Jacob wasn't entirely sure what had compelled him to accept Mira's invitation to dinner with her and her sister, Milah. Yet here he was, standing in front of Bobby's BBQ. The savory scent of meat roasting over open flames hit him like a wave, making his stomach growl audibly. It was as though the smell alone was tempting him to forget his reservations about this outing.
Bobby's BBQ was the kind of place that leaned heavily on rustic charm. More than 70 percent of the structure was constructed from wood, giving the restaurant an old-school, cabin-like feel that stood out amidst the more modern establishments in Sparrow City. The dark, polished planks that made up its walls and floors gave the place a cozy, almost homey vibe. However, the kitchen—tucked safely out of sight—was clearly modernized, as evidenced by the efficiency with which orders seemed to be flying out.
The entrance itself was modest yet welcoming, featuring a staircase with eight wide, sturdy wooden steps. As Jacob ascended, he could already hear the murmur of conversations and the clinking of cutlery from within. Despite being outside, he could see straight into the dining area, which wasn't enclosed by walls. Instead, the restaurant was designed with an open-air concept that allowed diners to enjoy the breeze and the view of the surrounding park while they ate. From every table, guests had a clear view of the bustling streetlights or the calming greenery of the nearby trees.
The tables themselves were a mix of small, intimate setups and larger communal arrangements. The chairs were simple but sturdy, and the entire space gave off an inviting, casual vibe. Dim hanging lights illuminated the area with a warm, yellow glow, adding to the rustic atmosphere. Jacob couldn't help but notice how the smell of grilled meat blended with the occasional waft of barbecue sauce, creating an aroma that was impossible to ignore.
As he took another step toward the entrance, he glanced around, realizing that most of the tables were already filled with people of all ages. Some groups were boisterous and laughing, clearly enjoying themselves, while others ate quietly, engrossed in their food or deep in conversation. It was a lively but not overwhelming scene—somehow, the noise felt like a natural part of the atmosphere rather than a disruption.
Jacob let out a small sigh, steadying himself. It's just dinner, he reminded himself, stepping fully onto the wooden deck. He had faced more daunting tasks before… but for some reason, this one felt unnervingly significant.
"Jacob!"
A cheerful voice called out, and Jacob's head snapped toward the direction. There she was—Mira—waving at him enthusiastically while sitting on one of the wooden chairs. Her face was bright, radiant even, and her smile seemed to light up the entire section of the restaurant.
Jacob raised a hand in response, offering a small wave back as he began walking toward her. That's when he noticed the other person sitting at the same table—a woman with a calm, composed demeanor and a presence that exuded maturity. She bore an undeniable resemblance to Mira, yet there was a distinct difference in how she carried herself. While Mira radiated youthful charm, this other woman gave off an aura of sophistication mixed with something playful and unpredictable.
The woman's eyes sparkled as they met Jacob's, and he immediately got the feeling that she was the kind of person who could see right through him. It didn't take long for him to piece it together—this was Mira's older sister, Milah.
As Jacob reached their table, he mustered up his best smile and greeted them. "Hello, good evening. I'm truly honored to have dinner with two such beautiful ladies."
The words flowed out smoothly, but inside, Jacob was anything but calm. He had practiced this line over and over before arriving, and the relief that he hadn't stumbled or stuttered was immense.
Milah's lips curled upward into a sly smile as she tilted her head slightly. "Come, sit down. Mira's been worried you might not show up."
"Milah!" Mira's face turned as red as a ripe tomato as she shot her sister a flustered look. She quickly looked away, avoiding Jacob's gaze entirely.
"Really? Haha." Jacob chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. He pulled out the chair across from them and sat down. As he settled in, his eyes couldn't help but dart between the two sisters, now that he could see them both clearly.
It was undeniable—both of them were stunning. Sitting together, they looked like two radiant goddesses, but they each had their unique appeal.
