Tay naturally grabbed a taxi from the front gate. We could go there by bus, but it seemed to be a habit. Nonetheless, the taxi was cooler than the bus packed with people my age. A brisk breeze blew lightly. I leaned back pleasantly as my body stretched. Outside, the scorching sun strove valiantly to hide its knowledge.
In the taxi, Tay asked. “What would you like to eat?”
“It’s hot, so let’s eat something cool.”
“What is it?”
“Oh… Cold noodles or buckwheat noodles, or something like that.”
“Let’s eat buckwheat noodles.”
“Okay.”
I held the wallet in my pocket. I thought I needed to get the cash out as soon as I got off. However, as soon as we arrived in the downtown area, Tay held out his card. I put up with that for now because it’s ludicrous to suggest that I pay and you pay in the taxi. I can pay for the meal. After all, I had nowhere to spend money.
We arrived at the downtown area’s entrance. Because our school had a tendency to take exams late, we were the only students in the downtown area. The others are merely people who look like they’re in college.
Several students greeted Tay on the way. There were both boys and girls present. ‘Hello, P'Tay.’ ‘Hello, Brother.’ and ‘Hello, Tawan.’ Tay said not to say hello because it makes him feel embarrassed. I chuckled at the scene, and every time I laughed, Tay asked as to what I was laughing about, so I kept my lips sealed.
We arrived at a buckwheat noodle restaurant on the corner of the downtown area. They sold everything, including pork cutlet, rice with toppings, and sushi. Of course, Tay ordered all of it. The table for four people to sit was full. Tay naturally put a spoon and chopsticks in front of me. The food was brought out one at a time, and it didn’t take long.
I put a pork cutlet on his bowl today as well while admiring the healthy and well-eating Tay. Tay, who had been chewing thoroughly, suddenly opened his eyes.
“Eat a lot.”
I said it kindly. Tay sucked in strands of buckwheat noodles hanging from his lips. I turned my attention from the sensation of being detached.
I couldn’t take it once I started paying attention. I trembled, unlike Tay, who sits across from each other and eats well. I had no appetite. Clearly, the food in front of me was delicious, the air conditioner was blowing on a summer day, and the exam went well.
I have all these reasons…
“Aren’t you eating?”
I thought it was because of Tay.
“Why do you think so?”
I came to my senses after hearing Tay's words. I was staring at him with my arms folded in front of where I was eating.
“Ah.”
Tay frowned as I responded briefly. But even for a brief while, the gaze that seemed to flow at me had lost its intensity and was falling slowly.
“…”
“…What’s the matter?”
I asked Tay with my head tilted. He widened his eyes while watching the food. When our eyes met, he dropped it again. The unusual appearance bothered me. I clutched to the table’s edge and leaned in a little more.
“What’s wrong? Is something wrong?”
“…”
“Tell me. What’s wrong with you?”
