This restaurant and inn was a unique gem nestled in the midst of the city's hustle and bustle. Tucked into a quiet corner, the old building with its elegant colonial architecture still radiated charm despite having stood for decades.
As Lukas and Sandra entered the gate, they were greeted by a small lush garden shaded by large trees. Its serene atmosphere made it feel like stepping into another world, far removed from the noise of urban life.
The restaurant's interior maintained a nostalgic ambiance with timeworn wooden tables and chairs that remained comfortably sturdy.
Antique chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft warm glow across the room. The walls were adorned with old paintings, each telling a tale from the past.
The menu offered traditional dishes with a modern twist. Local delicacies were prepared using fresh ingredients sourced from nearby and presented with expert care.
Sandra clung to Lukas's arm as they walked in, her eyes scanning every corner of the place. Though the exterior had unnerved her, the inside wasn't as bad as it looked, still she felt a slight chill.
"Here's your order," said a middle-aged woman, setting down two bowls of soto, rice, drinks, and spicy peanut chicken satay. Lukas had deliberately ordered the satay, recalling Sandra's failed craving earlier due to a misunderstanding with a street vendor.
"They only serve local dishes here. But judging from the aroma of the spices, the food might be even better than what we'd find elsewhere."
Sandra nodded and picked up a skewer. One bite in and she couldn't deny how good it was.
"Try it. The flavor is unique, probably a family recipe passed down for generations," she said, offering Lukas a bite. He took it without hesitation.
"Let's try the soto," Lukas dipped his spoon and widened his eyes. "Wow, this is delicious."
"Really?" Sandra followed his lead.
"Good, right?"
"Mhmm." She nodded, visibly pleased.
As she savored every bite, her fear gradually faded, especially as soft classical music began to play in the background.
"You're the first young couple to ever come here," an older woman approached, placing two bowls of fruit pudding before them. "Most of our visitors are around my age."
"Really?"
"Yes. Seeing you two reminds me of my younger days with my late husband."
Sandra and Lukas exchanged awkward glances. Sandra forced a smile. If only the woman knew what their relationship was truly like, she might have taken her words back.
"Can I take a photo of you two for memory's sake?" she asked, holding up a Polaroid camera.
Again, they could only nod. Refusing didn't seem like an option.
"Come on, something sweet," the woman gestured.
Lukas wrapped his arm around Sandra's waist while she flashed a smile. They posed, pretending to be affectionate just to get the photo done quickly.
The woman took three shots, one for herself and two for the couple. She pinned her copy on a wall covered in photos of past guests.
Once she left, Lukas and Sandra continued eating in silence. Especially Sandra, who ignored him completely. She was still upset about everything that had happened today.
Then suddenly, a loud clap of thunder roared through the building. Rain poured down and strong winds lashed the trees outside.
Through the large glass window, they could clearly see how wild the weather had become.
"Looks like we can't go home tonight."
"No, I want to go home."
"What if something happens on the road? The wind is too strong and we still have a long way to go."
Sandra stomped her foot in frustration. She had already felt spooked by the place from the moment they arrived, and now they had to stay the night.
"You force me into everything. I didn't even want to stay." she grumbled. Lukas simply shook his head. What choice did they have?
*****
After dinner and booking a room, Sandra once again clung tightly to Lukas's arm as they walked down the corridor. She stuck to him like glue.
The room welcomed them with a completely different ambiance from a modern hotel. Wooden panels adorned the walls alongside vintage paintings that told the inn's story.
A sturdy wooden bed dressed in soft silk sheets stood as the room's centerpiece. A low hanging chandelier cast a warm luxurious light. A vintage dressing table with a gold framed mirror and leather chair completed the charming setup.
Even the bathroom was a work of art, simple marble tiles, a clay head bathtub, and faucet fixtures shaped like chalices.
"Lukas, this feels like a room straight out of a horror movie. Let's go home," she whined.
"That's what you get for watching too many horror films."
"But I'm scared. Old rooms like this are always haunted."
"This might be the coziest room I've ever stayed in."
Without another word, Lukas dropped onto the bed. Sandra, who had been reluctant to share a bed, immediately followed and snuggled into his side.
"No funny business, okay?" she warned, wrapping her arms tightly around him.
"Should I remind you who initiated the hug?"
"It's only because I had no choice. Don't get any ideas tonight."
"Just stop talking and sleep. I still have a headache."
Sandra looked up at him, gently touching his warm flushed face. She had forgotten he still had a slight fever.
"Don't you want to take your medicine?"
"I just need rest," he said with his eyes still shut.
Suddenly, Sandra felt a pang of guilt. Why had she been so harsh earlier? She wasn't even the real Sandra who had truly loved Lukas. What was this feeling?
"Enjoying the view?" Lukas opened his eyes and playfully pulled her atop him, wrapping his arms around her.
"Stop being pervy."
"Am I really that handsome?" He tightened his hold.
"Don't flatter yourself. Let go."
"I saw you, you know, staring at me without blinking."
"No, I wasn't."
"Ssshhh. Quiet. I want to make sure of something," Lukas whispered.
"Make sure of what?"
Without warning, he kissed her gently. He rolled on top, covering her in warmth.
His kiss deepened and though she tried to resist, Sandra eventually gave in, responding with equal fervor.
As their breaths shortened, they parted briefly. Lukas traced her lips with a dazed expression. Was he going crazy? How could a kiss with Sandra feel sweeter than the ones he'd shared with Kayla?
Was he falling for her?
Sandra trembled, trying to break free, but Lukas didn't move.
"It's not over yet," he whispered, brushing her lips again before kissing her more passionately.
She gripped his shirt as his hands explored her sides. Her body froze. Why did it feel so good, so intoxicating?
"San"
"Wh what?"
"I want to." He gulped. "Do you?"
Sandra averted her gaze, her cheeks burning. She bit her lip as his touch slid lower.
"Answer me," Lukas whispered again as he began to lift the thin fabric covering her.
"I'm not ready. Stop." she said, clutching his shoulders.
Lukas looked into her eyes, pausing only for a second before murmuring, "Sorry, too late."
And just like that, he silenced her again with a kiss. One that carried every emotion they had buried.
In that dimly lit room, beneath the stormy sky, they surrendered. Not to lust, but to a wave of feelings they could no longer deny. It was a night neither of them planned, but one they would never forget.