บท 39: Just Between Friends

“Have you had your lunch?” I asked, as I followed him when he led me across the street to take a tricycle ride to the other billiard joint.

“Yes. I had my lunch early so as not to be bothered by my growling tummy after we start playing,” he answered. “How about you? Have you taken yours?”

“I’m hungry,” I replied. “We have to look for a restaurant.”

“Ah, you haven’t had yours?” he said, a little bit surprise. There’s a small eatery near the place. You can have your meal there. Or if you like we can look for a restaurant around here.” I opted on his first suggestion, so he flagged a passing tricycle. It took only a couple of minutes to reach the place.

“Is the place alright with you?” the teen asked, as we took our seat at a small table after I had picked a combination of fish and rice meal from a food display enclosure, and gave my order to the old woman inside the counter. “We can look for another if you like.” The lad seemed to have misgiving in bringing me to the place.