Bursting Stones: Taupo

Chapter 6: Dinner

As Koha strolled down the familiar path from Taupo College to The Bristo, his hunger seemed to grow with each step. It had been a long day of classes, tests, and laps around the school field, and now he was eagerly anticipating a warm meal at his favorite spot. The Bristo was only a short walk from the school, tucked in a cozy corner of town, and it had been his go-to place for as long as he could remember. There was something about the smell of sizzling meat, fresh bread, and bubbling hot chips that made it feel like home.

The streets were bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, which cast long shadows on the ground and tinted the sky with hues of orange and pink. Koha took a deep breath, letting the cool evening breeze refresh him after the busy day. As he turned the final corner, he was pleasantly surprised to spot two familiar figures waiting outside The Bristo. It was his childhood friend Rangi and college buddy Chassie. Rangi, with his trademark rugby jacket slung over one shoulder, was telling some animated story, while Chassie stood with his arms crossed, looking every bit the calm listener, his usual smirk on his face.

"Oi, look who finally decided to join us!" Koha called out, grinning widely as he walked up to them.

"Koha!" Rangi replied, his face lighting up as he clapped Koha on the shoulder. "Thought you'd be too caught up with all that studying to join the lads tonight."

Chassie raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, you're not going to start ordering salads on us, are you?" he teased, dodging Koha's playful swipe.

"Salad?" Koha scoffed, rolling his eyes. "I'm here for a proper meal. After today, I could probably eat half the menu."

The three of them laughed as they headed inside, where the familiar hum of conversations and clinking of cutlery met them. They found a booth by the window, with a view of the evening lights twinkling outside, and settled in, catching the attention of their usual server.

"Burgers, fries, and milkshakes all around?" she asked with a knowing smile, jotting down their usual order before they'd even said a word.

"Yeah, but make mine extra large," Koha said, grinning. "I'm starving."

Soon enough, plates piled with burgers stacked high with toppings, mountains of fries, and the Bristo's famous milkshakes—chocolate for Rangi, vanilla for Chassie, and strawberry for Koha—arrived at their table. As they dug in, the chatter flowed easily, filling the booth with laughter and stories.

Between bites, Rangi started recounting a story about his little brother's latest rugby escapades. "Kid thinks he's already an All Black," he said, shaking his head. "Half the time, he's more interested in getting covered in mud than actually playing the game. Mum says he's ruined three jerseys already."

Chassie snorted into his milkshake. "Didn't you do the same when we were kids? Every weekend, you'd come home looking like you'd rolled through a swamp."

Rangi chuckled, shaking his head. "At least I had talent to back it up, unlike my little bro," he said, grinning proudly. "You can't all be gifted athletes, I guess."

They bantered back and forth, reminiscing about the days they'd spent as kids, causing harmless trouble around town, daring each other to climb the highest tree or swim out the farthest in the lake. Koha joined in, sharing stories from their early days of high school, times when they'd sneak snacks into the library or laugh uncontrollably in class until they got kicked out.

After a while, the conversation shifted to plans for the upcoming holiday break, a topic that had all of them excited. Rangi talked about his family's annual beach trip, while Chassie mentioned he might head up to Auckland to see some old cousins. When it was Koha's turn, he shrugged. "Might just hang around here, enjoy the quiet. Maybe work on some of my art," he said, tapping his fingers on the table. "Got a few ideas I want to get on paper."

The three friends ate until they were full, savoring every bite as the evening grew darker outside. They could hear the soft patter of rain beginning on the windows, adding to the diner's warm, inviting atmosphere. Every now and then, a group of locals would come in, and they'd nod politely at Koha and his friends, the way folks in a small town often did.

As the clock ticked closer to closing time, the Bristo started winding down, with staff clearing tables and flipping chairs onto the empty ones. Koha leaned back in the booth, patting his stomach with a satisfied grin. "Nothing beats a good feed after a day like this, eh?"

"Speak for yourself," Rangi said, stifling a yawn. "I think I could fall asleep right here."

"Yeah, we'd better get moving before they kick us out," Chassie said, chuckling.

They paid the bill, leaving a generous tip, and stepped out into the now-drizzling night. They stood under the awning for a moment, listening to the rain pattering on the sidewalk and watching the few cars that passed by with headlights reflecting off the wet road.

The three friends shared a few final laughs as they walked down the quiet, rain-dampened streets toward the spot where their paths diverged. Taupo was calm at night, and the distant sounds of the lake lapping against the shore reached their ears, bringing a peaceful close to the evening.

"Alright, you two," Koha said, giving each of them a nod. "See you at school tomorrow?"

Rangi clapped him on the shoulder one last time. "Wouldn't miss it. Don't be late, though, Koha. I'm not covering for you with Mrs. Martin again."

Chassie just waved, grinning as he turned to walk down his own street. "Later, boys."

Koha watched his friends disappear into the misty rain, feeling a familiar warmth in his chest. Nights like these reminded him of the simplicity and joy of friendship, the way even a small-town dinner with old mates could feel like the best part of his week. With a smile still on his face, he turned and headed home, the night stretching out ahead, full of quiet promise.