"Sunny! Look who's here."
The dog's ears perked up instantly. The moment he spotted Ayisha behind Simon, his tail started wagging wildly. Sunny bolted toward her and jumped, paws landing against her shoulders.
"Hey—!" Ayisha lost her balance and fell back onto the floor, laughing as the dog enthusiastically licked her face.
Simon stepped in, grabbing Sunny gently by the collar. "That's enough, buddy."
Sunny backed away obediently, tongue hanging out, tail still swishing side to side.
"Come in, kid. Sorry about him."
Ayisha slipped off her shoes at the door.
"You don't need to do that. Just keep them on," Simon said.
She ignored him and neatly placed them beside the wall before stepping inside. She couldn't stand the idea of tracking dirt across someone else's floor. It just felt wrong.
Simon shook his head but didn't comment further.
"So…" Ayisha glanced at him. "Are you going to interview me?"
"No," he replied casually. "You've done this kind of work before." Then he paused. "Does this mean you're quitting your other job?"
"Huh? No. I can do both."
Simon looked at her properly now. "And how are you planning to schedule that?"
"Monday to Saturday, I'll work at your restaurant in the morning until noon. Then I'll head to the other one from noon to night."
"And Sunday?"
"I'll work the whole day at yours."
He studied her for a second, then nodded. "Okay, kid."
He walked over to refill Sunny's bowl. The sound of kibble hitting metal echoed softly in the room.
Ayisha hummed to herself as she looked around. She hadn't paid much attention the first time she was here. Now, she noticed small things, the tidy shelves, the framed photos on the wall, the quiet order of the place.
One picture caught her attention.
She stepped closer.
"Beautiful," she murmured.
Simon came to stand beside her. "It is." His voice softened slightly. "I took that in Bohol."
The photo showed clear blue water stretching into the horizon.
"Lucky you," Ayisha muttered. "You can go anywhere you want."
Simon glanced at her but didn't respond right away.
She hesitated before asking, "Have you ever thought about going back to your country?"
"Not really," he said calmly. "Why?"
"Just asking, old man."
He slipped on his jacket. "Why would I leave when my life is good here? I've built something. I have friends. I can't just walk away from that."
He didn't say more, but the answer felt heavier than it sounded.
"Let's go," he said. "Do you want to stop by your house first?"
She shook her head. "No. Let's go straight to the restaurant."
"Sunny, we're heading out. I'll be back later."
The dog barely reacted, too busy eating.
Ayisha chuckled under her breath and followed Simon outside.
The air hit them immediately, cooler than she expected.
"Here." Simon handed her his jacket.
She blinked. "What's this for?"
"Wear it. It's cold."
"I'm fine."
"Just wear it."
She sighed. "You're so persistent."
"Yeah."
She slipped it on. It was slightly too big, the sleeves covering part of her hands.
"Good. Let's go."
Outside, Simon picked up the helmet and placed it on her head, adjusting the strap under her chin.
"I can do it myself," she muttered.
"I already did."
"You're making me feel like a child."
He looked at her for a second before answering, tone steady. "Then stop acting like one and hold tight."
Her lips pressed together, but she climbed onto the motorcycle anyway.
The engine started.
She wrapped her arms around him, not tight, just enough.
And they drove off into the quiet evening.