03

The one I picked out for the place where we will eat our lunch according to my preference, is a family restaurant across the street. Once you entered the restaurant, you will be welcomed by waitresses that are dressed in maid costumes. 

The background music is that of a lively tune. It makes every child sing happily and make a positive vibe inside the restaurant. Despite the simplicity and vibrant atmosphere, we can still infer that the restaurant itself is of high value because of its interior and exteriors. 

We occupied the table for two which is located just beside the glass window. One of the waitresses then approached our table to ask for our orders as they gave out the menu.

I ordered some chicken glazed with honey and garlic sauce. On the other hand, Sky, the man who offered himself to treat me for my help twice, ordered a sweet and spicy chicken. Both meals are served with rice and lemon iced tea.

The waitress confirmed our orders once more before leaving to hand over the list to the kitchen. She told us to wait for our orders for fifteen to twenty minutes which we did.

While we were waiting for our lunch to be served at our table, I took this opportunity to get to know the man or at least, know the basics about him. Since he will be treating me to lunch and all.

This is also the second time we come across one another so I guess there are some fated encounters between the two of us. I looked at Sky who was seated in front of me across the table. He must have felt that I am eyeing him and that was the reason why he looked at me.

"Hmm?" He gave me a questioning look and I swallowed the lump that was forming in my throat before gathering the courage to start a conversation with him.

"Why did you even forget your order earlier? Perhaps there was an emergency on the place you work at?" I inquired. He seems to be in a hurry earlier when he left the coffee shop. Too preoccupied to even remember about taking his orders.

"Oh ... Actually, I was about to go back to the company I work at." He answered which made me

surprised. "Then, it must be really important. You don't really have to bother and treat me right now because of my help last time-" 

The idea of having him treat me to a meal despite him having important and more pressing matters to attend to is just plain rude for me. I do not want to bother him and his busy schedule,

so I guess I should have refused his offer after all.

Maybe he noticed my guilty conscience but he gave me a reassuring smile. "It's fine. The matter was resolved already so I don't have to get back there during my break time." 

I was honestly relieved when he said that. Actually, if he didn't offer to treat me to a meal for lunch, I might have just bought myself some sandwiches to save as much money as I can when I cut back the cost for my meals.

I also forgot my wallet in the coffee shop so I will need to get back there after giving him his orders if ever. But he was just right in time when he made that proposal, thus making it hard for me to possibly refuse his goodwill.

We talked about trivial kinds of stuff while we wait for our meals to be served. Minutes later, the waitress that entertained us earlier approached our table with a tray in her hands. There were plates on the tray and on it was our supposed meal.

Despite the food being pricey, it still served the customers justice because of its size and taste. It was really delicious for someone like me who came from F City, as it is also my first time to taste something as splendid as this. 

The chicken was juicy and savory because of the sauce that was used over it. The rice was soft and chewy in every bite I make. When the two of them are combined, the flavor that will embrace your tongue is nothing but a luxurious taste.

As I was enjoying my meal, I almost forgot that I am here in this city not to please my palate but to earn tons of money. I immediately snapped back to reality and looked around my surroundings. 

It was hard for me to eat since I should at the very least mind my table manners while eating. This is the least I can do for someone who offered me a meal. I should never do something that might embarrass him in public.

I ate in a bit of a hurry when I noticed the time on his watch. We were only given a thirty-minute break and I only have three minutes before the time for our lunch break is up. I gulped down the lemon iced tea, not minding the flavor of it.

I quickly bid Sky goodbye since I already have to leave. He didn't even get the chance to bid me bye as well. I left him on the table hanging as I run all the way back to the coffee shop.

I slowed down my pace when I was just a few steps away from the shop. I also calmed my breathing since my heart is also beating rapidly. Now that I paused in my tracks, I just thought of

something.

Have I introduced myself to Sir Sky who treated me to a free meal for lunch? I tried to remember our conversation earlier, as well as the one we had yesterday. But as far as I know, there was no occurrence where I told him my name. Not even my given name.

Maybe next time. If there's indeed the next time. I'll confidently tell him what my name is-- Solenn. If we met again for the third time, I might as well tell him. Since that only proves that we have a fateful encounter with each other, and our encounters were not simply a mere coincidence.