Down at the dining, everything was already laid out. The dishes,cutlery,napkins, glass cups and table cloth all clean with sparkles. One could hardly find a 'spot' on them. The atmosphere was like that of a fancy restaurant. The food smelled exquisitely yummy though it was uncovered, the aroma traveled could travel through your nostrils and this made Janta feel satisfied. He performed the role of a waiter as he dressed in a uniform and an apron to add to it which he borrowed from a thrift store. Actually,he ran with the speed of light to get it. He wanted to give a good impression on the ladies.
"Jeremy, when did you get all these done?" Nikita asked coming out through the door which led to her room and her sister followed quietly behind her.
"That is one of my abilities", he responded stroking his hair which he styled to look like an Asian model particularly Korean.
" Please, do have your seats, ladies" He pointed at the chairs as they approached the table.
Nikita smiled while Eleanor stared suspiciously at the young man which her sister claimed not to be her boyfriend. She didn't believe her sister's words. Something is off about this guy, she thought.
"Eleanor, let's eat" Nikita said interrupting her thoughts. She responded with a nod. Janta uncovered the dishes as if he was a magician revealing something big.
"Ah!..my favorite" Eleanor squealed. She was totally happy and surprised too. Immediately, she dug her hand into the variety of food placed in front of her. "Slow down" Nikita said with a smile when she saw Eleanor was rushing the food. As she and Nikita were eating, Eleanor noticed Jeremy wasn't eating with them raising her suspicions. He just stood there like a statue; not blinking, not shaking. This guy is weird. She thought yet again.
"Sir!' Eleanor called out, making Nikita shiver a little. She forgot Janta's existence because they were the only ones at the table. She felt bad at that point. He helped her to prepare these dishes or more like he was the assistant. But she couldn't have peace seeing him standing like that.
" Sir" Eleanor called again.
"Oh, it:s me you were calling" Janta responded
"It's not like you're a girl or do you wish too..?" Eleanor asked with arched eyebrows.
"Sorry miss. Any problem with the food?" He asked.
" No. The food is quite delicoso. I have a problem with..." Eleanor hesitated to say the word.
"Go on" Janta said seeing she was hesitant.
"I have a problem with you"
"Eleanor!" Nikita bursted in
"Nikki, to be honest. He's just standing there like a robot. I'm uncomfortable" She then gave out a sigh like it was something that burdened her for a very long time.
"It's okay, I'll go inside. Call me when you need anything" Janta responded not too angry at the situation. He was at fault so there was no need to take it personally.
"Wait. Please join us"
Nikita said with a broad smile.
"Really?" He asked turning to affirm what he heard.
"Sure"
"Miss Eleanor, do you mind?"
"I don't have a choice" Eleanor responded clearly uninterested.
Dinner went on quietly. No one spoke. The only sound that could be heard was the sound of beating plates and the mouth chewing (ASMR!!). Janta tried as much to avoid eye contact but when he decided to raise his face, his eye met Nikita's. Luckily, She blushed only a little shade of pink while Janta smiled innocently thinking about how to make the moment not awkward. Eleanor saw this and gazed at them but they didn't take note. Somehow Janta enjoyed the moment then out of nowhere ,he caught Eleanor staring at him like she was about to kick his butt.
"You guys really enjoy flirting at the dining table huh" Eleanor said bluntly.
Nikita was speechless at first then she said, "Umm..actually" Nikita stammered trying to find the right word. How was she going to tell her sister that he's a stranger she met a day ago?
"Excuse us for a minute" Janta blurted. Nikita looked at him confused for a minute. He gave her 'the eye' and then she said, "Oh...one minute sis"
With that, they hurriedly went to the kitchen. Before Janta closed the door, he looked around to confirm Eleanor wasn't anywhere close. He knew she was suspecting something.
"Jeremy...what do I do? Nikita asked freaked out and worried too.
" Don't tell her how we met, who knows she might call the police and then take you to the hospital".
"Are you saying...?"
"No...no..it's a possibility"
"Then we have to make something up" Nikita added rubbing her chin, she was anxious.
"Yeah something believable... Aha!" Janta exclaimed though he rid really have a good feeling about it. He then remembered what his dad told him; "Sooner or later son, you might end her boyfriend real or fake" His dad sure watches a lot of soap operas.
"Common.. tell me" Nikita impatiently said. Her hands were sweaty.
"We're buddies!"
"What?"
"Friends. We just became friends. Some months ago"
"Really?"
"Ok..what do you have in mind?"
"I'll tell her the truth" She said as approached the door knob.
"No..not yet. I mean I don't want..." Janta said his hands on top of hers as she tried to open the door. "Please be a considerate boss... Just follow my lead" he continued looking at her with cute puppy eyes.
"Fine..Don't say anything ridiculous"
"I won't"
They were now smiling and Eleanor wonder what was their problem. She couldn't figure anything sensible from her suspicions.
"Sis..you wanted to say something"
"Urgh..she wanted to but she's shy" Janta said
Nikita gave him a funny look but he shrugged.
"Actually Miss Eleanor. I'm her boyfriend"