The restaurant Gwen picked was one of those places that always felt welcoming.
Nothing extravagant.
Wooden tables polished smooth from years of use, warm lights hanging overhead, and the comforting aroma of grilled food and freshly cooked rice drifting from the kitchen.
"This," Gwen announced proudly as they slid into a booth, "is the correct choice."
Aiah laughed.
"You say that every single time."
"And have I ever been wrong?"
"You once made us eat somewhere because you liked the chairs."
"The chairs were comfortable."
"They squeaked every time we moved."
"They had character."
Chico chuckled as he sat across from Aiah.
"I've missed this."
"What?"
"You and Gwen arguing over things that don't matter."
"We're not arguing," Gwen corrected.
"We're educating each other."
Khae looked up from the menu.
"Very passionately."
Gwen pointed at her.
"You've been around Chico for less than an hour and you're already teaming up with him."
Khae smiled.
"It happened naturally."
Aiah looked between the two of them in exaggerated disbelief.
"...I don't know whether I should be happy or concerned."
Khae met her eyes.
"Why?"
"You two have the same calm energy."
Chico nodded.
"I think that's why we get along."
Khae agreed.
"...She's louder than both of us combined."
"I am not."
Neither of them answered.
Instead, Chico looked at Khae.
Khae looked back at Chico.
Then both of them slowly turned to Aiah.
She sighed dramatically.
"...Fine."
Gwen laughed so hard she nearly dropped her menu.
"I've never seen someone lose an argument without anyone actually arguing."
"I don't appreciate this alliance."
"Oh, I do," Gwen replied with a grin. "I'm enjoying every second of it."
Their food arrived a few minutes later, filling the table with familiar favorites.
For a while, conversation wandered easily from Cebu stories to university life, to Gwen's latest classroom adventures, and even to Chico's unfortunate experience trying to fit two overstuffed eco bags into an airplane overhead compartment.
By the time dessert menus were being passed around, Aiah's phone buzzed.
She smiled the moment she saw the screen.
YOU ARE READING
My Last And My Only (Book 1)
FanfictionShe never went looking for forever. Then she met someone who quietly became her last, her only, and every reason to believe in love again.
