Bentlee noticed how the attendant's display was directed in just one direction, towards Zeke.
Bentlee was ready to fall, roll on the floor and cry because it was too embarrassing to watch.
She swore that if she heard "oppa" she'd break down and cry for real.
Catherine kept up with her aegyo act, trying desperately to look like a helpless and adorable girl that needed to be "protected".
Bentlee gagged inwardly, severally.
She wondered if Zeke noticed what was going on before them.
Zeke's POV
Confusion, happiness, inquisitiveness, all her expressions were refreshing to watch.
She semi-rolled her eyes alot, and I almost laughed.
"S-so would you like to purchase anything?" A soft spoken voice said.
That voice, it annoyed him because of how it distracted him from his thoughts on Bentlee.
"Hm?" I replied in a grumpy tone.
"Would you like to purchase any item?" Catherine answered.
"I don't" I replied without hesitation.
I looked to Bentlee and asked, "do you?"
"Nope" she said and spun on her heel.
"We're not getting anything", I said to the attendant.
"Oh" I could hear the disappointment in her voice.
"Can we have a look around? Maybe we'll change our minds" Bentlee added after some seconds.
"Mhmm" the attendant nodded, in a childlike manner.
We walked around the store, looking at different items on the walls and shelves. It was an art store, an extravagant one at that.
I stared at her, her lips were moving but I wasn't listening. A bad habit I had sometimes.
She would be the perfect muse for any artist, I thought clearly.
"Are you even listening?" She asked with a frown.
"No, not really" I replied without thinking.
Her eyes widened then returned back to normal.
"Oh yeah? Fine then" she said and went mute.
We walked around more, staring at everything and instead of airing out her opinions on any of them, she didn't say a word.
"Maybe we should check out other stores?" I asked in a low tone.
She only nodded and started walking towards the door that had "Exit" written boldly in red.
Again, I had to catch up with her.
Remembering that we ate ice cream a long time ago, I asked, "you hungry?"
There was no response.
Arghhhh she was so frustrating!
So I concluded, "you're hungry".
I, while holding her arm, led us to a fast food store.
LINGA....
.........
The food place Zeke took Bentlee to looked good. As they made their way in, customers exited, looking satisfied and happy.
The floors were different from the one in the mall, unlike the first store.
It was ash and white, a beautiful blend.
The vibe of the place was cozy and perfect for food digestion.
Still being annoyed, Bentlee found an empty table and sat silently.
Zeke sighed the longest he'd ever sighed before.
"What did I do?" He asked her, ready to hear what she'd say.
She blinked at him, her expression, clueless.
"Seriously? Just talk" he was tired.
"Nothing" she replied.
A lady dressed in a black and white dress approached the table they sat on.
Her brown hair was tied back, sleek and braided. The smile on her face expressed her thoughts even without speaking.
She looked happy to see them, even though she didn't know them.
"You're welcome to Linga, what would you like to order?" She asked, her tone pleasant and sweet.
Bentlee smiled at her and began to place her order.
Meanwhile, Zeke was trying to figure out why Bentlee was acting like a child.
He wore his thinking face unknowingly, surprising the waitress.
"Is it that hard to make a decision?" The waitress thought inwardly.
"Earth to Zeke" Bentlee said, bringing him back to what was happening.
"Oh uhhh..... Beef Shawarma and a pepsi" he said simply.
The waitress nodded at the handsome man, scribbling on her notepad.
"I'll be right back" she smiled again and left.
...... silence......
"Is it what I said?" He asked, figuring out what he did that was so wrong.
"What did you say?" She looked at him, her expression, clueless, again.
"When I said I wasn't listening to what you were saying" he answered.
"Oh that......." She didn't deny or accept it.
"Sorry about that. I just had....... Some..... things on my mind at that moment" he apologized, an invisible sweat running down his forehead because he knew the "things" were her.
"It's all good" she replied.
Not knowing what to say anymore, they sat in silence, waiting for the waitress to bring what they ordered.
Unknown to Zeke, Bentlee ordered the shawarma as well, but hers was chicken.
After waiting for what felt like am eternity, the waitress returned with the beef and chicken shawarma.
Without waiting for him, Bentlee took a large bite of her meal, chewed a few times, then moaned.
"Is it that good?" He asked about to bite his.
"Mhmmmm..." She replied while chewing.
Taking a bite of his, Zeke understood why she moaned.
Damn, it tasted good.
They ate in semi silence, as the sounds of their chewing and moaning filled their space.
There was an unsaid agreement to be quiet and enjoy the meal.
Taking his last bite, Zeke looked up to find that Bentlee was only halfway done.
"Didn't you start before me?" He laughed, his perfect smile, blinding her.
"Guys have a larger appetite and eat way faster. Don't rush me" she said rolling her eyes.
"My bad ..... I'll wait...... Princess" he added.
Her sharp look made him burst out laughing.
"Sorry, I'll be quiet" he Chuckled more before stopping.
He was glad he finished before her. It gave him more time to stare at her. The way she ate and savoured the taste too.
He noticed how she closed her eyes when she wanted to enjoy the food more.
Why was he staring? He didn't know, but he knew he enjoyed doing it. Watching her.