EXT – PARKING LOT
"You're really shameless."
"Where do you want to go?" she ignored his jab, buckled herself into the passenger seat like it was her throne.
A moment ago, Ice had just started his car, the last one to leave the pastry shop. The headlights had barely lit up when a silhouette appeared in front of the car—arms stretched in a T-pose. He didn't even need to guess who it was. Only one girl would dare stand there like that.
He let her in, though his reluctance was written all over his face. Fire didn't care.
"So where do you want to eat? Do you eat out a lot?" she asked, practically bouncing.
"Do you know any local restaurants?" She turned toward him with hopeful eyes.
Ice sank silently into his seat, hands firm on the steering wheel.
"I'm really excited!" She clasped her hands together like a kid on a school trip.
"No.no. And no." His gaze stayed locked on the road as he turned the ignition.
The car rolled forward.
"Eh? Why not?"
"You're a culinary student. Can't cook, always eating fast food. You're a disgrace." He maneuvered smoothly into the street.
"Yes, yes, I've heard that a million times, Ice!" She whipped out her phone. "Since you won't say anything, I'll check myself."
From the corner of his eye, Ice could see her scrolling through restaurants like she was planning a treasure hunt.
Finally, after leaving the parking lot, he asked, "Where are we going?"
"Here, please!" She stretched out her hand, phone glowing with a pinned location.
"Why do I feel like I was just hired as your driver tonight?" His irritation slipped through.
"What?"
He shot her a glare. She answered with her brightest smile.
The place was a fifteen-minute drive away. Which meant fifteen minutes of nonstop Fire chatter.
"Hey, I saw a girl confessing to you the other day."
"Can you stop eavesdropping on me?" His eyes never left the road.
"It was accidental!" She leaned closer, completely absorbed by the subject. "But still—you should've been kinder. Just a little!"
"The lady was crying!" She scolded like an angry mom.
"You should've said something like—" She deepened her voice, trying to imitate a man. "Thank you, I appreciate your affection."
"That only leads to more trouble." His tone was flat.
"Okay, okay—how about—" She crossed her arms, thinking hard. Then, with a dramatic pause: "I'm really sorry, but I don't like girls."
All she got was his glare.
"I mean, that could solve a lot of problems, don't you think?" She beamed, thumbs up.
That was the moment the brakes slammed, jolting her forward. By the time she recovered, Ice had already stepped out of the car.
"Maybe open the door for the lady?" she called, hurrying after him.
"I don't like girls, remember?" His sarcasm bit cold as he walked toward the restaurant.
"Yup. He's mad," Fire muttered, jogging after him.
INT – RESTAURANT
Warm golden lights washed over the tables, each decorated with velvet covers, roses, and flickering candles. The entire room radiated romance. When the waiter mentioned their "special couple's dinner" discount, the atmosphere became undeniable.
Fire's eyes sparkled at the sight of their plates. "Let's eat!" She snatched up her utensils eagerly.
Ice didn't move. Instead, his stare pinned her in place.
"What?" She blinked at him. Then realization struck, and she leaned forward, whispering with a mischievous grin, "Just go with it. Free set up for couples today." She wiggled her brows. "Plus, free cake."
He sighed but picked up his utensils anyway.
Why am I even here again? Watching her was exhausting enough, yet somehow he stayed.
"It's so good!" she exclaimed, cheeks puffed with food.
"Here, try!" Before he could react, she shoved a spoonful into his mouth.
He froze, caught off guard. Meanwhile, Fire kept munching happily as if nothing happened. He shook his head in disbelief at her innocence.
"Oh! Try this one too!" Another spoon appeared, and he ended up swallowing it without protest. His face stayed blank—annoyed, but resigned—while Fire's smile bloomed like a sunflower.
Neither of them noticed the faint click of a camera.
At a corner table, a girl with a short bob and a headband sat frozen. Her phone trembled in her hand as she snapped photo after photo. A tear slid down her cheek.
Each picture was another stab in her chest.
She smiled faintly at the boy's back—just his back, but she knew. She could never mistake the person she liked.