“HOPING involves believing in the possibility of a certain outcome, whereas EXPECTING entails a stronger belief in the certainty of that outcome.”

These two words were often mistakenly considered interchangeable, yet they held distinct meanings. Hoping and expecting were far from synonymous. Hoping had the power to shield against profound disappointments, while expecting had the potential to breed dissatisfaction and dismay if desires remained unfulfilled.

 ***

“Hi, Kenzo! How are you? Are you free tonight? Let’s have dinner.” As he read Senthie’s message, excitement surged through him. He couldn’t have been happier about hearing from his ex-girlfriend. His heart danced and pounded as if it might burst; this was the day he had been eagerly waiting for.

Kenzo cleared his throat, settled on the edge of his bed, and replied to Senthie with a wide smile. “Really? Sounds great! Wait for me in front of the mall, I’ll pick you up.”

She responded promptly. “Oh, no need. I’ve brought my car with me. Anyway, it’s my treat, so I’ll leave the choice to you. We’ll dine at the restaurant of your preference.”

He swiftly typed, “Noted, ma’am. I’ll send you the location right away.” After hitting the send button, he placed a hand on his racing heart. Why does this feel like my crush just asked me out on a date?

His phone’s message tone abruptly interrupted his thoughts. He glanced at the screen and opened the text message from Senthie. “By the way, Cecile is joining us too.”

Kenzo’s anticipation took a nosedive. I had hoped we’d finally have some alone time together again. I guess it was just wishful thinking. He let out an audible sigh, and a bittersweet smile plastered on his face. I shouldn’t have let my hopes get the best of me.

 ~

Senthie and Cecilia had just closed Fashion Sen’s and were now seated in the car.

“Rychicken’s Barbecue?” Senthie gasped upon checking her phone for Kenzo’s reply.

Her reaction made Cecilia pause while buckling up her seatbelt; she occupied the passenger’s seat, with Senthie in the driver’s seat.

Cecilia inquired, “Why do you sound like that? Have you been to that place before?”

She shook her head, her brows furrowing, her gaze locked onto the phone screen. “No, it’s just . . . the name of the restaurant bothers me.”

“Rychicken?” Cecilia mused as she secured her seatbelt. “Ah! You mean you think it might be derived from . . . like the owner’s name? Just like Fashion Sen’s?”

Senthie nodded, and Cecilia burst into laughter. “Oh, come on, bes! There are plenty of people with the name Rychie!”

She gripped the steering wheel tightly, her thoughts swirling. “But my intuition smells something else, or am I just overthinking?” She let out a self-deprecating laugh and nodded, releasing her grip. “Yes, that must be it. I’m just overthinking things.”

Cecilia chuckled, folding her arms. “That’s Senthie for you! She asks a question and then answers it herself. Very convenient!”

“I know, right?” she replied as she started the engine, dismissing her gut feeling’s suspicion. “Let’s go!”

 ~

Upon arriving at their destination, they spotted Kenzo waiting outside the restaurant.

“Kenzo!” Cecilia called out, and he turned towards them, flashing a bright smile as he approached.

“Did you wait long?” Senthie inquired as they closed the distance between them.

He shook his head, still smiling. “Not at all. Shall we?”

The ladies allowed him to take the lead, following a few feet behind him.

Cecilia’s excitement was palpable, causing her to quicken her pace to keep up with Kenzo. However, Senthie tugged on her arm and whispered, “Bes, slow down, my anxiety is acting up.”

Cecilia rolled her eyes and huffed. “What are you talking about? Just chill, okay? Rychie’s probably not even here, and if he is, I doubt he remembers you.”

Senthie pouted and shot her a disapproving glare. “You’re so mean!”

Cecilia simply shrugged and gave her a mischievous smile as though she was on the verge of bursting into laughter at any moment.

After a few moments, they found themselves inside the restaurant. Kenzo turned to face the two and gestured toward a table in the middle. “Guys, that’s our reserved table. Let’s go.”

 ~

In the confines of the Rychicken’s office, Rychie appeared quite serious. To any observer, it would seem like he was engrossed in paperwork and reviewing business expenses, but appearances were deceptive. In reality, he was doodling on a sheet of paper, creating a chibi version of his best friend, Jimhuesh. His focus was abruptly shattered by a knock at the door. He swiftly grabbed a notebook to conceal his doodle before inviting the person outside to enter.

