Chapter 10 | Crinkles

“Are you sure you’re only getting mixed greens salad for your lunch?” Seulgi asked Irene while handing her card to the cashier. If she were to compare, Irene’s order was only occupying one-eighth of the tray of their orders combined.

“That’s all I’m having. Thank you.” Irene took the plastic cutlery because she didn’t think she could carry the tray by herself. Besides, this is the only thing she could do since Seulgi was paying.

It didn’t take them long to find a vacant table. By this time, Seulgi was already used to the looks other people give them. She simply didn’t want to be stressed with things she cannot control. Most especially when the result of Joy and Wendy’s closeness is evident. This, putting up with fake relationship doesn’t equate to stressing over at all.

“Irene,” Seulgi called the lady in front of her, who was looking less excited eating grass. “You really don’t eat with anyone else, huh?” She asked. The Salisbury steak with rice, extra rice, ten crinkles, and a cup of iced tea were really too much compared to Irene’s mixed greens salad and a bottle of water.

“I don’t eat here at the cafeteria. I usually would just order takeaway food and eat it while I review.” Irene replied while taking the food from the tray.

Seulgi hates eating alone. When she decided not to go with Wendy and Joy, she really didn’t know what to do. It might be embarrassing to admit, but eating with Irene would be a good resolve. “I can’t eat alone.” She said before taking a spoonful of her food.

“Why?” Irene almost ate half of her salad, but she was still hungry.

“It’s just boring to eat alone. It’s like I don’t have an appetite when I’m eating by myself.” Seulgi reasoned after drinking from her cup.

“So you have an appetite because you’re eating with someone pretty?” Irene seemed unimpressed with the food that she ate. She cannot do anything about it since it’s part of her diet.

Seulgi shrugged playfully. She was already putting the extra rice on her plate. “When I was young, I would always eat alone. My parents were never home because they work until late at night. That’s the reason why I don’t want to feel that ty anymore. That I’ll even ask strangers from a skeptic alley to eat with me just so I don’t eat by myself.”

Irene never thought Seulgi would open up to her like this. The Seulgi she knew, was very sarcastic and too playful when it comes to everything, would talk to her this seriously. More and more lately, she is seeing how different her fake-girlfriend is. She never would have expected what Seulgi is hiding behind that façade. “When you’re by yourself, just let me know. I’ll eat with you.”

“Oh, promise me that!” Seulgi continued to eat as jolly as she can be.

“I’d only promise that if you’re paying all the time.” Irene playfully said and they both laughed.

“Excuse me.” A guy suddenly popped in the middle of their conversation.

Irene’s eyes rolled in annoyance. Can’t the guy see that she and Seulgi were having fun with their friendly discussion? All she thought was she would be at peace that everybody in the campus knows she and Seulgi are a thing. “If you’re trying to get my number, just get lost!” She dissed the guy.

“I’m not really trying to hit on you by any chance.” The guy said calmly. Instead, he turned his head towards Seulgi. “You’re Seulgi Isabelle Kang, right?”

Seulgi just nodded after she finished the last of her food.