Casualties | ERENXREADER

chapter 17. we meet again

The mall was stirring with activity when we entered. We headed straight for the food court, with our senses immediately bombarded by the tempting smells of different foods.

We wandered from one food stand to another, each of us on the lookout for something to fulfill our cravings. "This place is a madhouse," I said, trying to get a glimpse of any interesting food options. "It feels like every food stall is trying to outdo the other."

Reiner, who was taking the lead with his keen sense of direction, pointed to a few stalls. "I'm thinking we should hit up that one chicken place over there."

Eren glanced at the menu, his face scrunching up in thought. "It looks interesting, but what about that barbecue place?"

"I'm down for ribs," I said, feeling my stomach rumble in agreement. "but what about that sushi place."

We stopped in front of the three stalls, each of us eyeing the choices like we were facing a food battle. The food court was packed, but the lively atmosphere made it even more exciting.

"Okay," Reiner said, surveying the options with a serious expression. "How about we each buy an item from separate places then we can share and taste everything."

"Sounds fair," Eren agreed. "So, who's going where?"

"Eren gets Barbeque, Reiner gets Chicken, and I'll go for the sushi," I said, they all nodded and we drifted off into our respective positions.

I looked up at the menu, it looked appetizing enough so I ordered a shared plate to go. Minutes had passed and I waited for my number to be called. As I was waiting, my phone vibrated in my pocket, I took it out to see who had messaged me.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Eren >:(

Send me money
I said you're paying today
I didn't forget lolol

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

I couldn't believe him, but I was definitely expecting it. I glanced over to where Eren should be standing and I saw him on his phone, awaiting my message. I quickly sent him twenty-five dollars in case he wanted to go all out and I saw that his face lit up while a smile grew on his face.

I took that chance to send him a follow-up text, 'your smile creeps me out pls stop'  His eyes wandered trying to find where I was, and once he did I could already feel the text message coming in.

Buzz! 'and you look stupid standing there by yourself' I laughed silently at his comment and continued waiting for my number to be called.

"Number 24!" it's been a good fifteen minutes of standing around so the others should also be done as well.

I scanned the bustling food court, my eyes searching for Eren and Reiner. I finally spotted them near a row of tables, waving my way.

Eren was juggling a mountain of napkins and a towering pile of ribs while Reiner stood next to him, holding a couple trays of greasy chicken tenders and fries. I couldn't help but laugh as I made my way over.