Chapter 11: Hot Chocolate
The first thing Cagalli saw, as she was leaving her final class of the day, was a paper mug being shoved in her face. With wide eyes, she turned her head to see who was attached to the arm that was extended in front of her. It was Athrun. He smiled, handsomely.
"Hot chocolate?" he said.
Cagalli moved pass the threshold, into the hall, and made her way to the side of the door. She - with a confused look on her face - took the cup. She noticed that he had one, too.
"I made sure that they gave you extra whipped cream," he said.
Cagalli gave him a small smile. "Why are you doing this?" she asked.
It was his turn to look confused, but the expression lasted for only a moment. His gaze drifted to the tiled floor, and he stared at it, sheepishly.
"I noticed that you looked sad today. You weren't as vibrant...I know, that doesn't sound right." he gave a dry chuckle. "I guess I noticed that you didn't carry your usual spark. I thought this would cheer you up."
All at once Cagalli's heart felt warm, restless, and like it would burst. Her face felt hotter than the cup she was holding. Athrun watched her with the most beautiful, sincere eyes she had ever witnessed.
"I know it isn't much, but I hope it helps."
She wanted to tell him just how much it meant to her, how she was feeling in that moment, but the words were caught in her throat. The only thing she could mutter was a simple "thank you."