Chapter 155

As the early summer evening set in, Summer hurried back home, slung her backpack over her shoulder, and donned her scarf and gloves. She whispered something in Carman's ear, then rushed to the front yard, grabbed her bike, and wheeled it out briskly.

She brought the bike to a stop in front of Logan, slightly out of breath, and handed him the handlebars. Once he mounted the bike, she climbed on behind him.

As they pedaled out of the alley, Summer leaned forward and asked, "What do you feel like eating?"

Logan replied, "It's your treat, so you decide."

It was already early evening, and the winter darkness was settling in quickly. Not wanting to linger outside for long, they headed straight to find a place for dinner.

In those days, dining out meant going to state-run restaurants with limited options. The most exciting choice they had was to go for Western cuisine, so after some deliberation, Summer decided to treat Logan to a Western restaurant.

The ride was chilly, and they didn't engage in much small talk. Once seated in the restaurant, Summer removed her hat, scarf, and gloves and started chatting with Logan. "Why did you stay in town for college? I thought you'd prefer going out of state."

Logan hadn't mentioned his college preferences or plans when they were applying. Summer didn't pry back then, having grown accustomed to maintaining a respectful distance in their interactions.

The waiter brought over the menu, and after placing their order, Logan finally responded, "Why did you think I'd want to go out of state? I never said that."

Summer looked at him and laid the groundwork gently, "Well, let me be blunt."

Logan could see her caution and said, "Do you think I'd eat you alive?"

Relieved by his light-hearted tone, Summer continued, "Of course not, but I was afraid of saying something wrong and making you mad. Then, you'd storm off, and I'd be left in an awkward spot."

Logan watched her silently for a moment, then took a deep breath and asked, "Is it tough being friends with me?"

Wow, he was actually self-reflecting. The sun must be rising in the west today.

Since they were being frank, Summer didn't hold back. "Yes, it's tough. Your moods are unpredictable, and it's hard to know when you'll get upset. You can be pretty scary when you're angry."

Logan couldn't deny his past behavior. Looking at her, he said, "Alright, I'll try to change. If I mess up again, just tell me straight. Don't hold back."

Summer stared into his eyes, "Really?"

Logan nodded, "Yeah."

Summer decided to test the waters, "You said it, so I won't be polite."

Logan chuckled, "Yes, I said it. So, why did you think I'd go out of state?"

Summer pondered, "I just thought, given your strained relationship with your family, especially your dad, you'd prefer to get away."

She wasn't sure if he was comfortable discussing his family, so she approached it cautiously.

Logan's tone was nonchalant, "Unimportant people don't influence my decisions."

Summer's curiosity piqued, "Then what did?"

Logan answered, "My future, of course."

That made sense. From a school standpoint, his choice was definitely the better one.

In her heart, Summer felt that maybe her own influence had played a part. While they were studying, she often talked about her aspirations for prestigious universities, and perhaps that spurred him on.

The waiter arrived with their food, interrupting their conversation. They thanked the waiter and picked up their cutlery to eat.

As they dined, Summer asked, "I'm curious, before returning to the city, you couldn't wait to get rid of me. And you're not exactly someone who needs friends. So, why did you reach out and suggest being friends after we met again at night school?"

Logan turned the question back to her, "What do you think?"

Summer looked at him and softly proposed the first possibility, "Did you find me suddenly attractive and... develop feelings for me?"

Logan responded, "I'm not Henry. I'm not that shallow."

Expected answer. Summer thought a bit more, "Then are you plotting something against me?"

Logan gave her a sidelong glance, "If you're so wary of me, why agree to be friends?"

Summer blinked at him, "Yeah, I agreed too quickly. Can I still..."

Logan cut her off by stuffing a piece of steak into her mouth, "Nope!"

Summer chewed and swallowed, then asked, "Then why?"

Logan looked at her for a while before saying, "Do you want the truth?"

Facing his intense gaze, Summer's heart skipped a beat. She felt a bit flustered.

Just then, the waiter brought more dishes, breaking the tense moment.

After the waiter left, Summer's nerves settled. "Of course, I want the truth."

Logan's demeanor relaxed. "Because being friends with you is beneficial. It's a win-win."

The real truth, of course, was left unsaid. He knew his image in her mind was still negative, and he needed time to rebuild it.

Before Summer could respond, Logan asked, "And you? You don't like me, think I'm a bad person, and are afraid I might plot against you. Why agree to be friends?"

Summer thought seriously, "Maybe because after spending so much time together, eating, working, and doing so many things together, I developed some feelings. Plus, you've helped me a lot."

She recalled the many ways he'd supported her, even saving her from bullies and cheering her up during tough times. After returning to the city, he even shared his study guides with her.

Logan looked at her, his heartbeat quickening. He lowered his gaze and suddenly stood up. "I need to use the restroom."

Summer watched him walk away, then noticed someone at a nearby table looking at her. She glanced over and recognized Rachel, someone she hadn't seen since going to the countryside.

Rachel looked more refined now, likely due to her military experience, exuding an air of dignity that made her seem even more untouchable.

Although they hadn't interacted much before, Summer recognized her and smiled politely. Rachel returned a tentative smile.

After exchanging greetings, Summer focused back on her meal. Logan returned shortly after.

Logan had no connection with Rachel, so Summer didn't mention her. They chatted casually over dinner and, once done, got ready to leave.

As they stood up, Summer again greeted Rachel out of courtesy. Logan pulled Summer's backpack as they exited the restaurant.

Summer protested, "We haven't paid for our meal yet."

Logan replied, "Already taken care of."

Summer was skeptical, "Really?"

Logan teased, "Of course. Otherwise, would they let us walk out?"

She was puzzled, "Wasn't I supposed to treat you?"

Before Logan could answer, a voice called out, "Are you Summer?"

Turning, they saw Rachel had followed them out.

Summer replied, "Yes, I am."

Logan released her backpack and said, "I'll wait outside."

Rachel watched Logan leave before turning to Summer, "You've changed a lot. I almost didn't recognize you."

Summer smiled politely, "You haven't changed much. Still as beautiful as ever. I recognized you immediately."

Not wanting to keep her long, Rachel asked, "Did you return for a job? Where are you working now?"

Summer replied, "I'm at Grace Foods."

They exchanged a few more pleasantries before parting ways, and Summer rejoined Logan, ready to head home.