Dinner, my treat!

Isabelle followed Dylan quietly to the car. What was she to do? After all, Dylan was so overbearing. He would probably scold her for not following his instructions. Anyway, she could not let Ruby see through their façade. Dylan watched her concentrated expression as her expressions showed clearly on her face. He smiled in amusement and chuckled softly to himself.

They walked into the car and Isabelle immediately distanced herself from him. When Dylan moved closer, she moved to the other side unknowingly. Before long, she was pressed up on the window. She looked outside and for once, it looked beautiful. Isabelle had never had the time to admire her surroundings and was shocked when for once, she took the time to have a look.

Soon, they reached the restaurant. It was large and glamorous. All the furniture was ornately carved with beautiful designs. It was the first time Isabelle had known such luxury and she was amazed by all of it. Dylan, on the other hand, was not surprised in the least. He acted as if it was just a normal, casual everyday event. "For him, it probably was," thought Isabelle.

They sat down and began to order. Isabelle was confused at the menu, yet she subconsciously found she already had preferences for certain dishes without remembering to have tried them before. Dylan was quiet throughout as he observed Isabelle.

He noticed how, like himself, Isabelle did not seem to have the pleasures of innocence and naivety. Isabelle was more mature than Dylan's twenty-five year old elder sister, Aria, despite being 6 years younger. Aria was spoilt but she was still simple-minded and nice to Dylan. She was the one who doted on Dylan and picked him up when he fell. Dylan loved her and protected her wholeheartedly from all the schemers. Looking at Isabelle eating happily, he felt happy too.

Isabelle knew he was thinking of his family when he looked at her with that expression. However, she was confused because he had never mentioned his family, so it was probably taboo to speak of this topic. Seeing how thoughtful Isabelle was, Dylan felt inwardly grateful.

The meal continued in silence and the occasional passerby looked at them in confusion, wondering why such a cold and indifferent set of people would eat together. It was different to those two, for although they were not engaging in social interaction, the feeling of satisfaction was there. They were unwilling to leave the peace and quiet that they enjoyed when they finally left the restaurant.

"I'll get someone to send you back to your dorm," Dylan offered. Embarrassed, Isabelle shook her head and said, "It's fine. I'll go back by cab, you don't need to ask someone to send me." Dylan was about to insist but changed his mind when he saw Isabelle's firm look. He shrugged and went into his car and waved at her. Isabelle stuck her tongue out at him and went back to the school.