CHAPTER - 26

  Dav: It's already 12:00...

  If I remember correctly, she wanted to take care of everything at the academy first and then have lunch, right?

  But it will take more than two hours to go back and then find a place to eat and get some ice cream, mh...

  Iris (with a downcast, sad look): It’s fine, I suppose... Maybe another time...

  Narrator: Dav noticed the sadness in her eyes. She had probably been planning all night to have lunch and enjoy some ice cream with someone after all the effort at the supermarket.

  Dav: (Looking up, touching his chin with two fingers, thinking out loud) Now that I think about it... Mh... We don’t actually have anything urgent to put away.

  I mean, nothing that needs freezing or organizing immediately.

  Our truck has good cooling inside, so there shouldn't be any issues with the vegetables.

  That means we can go have lunch or go anywhere else without worrying about rushing back.

  Iris: (Eyes wide and smiling) That’s right! We didn’t buy any fish or frozen goods that need to be put away immediately!

  We can go to this place called "Il Piacere del Mondo", 17 minutes from here. It’s a café with lots of tables, a really beautiful interior, and amazing desserts and meals!

  Dav: I’ll set up the GPS so we won’t have any trouble getting there.

  ~ 19 minutes later, 12:19 PM ~

  Dav: (Looking out the window) That should be it, if I’m not mistaken?

  Iris: Yes! That’s the one.

  I’ve been here before, and it became my favorite place ever since.

  A refined yet cozy café, with warm, soft lighting. The walls are decorated with elegant wooden patterns and large windows that let in natural light.

  White marble tables with plush velvet chairs add a touch of class, while a gentle jazz melody plays in the background.

  Menu:

  Special desserts: Fluffy cakes, buttery croissants, vanilla cream millefeuille, and the famous "Chocolate Triumph" served with artisanal ice cream.

  Light meals: Gourmet salads, sandwiches filled with fresh ingredients, creamy risottos, and pasta dishes with refined sauces.

  Beverages: Aromatic coffees, selected teas, fruit frappés, and hot chocolates topped with whipped cream.

  Clientele & atmosphere:

  A place frequented by students, professors, and people looking for a moment of relaxation.

  Some read books while sipping their coffee, others chat cheerfully as they savor desserts.

  The staff is kind and well-dressed, wearing elegant aprons and warm smiles.]

  Dav: (Entering with one hand in his pocket) It’s really nice!

  Waitress: (With a polite, warm smile) Good afternoon, do you have a reservation, or should I get you a table?

  Iris: A table for two, if that’s alright.

  Waitress: (Gesturing and leading them) Please, this way.

  (Holding a tablet to take their orders) What can I bring you, miss?

  Iris: A creamy risotto and fresh green tea.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  Waitress: Would you like a dessert?

  Iris: (Softly, a bit embarrassed) Chocolate Triumph, that’s all.

  Waitress: And for you, sir?

  Dav: A pasta dish, something special if possible.

  White wine.

  For dessert, mh... A small slice of cherry cake.

  And finally, after dessert, an espresso.

  Waitress: Order confirmed! Your first dish will arrive in less than ten minutes, followed by the rest.

  If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask! I’ll be back shortly.

  Narrator: As the waitress walked away, Iris leaned back slightly in her chair, sighing softly.

  She was exhausted but satisfied.

  Iris: (Smiling) I didn’t think I’d actually get to come here today... Thank you for agreeing, Professor.

  Dav: (Crossing his arms with a slight smirk) It’s nothing. It would’ve been a shame to waste all your effort in planning this day.

  Iris: (Blushing slightly, looking away) I didn’t plan anything special, really...

  I just thought it would be a nice way to relax after shopping.

  Dav: (Resting his elbow on the table, looking thoughtful) You know, I expected a more crowded and chaotic place.

  But it’s actually really peaceful here. Good choice.

  Iris: (Happy) Right? That’s one of the reasons I love it so much.

  The food is amazing, but the atmosphere is also perfect for unwinding...

  Narrator: Dav took another look around.

  The delicate scent of freshly baked pastries mixed with the aroma of coffee, while the quiet hum of conversations made the place even more welcoming.

  Dav: (Curious) Do you come here often?

  Iris: (Looking down slightly) Not really... I walk past it a lot, but I rarely have the time to stop.

  Dav: (Raising an eyebrow) Then it’s even better that you managed to come today.

