My Last And My Only

Chapter 96: Where My World Meets

Dinner lingered long after the plates had been cleared.

None of them seemed to be in any hurry to leave.

Gwen had somehow convinced everyone to share dessert, which quickly turned into another round of debating over whose choice was better.

"I still think we should've gotten halo-halo," Gwen insisted.

"We already have three desserts," Aiah pointed out.

"Exactly."

"That doesn't answer my question."

"It answers mine."

Chico nodded thoughtfully.

"I respect the commitment."

"Thank you," Gwen said, placing a hand over her heart.

"I don't" Aiah replied.

Khae looked between them.

"I think I've figured something out."

"What?" Gwen asked.

"You two share one brain cell."

Aiah gasped.

"I'd like everyone to know she chose violence."

"I chose observation."

Chico chuckled.

"I've known them since we were kids."

He looked at Gwen.

"I think she's right."

"You are both banned from making observations."

"I'm pretty sure that's unconstitutional," Chico said.

"You don't even know the Constitution."

"I know enough."

"You absolutely don't."

Gwen laughed so hard she had to wipe tears from the corners of her eyes.

"This is my favorite dinner in months."

Eventually the laughter settled into comfortable conversation, and before long, Chico reached for the bill.

"I've got it."

"No," Aiah said immediately.

"You just flew here."

"So?"

"You already brought enough pasalubong to feed us for a week."

"And?"

"I'm paying."

Chico looked offended.

"I came all the way from Cebu."

"And I live here."

"I fail to see your point."

"My point is you're the guest."

Gwen leaned back in her chair.

"I'm just going to enjoy watching this."

Khae quietly reached for her wallet.

Both Aiah and Chico turned toward her at the same time.

"No."

She blinked.

"I wasn't even—"