Louis took a sip of the juice. It wasn’t as good as the ones Freya usually made at home, but he didn’t comment. She was already opening another container–a bowl with corn dogs coated in loads of cheese.
With excitement in her voice, Freya introduced them.
“This one’s called corndogs. The explosive part comes from how they’re made—each one is packed in a thick batter of dough while cooking, and the cheese explodes in your mouth. That’s why they’re really good. But once they’re coated in this special powder, they taste amazing. Try one.”
There were only three in the whole serving, and Louis saw there were two spoons in the bowl. He picked one up, scooped out a corndog, and took a small bite. The sweet, cheesy flavor mixed with the mystery powder spread through his mouth. A few more bites and the entire dog was gone.
“Well? Isn’t it sweet without being too heavy?” Freya leaned forward eagerly, waiting for his verdict.
“It’s okay.” For someone like Louis, who had eaten the best of everything, this was just… okay.
But Freya was already satisfied. “That means it’s pretty great, coming from you. Your standards are on a whole different level.”
There were quite a few other snacks on the table too. Freya had bought one of everything, though she barely ate herself— most of it was for Louis to try. Honestly, he’d eaten at countless high–end places and grown numb to it all. This was the first time anyone had taken him to a street food area like this.
Even during the two years when his grandfather had sent him off to struggle without money, he’d been too busy hustling to bother with this kind of place. These snacks weren’t anything gourmet, but they were novel. That novelty was exactly what Freya was after.
When it looked like they were about done, Louis asked, “Why are you eating so little?”
The table was still full of food, but Freya had barely touched any of it. She gave him an awkward smile.
“I’ve gained a little weight lately. I’m trying not to overeat.”
There was a flicker of amusement in Louis’s eyes. “Then let’s go.”
Freya glanced back at the table. She couldn’t resist grabbing a lamb skewer, taking two bites before setting it back down. “Alright, let’s go.”
Louis: “…If you really want it, why not just get it to go?”
“Huh? Oh–yeah, that’s a great idea!” Freya’s eyes lit up. “Wait here for a second, I’ll be right back.”
She wasn’t getting it for herself, actually. She wanted to bring some back for Aiden. Since this area was a little far from where they lived, it wasn’t like they’d come here often. Might as well take the opportunity to let the kid try some too.
Louis had no choice but to sit back down and wait again. About fifteen minutes later, Freya came trotting back with bags in hand, her face glowing.
“Alright, all done–let’s go.”
They maneuvered through the crowd, dodging bump after bump, finally nearing the exit when someone suddenly called out:
“Louis! Louis!”
Freya didn’t react to the name at all. But Louis, who was walking just ahead, stopped in his tracks. She wasn’t prepared for it and walked straight into his back, nearly falling over.
“Hey, Louis! I’ve been calling you for ages. What are you doing here?”
Freya turned her head and saw a man jog up beside them–it was Baylon. He looked at Louis first, greeted him, and only then noticed Freya standing behind.
His eyes immediately widened in disbelief.
1/1
