The aroma of freshly prepared cuisine filled the air.
Darren returned to his seat, composed himself, and resumed where he had left off, his voice filled with sincerity.
"So, as I was saying, ummm, you've been a good friend and a supporter for a very long time now, and I appreciate every bit of it."
He paused, his eyes locked onto Kendall's, as he prepared to reveal the crucial part of his message.
"Emmm... Kendall… " Darren's voice trailed off as he gazed intently into her eyes, his words hanging in the air like a promise.
Kendall's heart raced with anticipation, her mind preparing herself for the confession she had been expecting - "I love you, Kendall."
But instead, Darren's next words left her stunned and perplexed.
"My dad is ill Kendall!"
He said, his voice cracking with emotions, shattering the romantic tension that had been building in Kendall's mind.