Dinner with Rofus

After taking the phone out of my pocket, I turned away from Rofus. I dialed Nikita's number several times, but the operator responded that it was out of coverage, which means she turned the phone off or there was no internet signal in the area where she is presently located. I heaved a sigh. I know there is no opportunity that I can contact her at the moment. I turned around and faced Rofus to let him know about the details.

"I cannot get in touch with Nikita. She was currently out of reach."

For a moment his eyes fix on me as if he is processing what I put in words. I noticed how fast he looked away when I attempted to smile at him.

Is he staring at me because?

What is his reason for doing that?

"Maybe she turned off her phone," I added and tried my best to be calm.

I swallowed forcefully as I felt the lump in my throat. Here's the beating of my heart again as if it wished to come out from my chest. Right now, I want to run inside my room and hide.

This is highly embarrassing!

Is it really obvious that I am extremely nervous around him? How is that possible? Through my expression?

Pull yourself together, Amelia. What are you doing? Just act normal around him. Don't let him notice that you are anxious and tense, please.

"Let her do whatever she wants. She knows what she's doing. Nikita is not a child anymore. Never mind about her." he answered back using his very relaxed voice. He doesn't even seem troubled. "Now, please change your clothes, and let us eat this food before it gets cold." Rofus gestured to me my room as if I had forgotten about it.

What?

Is he lowkey asking me to eat dinner with him? Without my friend, Nikita? And not only that, is he talking to me casually? As if we are now friends? Are we even friends? We barely know each other. Why is it bothering me?

Yes, you heard him right Amelia. Why are you so surprised? It's expected.

Maybe Rofus also thinks that we are close since we always eat together.

For heaven's sake, it was not normal for me! Or is it just me who gives different meanings to his actions?

"Alright," the only words came out from my half-opened mouth. I was stunned, no, I was dumbfounded. "I'll be fast changing my clothes," I added and in a blink of an eye, I recklessly entered my room like a flash.

After closing the door, I leaned against it while catching my breath using my shaking hands. Not content with that, I opened my mouth to seize my breath. I feel like I'm going to run out of breath if I don't do that. My sanity was now full of thoughts that I might have a heart attack. Holding my forehead, I vividly repeated his command mentally.

I didn't hear him wrong. He entirely told me to change my clothes because we were going to eat the food.

Isn't that awkward? Having dinner with him? Alone? Just the two of us? Is this like having a date with him?

"No! Do not be delusional, Amelia. Do not think about those useless things right now. This is not a date. It was just an ordinary dinner with him. The only difference is that Nikita is not here. She is not with us right now." I tried my best to convince myself.

After a few more minutes, I was already rushing to the wardrobe to get my clothes to change. I need to move quickly. Rofus has been waiting for me. I suddenly became self-conscious about my appearance, even though I should not have. It was just Rofus. Nikita's cousin. What should I worry about? Nothing. I shouldn't have. Also, I always saw him not only this time. There is no difference with that.

"Be yourself, Amelia, just be you in front of him. You have nothing to be concerned about. You don't need to impress him or what. Just be you." I mumbled just to comfort myself.

"I am sorry if I take some time," I apologized when I came out of the room and saw that he was already sitting at the table, waiting for me.

"That is fine. Please take a seat."

I narrowed my eyes as I noticed that the food had already been served on the table. Goodness, I should help him first by doing that before going inside my room. The two sets of plates and other utensils have also been prepared. Biting my lower lip is the only way I can keep my heart pounding from being obvious. I assumed we would eat outside the apartment as usual, but this proved me wrong. Maybe Rofus noticed my reaction that is why he spoke again.

"We cannot eat outside as the rain is pouring," he expressed the reason.

My gaze was drawn unintentionally outside to the apartment's open door. He was right. Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed, accompanied by strong winds and heavy rainfall. I did not realize it because my mind was preoccupied with his presence. Or I just don't care about my surroundings because Rofus was with me?

"Please sit down, Amelia. Our food is getting cold," he commanded which made me force a fake smile. Like a robot, I nodded and walked closer.

I sat calmly as he started getting the food and placing it on my plate. When did he start to get gentlemanly and caring like this? My gaze remained fixed on him for a few seconds.

"T-Thank you, Rofus," I spoke in a tone of a bit stuttering.

I looked away when he threw some glances at me. I caught his eyes darting back at me out of the corner of my eye. It caused my hands to turn cold. Without thinking, I tapped my feet on the ground to keep myself occupied. I am worried that he noticed the sound of my pounding heart. He once again glanced at me. I ignored him as if I was used to it.

"You're welcome."

Oh, gosh. This is so uncomfortable.

Nikita, where are you? Why are you doing this? Are you trying to punish me? What wrong did I do to you?

The surroundings were filled with deafening silence. Only the thunder and loud raindrops on the roof, as well as the utensils' noise, could be heard in the entire area. I looked outside the apartment from time to time to shift my whole attention. I was right in front of it so it did not seem like an excuse. I can't stop thinking about where Nikita is. I hope she is not soaking herself in the rain. The weather is quite bad and I think that will take some time.

"The weather was not favorable. There must be something wrong." I expressed only to get Rofus opinion.

It made me more nervous when I looked at him while we were eating because his expression became too serious. I simply want him to feel more at ease while we eat but it turns out in a different direction. Or was it just me who was not feeling relaxed around him? Due to the pressure I felt, I could not even feel full, despite the fact that the food I was eating was sufficient.

"There is no typhoon. The rainy season is just quickly approaching."