Milah, the elder sister, had shorter hair that framed her face elegantly, and a small mole just below her right eye that accentuated her mature charm. Her lips were painted with bold red lipstick, enhancing her confident aura, and her figure was noticeably more voluptuous than her younger sister's. Everything about her—from her posture to her subtle smirk—spoke of a woman who knew exactly how to command attention.
Mira, on the other hand, exuded a different kind of beauty. There was a graceful elegance to her, combined with a hint of aloofness that hinted at her past demeanor. Her brown eyes carried a sense of innocence that made her seem more approachable despite her poised exterior. While she didn't share her sister's fuller curves, her athletic build and toned frame gave her a unique appeal of her own.
As Jacob's gaze flickered back and forth, taking in the differences between the two, he suddenly realized that Milah was watching him intently, an amused gleam in her eye. His face instantly flushed with heat, and he quickly dropped his gaze to the table, his heart pounding. Oh no, she caught me staring! I must've made a terrible impression already.
"You're a bold one, aren't you?" Milah's mischievous smile widened as she rested her chin on her hand, her eyes practically sparkling with amusement.
"Erm, I-I don't really know what you're talking about," Jacob stammered, his focus now glued to the wooden table as though it were the most fascinating thing he had ever seen.
"Come on, sis, don't tease him so much," Mira said, her lips forming a small pout. Though she tried to sound stern, her own embarrassment was evident in the faint pink tint on her cheeks.
"Sorry, sorry," Milah laughed, her melodic voice effortlessly drawing attention. "I just can't help it. Your friend here is such a cute little rabbit."
Jacob froze. A rabbit? Why specifically a rabbit? Why did that comparison make him feel so… vulnerable? His palms began to sweat, and for a split second, he regretted every decision that had led him to this moment. Oh no. I shouldn't have accepted this mission. I'm way out of my depth.
Mira quickly tried to diffuse the situation. "J-Jacob, don't mind my sister. She's always joking around like that."
"Y-yeah, I can see that," Jacob muttered, forcing himself to glance up slightly. As his gaze landed on the two sisters once more, he couldn't help but feel like he was in the middle of some unspoken battle he didn't fully understand.
"So, you're Mira's old classmate in high school and college, huh?" Milah's sharp eyes fixed on Jacob, her chin propped on both hands as if she were interrogating him.
"That's right," Jacob said with a nervous nod. "I actually saw you a few times back then."
"Is that so?" Milah's lips curved into a teasing smile. "How disappointing that I didn't know there was such a cute little rabbit hanging around back then."
"Please stop it, Sis." Mira puffed her cheeks in protest, her embarrassment reaching new heights. This was not how she'd envisioned tonight going. Inviting Jacob to dinner was supposed to be a nice gesture, but Milah's relentless teasing was turning it into a trial by fire.
"Hahaha," Jacob laughed stiffly, not sure whether Milah was joking or just enjoying making him squirm. Just go with the flow, he told himself. Still, he couldn't help but think how mismatched he was for this kind of interaction. Daring older women like Milah were way out of his comfort zone. How does Mason even like her? That guy must have a serious thing for onee-sans.
Suddenly, Jacob stood up, plastering on his best excuse. "Uh, excuse me for a bit. I need to go to the toilet."
"Take your time," Mira said with a relieved nod, clearly grateful for the brief reprieve.
As Jacob walked away, Mira rounded on her sister with an indignant pout. "Why do you have to tease him so much?"
Milah chuckled, reclining slightly in her chair as if she hadn't just caused chaos. "I just wanted to test him out. You know, see what he's made of."
"Test him out?" Mira's frown deepened.
"Besides," Milah continued with a sly grin, "it's a rare occasion that my little sister actually has feelings for someone. I mean, who knows? This might not happen again."
"Wh-w-what are you talking about?" Mira stammered, her face flushing so deeply that it matched the reddish hue of her hair. She quickly buried her face in her hands. "T-t-that's ridiculous!"
Milah raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. "What's with that reaction?"
"Just shut up!" Mira groaned, still hiding her face, her embarrassment making her want to sink into the floor and disappear entirely.