Project: Socialize (Chapters 1-197)

16. Dinner after Movie

After the movie was over and the three of us left the movie theater, I followed behind Loyd as he led us through the streets of Nocsinis. The ambient noise of the busy streets provided a stark contrast with our leisurely stroll. The stream of pedestrians rushed towards the train stations due to the start of rush hour. They walked at a fast pace as they tried to make it to the station on time to catch their daily commute train home. 

"This place seems kinda nice," Loyd said to us as we approached a restaurant.

I looked in through the wide windows and into the restaurant. This place appeared quite modern and clean, similar to the other restaurants of Palisia. It would also appear that this place was quite popular with students as evidence by the numerous tables occupied by people around my age dressed in different high school uniforms.

"This place is ranked quite high online," Loyd explained to us.

The three of us entered the restaurant, and were immediately greeted by a waitress in uniform.

"Welcome," the young waitress, probably a high school student who's working a part-time job here, said in an energetic voice. "How many?"

"Three," Loyd responded with a friendly smile, which elicited a faint blush on the waitress's face.

"Please follow me." The young waitress then led us over to a booth by the window, and we sat down in the arrangement of me sitting next to Loyd with Muria sitting opposite to us. "Please use the tablet to order." The waitress gestured with her hand at the tablet that was secured to the table by a white cable.

"Thanks." Loyd maintained the same friendly smile as he saw the waitress off. "So what do you wanna order?"

I reached out my hand towards Loyd, gesturing for him to hand me the tablet so that I could order. Loyd stared at my outreached hand for a second, and then he seemed to have noticed my intent. So he then placed the tablet in my hand.

I took the tablet and began looking over the menu. I first went to the drinks section, and placed an order for the recommended carbonated melon juice, which was 25 Vil. I then went to the entree section, and ordered a omelette that was 85 Vil. After finishing with my order, I held up the tablet with one hand towards both of them, waiting for either one of them to take the tablet from my hand to order.

"Go ahead," Loyd smiled as he gestured for Muria to go ahead and order.

Hearing Loyd's decision, I held the tablet up towards Muria, who accepted it. She began swiping through the menu, searching for food items that she would like. Then, when she's finished, she handed the tablet to Loyd, who quickly placed his order.

Not too long after, the waitress returned with a platter containing our drinks. Muria had ordered a milk tea and Loyd had asked for soda. Then, with our drinks on the table, came the segment of the day that I feared the most.

"So what'd you think of the movie?" Loyd was the first to break the silence. "I think it was sad, but I can understand the beauty behind it. It's about the harsh reality of how distance separates even the most intensive of love."

"It is quite sad," Muria said. "I admire the main character's dedication...How he waited for his first love for thirteen whole years..."

"What do you think?" Loyd looked over towards me as I looked out the window while sucking on the straw.

"Huh?" I wasn't prepared for the sudden interrogation so I tried to come up with something on the spot. "I like the art style."

"That's it?" Loyd appeared quite surprised. "What did you think of the story?"