" Picky Delight "

( In the evening around 12 Pm , still at Harbor Mall arcade:; )

( At Khao Neaow Mamuang stall )':

Siri's gaze drifted to the stuffed rabbit, and a soft smile spread across her face. Nat's eyes followed hers, and he smiled too, the tension between them dissipating ever so slightly. The clinking of dishes and muted conversations from nearby tables filled the air, but Nat and Siri's silence remained, now more comfortable than awkward.

Nat broke the silence, his voice calm. "You want to know something funny?"

Siri raised an eyebrow, her tone indifferent. "What?"

Nat chuckled. "I never expected you to be interested in playing the Claw Machine."

Siri's expression didn't change. "Why's that?"

Nat replied, "I thought I knew you pretty well, but I guess I was wrong."

Siri's gaze remained steady. "What do you mean?"

Nat's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I know you're not exactly fond of stuffed animals."

Siri's reaction was still neutral. "I don't like nor dislike them. I just don't feel anything about them."

Nat's curiosity was piqued. "Really? Then why did you play the Claw Machine?"

Siri shrugged. "I just wanted to win it, I guess."

Nat raised an eyebrow. "Just wanted to win it? You're not even going to keep it, are you?"

Siri's gaze drifted away. "I...I don't know."

Nat's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing there was more to the story, but he let it drop.

Later, Nat smiled. "You're really good at the Claw Machine, by the way."

Siri shrugged. "Yeah, I guess I got lucky."

Nat chuckled. "Lucky? You made it look easy!"

The vendor's voice called out, "Order number 27, Khao Neow Mamuang, Tub Tim Krob, and two Thai iced teas are ready! Please come collect your order."

Siri looked up at Nat. "Isn't that our order?"

Nat nodded. "Yeah, I think so ."

Siri smiled. "Great, it's ready."

Nat stood up. "I'll go grab it." He says to Siri who nodded in response, while he gets up to get it ,

He walked over to the counter where the waiter was waiting with a tray. "Here you go, sir," the waiter said with a smile, handing Nat the tray.

"Thanks," Nat replied, taking out his phone to pay. "I'll just pay with my bank app."

The waiter nodded. "Okay, sir. That'll be 500 baht please."

Nat scanned the QR code on the counter and paid with his phone. "Here you go."

The waiter handed him the receipt. "Thank you, sir. Enjoy your desserts!"

Nat smiled and took the tray back to Siri. "Here we are," he said, setting the tray down in front of them.

Siri's eyes widened as she took in the spread of desserts. "Wow, this looks amazing."

Nat grinned. "I know, right? I'm so glad we came here."

As they dug into their desserts, the sounds of the arcade receded into the background, replaced by the satisfied sighs and happy murmurs of people enjoying their treats.

Nat took a bite of his Tub Tim Krob, closing his eyes in appreciation. "Mmm, this is so good."

Siri smiled, taking a bite of her Khao Neaow Mamuang. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, this is really rich in flavor."

Nat opened his eyes, grinning. "I told you it's amazing! And I'm shocked you're actually eating it. I mean, you're not exactly known for being adventurous with food."

Siri playfully rolled her eyes. "Hey, I'm not that picky! But I do have standards."

Nat chuckled. "Oh really? Then why do I remember you turning down that Larb Moo (NB: spicy minced pork) from that street vendor last week?"

Siri made a face. "Ugh, don't even get me started. The way they were handling the meat was just unhygienic. I'm not eating something that's going to make me sick "

Siri raised an eyebrow, teasing Nat. "And you're surprised I didn't want to eat that Larb Moo? Seriously, Nat, what's wrong with you? Don't you have standards?"

Nat chuckled, holding up his hands in mock defense. "Hey, hey, I was just trying to be adventurous! You know, try new things."

Siri playfully rolled her eyes. "Adventurous? You call eating questionable meat from a street vendor adventurous? I call it reckless."

Nat grinned. "Well, when you put it that way... But come on, Siri, don't be such a food snob. Sometimes you just have to let loose and try new things."

Siri smiled, shaking her head. "I'll let loose when the food is actually edible. And hygienic."

Nat smiled, teasing Siri. "You're such a picky eater, but I have to admit, I love your standards."

Siri smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Nat took another bite of his Tub Tim Krob, savoring the sweet and crunchy texture. "Mmm, this is so good."

Siri nodded in agreement, taking another bite of her Khao Neaow Mamuang.....