Chapter 4
As we made our way through the narrow alley, the mouthwatering aroma of barbecue drifted over, carried by the wind.
We'd arrived at the bustling street packed with restaurants.
Along the street, skewers of meat sizzled over charcoal grills, the air thick with the bold, spicy aroma of cumin and chili, which seemed to cut right through the dampness.
Chelsea took a deep breath, her eyes lighting up. "It smells amazing. I want that grilled squid!"
Suddenly, my stomach lurched.
The heavy, greasy smoke mixed with the lingering dampness after the rain hit me right in the nose.
I clutched my stomach, my face went even paler.
Toby finally noticed me and turned to look. "What's wrong? You look really pale."
Chelsea came closer, her voice gentle as she touched the back of my hand.
She said, "Maria, your hand is freezing. Did you get sick from the rain yesterday?"
Toby said, frowning with a hint of impatience, "You're usually as sturdy as an ox, but now you're the one getting sick.
"Seriously, your constitution is unbelievable."
Chelsea tugged at his sleeve. "Maybe we shouldn't have barbecue. How about something lighter instead?"
I said, my voice a little hoarse, "No, it's fine. You guys go ahead and eat. I'll head back and rest for a bit."
Toby glanced down at his phone.
He said, "I already bought the meal vouchers, and they're non-refundable. Besides, Chelsea's been sketching designs all morning. She must be starving by now."
He looked up, his tone calm. "You go back first. Drink some hot water. We'll get you some oatmeal to go and pick up some medicine for you."
He was so thorough.
Every word was about taking care of me, but somehow, it all felt strangely distant, like none of it really had anything to do with me.
I nodded. "Okay."
Then I turned and headed back toward the inn.
Behind me, Chelsea's voice floated through the smoky haze. "Toby, I want the one loaded with chili powder!"
"You little foodie, you'll get a stomachache if you eat too much. Take it easy," Toby teased.
I headed back to the inn by myself.
My stomach was still churning, and my head felt heavy and foggy.
I knew it would be ages before they finished their barbecue, wandered around, and finally remembered to bring me some medicine.
So I went downstairs and asked the innkeeper for a couple of cold medicines.
As I swallowed the tablets, a bitter taste crept up from the back of my tongue, making me frown.
I leaned back against the headboard and absentmindedly opened Instagram.
After scrolling down a couple of times, I spotted a new post from Toby, which included nine photos.
The first few were sketches that contained the riverbank's overhanging eaves, the curve of a bridge arch, and the silhouette of a boat.
The next ones were close-ups of the barbecue. There were golden-brown chicken wings, squid loaded with chili powder, and juicy skewers dripping with oil.
The middle photo showed Toby and Chelsea each holding a skewer, crossing them like fencers in a duel.
The caption read: [A day in Landskar, sketched, snacked on skewers. Whose architectural drawing is better?]
Chelsea posted the same photos, with her own caption: [Axedominar University vs. Nightmara University, academic face-off!]
The comments section was buzzing.
A person wrote: [Chelsea got the riverbank line spot on. I'm team Chelsea.]
Another wrote: [Nah, Toby's perspective on those eaves is way more skilled. He's got real experience.]
A third wrote: [You two should become a couple already, architecture's golden boy and girl.]
Someone wrote: [You two are the modern couple of great architects. I'm totally shipping you two!]
I stared at that line. My thumb stayed frozen over the screen.
Then, a new comment popped up. It was from my college roommate, Scarlett Thomas.
She wrote: [If I'm not mistaken, aren't these Maria's bestie and boyfriend? Why are you guys shipping them?]
When I refreshed the page, it flickered, and Scarlett's comment was gone.
But the previous comments were still there. Even more people jumped in.
A person wrote: [Exactly!]
Another wrote: [Architecture's dream couple!]