Upon their return to the chic boutique, Phoebe and Theodore seemed to carry an aura that inevitably drew the gaze of others. Phoebe took a seat next to Cindy, catching a glimpse of Theodore settling behind her. A sudden tug on her sleeve drew her attention to Cindy, who leaned in and whispered, “What’s going on with you two?” “Nothing special,” Phoebe pushed her friend’s face away, her gaze returning to the display, yet half her attention stayed on the man lurking behind her.

Cindy observed her friend, her eyes filled with curiosity.

“What are you really here for? The exhibition or me?”

“Of course, it’s you. I can’t afford Hermès,” Cindy replied, settling back into her chair.

Phoebe stuffed a cheese ball into Cindy’s mouth, “Stop with the blunt truths.”

Cindy raised her eyebrows, her smile smug.

Just as Phoebe was about to jot some notes, she felt a kick on her chair. Ignoring it, her chair was kicked again. She spun around, glaring over her shoulder.

Theodore, leaning back in his chair with his long legs sprawled out, slightly opened his mouth when their eyes met. Phoebe frowned.

Theodore’s gaze darted to the plate of pastries in front of her and then back to her, an obvious request to be fed.

Ignoring him, she turned back to the display. Disregarded, Theodore tapped a rhythmic Morse code on the leg of her chair.

Annoyed, Phoebe turned with a low voice, “What do you want, exactly?”

“Ah,” he motioned with his half-open mouth, prompting her to feed him.

Pushed to her limit, Phoebe obliged with a pastry, whispering fiercely, “Behave yourself.”

Her look was stern, though lacking in intimidation.

Theodore paused, barely suppressing a smirk as he watched her. The man who usually had a cigarette in his mouth now sported a pastry, looking unexpectedly charming.

His eyes, deep and luminous as stars, twinkled as he leaned in and nibbled on a pastry, his voice muffled by the tasty treat in his mouth, “I’ve been done wrong.”

His bass was seductive, nearly lethal. Phoebe turned away, yet the tips of her ears betrayed her with a suspicious flush.

Cindy, seated beside them, felt like she had been force-fed a spoon of pure sugar, her expression bordering on despair. If they were this sweet together, why the tension? Theodore didn’t stir up any more trouble afterwards and just quietly accompanied her through the rest of the exhibition.

Once they left the boutique, Cindy made an excuse to slip away; she was done hanging out with them for the day.

“What do you feel like having tonight?” Theodore stood beside Phoebe, tall and leggy, with a handsome face that made girls turn their heads as they passed by. Phoebe pursed her lips, “I’m in the mood for Italian food, I want to have some spicy carbonara.”

Theodore frowned slightly, clearly not a fan of spicy carbonara, but seeing her still with a stern face, he nodded, “Alright, you lead the way, and I’ll pick up the tab.” Phoebe was taken aback.

Their conversation paused as they made their way to the Italian restaurant located upstairs within the bustling shopping district. The timing was perfect; it wasn’t yet time for the dinner rush, so the restaurant was welcomingly uncrowded. They chose a secluded table by the window, affording them a view of the cityscape.

As soon as Theodore walked in, the scent of chili and spices made him sneeze continuously.

Phoebe glanced at him and took the menu from the server. She ordered the spicy carbonara and added on some side dishes, then she turned to Theodore, “What would you like to eat? Add whatever you want for yourself.” Unable to handle the spices of this restaurant, Theodore waved his hand dismissively.

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