It wasn't long before they arrived at their dining destination. Jack glanced up at the sign above the entrance. It read "Noodle Palace," a modest shop nestled between larger establishments on a busy street. The smell of fresh broth and noodles wafted out, and despite the heat of the day, Jack's stomach grumbled.
"Noodles, huh?" Jack muttered.
Lena ran ahead.
Jack and Samantha exchanged glances and followed Lena inside. The small shop was cozy and smelled delicious. As they took their seats, Lena waved at the waiter, ordering confidently without even glancing at the menu.
"What are you getting?" Jack asked, but Lena only smiled.
"You'll see," she said with a glint of mischief in her eyes. Samantha raised an eyebrow but didn't press further.
A few minutes later, their food arrived. But instead of regular bowls of noodles, a massive, steaming bowl was placed in front of them. Jack's jaw dropped at the sight. The bowl was enormous, easily big enough for three people. Lena grinned widely as she picked up her chopsticks.
"Wait a minute," Samantha said, eyes widening. "You ordered this?"
Lena laughed. "Yup! It's their famous giant noodle bowl. The challenge is if we finish it, the meal is free!"
Jack blinked. "And if we don't?"
Lena shrugged. "Well, we'll just have to pay for it. No big deal."
Samantha sighed, shaking her head, while Jack stared at the mountain of noodles in front of him. "You could've warned us," he muttered.
But Lena was already digging in, clearly undaunted. Samantha started picking at the bowl as well, eating a reasonable portion before leaning back. "I can't eat any more," she said, setting her chopsticks down and looking at the still massive pile of noodles left. "I'll just take whatever's left home."
Jack nodded, planning to do the same. He was about to stop eating when Lena shot him a playful look. "What's the matter, Jack? Can't handle it?"
He frowned. "I could eat it if I wanted to."
Lena smirked, leaning forward. "Oh yeah? Prove it."
Jack narrowed his eyes. "Fine. Watch me." He picked up his chopsticks again, determination flickering in his eyes as he started to devour the noodles.
Samantha watched this with growing concern. It wasn't long before Jack's pace slowed, his face flushed as he struggled to continue eating.
"You don't have to do this, you know," Samantha said softly, placing a hand on his arm. "It's just a game, Jack. You don't need to play along."
Jack paused, chopsticks in hand, glancing at Samantha. His stomach was already starting to protest, and he knew he was close to his limit. With a sigh, he put the chopsticks down. "Yeah, you're right. This was a bad idea."
Lena pouted, leaning back in her chair. "You always let him off easy, Sam. You're no fun," she teased.
Samantha crossed her arms, smiling softly. "He doesn't need to prove anything. I just don't want him getting sick. Not everyone has bottomless stomach like you."
Lena pouted, then she thought something and asked, "You take care of him a lot, don't you? What, do you love him or something?"
Samantha's face turned bright red at the suggestion, but she quickly shook her head. "What? No, it's not like that."
Lena wasn't done, though. "Oh, come on. You've been looking out for him ever since we met. Like when he was going to auction of stones, you told him to use his boss's money instead. Or that time at when he brought food from National Res. You were relieved he didn't spend his own money. And don't forget when he won all that money and was about to give a party—you stopped him, saying it was better to save it. Plus," Lena added with a sly grin, "you refused to help me with that prank we were planning. You've been mothering him ever since."
Samantha blushed even harder, and Jack frowned, clearly curious. "What prank?" he asked, looking between the two women.
Lena laughed. "Oh, just something fun. But Sam wouldn't let me do it."
Samantha cleared her throat, shaking her head. "It wasn't worth it. Anyway, I don't have any special feeling. Lena."
Jack, who had been quietly observing the exchange, felt a small pang of disappointment. He had always admired Samantha, and for a brief moment, he thought maybe there was something more between them. But hearing her deny it so quickly stung a bit.
"Really?" he asked, looking at Samantha closely.
Her cheeks were still flushed, but she met his gaze with a calm expression. "Jack, you saved me once, remember? That time when those thieves tried to steal my purse? I'm just grateful, that's all. You've always been a good friend."
Jack leaned back in his seat, trying not to let his disappointment show. "I see," he said quietly, reaching for his glass of water.
Lena, sensing the shift in mood, bit her lip. "Hey, don't look so down, Jack. I was just messing around."
"I thought I might got girlfriend and would leave my single life behind,"
"Don't think much and focus on your career," Samantha told him.
Jack laughed and agreed. They finished their meal in as they talked about what Jack should do get girlfriend.
After all, he would be going college soon, there is lot of chances to get girlfriend.
After settling the bill, the trio stepped out of the restaurant, the cool evening air a welcome relief after the heat of the meal. Jack stretched, feeling much better after the satisfying feast, but just as they were about to leave, they were stopped at the door.