  Narrator: Iris nodded, her smile growing softer.

  Shortly after, the waitress returned with their first dishes.

  Waitress: Here is the creamy risotto and the house-special pasta.

  Enjoy your meal!

  Dav: (Picking up his fork) Let’s see if your recommendation is really worth it...

  Iris: (Chuckling) I hope so, or I’ll feel guilty!

  Narrator: With the inviting aroma of their meals and the warmth of good company, their lunch break was turning out better than expected.

  Iris: (Excited) The desserts should be arriving any minute now!

  Waitress: Here are your desserts, sir and miss.

  "Chocolate Triumph" and a slice of cherry cake, just as you ordered.

  Iris: (Drooling at her dessert) It’s so good!

  The ice cream is amazing—I can eat it without freezing my brain!

  ~ Two minutes later ~

  Iris (holding her head in pain): Never mind...

  Dav: That’s normal, it’s still ice cream.

  Waitress: Your coffee, sir.

  Dav: Thank you.

  (Ironically) Once I finish my coffee, I’ll go pay. You, take your time enjoying your "Chocolate Triumph."

  Iris: (Embarrassed) Don’t worry! I’ll handle the bill—I was the one who asked you out to lunch!

  (Firmly, with eyes closed) I insist!

  Narrator: Meanwhile, Dav, watching her from a distance, quietly approached the register and tapped his card on the reader, paying silently.

  He looked at her with a raised eyebrow as if to say, "What were you saying?"

  Iris (cheeks puffed like a child): That’s not fair! I didn’t even get a chance to say anything!

  Dav: (Smirking) Oh, really? You didn’t have time? But I had already decided.

  Iris: (Trying to argue) But... but I wanted to...!

  Dav: (Chuckling) Don’t worry, Miss Iris. Next time, dinner’s on you (maybe).

  Iris: (Blushing, slightly irritated) Fine... But next time, I won’t let you get away with it!

  Narrator: They arrived at the cinema, bought two tickets for The Haunted House.

  Dav also bought two packs of colorful caramel popcorn and two large Sprite drinks.

  Narrator: They spent two hours immersed in the movie, during which Miss Iris kept trying to scare Dav at every jump scare.

  Dav: (Stiff, with a blank expression) ...

  Narrator: No matter how hard he tried to not show weakness, Iris immediately noticed he was tense. And she took advantage of it.

  Iris: (Whispering with a mischievous smile) Watch out, Professor... it's about to happen again...

  Dav: (Grinding his teeth) Cut it out.

  Narrator: But just then, another jump scare filled the screen, and Iris seized the moment to lightly tap Dav's arm.

  Dav: (Startled, but imperceptibly) Tsk.

  Iris: (Laughing softly) Haha, I saw that!

  Dav: (In a low voice, exasperated) Stop it.

  Narrator: Iris kept laughing, enjoying herself like she hadn’t in years, while Dav remained impassive... or at least, he tried to.

  End of the movie – 17:36

  Narrator: They left the theater, with Dav visibly exhausted, while Iris seemed more energetic than ever.

  Iris: (Beaming) Professor, I think horror movies aren't really your thing.

  Dav: (Massaging his temples) It's not the movie, Miss.

  Iris: (Feigning innocence) Oh? Then what is it?

  Dav: (Tired, but resigned) ...You.

  Narrator: Iris burst into laughter again as they headed to the van. The drive back was peaceful, although every now and then, Dav glanced at her sideways, as if checking if she was planning another prank.

  Iris: (Smiling with satisfaction) It was a nice day, wasn’t it?

  Dav: (Driving, with a playful sigh) Exhausting, but yes... I suppose it was.

  Narrator: The sun was beginning to set as they reached the academy, closing off this strange but pleasant day.

  When Dav parked the van near the unloading bay, the woman responsible for the kitchen looked at Iris with satisfaction, noticing her happy expression after the day.

  Margherita Bellini (Happily): You’re back, Miss Iris, Professor!

  (Curiously, whispered to Iris): Well? How was it? How is he?? Do you like him?

  Iris: (Blushing as she went inside) Mrs.!!

  Margherita Bellini: Go rest, we'll take care of everything. Remember, it's your day off!

  Iris: (From a distance) Okay, okay!

  Dav: (To Margherita) Nice to meet you, Mrs. Bellini.