KFC's golden arches beckoned as Abbegale and Chinny pushed open the doors, the aroma of fried chicken and fries a symphony to their appetites. But before they could scan the menu, Yepmi's vibrant green top and Gio's familiar black hoodie caught their eyes.
"Gio? You here too?" Abbegale's voice surprised even herself, a touch higher than usual.
Gio's lips curved into a smile. "Well," he drawled, "Yepmi wouldn't take no for an answer. Apparently, my mom preferred me being out here 'socializing' rather than 'hooking up in the house.'"
"Oh, right," Abbegale said, introducing them. "Chinny, this is Gio. Gio, this is my awesomely sassy little sister."
Chinny, a whirlwind of precocious energy, met Gio's gaze with a knowing smile. "So, you're Gio? I can see why my sister…"
"Chinny!" Abbegale hissed, cutting her off before she could spill any embarrassing secrets. "He's already heard enough about your big sister."
Chinny, momentarily subdued, mumbled her order and scurried off to the counter. Abbegale turned to Gio, a nervous tremor in her voice. "Sorry about my little sister. She's, uh, quite the character."
Gio chuckled, a warm sound that sent shivers down her spine. "It's nothing," he said, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. "She seems like a handful, but in the best way."."
Abbegale felt a warmth spread through her, a welcome contrast to the nervous flutter in her stomach. She noticed Yepmi's pointed glances, her eyebrows raised in silent question. Abbegale, sensing the unspoken inquiry, shot her a reassuring look, a silent promise to spill the "tea" later.
The arrival of their friends, a boisterous group of laughter and greetings, shattered the quiet tension. Introductions were made, orders were placed, and the tables buzzed with the infectious energy of youth. Nathan, with his usual wit, quipped about how they all knew Gio's name "from Abbegale's constant mentions." Abbegale blushed, burying her face in her hands as the others erupted in laughter.
But as the laughter died down and the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the restaurant, Abbegale knew it was time to move on to the next stage of their night. Karaoke, the ultimate equalizer, awaited.
With a shared sense of anticipation, they piled into Nathan's car, the city lights blurring into a kaleidoscope of neon and chrome. Tonight, they weren't just friends, they were performers, ready to take the stage and let their voices soar. And Abbegale, with Gio's name lingering on her lips like a sweet melody, knew this was just the beginning of their own song, a son
g waiting to be written, one verse at a time.