Don't Try the Noodles

Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Caleb

I should have done some research before I came here. I know next to nothing about Korean food. Not even next to, I know nothing. Even with the English descriptions, I still can't get a grip on what kind of dishes they are, let alone the right way to pronounce the names. This is the last place I want to make a fool of myself. Although, I guess it is a bit late to say that, isn't it?

I peek my head up from the menu and meet Bailey's eyes. We both quickly look away. She's tapping the notepad in her hand with the pen in the other. She must be growing impatient with me.

Quietly, she says, "I can come back when you're ready—"

"No!" I blurt out, surprising her. "I want you to stay by my side."

"O...kay..."

Idiot! What the hell am I saying?

"I mean, I want you to stay so you can recommend me something." I laugh nervously. Can I be any more awkward?

"Re-Recommend? Um..." She takes a moment to think. Her thinking face is really cute. After some time, she says, "You should try the noodles."

She points to something on the menu. She turns towards me, and I'm breathless. Our eyes meet for a second time, except now we're so much closer. Neither of us breaks contact. I never realized just how dark her brown eyes are. They are really easy to get lost in.

I'm blushing so hard right now, but so is she. I wonder whose face is redder. It doesn't matter. I've missed those embarrassed cheeks of hers. I took them for granted back in middle school. Why did it take me this long to finally see them so up close?

I'm an idiot...

Bailey turns back to the menu. "Um, uh, my dad makes the noodles himself. They're really good but might be a bit spicy—"

"I'll have it!" I say, even though I can't stand spicy food.

"Coming right up." She walks into the kitchen.

I pour myself a glass of iced water and gulp it down. I go for another. My face crinkles in pain as I drop my forehead to the table from an intense brain freeze.

"Ow..." I groan, having banged my head a bit too hard.

I'm glad there are no other customers around to witness me going crazy. I lie as I am with my eyes closed, letting the cold table cool my burning face. I kind of wish this is a dream. I can't believe I'm actually here. But this is my chance. From what I can tell, neither Ethan nor Emma seems to be around. It's only me and her for once.

I hear footsteps approaching and lift my head. Right when I expect to see Bailey, I'm met by her mom instead. She is quite beautiful herself. Bailey really takes after her.

"Hello," I say, smiling.

Her mom's eyes glisten as she gives me my bowl of noodles and some side dishes. "Oh, my. What a handsome boy!"

"Thank you." I laugh graciously. I hope this counts as earning some family points. I'm going to beat Ethan no matter what!

"Did you come alone?" she asks.

Time to nab some honesty points, too. "Yes, but I came to see Bailey. I'm a friend of hers from middle school."

"Bailey's boyfriend!" She's gleaming.

I only continue to laugh because I don't want to correct her. It shouldn't count as lying if I haven't said anything.

"Mom!" Bailey shouts from the kitchen entryway. Her face is quite pale now. "He...He's not my boyfriend."