SHADOW PLAY (SYLUS)

10

The restaurant Regina recommended was small and cozy, with only a handful of tables. As they entered, Regina felt a surge of pressure, knowing it wasn’t the kind of place someone like Sylus would normally frequent.

“It’s cute, a bit on the small side though…” Selina remarked, glancing around. “This is where you used to work, right?”

“Yeah,” Regina nodded. “But the food is amazing,” she added with a smile, hoping that would ease any doubts.

Sylus walked ahead and sat down at an empty table, the others following his lead.

Regina took a seat next to Selina, directly across from Sylus, who still watched her with an unreadable expression.

His gaze made her heart race, but she tried her best to ignore it.

“So, you guys having a fun night?” Zayne asked once everyone had settled down.

“Not really," Josh replied, already warming up to Zayne. "We just had a meeting for our group project. Now that we’re done, we figured we’d grab dinner together before heading home.”

“Group project, huh? Sounds thrilling,” Zayne said with a smirk, as if reminiscing about his own college days.

The group shared a light chuckle, the mood easing up.

“Let’s order some food first,” Regina suggested, handing out the menus.

“What do you recommend?” Selina asked, knowing Regina had worked there before.

“I’d go for the shrimp salad—it’s one of the best,” Regina said as she scanned the menu. “And their chicken soup is really good too.”

“Then let’s go with those,” Selina agreed.

Regina hesitated for a moment before turning to Sylus, who was quietly watching her.

“What about you, Sir?” she asked, trying to break his intense gaze.

"I’ll have the same," he replied, his gaze never leaving her.

Sylus noticed something different about her. She was always nervous around him, but here, surrounded by her friends, she seemed at ease—relaxed and comfortable. Her aura was that of an ordinary college student, far from the cautious girl he was used to seeing.

....

They ordered food, and while waiting, Zayne initiated small talk, primarily asking Regina about her college and studies.

“I’ve noticed Regina hardly ever joins the drinking parties,” Selina remarked, jumping into the conversation about their social gatherings.

“Yeah, I always invite her, but she just keeps turning me down,” Josh said, glancing at Regina. “What’s the deal? You don’t enjoy them?” he added.

“It’s not that I hate going to drinking parties; I just don’t have the time most of the time,” Regina replied, feeling a bit uncomfortable discussing it.

“Just let me know when you’re free,” Josh said with a friendly smile. Regina smiled back. He seemed like a good guy, and she felt grateful for him and the others.

As the food arrived, their attention shifted to the meal in front of them.

"Mmm, this is absolutely delicious," Selina murmured, savoring a spoonful of the salad.

"Yeah, it really is the best," Frank agreed, taking a bite of the salad. Zayne nodded silently in approval, while Regina smiled, watching her friends enjoying the food.

Her gaze shifted to Sylus. He ate quietly, as always, his movements smooth and controlled, not a sound as he savored the meal.

Regina found herself unable to read him, no matter how hard she tried. Deep down, she wished she could get closer to him.