SWEET AND SOUR I

Ivan, together with Kaye and her family, went to a Japanese restaurant nearby. Kaye loves food, that is a fact. Ivan loves sweets and that is another fact.

When they arrived at the chosen restaurant, Ivan sat next to Kaye while Kaye's parents sat across them. They ordered their food and waited for it to be sent out on their table.

"It's been a long time since we had our last dinner together outside our home." Mrs. Jimenez commented while looking around the place.

"Indeed. I think it's been three or four years." Kaye chimed in, sitting leisurely with her hands on the table as she propped her chin.

"It's because someone is always busy and didn't like eating outside. It's a miracle you agreed this time." Mr. Jimenez butted in with a serious face, his hands crossed over his chest while giving her a 'humped' sound.

"I came because you're being persistent. Who knows, you might bully my roommate half way the meal." Kaye reasoned out with a tone of being wronged and smart.

"Why would we bully him? Ivan answered us with all honesty." her mother defended herself and her dad.

"What honesty are you guys talking about?" she scrunched her face at them, her eyes squinting trying to capture any slight changes on their faces. When she couldn't get any, she turned to Ivan. "Whatever it was that you talked with my parents, let me know if they bullied you. Don't just sit there silently." she nudged him with her elbow but Ivan only smiled.

"Stop nagging. We are not bullying your boyfriend." her mother joked but Kaye was horrified.

"Mom! What are you talking about? Your joke isn't funny." This time she really wanted to vanish from everyone's sight.

"Okay. I will stop joking. Ivan, you don't have to feel awkward." her mother said still smiling at her while her father tried to stop her from spouting nonsense.

"Don't mind me. As long as Kaye doesn't feel awkward, I'm fine." Ivan answered before looking down at his phone, though he wasn't doing anything. His smile hidden from them. 'Kaye didn't deny it and she was even worried that her parents bullied me. I should really earn more for her.'

Kaye thought that Ivan was embarrassed so she gave her parents a pleading look to stop their teasing. Her mother gave her a nod expressing agreement.

After waiting for a while, their food arrived and soon their table was full of different kinds of food. Kaye grabed a chopsticks for her and Ivan, but when she realized it would be difficult for him, she changed it to a spoon and fork.

"Use this." she grabbed his hands and placed the utensils. "It's easier for you to eat."

"Thank you. I haven't tried eating with chopsticks since I lost my sight." he admitted softly before he started eating.

"You can practice at home." she replied without much care whether the use of word 'home' affected her parents or Ivan.

Her parents was just watching their interaction and would sometimes put Ivan on the spot of their conversation. Ivan enjoyed their company and was having a great time eating his food.

Kaye would asked him time to time if he wanted to try this or that. If he said yes, she would pick a piece or two and place it on his bowl.

Their table had a great atmosphere and they didn't make Ivan feel out of place. It was time for a dessert when Ivan heard someone from the crowed near the entrance.

"A table for two. It would be great if it's near the window." It was a woman's voice that he was familiar with. He stiffened and clenched his fist beside him without knowing he actually grabbed Kaye's skirt when he clenched his hands.

Kaye looked at the clenched fist holding on her skirt, veins popping at the back of his hand before she raised her head and looked at him. He had a grim expression on his face and his jaw ticked.

Kaye turned toward the entrance and saw the woman she saw at the supermarket last time with the same guy as well. Kaye didn't know why, but this couple would always agitate Ivan. She didn't dare ask him because she didn't want him to think she was nosy so all she could do was to leave the place.

"Mom, Dad, I remembered something so important. I have to submit it before two in the afternoon. I have to go. Let's go Ivan." she was in a hurry so her parents really thought it was very important. Her father paid for their bill and took home the dessert to give to their helpers.

Her mother called their driver earlier and gave the address to where they were eating so when they headed out, the driver was there waiting for them.

Ivan was silent all the way back to their apartment. Her parents felt that something was off so her mother looked at her with questioning look. Kaye shook his head indicating she didn't know what's going on.

Her parents just sent them to the gate of the apartment complex and bid their goodbye.

"Visit us whenever you have time. Bring Ivan as well so he won't get bored. Your apartment is really boring." her mother chided her with a reminder.

"Sure. When I get the chance, I'll go home at once." Kaye answered hugging her mom and her dad.

Her mother gave some words of encouragement to Ivan as well so he wouldn't feel down despite his situation. Ivan was grateful and promised to check on Kaye and make sure she's doing fine; least thing he could do to reciprocate her parents' kindness.

When they were inside the quiet apartment room once again, Kaye was contemplating what to do when Ivan spoke with disgust.

"I don't want to eat sweet 'n sour fish anymore." Kaye was speechless. She didn't know how to react to his statement.

"Oh. Okay?" She wasn't really sure what to say. She was confused where this sudden disgust of sweet 'n sour fish came from.