Aika and Hong Bo finally sat down at a table, each ordering what she preferred to eat.
The restaurant was nothing extraordinary.
The food was decent, the atmosphere quiet, and after everything Hong Bo had been through that morning, even an ordinary meal felt like a luxury.
They ordered what they wanted and settled into a comfortable silence.
Hong Bo leaned back in her chair.
She looked exhausted.
For a few seconds, she simply stared at the table.
Then, without thinking, she murmured,
"I'd kill for a glass of wine."
Aika looked up.
Surprise crossed her face.
Hong Bo immediately realized what she'd said.
"...I've had it before."
She paused.
"Once."
Aika's mouth twitched.
"You don't have to look so guilty."
Hong Bo raised an eyebrow.
Aika took a sip of water.
"We just can't say things like that when our parents are listening."
A small smile.
"So don't overthink it."
Hong Bo chuckled.
"Do you drink?"
"Sometimes."
Aika shrugged.
