Lookism: What Am I Even Doing?

Chapter Fifty-Six

*Food. Literally just food*

Dimmy-Dimmy had more of a homey feeling than I was expecting. The front was a simple building with a yellow-ish paint and a sign that read Dimmy-Dimmy over the top with white words bolded and outlined in black. The lower half of the windows were blocked out by shining pictures of food they had available, and even photos from who I'm guessing were regular customers by the way they leaned in close to the camera.

Richard opened the door for all of us, showing us the large space with medium sized tables sitting a bit close to each other. The seats were red plastic chairs and behind the register in the back, there was a great view into the kitchen where a man was already at work. Cooking away for the only three other people in the shop. They all seemed tired, you could that much from the way their eyes drooped but they looked content as they talked to each other.

A lady that had been sitting at the desk near the door welcomed us in and told us to take a seat. She handed us menus then told us to call her over when we were ready. To be honest, my stomach was controlling my mind at this point. The only thing holding me back was that someone else was paying for this dinner. Someone who I didn't know very well. Had it been Viola or my Uncle, half of this menu would be asked for.

Seo-ah took the liberty of sitting next me as we took our table at the corner of the room. What Seo-ah thought to be the most comfortable seating arrangement for me. Haruki sat to my front while Richard took the seat in front of Seo-ah.

I stared at the cup of spoons and metal chopsticks at the center of the table. My leg bounced nervously underneath the table. I could also feel some nervous tick biting behind my neck again. It was really starting to piss me off. Damn paranoia.

Seo-ah offered me a smile, "It's alright. There's no need to be so nervous. Just think of it as a meal between future colleagues."

Haruki stretched out his arms, "Yes, don't worry. It makes your stomach sick to worry while eating. The only worry you should have is that your pants might burst by the end of it!"

He let out a hearty, cheerie laugh that honestly made me feel a bit better. Feeling my heart less heavy, I finally managed to look down at the menu without too much dread. The only problem was, my eyes wouldn't focus on the letters in front of me for some reason. I pulled the menu closer to my face but...it was like my eyes couldn't concentrate for some reason.

There was a light clatter from the people across the room and it made me jump. One of the guys had accidentally knocked his knee against the table and the rest of his friends started laughing at him. Pointing fingers and calling him names. It was supposed to be a light hearted moment but my heart started feeling uneasy again.

Damn it. What's wrong with me?

I leaned my elbows into the table then rubbed at my face. Suddenly, my whole body felt ten times heavier. Even breathing began feeling like a chore.

Since when have I been this tired?

"Hmm, everything on here looks appetizing. Haruki, why don't you do the honors of ordering for all of us? It seems we'll be having some trouble deciding for ourselves. Would that be alright with you, Richard? Ila?"

"I don't mind."

I tucked my hair behind my ears and nodded, "Yeah...that's fine. Do they have coffee though?"

Haruki shook his head, "Argh! Why would you have coffee?! It's bitter! At your age you should be drinking sweet things, they're good for your heart. Leave it up to me!"

Richard looked at him, "Large amounts of sugar consumption can actually be very-"

Haruki wasn't having it, "Don't worry, don't worry. My grandmother told me this so it is true. When you drink bitter things you become bitter. I'll order you something better."