Their footsteps finally came to a halt in front of a majestic building soaring high in the city center. Its pillars were made of sturdy white marble, and the entrance was adorned with gilded carvings that shimmered in the afternoon light.
It was the 'Grand Royal Inn', one of the most luxurious and exclusive lodgings in the capital, a place where usually only high-ranking officials or wealthy merchants dared to set foot.
Without hesitation, Arvin stepped inside and glanced back, signaling for Allen to follow him.
Allen jumped in surprise. His eyes widened as he took in the luxury of the inn's lobby, then shifted to stare at Arvin's broad back with a mind that had suddenly gone into chaos.
What? Why are we here? Allen thought hysterically. His face instantly flushed crimson.
His wild imagination immediately took over his logic. Wait a minute, this is an inn, right? Does Arvin want to... do it with me in a room? Right now? On our first private meeting?
Allen's heart pounded violently, not out of fear, but due to an exploding sense of anticipation. I don't mind! I swear, I don't mind at all! If that happens, after this, he and I will definitely be bound by a life-and-death contract! And forever, I will be his!
With trembling yet eager steps, Allen hurried to catch up with Arvin. However, his high hopes were destined to be shattered into pieces in a matter of seconds.
Instead of heading toward the guest rooms, Arvin turned sharply toward the right wing of the lobby, where a high-class restaurant was located. The aroma of steak and expensive spices immediately greeted their senses, replacing Allen's wild fantasies with a bleak reality.
Arvin chose a table in a semi-private corner, far from the bustle of other guests. He pulled out a chair and sat with elegant movements, then looked at Allen, who was still standing frozen with a disappointed look on his face.
"Sit down!" Arvin ordered briefly. "I'm starving. I haven't had a chance to eat all day. After we eat, then you can say whatever you want to say. I can't think on an empty stomach."
Allen swallowed hard, holding back his embarrassment for having thought such things. "A-Alright!" he mumbled softly.
Reluctantly, Allen nodded in agreement. He sat opposite Arvin, then ordered the exact same menu as Arvin because, truthfully, his brain was too deadlocked to choose food for himself.
Moments later, the lavish meal arrived. Slices of premium medium-rare steak with truffle sauce, corn cream soup, and wine were served on the table.
And then, they began to eat in silence.
The atmosphere at the table felt odd. The clinking of forks and knives against porcelain plates was the only sound to be heard. However, beneath that tranquility, an internal storm was raging once again.
Arvin cut his meat calmly, but his eyes occasionally stole glances at the young man across from him.
Ah... crap! Arvin thought as he chewed his food slowly. I'm having lunch with Allen. Really eating, just the two of us! Look at the way he holds that fork, he's so cute! Damn it! Even though he's not used to noble etiquette, why does he look like this?
Arvin held himself back with all his might to keep from smiling or doing something impulsive, like patting Allen's head. I want you so much, Allen. But... I can't be selfish. I'm playing the role of the antagonist in your story. My job is to make you suffer so that you become strong and your dormant powers awaken!
Meanwhile, not much different from Arvin, Allen also couldn't believe he was in a situation this close to the person he had only been able to admire from afar. He spooned his soup with a slightly trembling hand.
I'm having lunch with him? This isn't a dream, is it? Allen glanced at Arvin from beneath his lashes. He eats so elegantly. I feel like I want to feed him... Ah, stop that thought, Allen! You don't even know how he feels about you. Don't get your hopes up too high.
Allen swallowed his food, which tasted bland due to his nervousness. I have to be ready. Whatever happens, I have to say it. I have to be ready for any risk I might face after confessing my feelings to him. Including the risk of being kicked out or insulted.
Time passed slowly but surely. Once lunch was over, the waiters swiftly cleared their table, leaving only two glasses of wine behind.
Silence returned. Now, there was no more food to use as an excuse to delay the conversation.
Allen's heart began to race, as if it wanted to leap out of his chest. Cold sweat started to dampen his palms. He knew the moment of truth had arrived.
Arvin wiped his mouth with a napkin, then folded his hands on the table. His gaze bore straight through into Allen's eyes.
"So..." Arvin's voice sounded heavy and serious, breaking the silence. "What is it you want to say to me that made you desperate enough to follow me this far?"
Allen flinched. His tongue felt numb. "A-A-Actually... I-I..."
The words got stuck in his throat. The courage he had gathered on the streets seemed to evaporate the moment he was faced directly with Arvin's dominant aura.
Arvin narrowed his eyes, feigning annoyance. "Why are you stuttering like a fool? Speak clearly! I don't have much time. If you just want to stay silent, I'm leaving you here right now!"
The threat worked effectively. The fear of being left behind made Allen's adrenaline spike. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes for a moment, and then looked at Arvin with a burning gaze.
"I really like you!"
The exclamation rushed out, loud enough to make a few guests at other tables turn their heads briefly.
"Huh?"
Only that one word escaped Arvin's mouth. He stared sharply at Allen, who had now bowed his head deeply again, overcome by extreme embarrassment after shouting just now.
On the surface, Arvin looked surprised and perhaps a little disturbed. His eyebrows furrowed sharply, giving off a strong impression of intimidation.