Love Stories Over A Cup Of Coffee

Sixteen: Crush

"P'Kao, uncle called earlier, he said he wanted us to join them in their annual golf tournament. I know you don't want to go but this is a good opportunity. After all, he also said he needed to talk to us." Earth said as he enters the doctors' quarters.

Everyone in the room looked at him. Our professors are there, and so are my batchmates, our seniors and our juniors. We are supposed to have a conference but the air condition in the conference room was broken so the professors decided to have an informal meeting first in our quarters, and have the actual conference later this week.

Meanwhile, Earth entered the room without glancing. He is focused on his phone, typing.

"Also Phi, it's already dinner time, would you like an OhmFluke dinner, Manager dinner, P'Apple dinner, or Earth dinner?" He said, still focused on his phone. I'm pretty sure he is scrolling to look for food to be delivered.

He almost dropped his phone when he realized that I am not tbe only person in the room. Usually, during this hour, it is indeed only me who is in the quarters. Earth got used to it already.

"Ahem." Began one of the professors. "So, this is the Earth that everyone is talking about." He said as he smiled at Earth. Earth smiled back, it was an awkward smile.

"I'm sorry professor if I disturbed you. I'll just return later-"

"No, it's okay. After all, we are done with the meeting." Said another professor.

"It's good to see you again, Earth." Said one of Earth's former professors.

"Aww, prof, it's good to see you as well." Earth said shyly.

"Since you've asked about dinner, why don't we get the Earth dinner?" Suggested his former professor.

"Is, is this really the Earth dinner?" The professors asked in unison when the food arrived.

It's a seafood platter. There's grilled shrimp, oyster, sashimis, grilled fish, crabs, and seaweeds. There's also steamed rice, and fresh coconut juice.

Everyone looked at Earth. He just smiled back.

"Is this the usual Earth dinner?" A professor is looking at me.

"Ummm, well, this is the first time that we order Earth dinner, professor." I explained.

"So...what do you usually order?" Another professor asked, this time asking Earth.

"P'Kao always pick OhmFluke dinner, professor." Earth asnwered.

"Which is?" The professor asked again.

"Just combo meal. A meat dish, a vegetable dish, and steamed rice." Earth explained.

Silence. The people in the room still can't believe how grandiose the Earth dinner is. Even I was shocked but not really surprised. I know that it will be extra, more extravagant than the others.

"Maybe, we can start eating now? I know all of you are busy people?" Earth said to break the silence.

When the professors started digging in, the rest followed.

"P'Kao, do this for me." Earth said as he hands me a crab. Earth never learned how to eat crabs without my help. It's always me getting all the meat for him.

"When will you learn how to eat crabs on your own?" I asked him.

"Ummm, never!!! Because you will always be there for me, right?" He said with a big smile.

He's like a child. Sometimes I'm thinking if he is my friend, or my son who I take care of.

"So, are you really sure you want to marry him?" The guy seated on the left side asked me. He is the son of one of my father's business partners.