The exams were finally over, and outside the exam hall, Antonette sought out Diana to discuss their plans for the night.
“I know we said we would hang out tonight, but I just want to go back to the dormitory and rest,” Diana protested. She was still trying to get out of their plans.
“Unfortunately, Diana, that is not an option, you promised me you’d go. Come on, the exam is done! Let’s celebrate!”
“All right! But we cannot come back too late because my elder brother will check on where I am.” Despite her bad mood, Diana was still playful at heart. Although she had some stuff going on with Brian, she cheered herself up quickly and agreed to go out.
As they made their way out that evening, they met Kyle by chance at the school gate. Kyle’s eyes lit up when seeing them. Diana and Antonette had dressed up nicely, done their make-up, the two girls looked beautiful.
Kyle questioned them with a smile, “Are you going out somewhere?”
“Yes, we are going out to have some fun.” Diana laughed.
“Oh, that’s right, you finished all your exams today, right?” Kyle asked.
Diana and Antonette looked at each other and felt a little shy.
Kyle continued, “I’ve meant to treat you two for a while. Since we are together now, how about dinner for me?”
Diana looked at Antonette momentarily then replied, “No,… how can we let you treat us?”
Antonette, always calculating, agreed it was better for her future plans to avoid the dinner with Kyle. “It will bother you too much. We just want to get a bite to eat, maybe go to that grilled fish place, nothing fancy.”
Diana looked at Antonette in confusion, she had said moments before that she wanted to go somewhere nice to celebrate.
As expected, Kyle replied quickly, “Don’t be silly. You have to celebrate in style; I will take you to eat something delicious. Please give me a chance to treat you, two beautiful girls.” He paused for a second, then added in a pitiful voice, “Won’t you give me a chance?”
“Oh, go on then. We’re too polite to say no!” Antonette answered happily.
Antonette gave Diana a wink and whispered, “If he’s paying, we can eat whatever we want!”
Of course, Kyle would not take them to just any old place. He brought them to a high-class French restaurant he knew, in a very upmarket area of the city. From the decoration outside, Diana could feel the expensive extravagance of the restaurant.
“This is too much, it’s so expensive. We can just go get some grilled fish somewhere!” Diana looked through the menu; the prices were astonishing!
“Grilled fish, grilled fish. The only thing you know is grilled fish! But Kyle can’t eat that. Am I right, Kyle?” Antonette gave Diana a funny look.
“Not exactly. I used to buy them those occasionally from the street vendors. They’re pretty good, actually. But I think a special occasion deserves a special place. I can take Diana to eat that next time, maybe?” Kyle said spontaneously.
Diana was reminded again of how Kyle was such a sweet talker, a genuinely nice person. Then she thought again of Brian, who constantly insulted Kyle.
“Kyle, street food is very dirty. The oil they use is disgusting! I never eat the food from there. I strongly suggest you don’t either,” Antonette frowned.
Kyle didn’t take it seriously and said to Antonette with a smile, “Antonette, I just go occasionally. I know it’s unhealthy, but I have to say the food is damned tasty.”
When the food finally arrived, the dishes looked exquisite. Diana was very satisfied with the food, it was delicious if a little expensive.
***
After dinner, Kyle asked the girls, “Where are you going next?”
Diana looked awkwardly at Antonette.
Antonette smiled, “Actually, we have agreed to go to the pub. Do you want to go with us?”
Kyle looked uncomfortable and thought for a while.
“It is unsafe for you two girls to go to the pub. I can go there with you and take you back to the dormitory later.”
So it was agreed, and the three of them headed to the pub.