The Weight of Silence

Chapter 12

I sat across from Sayjan, the soft hum of conversations around us barely registering as I focused on the warmth of the candlelight flickering between us. I couldn't help but feel a little nervous, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of my glass as I tried to calm my racing heart. The restaurant was cozy, dimly lit, and the atmosphere was almost too perfect.

"So, what do you usually get when you go out to eat?" Sayjan asked, his voice smooth and curious.

I blinked, surprised by the question.

"I don't know... I guess whatever sounds good at the time," I answered, shrugging. "I'm not really picky."

He raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

"Really? No favorites?"

I laughed softly, a little embarrassed.

"I guess I'm just easy to please."

His smile widened.

"Well, that's good to know. Maybe I'll just order for you next time."

I shot him a look, my eyes narrowing teasingly.

"Oh really? You think you can just pick for me?"

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving mine.

"I think I could manage." His tone was light, but there was something in the way he said it that made my stomach flutter.

I shook my head, still smiling.

"We'll see about that."

The conversation shifted, and we continued to talk, but my mind kept drifting back to the way he looked at me, the way he seemed so confident and at ease. I could tell he was enjoying the moment as much as I was, and for the first time in a long while, I felt like everything was just... right.

As we ate, the food was delicious, but it was the little moments—like the way his eyes lit up when he talked about something he loved, or the way we laughed at the simplest things—that made the night feel special. There was no pressure, no expectations. Just the two of us, enjoying each other's company.

But as the night wore on, I couldn't help but wonder if this was all too good to be true.

After we finished eating, the last of our plates cleared away, Sayjan leaned back in his chair, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"So," he said, glancing at his watch, "my parents are away for the night. We could head back to my place if you want."

I raised an eyebrow, feeling a mix of curiosity and hesitation. 

"Your parents are always away," I said, my voice playful but with a hint of suspicion. "Why is that?"

Sayjan shrugged, his expression nonchalant, though his eyes seemed to flicker with something I couldn't quite read.

"I guess they just like to travel a lot. They're always busy with work or out of town. It's nothing unusual."

I nodded slowly, not fully convinced, but I didn't push it. There was something about his casual demeanor that made me feel like I shouldn't dig any deeper. He was always so easygoing, so I figured it was just one of those things I wasn't meant to question.

"Well, okay," I said, smiling as I stood up, "I guess I'll come over."

His face lit up, the playful glint in his eyes returning.

"Great," he said, standing up as well and offering me his hand. "Let's go."

I hesitated for just a moment before placing my hand in his. The warmth of his touch sent a little shiver down my spine, but I brushed it off. It was just a casual evening, right? Just two people hanging out. Nothing more.