Edison went to the restaurant nearby and ordered something for himself. He was surprised when someone sat in front of him. The lady wore a plain, black t-shirt, pink skater skirt, black pantyhose and pink wedges. She also had a ring on her finger. The girl smiled at her.

 

 

"Mind if I sit here?" Tiffany said like she was amused.

"Actually, I do." He sighed. "But you wouldn't leave me alone even if I told you so."

"Right!" She exclaimed and flashed him her sweetest smile. "I'll have the steak, well done. And pineapple juice." She said and gave the waiter a wink.

 

 

Edison couldn't help but roll his eyes. She noticed him do it and gave all of her attention to him.

 

 

"Did you miss me?" She said.

"Nope, not even one bit." He said and stared at her coldly.

"Oh, don't even try to lie to me."

"What do you want from me, Fany?" He finally snapped.

"What? I just came here to eat lunch!" She laughed. And it made him mad.

"I'll sit somewhere else. You can stay here." He said as he stood up and was about to walk away when he noticed that Tifanny stood up, as well.

"Tao, I'm sorry. Okay?" She said and held his hand.

"Don't bother apologizing to me, anymore. That was almost 3 years ago. I was young, naive..." He said and looked at her. "But it was an experience for me. If anything, I was thankful. So please, leave me alone."

 

 

He started to walk away and went to a different table. Tiffany was left there, still not believing what just happened. Tao just rejected and insulted her indirectly. So she just sat back down and waited for her order.

 

 

*

 

 

Victoria opened her phone and saw Kris' text for her.

 

Kris: Do you wanna eat lunch with me, babe?

 

Victoria couldn't help but smile. He never failed to ask her out casually like this, even though she always rejected him for lunch.

 

Victoria: You know my answer to that. I'm sorry, Kris.

 

 

She just sighed and left her bag in her locker. She only brought her phone and wallet with her. She went to a nearby restaurant and made herself comfortable in her usual spot. She waited patiently for the waiter to give her the menu.

"I'll have the steak, well done, and pineapple juice. And please bring me a chocolate mousse for dessert." She said and handed the waiter the menu and smiled at him.

 

 

She then checked her phone and saw another text from Kris.

 

Kris: Awww. Another rejection! Okay babe. Eat well. :)

 

 

She smiled. She knew he'd understand their situation. And when her order arrived, she felt like was being watched by someone. Like someone is staring at her, and it was making her feel uncomfortable. She looked around the restaurant and saw no one in particular was staring at her. So even though she felt uneasy, she started to eat.

 

 

When she was finished, she asked for the bill and when the bill arrived, she paid the exact amount. She headed back to the school so she can still prepare for another class. She took out her phone once more and saw a message from Kris, reminding her to not forget their dinner. She went to her last class of the day and smiled at the students warmly.

 

 

"Class, take one booklet and answer the activities. I'll give you an hour to finish the activities." She said and the students did what she asked them to do.

The room was so quiet for 20 minutes when a student went inside and looked around. "Your name, please."

The student went to her table. "Kang Seul-gi."

"Take one and answer the activities." Victoria said and checked her watch. "You only have 40 minutes left." And looked at her sternly.

"Thank you, ma'am." Seul-gi said and bowed.

 

It was quiet for another 30 minutes when she heard a ringing from a phone. She noticed Seul-gi panicking so she let out a sigh. "Please turn your cellular phone into silent mode, Ms. Kang."

"Sorry, ma'am." She said softly and turned off her phone.

 

 

The students were done 10 minutes before the allotted time, everyone except Seul-gi. And Victoria was still waiting for her. A few minutes later, Seul-gi stood up and came to her table, passing her booklet. Victoria took out her laptop and when Seul-gi saw how busy her teacher was going to be, she took the chance to grab her stuff and leave the room when she was suddenly stopped by the teacher's voice.

 

 

"Stay, Ms. Kang." Victoria said firmly, making her unable to leave the room. "According to my records, you already had 4 absences. 2 more and you'll drop this subject. Also, you're usually late."

"I'm sorry, ma'am." She said softly.

"Care to explain why?" Victoria sighed. She wants to understand her students well, so she must exert an effort.

"I.." The student took a deep breath and clutched her fingers together. "Sometimes, I take overtimes. I work at a fast food chain, ma'am." Her palms were sweating. And she was scared, maybe her teacher would fail her.

"I understand." Victoria said which made Seul-gi look at her with shock. "Since you're working, I'll let this slide."

 

 

Seul-gi smiled and bowed. She was amazed at how understanding her teacher is. And she's happy someone understood her just for once. When she went out of the room, she checked her phone to see who called her earlier. It was her boss. She received a message telling her to take an overtime for tonight. She couldn't say no.

 

 

Seul-gi was running towards the exit when a car bumped her slightly, causing her to fall. She felt the pain when she fell down. Luckily, she wasn't hurt that much. Her stuff were scattered and the first thing she did was clear the floor and took her stuff. She saw a shadow of a guy, and the guy helped her pick up her stuff. When it was all done, the guy extended his hand to her and she accepted.

 

 

"I'm really sorry, miss. Are you okay?" He asked, worried.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I need to go." Seul-gi said nervously. She really can't be in trouble!

"Wait, I'll take you to the clinic, first." The guy's words was firm.

"I'm sorry, I can't pay you for the damages." She said as she returned and stopped in front of the guy. "This is all I have left." And gave him the ring decorated with rubies in her ring finger. "Keep it. It might not be enough, but please don't chase after me." She said and ran away.

 

 

*

 

 

Victoria went home first, and changed her clothes. From the clothes she was wearing at school, she changed into a simple, black dress and wore black stilletoes. She also wore her silver necklace. She was more than ready for this dinner. She missed hanging out with Kris outside their unit.

 

 

When she arrived at the restaurant, she was directed by the waiter to the table reserved under Wu Yi Fan. She saw her boyfriend, smiling at her and stood up to welcome her. He kissed her cheek and they sat down.

 

 

"Let's order?" Kris invited.

"I'll have the garden salad for appetizer, beef lasagne for main course and chocolate mousse for dessert. And please bring me a glass of pineapple juice." She said and handed the menu.

"I'll have a creamy mushroom soup, beef lasagne and mango parfait. Also, please bring a pitcher of pineapple juice, instead." He said and gave the menu.

 

 

While they were waiting for their food to arrive, Kris nervously handed Victoria a black jewelry case. He even looked at her. And when she saw his hand, she became nervous. It will be a long night, for the both of them.

 

 

"Kris..." She let out a deep sigh. "My answer is still no."

Kris smiled. "I knew it." and took back the jewelry case. "I just tried my luck."

 

 

Before Victoria could answer, their order arrived. So the both of them ate quietly. It was awkward, but ti's better than lying to him. She loves him. It's true. But she wasn't ready for marriage. And she thinks Kris is still too young. And she doesn't really see her future with him. But she would never tell him that. Not yet. Not when she's still in love with him.