Talk To Me

3. Marry me

Everything seemed perfectly ordinary as they entered YummyYum restaurant. True to form, the staff were all smiles and warmth, as one might expect from any fine and cosy establishment.

At first glance, the place gave off a comfortable, welcoming vibe, but the real revelation was the restaurant's cuisine. Its name, YummyYum, was no exaggeration when it came to the dining experience.

"Well, if there's one thing worth celebrating today, it's this glorious food," Cherry said with a satisfied sigh. "Breakfast at YummyYum every weekend, don't you think?"

"I couldn't agree more," Wale replied, leaning back in his chair and rubbing her stomach with a grin. "I've eaten like a horse today, terribly unhealthy, but no regrets." She glanced at Kind, who was still working on his meal. "You always took your time at the table. How is it that you get to work before me?"

"I'm not like you, cramming everything into my mouth with no regard to give my teeth some labour," Kind retorted between bites. "I prefer to savour each and every morsel piece by piece. Besides, Cherry never rushes me whenever we're dining."

"Cherry this, Cherry that... When did you two become so chummy?" Wale teased, gently poking Kind's shoulder but as usual, Kind ignored her, continuing to munch in peace.

A soft smile played on Wale's lips as she wondered what would happen if Kind ever confessed his feelings to her. Wale didn't want to reject him, for it would just mean Kind would distance himself again, something that had already been happening recently. They'd only spent time together outside of work twice this month.

"How long do you plan on avoiding me?" Wale murmured her thoughts aloud, something that shocked her boyfriend as a gasp escaped him. However, to clear up the air before a misunderstanding was formed, Wale faced him. "Cherry, you must know that Kind has been avoiding me for a while now. We've only met twice this month and he claims to be preoccupied even during breaks at work." Turning back to look at a rather displeased Kind, she added, "I miss my best friend, you know."

"I charge a steep price for my presence. You can't afford me, Wale." Kind smirked, then turned to Cherry. "I think your boyfriend would agree."

Exasperated, Wale stood up. "You two and your cryptic jokes fine. I'm headed for the washroom."

Once Wale was far enough from earshot, Cherry leaned in and whispered urgently, "What do you think you're doing? I told you to keep your distance, not vanish completely! She's getting suspicious and you know very well that is not good."

"Don't fall for her nonchalance. Wale's probably already discovered that you asked me to back off. She's not dense," Kind replied, trying to reassure him as she reached for Cherry's shoulder to reassure him but he moved away.

"I don't like this."

"Cherry, I'm keeping my promise to you. If you want her to accept your proposal, you need to let her be comfortable with where things stand right now," Kind said, reaching for his shoulder again. This time, he welcomingly allowed Kind but didn't appear convinced.

"She only seems content whenever you're around," Cherry said, his frustration and impatience evident. "What I'm I supposed to do when I'm literally your shadow in her eyes?"

Despite not wanting to be involved in their relationship troubles, Kind felt compelled to offer him some reassurance. "I promised you an accepted proposal by your ten-year anniversary, and you'll get it. I'm meeting her for drinks tonight so don't worry. I'll take care of it."

"Are you sure you can convince her? I can't stand another year of just dating. I don't want to pin my hopes on you only to be let down again. I'm exhausted... I want something solid, Kind. Wale's become so complacent about us that I sometimes wonder if she's stopped loving me."

"Don't worry, Cherry. Next week, you'll be engaged, so start thinking about a stunning tuxedo outfit for the occasion," Kind said, watching the hope return to his face. "If you wish, I can even take you shopping myself."