Alice didn't understand the importance of staring into a person's eyes for a romantic reason or even for fun, but she did realize in a small time that gazing into another's eyes could tell a lot about a person and what they were going through, and their feelings that couldn't voice and put into words to be said out loud.
She would have to pull Noah aside later to ask what was up with him because she could see the sadness brimming underneath. It made her wonder if there was anything truly upsetting in life that didn't involve his grandfather, so maybe in the end, it was about the grandfather. She hoped that he was doing well and wasn't sick, but after that realization, it might be different than she wished.
It would be heartbreaking to hear since that man was the pillar of support for Noah for the longest time she could see. It might not be anything either, and she was just overthinking it. She wondered what her eyes were reflected like because, to be honest, her mind was totally elsewhere and blank during it.
Now, thinking about it, she must have looked stupid. Maybe a fish out of water. She sighed and knew that Noah had seen other various sides of her and didn't bother to point out her flaws. Alice didn't bother to say them either, because it wasn't her place to do so even if it were in joking matter. Words carry weight, and they can hurt.
Rita tapped the table to get both of their attention. "Noah won the staring contest!"
Alice groaned good-naturedly. "I was so close to winning."
"Not true at all," Noah said instead. "With her around, there are always competitions that I win."
"You're so annoying," she muttered before hitching a finger over her shoulder after they fixed their chairs to face the table again. "You all should be glad that you don't have to see his face every day, everyone."
Rita laughed. "I think everyone would have a different opinion than you, Alice."
She wrinkled her nose. "No way."
"Well, what did you two think about the staring contest?" Sharon asked. "Do you two feel closer?"
Alice lifted a shoulder. "It was interesting, but I don't think it made a difference."
Noah tapped his shoes over hers. "I personally thought that it was an insightful way to get to know a person."
"Did you learn anything new about her?" Rita asked.
"I learned that she has pent-up anger inside of her."
Alice turned to him in surprise. "What?"
She shook her head when she realized that he was just pulling her tail, and he laughed. "I'm kidding. I saw that she was as strong and unwavering as usual."
"That's sweet to hear," Daphne said. "It says here that eye contact with your significant other can improve communication and understanding as well as intimacy and passion. It is a good trick to try and often than not use for all the new couples out there to have a foundation in non-verbal communication."
Liam brought the microphone closer to him. "Shall we head onto the next topic?"
"Of course," Alice agreed.
"Have you thought about what your ideal type is?" Liam asked. "It is fitting for the wishlist matchmaking game you have for your carnival."
Alice hummed. "Well, I like someone who is kind."
Everyone's eyes were on her, and she awkwardly scratched her cheek. "Yes. I like someone sweet and thoughtful. I haven't thought a lot about it actually."
Sharon gasped. "I'm sure there are qualities that you think are attractive."
"Everyone has qualities that are attractive to different individuals. I guess, just someone who I feel comfortable with," Alice said. "Everyone has the capability to be someone's wish come true."
"That was well put," Daphne assured. "How about you, Noah?"
Alice tuned her ear closer to him to take in what he had to say without directly looking at him. Noah's smooth voice was stumbling as he tried to find the words. "I want someone who is pretty."
She mentally slapped her forehead at his most odd-timed answer despite her shoulders quaking from her silent laugh. The girls oohed at him while Liam chuckled. "That's your first quality?"
Noah shook his head in laughter. "No, no. I want someone who I click with firstmost. To be content with their presence without saying anything at all."
"That's a dream for most guys," Liam agreed. "Most would say that it gets boring over time. Would you say the same?"
"I highly disagree," Noah said. "Most people don't have a safe person that they could go to for comfort, and to have someone standing by your side always is a blessing in disguise for those who need it the most. For those you think it's boring, take her on a date for goodness sake."
The girls laughed, and Daphne clapped her hands in glee. "That's so true. Boys, please take your ladies out on dates."