After work, Yohan and Chloe strolled off. It wasn't too late, so there were still people around.
"Do you want to get something to eat?" he asked her with a charming smile.
"Yeah, where do you wanna go?" she replied.
"I don't really have any place in mind. Do you know anywhere special?" he asked.
"Not really. Honestly, I'm fine with wherever."
"Okay, how about this place then?" he said, pointing to a restaurant.
The restaurant had a sleek black exterior with large tinted windows and a gold sign above the door. Soft lights lined the entrance, highlighting two trimmed plants in stone pots. A well-dressed host stood by the velvet rope, and soft music could be faintly heard whenever the door opened. Everything about it whispered wealth and exclusivity.
"T-that place is far too expensive. Let's go somewhere else."
"You've been there before?"
"No, but some of my friends have. They said the food is nice, but a single meal is more expensive than my phone."
"If the food is nice, then we have to try it. Come on," he said, holding her hand and leading her into the restaurant.
As they stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted immediately — warm, muted lighting bathed the room in a soft golden glow, bouncing gently off crystal chandeliers and mirrored walls. The air was cool, scented with aged wood, fine wine, and something delicately spiced.
The floor was polished marble, so pristine it reflected the soles of their shoes. Servers in tailored black uniforms moved silently between tables, carrying trays with the grace of a performance — never rushing, never fumbling. Conversations were hushed, almost reverent, and the occasional clink of silverware echoed like punctuation in the ambient hum.
Tables were spaced widely apart, each dressed in crisp white linens and topped with a small vase holding a single fresh flower. A sommelier approached with a practiced smile, leading them to a table and offering wine menus printed on thick, creamy paper.
Everything, from the quiet efficiency of the staff to the rich textures and subtle scents, was designed to make you feel like time had slowed down just for you.
"Wow," Chloe whispered, eyes wide. She was probably looking at the prices on the menu.
Yohan glanced as well — it was really expensive. The kind of expensive that felt almost unreasonable… but he could easily afford it.
He still had plenty of money left, and he could always make more.
"Order anything you'd like," he said calmly.
"Anything?" Chloe asked, surprised.
"Yeah. Don't worry about the price."
She still looked a bit wary, but she nodded and smiled. Soon the waiter returned to take their orders, then came back with their food.
The dishes arrived with quiet elegance. First came a small appetizer — a single bite arranged carefully on a white plate. Then warm, fresh bread with three kinds of butter on the side.
Each course followed smoothly, delivered by silent servers who explained the dishes briefly before stepping back. The portions were small but beautiful, rich in smell and vibrant in color. Between courses, glasses were refilled and plates cleared without a word.
Everything moved at a calm, unhurried pace — polished and precise, just like the restaurant itself.
During the meal, Chloe couldn't take her eyes off Yohan. He had changed so much. It was like he'd become a completely different person.
"Yohan… what happened to you?" she finally asked.
"Hmm? What do you mean?" Yohan replied.
"You seem… different."
"Different how?" he teased.
"It's just that before, you were…"
"A loser?"
"No, no! I never said—"
"It's fine," he chuckled. "I was just joking. I know what you mean."
"Well… let's just say I outgrew that phase. You didn't expect me to stay the same forever, did you?"
"That's true," she laughed softly.
"How about you? I hardly know anything about your life."
"Well, what do you want to know?" she asked.
"Anything."
"Okay… I'm currently staying with my big sister and her husband. I moved in with them recently. I didn't want to at first, but to save on rent… and since their house isn't too far from here, I can easily walk to the shop."
"That's smart. What else?"
"I dunno. What else do you want to know?"
Yohan didn't hesitate. "Are you seeing anyone at the moment?"
"Seeing anyone?" Her face flushed red.
"Do you want me to say fucking? I was trying to be decent," Yohan said.
"I know what you mean," she sighed, flustered. "No. I'm not a fan of casual sex."
"But you were fine doing it with me?"
"Th-that's different," she said, shifting her gaze.
Seeing her like that was fun — Yohan was tempted to push further just to tease her, but he held back.
"Do you want to go grab some drinks after this?"
She considered it for a moment. "Sure. Let me just text my sister that I'll be home late."
Afterward, they stopped by a cozy bar and ordered a few drinks. The atmosphere was warm and mellow, a quiet contrast to the buzz of the city outside. They stayed for about half an hour, chatting and laughing over their glasses before finally stepping back into the night.
As they walked side by side, Chloe clung gently to Yohan's arm, leaning into him with an easy familiarity.
"So this is what a date feels like," Yohan said with a soft smile, stealing a glance at her.
"You've never been on a date before?" she asked, almost surprised.
"Of course I have," Yohan lied. "I just meant… this one's the best."
His words made Chloe blush. She turned her gaze to a nearby building. Yohan followed her eyes — it was a motel.
"Have you ever been in one of those?" she asked.
"I can't say that I have," Yohan confessed.
"Okay then. Let's go," she said, tugging him gently in that direction.