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The dim glow of paper lanterns cast a warm, inviting light as Miles and Skylar stepped into the sushi restaurant. The quiet hum of conversation and the soft clinking of chopsticks filled the air, blending with the subtle aromas of fresh seafood and rice vinegar. Miles held the door open for Skylar, and she flashed him a smile as she stepped inside.
A hostess led them to a small booth tucked in the back corner, offering them just enough privacy and they slid into their seats.
Their server appeared, setting down a couple of steaming cups of green tea and a plate of salted edamame. Miles picked up the menu, skimming over the options, while Skylar leaned in, tracing her finger over a few dishes she was curious about.
"Find anythin' you like?" Miles asked as he glanced up from the menu, looking a bit lost.
"'M not gonna lie, 'm a huge foodie, so everything on here sounds good." Skylar admitted with a laugh. She looked up, noticing his slightly lost expression. "Wait, have you... ever had sushi before?"
Miles scratched the back of his neck, chuckling. "Nah, not really. Grew up on arroz con gandules, plantains, my ma's pasteles, burgers, and pizza. Sushi wasn't exactly on the menu." His grin was part excitement, part nerves. "Sushi 's all new to me, but 'm down to try anythin'. Thought I'd let you show me how 's done."
Skylar's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Well, you picked the right person. Let me introduce you to the good stuff." She started pointing out her favorite dishes, explaining each with a spark in her pretty voice. Her fingers danced over the menu as she explained the flavors, from buttery salmon to the unique taste of eel, while Miles listened, intrigued by her enthusiasm.
"Let's ease you in first." She smiled as she picked out a few beginner-friendly dishes. "How about nigiri, sashimi, maybe a spicy tuna roll to ease you in? And unagi—you can't skip unagi. It's one of my faves." She looked up at him, her eyes playful. "Trust me, you'll thank me later."
Miles raised an eyebrow, amused. "You're the expert, ma. Y'know what's best, jus' don't lemme order somethin' like a sea urchin."
She laughed, leaning in. "I promise, no sea urchin today."
After their order was placed, Skylar leaned back with a warm smile. "You're gonna love this. Sushi's practically in my blood. Growing up, my family had it at every celebration. My grandparents taught me how to use chopsticks when I was a kid." She said, miming the delicate grip with her fingers. "Food's always been big for us. It's how we connect."
Miles nodded, grinning as he listened. "Yeah, I get it, pretty. Food 's everything for my family, too. My ma's arroz con pollo? Legendary. 'S like... home on a plate, y'know?"
Skylar smiled, a warmth in her gaze. "Exactly. Food just has this way of bringing people together."
Their conversation flowed, dipping into family stories and favorite dishes from home, as laughter and the quiet clinking of plates surrounded them. When the first dish arrived—a small plate of salmon nigiri—Skylar's eyes lit up.
