.
Rael's animal clinic was tucked away at the end of a quiet alley.
"Here we are."
Rael opened the door and went in.
Bella followed, looking around the place.
The clinic was much cleaner than she'd expected.
White walls, neatly arranged medical tools, and a faint medicinal scent in the air.
"Have a seat here."
Rael seated Bella in a chair and gently placed the kitten on the examination table.
"Is it badly hurt...?"
Bella asked worriedly.
"I'll have to check, but... looks like the back leg is fractured."
Rael examined the kitten skillfully.
His movements were precise like a professional's, yet considerate so as not to cause the cat any pain.
"Me... meow."
"It's okay. I'll be quick."
Bella watched him, completely absorbed.
A man focused on his work looked so incredibly attractive to her.
As he pulled out antiseptic and bandages, Rael spoke up.
"Luckily, it shouldn't be life-threatening. I'll splint the broken bone, and with a few days of rest, it'll be fine."
"Really...?"
Bella's eyes sparkled.
"Yes. No need to worry."
Rael smiled as he answered.
Yesterday and today, he'd always had that impassive expression, but now he was clearly smiling at her.
Seeing that, Bella could hardly hold back.
'Th-this has to be a proposal... right...? Right...?!!'
She clutched her racing heart discreetly.
Unaware of her feelings, Rael resumed treating the kitten, and Bella watched quietly.
'He looks so cool when he's focused...'
Once the treatment was done, Rael placed the kitten in a small carrier.
"It'd be best to keep it here for now. I'll check on it every day."
"That's such a relief. How perfect that you're a veterinarian, Mr. Rael."
"It's even more miraculous that you found this one, Bella. Most people wouldn't even notice."
Rael looked at her, still unable to tear her eyes from the kitten.
"Meow~?"
He recalled how she'd rushed out the moment she spotted the injured kitten, kneeling and on the verge of tears in front of it.
Not caring that her clothes got dirty, just worrying about that tiny life with such pure eyes.
It was a warmth rarely seen in the cold human world.
"Your skirt got dirty. Let me brush it off for you."
"Huh?"
Rael carefully dusted the dirt from her skirt.
Bella blanked out for a moment but took a deep breath and spoke.
"Mr. Rael."
"Yes? What is it?"
"Um... if it's okay with you, could I come by sometimes to check on the kitten?"
At her tentative question, Rael hesitated briefly but nodded slightly.
"...Sure. Come anytime."
"Really?!"
Bella's face lit up brightly.
"Yes. This one will probably be happy to see you too."
"Meooow..."
"Thank you...!"
Bella beamed, unable to hide her joy.
Seeing her smile, Rael felt a strange sensation in his chest.
It was an emotion he'd never felt in his long life as an angel.
As they left the clinic, Rael spoke cautiously to the still-stiff Bella.
"Let me walk you home."
"Oh? No, I'm fine!"
"No, it's late. It'd be dangerous alone."
At his firm tone, Bella pretended to relent,
but inside, she was cheering.
"Th-then... thank you..."
Bella fought back the smile tugging at her lips,
while Rael checked his chest periodically, suspecting arrhythmia.
The two began walking side by side down the night street.
Their shadows stretched long under the streetlights in the dimming road.
Bella stole glances at Rael walking beside her.
'Hehe... it's like a night date...'
Rael, too, walked lost in thought.
'Have I not been sleeping enough lately? Why am I getting something like arrhythmia that only humans get...'
This unfamiliar feeling was still so strange to him.
On the way to Bella's place,
they walked in silence, but it wasn't as awkward as before.
When they arrived at her villa, Rael spoke first.
"...Are you free tomorrow?"
"Huh?"
"You said you'd come check on the kitten."
"Oh, yes! Of course I'll come!"
"Then I'll see you tomorrow evening. Get home safe."
Rael bowed his head slightly.
"...You too, Mr. Rael!"
At his kind farewell, Bella hurriedly replied and slipped inside the villa.
Only after closing the door did she lean against it and take a deep breath.
"Aaaahhh..."
Thinking back on the day's events made her burst into a silly grin.
'Tomorrow... he asked to meet tomorrow...!'
There was definitely something in the air.
It didn't sound like just an invitation to see the cat—there seemed to be more to it.
Of course, it might be her imagination, but she loved this fluttering feeling.
"Hehe... hehehehe..."
Bella dashed to her room and flopped onto the bed.
She rolled around hugging a pillow, messing up her hair completely, but she didn't care.
Just recalling the day's happenings brought a smile to her face.