Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Chapter 2188

She watched him for a moment before making her way inside.

"Impatient much?"

Gabriel was scrolling through his messages, one from Grandpa caught his eye, [Not coming home day or night?]

Before he could think of a reply, Sylvia walked in.

He put down his phone, his features sharp and his gaze piercing as he said coolly, "Not at all."

Sylvia dropped the paperwork she was carrying, approached him with a smile, and said, "Dinner's on me tonight. What are you in the mood for?"

Gabriel, grabbing his jacket, stood up and replied nonchalantly, "Anything's fine with me."

She nodded, "Then I'll pick the place, you drive."

Gabriel had no objections. They turned off the lights and headed out together.

Instead of a fancy bistro, Sylvia chose a bustling barbecue joint. She preferred the lively atmosphere there over the quiet elegance of upscale restaurants.

Perhaps it was because she, like Gabriel, lacked that ordinary zest of life, so vivid and present in places like that!

The barbecue joint was packed, especially at this hour, and they had to wait in line for a table.

After a few minutes outside, Sylvia began to feel the chill biting at her fingers and toes.

Gabriel glanced at her pale face, shrugged off his coat, and wrapped it around her. Sylvia looked at his thin shirt, tried to protest, but he brushed her hands away and insisted on draping it over her.

His black coat carried the crisp scent of a man and warmth. Sylvia bit her lip, looking downward, feeling suddenly warmer.

A young couple standing next to them in line watched enviously. The girl tugged at her boyfriend's sleeve, hinting, "I'm a bit cold!"

The boy, full of feigned valor, replied, "Yeah, it's chilly. I'm cold too. Maybe stomp your feet a bit?"

The girl, annoyed, rolled her eyes and turned away.

Sylvia fought back a laugh, choosing instead to hug Gabriel and bury her head in his chest, her shoulders shaking with suppressed giggles.

Standing tall and straight, Gabriel looked down at the girl laughing against his chest. The mundane light of the world seemed to soften his stern expression as he wrapped his arms around her.

Sylvia paused, then hugged him tighter.

After about fifteen minutes, it was finally their turn.

As they walked in, the couple beside them also entered. The man took off his down jacket for his girlfriend, shivering in his thin shirt, his face turning blue from the cold. He looked at Gabriel with admiration, "Dude, you're setting the bar way too high!"

Gabriel frowned, not quite getting what he meant.

Sylvia couldn't help but laugh, pulling Gabriel by the hand into the restaurant.

The barbecue joint was noisy and filled with the rich aroma of grilled meats, instantly banishing the cold. In that moment, no happiness compared to the joy a hot, steaming meal could bring.

The waiter came to take their order and mentioned a special promotion for the near year: order a set menu and get two free throw pillows or couple keychains.

Sylvia smiled, "We'll take the keychains, thank you!"

"Sure thing!" The waiter noted their order and went to the kitchen.

She asked Gabriel across the table, "Is this okay? Are you used to places like this?"

He rarely dined in such lively spots.

He shook his head, "No, it's good."

Sylvia shared, "When I first came to J City, I used to eat hot pot alone often. The staff probably all knew me. Later, when I made more acquaintances at the office, they would often hang out, but then I didn't feel like joining."

Gabriel leaned back, "Why not?"

She tilted her head back slightly, her eyes dancing as she began, "Probably because when it’s too lively, I feel even more alone."

Gabriel spoke softly, "After being a mercenary for so long, when you come back to normal life, there's a long period of confusion, even self-destructive behavior, struggling to fit in."Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.