Simon let out a long sigh. "Look at what you've done."
Ayisha rolled her eyes. "Well, it's not my fault the police gave you a ticket."
"Yes, it is," he shot back. "You told me to speed up."
She chuckled, clearly pleased. "Well, you listened."
Simon reached out and rubbed her cheek without warning.
"Hey!" Ayisha slapped his hand away.
"That's for tricking me."
"Tricking you?" she scoffed. "I just requested it. You chose to listen."
"Damn you, kid," he muttered, ruffling his hair in frustration.
Ayisha removed the helmet and ran her fingers through her hair. "Now that we're already here," she said, handing the helmet back to him, "let's eat."
Simon took it and raised an eyebrow. "You're paying?"
She choked on her saliva. "Hey! That's not what a gentleman does!"
He chuckled, brushing his hair back. "I'm just kidding."
She smacked his shoulder. "That's not funny!"
Simon pulled the key from the ignition and slipped it into his pocket. "Let's go, kid."
They entered Jollibee, several heads turning in Simon's direction as they walked toward the counter. He held the helmet under one arm and ordered a burger and juice before glancing at her.
"What do you want?"
"Burger steak and Coke," she said, flashing a bright smile.
The cashier typed in the order and repeated it. Ayisha suddenly handed Simon some money.
"What's this?" he asked.
"That's for the food."
"I thought you wanted me to pay."
"I was joking."
He handed the money back. "No. I'll pay."
The cashier looked back and forth between them.
"Ugh, come on," Ayisha muttered, trying to give him the money again but Simon had already taken out his wallet and handed cash to the cashier.
She grumbled and shoved the money back into her pocket.
The cashier chuckled.
They found a seat and sat down.
"You should've let me pay," Ayisha said, crossing her arms.
"How would I be a gentleman if I did that?" Simon replied, smirking as he placed the helmet beside him.
She shook her head and quietly studied him the reason so many people kept glancing his way.
Maybe it was his long, slightly tangled hair.
Or his deep brown eyes.
Or the sharp nose and charming lips that made him look effortlessly attractive.
Ayisha sighed softly. "He really is attractive."
Simon heard it.
He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "You're looking at me like you want to eat me."
She grimaced. "Ew! No!"
Simon laughed at her exaggerated reaction. "Such drama, kid."
He stretched his legs, trying to get comfortable.
Ayisha rolled her eyes but as they waited for the food, her thoughts drifted.
Why am I doing this again?
Why am I with him?
Why did I even agree to this?
She leaned back against the chair, sighing.
Simon noticed the sudden change. He snapped his fingers in front of her face. "Hey. You okay?"
She blinked and snapped back to reality. "Huh? Ah…oo. Okay lang ako."
Their number was called.
Simon stood and walked to the counter. Ayisha watched him, then quietly pulled the money from her pocket and slipped it beneath his helmet.
When Simon returned, food in hand, he didn't notice.
"Let's eat," he said, placing the tray down.
Ayisha nodded and immediately grabbed her spoon and fork. She took a small bite, savoring the rich gravy over the burger steak.