Rychie’s eyes widened as he took in the sight of a lady with red, puffy, tear-filled eyes.

“Ana, what’s wrong? Is there a problem?” he inquired with genuine concern, rising from his chair to approach his employee.

Ana’s eyes continued to well up, and she sobbed incessantly, her breathing resembling that of someone with troublesome hiccups. “Sir, my sister just called. We have an emergency at home. Is it possible for me to leave now?”

He placed a comforting hand on Ana’s back and nodded. “Of course. It’s all right, don’t cry. You have my permission. Just keep me informed, okay? Reach out if you need any assistance.”

Ana’s sobs began to subside slightly. “Thank you very much, sir.”

 ~

Cecilia shifted her gaze back and forth between Kenzo and Senthie. The atmosphere was so palpably awkward that she wasn’t sure how to break the ice.

Kenzo appeared fixated on Senthie, while Senthie’s gaze seemed to flit from one thing to another, causing Cecilia to wonder if her best friend might twist her neck at any moment. She suspected that Senthie might still be anxious about their earlier conversation.

“What’s wrong, Sen?” Kenzo ventured, taking the initiative to start a conversation. Cecilia silently sighed with relief.

“Huh? Well . . . just wondering where the restroom is,” she replied with an awkward tone. Cecilia covertly rolled her eyes at her best friend’s unconvincing response.

“Oh . . .” Kenzo nodded and gestured towards a narrow corridor in the corner. “Just turn there, and you’ll find it.”

Cecilia couldn’t resist rolling her eyes and shaking her head at how easily Kenzo seemed to be convinced.

“Oh, I see. Thanks!” Senthie said, though her smile appeared forced to Cecilia. She thought it was unfair to Kenzo if her focus remained fixated on the elusive Rychie situation.

“Come on, Sen. Don’t be so paranoid!” Cecilia whispered-shouted into her ear. “I’m telling you, there’s no Rychie here!”

Senthie whispered back, “I’m just being cautious!”

Kenzo’s throat clearing brought the two to sit up straight and cease their hushed conversation. Senthie managed an awkward laugh and an apology, prompting Cecilia to change the subject.

“What are these flags?” She plucked a yellow triangular flag attached to a wooden vase that Senthie was now holding. She scrutinized it and turned it to the side, revealing a note that read bill out.

Kenzo leaned on the table and chuckled. “It’s an interesting system, isn’t it? These flags serve as a way to communicate with the wait staff. Green means ready to order, red indicates an order not yet completed, yellow signals that you’re ready for the bill, and the rainbow one is for any other concerns.”

Senthie nodded thoughtfully. “Wow, that’s a cool concept. We won’t need to shout or wave to get the waiter’s attention anymore. Unless, of course, they’re not paying attention to customers, then this flag-raising would be useless.”

“Don’t worry, the staff here are quite attentive.”

“You must have been a regular at this restaurant to know all these details,” Cecilia chimed in, placing the yellow flag back on the vase that Senthie had returned to the table.

He chuckled. “Yes, their chicken is my favorite.”

“Uh, guys? . . .” Senthie interjected. “You can go ahead and order, anything’s fine with me. I’ll just go to the ladies’ room.”

Cecilia and Kenzo nodded in agreement as Senthie made her way to the restroom.

“Is Sen okay? Does she feel unwell?” he asked.

Cecilia shook her head and chuckled. “No, she’s fine. She’s just nervous about ordering food.”

He joined in the chuckle, scratching the back of his neck. “I guess you might be right about that.”

“Oh! Why don’t you order for us? Problem solved!”

“Okay, got this,” Kenzo declared as he raised the green flag.

Cecilia’s eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for a waiter. Not finding one, she glanced over her shoulder and was met with a surprising sight. Her eyes widened, and her breath caught in her throat as a red-haired man with a samurai bun approached their table. She gasped inwardly. Oh, gosh, that’s definitely him!

Quickly redirecting her gaze forward, she found Kenzo smiling at the waiter who now stood by their table.

“Good evening, ma’am, sir,” the red-haired man greeted them courteously. “May I take your order?”

Cecilia avoided eye contact; her focus shifted elsewhere. Her brows furrowed, and she nervously bit her lower lip. Sen’s intuition was right, after all. Rychie is here!