OUR GAPS

CHAPTER 5

The days before Lerthy's birthday party was all about Yssey planning and thinking how to act normal before stepping again at Leon's house.

Before Lerthy's birthday party, Yssey and Asvien went shopping at the mall to find outfits that matched the summer theme.

"I really like Lerthy's type of a party!" Asvien said while giggling her shopping bags.

Asvien already chosen what she will wear at the party but Yssey has not purchase anything yet. The two now are entering at a luxurious restaurant inside the mall to eat lunch.

Yssey shakes her head to Asvien showing her small smile. "You've already said that 3 times today, but, yeah, I agree with you."

"Yeah, right?" Asvien looking at Yssey with her wide eyes after hearing her friend's approval, "I'm just too excited since I like summer themes!"

Yssey nodded then one waitress approach them to take them to their seats.

The restaurant exudes a regal atmosphere with its ornate exteriors, rich colors, and medieval-inspired décor. The massive chandeliers, royal chairs, and antique paintings hanging on the walls create a sense of grandeur. The luxurious materials used throughout the restaurant make it feel like a world apart from the bustling mall.

"This way, Madams."

The professional waitress lead Yssey and Asvien on two seated tables in front of the see through glass that can see the whole ground floor.

The waitress then held them two menus with various appetizers, main courses, and dessert. After a moment of choosing, Yssey decided to get a appetizer, fish tacos al pastor for her main course while for dessert is just lemon ricotta cake. Meanwhile, Asvien chooses slow-roasted cherry tomato bruschetta for her dessert, seared scallops with mint, peas, and bacon for main course, and sacher-torte for her dessert.

When their food arrives, they then started eating.

As they finished their dessert, they heard their names being called from the entrance. They turned to see Lerthy, Lerille, and Leon approaching, waving excitedly.

Lerthy was carrying shopping bags, with Lerille helping her. Leon followed his sisters, his hands in his pockets, looking directly at Yssey with a serious expression. Yssey's face turned red, and she couldn't meet his gaze.

Yssey sits properly when the three Myers siblings reached their table.

"What a coincidence, Yssey and Asvien!" Lerille said.

Asvien stand up to hug the two who approached them. "Yeah, we didn't expect us to meet here..." Asvien said after hugging the juniors then look at Leon, "hi, Leon."

Leon nodded at Asvien who's eyes are still on Yssey. Yssey stands slowly at the back of Asvien, looking shyly.

"Hello, Lerille and Lerthy." Yssey said without looking at Leon, her heart beating fast at the sight of Leon staring at her in her peripheral vision.

Leon's eyebrow raised when Yssey didn't greet him but remained silent, her face still flushed.

The two juniors smiled at Yssey. Lerille noticed the shopping bags next to Asvien's table and asked,"Oh, did you go shopping too?"

"Yeah, we are finding a good summer outfit for Lerthy's party." Asvien explained while eyeing at Lerthy's shopping bags too, "is that for your party too, Lerthy?"

Lerthy nodded. "Yes, Kuya Leon will pay for these. He can't come to my party because he's busy, so he wanted to treat us today." Lerthy looked at her brother, who smiled at her.

"But I haven't got anything yet! I'm too hungry to decide what I'll get so we get to eat first after Lerthy buys her outfit." Lerille said.

Asvien let out a soft chuckle looking at her friend.

"Miss Yssey here is the same as you."

The three laughed, their laughter a stark contrast to the silence between Leon and Yssey.

"You're going to the party?"

The three fell silent after hearing Leon speak. They looked at him, his gaze fixed on Yssey, who seemed unaware that she was the one he was addressing.

Asvien hits Yssey on her shoulder when Yssey did not look at Leon, instead she's just playing with her pink off-shoulder fitted dress. Yssey confusedly looked at Asvien, eyebrows frowned.

"Leon asked you if you're going to Lerthy's party..." Asvien said almost a whisper.

Yssey parted her lips, trying hard to answer but she couldn't, she cant even look at Leon's cold eyes. She is confused about Leon asking her. When Asvien noticed Yssey couldn't answer, she catches her friend answer.

"Uh yes, Leon, she's going to the party too."

Leon just nodded without looking at her. "You two can come and join us since Lerille hasn't got any outfit... and Yssey."

Yssey get shock that she's now looking at Leon, who receive her look too.

Leon's sister agreed then excitedly grabbed the arms of Asvien and Yssey then headed to the exit of the restaurant.

Yssey just kept quite while they're heading again to the second floor where clothes are located. She is not comfortable about Leon on their back just looking at them walking.

'Why did he ask me earlier? But why does Lerthy said he is not coming to her party?'

END