Suzy and Derek sat across from each other. She lowered her head to scan the menu and said firmly, "We agreed—I'm paying this time."
Derek smiled. "Alright, Miss Moneybags. I won't argue."
They had come to a Japanese barbecue restaurant. The air carried the faint scent of charcoal and sizzling meat, mingled with soft background music and warm golden lighting.
Suzy flipped through the menu carefully before settling on a signature set that included several of the restaurant's most popular dishes.
She looked up. "How about this one?"
The moment she lifted her gaze, she met Derek's eyes. They were bright—almost shimmering under the lights.
He had been staring at her intently, utterly focused, as if he had forgotten to look away. A faint smile lingered at the corners of his lips.
Under the restaurant's warm glow, he looked almost unreal—like a finely crafted doll placed across from her.
