My Last And My Only

Chapter 171: A Table for Four

The restaurant Aiah chose was small, warm, and tucked between a bakery and a pharmacy.

It wasn't fancy.

That was exactly why she liked it.

The place felt comfortable enough for laughter, for long conversations, for plates passed across the table without anyone worrying about being too loud or too dressed up.

Gwen pressed her face briefly to the glass before stepping inside.

Ivy adjusted her shawl.

Aiah held the door open for both of them.

"You're smiling too much," Gwen said as she walked past.

"I'm allowed to."

"You're the one paying," Ivy added.

"Exactly."

Inside, the smell of grilled meat, garlic rice, and warm broth wrapped around them immediately.

Aiah led them to a corner table near the window, where the light from the street lamps spilled softly across the tabletop.

She had barely settled into her seat when the restaurant door opened again.

Khae stepped in, slightly out of breath, hair still damp from a quick shower, carrying a small paper bag in one hand.

"Sorry," she said, approaching. "Traffic was awful."

"Late," Gwen said at once.

Khae blinked at her. "Hello to you too."

Aiah laughed and leaned back in her chair.

"Sit down before Gwen starts charging you interest."

Khae slid into the seat beside Aiah, her expression softening the moment their shoulders brushed.

"You really meant it," she said quietly.

"I told you I was treating."

"I thought you were joking."

"I don't joke about food."

Khae smiled. "Noted."

Ivy watched the exchange with a small, knowing smile, while Gwen looked between them with open curiosity.

"What?" Gwen asked.

"Nothing," Aiah said too quickly.

Gwen narrowed her eyes.

"That sounded suspicious."

"It sounded normal."

"It sounded like you're hiding something."

Khae coughed lightly into her hand, and Aiah shot her a look that made her grin.

"Okay," Aiah said, pointing at the menu. "Everyone choose something before I change my mind."

That got Gwen's attention immediately.

She leaned over the menu with serious concentration, as if she were making a life-altering decision.

Ivy, as always, was calmer.

She read through the options slowly, lips pursed in thought.

Khae glanced at Aiah.

"You're really doing this."

Aiah lifted a brow.

"You sound surprised."