Requital hope

Thirty-nine

Yibo's Pov.

"This is it. " I said, gesturing to the small building across the street.

"Looks pretty old." Terra shrugged. I find it pretty cozy and comfortable looking. Chloe was the first to cross the street. I guess she was quite hungry.

The bell shook as we entered the diner, drawing Sandra's attention.

"I didn't know you were coming today." She said in surprise.

"I'm bringing in customers." I chuckled.

"You work here?" Erik asked.

"Yeah, only during weekdays though." I
answered

"No wonder you brought us here, it's all part of your business scheme." Terra eyed me with a judging look.

"No, I honestly recommend the food here, plus it's the closest diner around, so it's a win-win." I clarified. I couldn't drop my smile the whole time cause Terra was holding her hips with the same look on her face.

"Mhm." She said before turning around. Erik was admiring the interior of the diner, while Chloe had already taken a seat, ordering her meal. Terra And I joined her. We got tarts, pie, and burgers. Terra skipped the burger since she said she's trying to watch her calories. I guess Chloe was one of those people who could eat without worrying about their weight. Erik joined us a couple of minutes later getting
the same stuff as us.

"It's a shame you don't sell hot pockets or chipotle." Erik said, disappointed.

"You kids don't need that stuff anyway. Sandra responded. "Micheal's been wanting burritos on the menu though, so I will consider it.

"We better come back then." Chloe said
hastily, with her mouth half full.

"Now that's good business." I said to Terra. She smiled and rolled her eyes.

We talked a while after eating, but the sun began to set, so they had to get going since they lived two towns over. We said our goodbyes and I waved them off when we got out to the parking lot.

I stood there, realizing I had no idea what
I wanted to do. I had no plans for the rest
of the day. Boy, what I wouldn't give to be with Zhan right now. He's probably busy doing something right now.

I contemplated calling him, pacing back and forth down the street, but eventually decided against it. I'm not usually the one to initiate those kinds of things so I don't want to come off as desperate, or annoying.

I walked down the street towards my home. I noticed how pretty the sunset makes the neighborhood look. This place is quite beautiful when it isn't foggy or dark, that is when you ignore all the trash and cans littered about. I safely made it back to my room, unpacking the dinner Sandra made me. I was honestly surprised when she handed it to me before leaving the diner. She said it was in the house. She admittedly made too much, hence the reason she was giving it to me in the first place, but I'm still surprised and thankful for it. Now I won't go hungry tonight.

The sun quickly set and the moon came around, lighting up the dim neighborhood. And I'm pretty sure my father is out with some of his drinking partners, so I can just relax for the time being.

"Tomorrow is the big game." I whispered to myself as I took out the styrofoam plate of full rice, sauce, corn, and flatbread. I sat next to the window of my bedroom, watching the sky as I ate the delicious meal Sandra gave me.

As I returned to my room after a quick shower I heard my phone going off. I was dumbfounded as this was the first time anyone has texted me. I quickly ran over to pick it up. My heart skipped a beat when I saw that it was from Zhan.