The next day.
The atmosphere at Shunkatei felt different from usual. Unlike previous days when it was bustling until 9:30 PM, Sonoka decided to close the restaurant early tonight.
"Sorry, everyone, we’re closing at 8 PM today. You can head ho early." Sonoka said to her staff as she untied her apron.
"Huh? Why so sudden, Kikuchi-san?" One of the waitresses asked, puzzled.
"I-I have so important matters to attend to." Sonoka replied, looking down, her cheeks slightly flushed.
The staff exchanged confused glances. They knew their boss well—she never closed the restaurant early unless sothing truly significant was happening.
After ensuring all the staff had left, Sonoka locked the front door and began preparing sothing special.
Tonight, she would cook for soone very important—Rokuhara Ren.
"Alright, I need to make the best al. Ren-sama saved my life yesterday. This is the least I can do to show my gratitude."
Specializing in Western cuisine, she poured all her culinary skills into ensuring she wouldn’t disappoint Ren.
Her chosen nu was Beef Wellington de Luxe—A5 wagyu wrapped in pâté foie gras and mushroom duxelles, encased in layers of puff pastry. As sides, she prepared Truffle Risotto with authentic French black truffles and Grilled Asparagus with handmade hollandaise sauce.
"Perfect."
Sonoka nodded in satisfaction, admiring her work. The mouthwatering aroma filled the entire restaurant.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
After finishing the al preparations, Sonoka hurried to the small bathroom at the back of the restaurant to freshen up.
She showered to wash away the sweat and cooking slls clinging to her body. Lavender-scented soap cleansed her smooth, soft skin.
Erging from the bathroom, Sonoka slipped into a midnight blue dress she had prepared.
The dress made of softly shimring satin, was an off-shoulder design that revealed her fair shoulders and part of her back. It hugged her waist, accentuating her curvaceous figure. The neckline was crafted to highlight her ample chest without being vulgar, offering an elegant hint of cleavage. The dress ended just above her knees, showcasing her slender legs.
"This... isn’t it a bit too flashy?"
After a mont’s hesitation, Sonoka decided to wear it.
Looking at herself in the mirror, she felt like a woman preparing for her first date.
"What am I doing? This feels... like I’m getting ready for a date."
Pausing, Sonoka bit her lower lip uncertainly.
"But... Rokuhara-sama is still a high school student, right? He’s younger than . This isn’t appropriate... Besides, he already has two beautiful girlfriends. I shouldn’t be thinking like this." She muttered, touching her warming cheeks.
Despite these thoughts, Sonoka didn’t want to look bad in front of Ren. She applied light makeup, which she rarely wore, and dabbed nude lipstick on her lips.
Her usually loose, long hair was styled into a low side ponytail on the right, with a few strands framing her face.
"Rokuhara-sama..."
Touching her racing heart, Sonoka murmured Ren’s na, recalling his heroic actions from the previous night when he saved her from kidnappers.
The way Ren appeared out of thin air, effortlessly defeated the kidnappers, and, most morably, gently held her, assuring her everything would be alright.
What Sonoka didn’t know was that the kidnapping was a scenario Ren had orchestrated from the start.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Sonoka sat at a small round table typically reserved for VIPs, now adorned with aromatherapy candles and white roses.
On the table were the lavish dishes she had prepared with all her heart—warm Beef Wellington de Luxe with its tantalizing aroma, creamy Truffle Risotto, and beautifully plated Grilled Asparagus.
*TING!*
The entrance bell chid. The door opened, and Ren stepped in, dressed casually yet elegantly—a white shirt with the top two buttons undone and fitted black pants.
"Good night, Sonoka-san. Wow... you look absolutely stunning tonight. That dress suits you perfectly. You’re like a goddess descended from the heavens."
Ren’s eyes deliberately traced Sonoka’s figure from head to toe, appreciating every detail of her appearance.
"Your hair, too... that side ponytail makes your face look even sweeter. And your makeup... flawless. I can hardly blink looking at you."
Sitting across from her, Ren smiled gently, gazing at Sonoka, whose heart beat faster.
Last night, Sonoka had asked him to call her by her first na, without formalities.
"Good night, Rokuhara-sama. Th-thank you for the complints. I-I dressed up because tonight is special."
Flattered by Ren, Sonoka felt both shy and delighted. Her long preparations and efforts hadn’t been in vain.
"Rokuhara-sama, once again, thank you so much for saving last night. If you hadn’t co..."
Sonoka bowed deeply, her voice trembling as she recalled the terrifying ordeal.
"I don’t know what terrible things might have happened to . They... they might have..."
Just thinking about it, Sonoka shivered in fear. Her body trembled, and tears began to well in the corners of her eyes.
Seeing this, Ren reached across the table, gently taking Sonoka’s hand. The warmth of his palm cald her.
"Listen, Sonoka-san. If you ever face danger again, just think of . I’ll co to save you anyti, anywhere. I promise."
In this world, there may be hatred without reason, but never love without motive. Clearly, Ren was doing all this to bring Sonoka into his harem.
How could Sonoka’s heart not lt at those words?
The suspension bridge effect she experienced last night was gradually becoming real. With her cheeks growing redder, Sonoka slowly withdrew her hand.
"Rokuhara-sama, please try the food. This is the best al I could make. I hope it suits your taste."
Reviews
All reviews (0)