"Alright!"
Diana went ahead and ordered two insanely spicy dishes.
After placing the order, Diana said, "So, about the report Wendy from Sales made today, I took a look, and I think there are quite a few issues with it."
Robin asked, "Like what?"
Diana pulled out her phone and showed him. "Look at this, the numbers are way off compared to the last report."
As the two of them dived into work matters, Sophia found herself unable to join the conversation, resorting to sipping water and scrolling through her phone.
Finally, when the food arrived, Robin and Diana quickly shifted from discussing work to reminiscing about their hometowns over a couple of dishes that reminded them of home. Sophia still found no way to chime in.
Halfway through the meal, Diana served Sophia some spicy pickled bamboo shoots, saying, "Try this, it's like the ones from the hills back home – super crunchy and tender. This way, if you ever visit our place with Robin, you can get a taste ahead of time."
Robin added, "It's really good, brings a bit of home here."
Feeling obligated, Sophia took a bite, only to be overwhelmed by a fierce spiciness that made her rush for a big gulp of water, feeling a burning sensation from her mouth down to her throat, coughing involuntarily.
Diana asked in surprise, "Is it that spicy?"
Robin showed concern, "You okay?"
Sophia, barely able to speak from the heat, managed to down another large glass of water before feeling slightly better. "Just caught me off guard, I'm fine."
Diana looked somewhat apologetic, "I had no idea you couldn't handle any spice. Really sorry about that."
Sophia shook her head, "It's okay!"
*
Throughout the meal, Robin and Diana chatted away happily, enjoying their food, while Sophia barely touched her shredded potatoes.
After leaving the restaurant, Diana, still in high spirits, suggested they go shopping.
As Robin focused on driving, he casually mentioned, "Diana doesn't have many friends here. You guys could hang out more often."
Sophia turned to him and confessed, "Robin, I don't like this Diana."
Robin was taken aback, "Why not?"
Sophia remained silent.
Robin explained, "I was the one who invited Diana. She was worried you might not like it, but I assured her you'd be okay with it, and that's why she came along."
Sophia replied, "It's not just about that!"
"What else then?" Robin said with a light laugh. "Diana really likes you; she always speaks highly of you in front of me. I thought you guys could become friends, especially since she's quite lonely here."
Sophia frowned, "Just because she's lonely, I have to be her friend?"
Robin looked at Sophia in surprise, "What do you mean by that? When did you become so sharp and sensitive?"
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