———————
Yunah hung up Noah's call and quietly cleaned the dishes before heading to her room. She slipped into a black-and-white checkered mini skirt and a crisp white shirt. Her brush slid through her long hair, leaving it loose around her shoulders. Leaning towards the mirror, she swiped a soft red lipstick across her already pink, plump lips. She took one last glance at her reflection, and grabbed her sling bag, then stepped out of her room.
She was just slipping into her black heels, near the door, when her phone buzzed. Serena's name flashed on the screen.
"Hello?" Yunah answered, balancing on one foot as she locked her apartment door behind her.
"Where are you? Meet me at the café near the office—right now," Serena's voice came through, sharp and impatient.
Yunah frowned, her tone casual but curious. "Why? What's the rush?"
"I'll explain when you get here. Just hurry—I've got a lot to ask you." Before Yunah could press further, the line went dead.
She stood there for a second, blinking at her phone in confusion. "What's with this girl now?" she muttered, shaking her head. With a sigh, she flagged down a taxi and slid in.
------------------
At Urban-Brew Café
The faint hum of chatter and the clinking of cups filled the warm, artistic café. Paintings lined the walls, soft jazz drifted through the speakers, and sunlight poured in through tall windows.
Yunah stepped inside, scanning the room. It didn't take her long to spot Serena—slouched at a corner table near the window, face dull, staring absently outside.
"Found you," Yunah muttered under her breath, weaving through the crowd.
The second Serena noticed her, her expression flipped. She brightened instantly, waving both hands like a child spotting candy.
Yunah chuckled at the sudden mood swing and slipped into the chair across from her. "So, what's this about? And wait—don't tell me you skipped work?" Her brows arched with mock suspicion.
Serena shook her head quickly, lips twitching into a grin. "No, no. But first—tell me what the hell happened last night at the dinner that director Arav got fired… and replaced overnight."
"WHAT?!" Yunah's voice shot up, startling the couple at the next table. She immediately bowed her head in apology. "Sorry! for that....." Then, leaning in toward Serena, her voice dropped to a harsh whisper. "What do you mean fired? I thought I was the one getting fired!"
Serena's brows furrowed, her eyes narrowing in confusion. "Why would you be fired? What are you talking about? What exactly happened yesterday?"
Yunah sighed, fingers drumming against the table, and finally relayed everything that went down at the dinner.
By the time she finished, Serena's face was burning with outrage. She slapped her palm on the table, the sound snapping heads in their direction. "Unbelievable! Those bastards! Why didn't you call me, huh? I swear, I would've smashed a bottle over their heads myself!"
Despite herself, Yunah broke into soft laughter at her friend's fury. "Calm down, tigeress. I handled it. No need for you to end up in jail."
Serena huffed, but her shoulders dropped. "Still… they crossed the line." She sat back just as the waitress arrived with two cappuccinos, setting them neatly in front of them. Serena wrapped her hands around the cup, exhaling slowly, then looked back at Yunah. "Anyway, listen—the new director called me into his office this morning. Told me to tell you the company wants to apologize for what happened to you. I was floored. I asked what he meant, but he said to ask you directly… and then gave me half a day off."
Yunah frowned, lifting her cup but not drinking yet. "Apologize? How would they even know about it?"
Serena shrugged, sipping her coffee, the foam clinging to her upper lip. "Who cares how? The old director's gone, isn't that good enough? Honestly, this might be the best outcome possible."
"Yeah… maybe," Yunah murmured, finally taking a sip. But her gaze drifted to the window, her thoughts heavy, suspicion flickering in her eyes. Something about the whole situation didn't add up.
---------------
After hours of laughter, complaints, and half-serious arguments, Yunah and Serena finally parted ways outside the café. Serena disappeared down the sidewalk with a cheerful wave, while Yunah tucked her bag against her side and wandered off into the bustling street.
The city was alive around her—honking cars, chatter from vendors, the aroma of roasted chestnuts drifting from a nearby stall. Yunah's steps were unhurried, her mind still tangled in Serena's words.
Then—ding.
Her phone vibrated in her hand. Yunah glanced down and unlocked it. A direct message blinked across the screen.
Noah: Did you get fired or not?
Her lips curved, almost involuntarily, into a soft smile. "Ah… I almost forgot about the bet," she murmured under her breath. For the first time that day, her chest felt lighter.
Without breaking stride, she began typing, thumbs dancing across the screen.
Yunah: Meet me at Red Dragon Restaurant. 6 PM.
She hit send, her reflection briefly catching in a passing shop window—lipstick still neat, her hair loose around her shoulders, her smile warm in a way she hadn't seen in a long time.
Slipping the phone back into her bag, she let the crowd swallow her whole, her figure blending into the restless rhythm of the city.
---------------
At Red Dragon Restaurant.
Noah arrived fifteen minutes early. He couldn't risk being late—not tonight. Excitement buzzed under his skin, something he couldn't quite mask, though his expression stayed collected.
Dressed in a crisp black shirt and tailored pants, his hair neatly styled, Noah looked every inch older than his years. A leather jacket hung effortlessly from one shoulder, adding an edge to his otherwise polished appearance. Passersby slowed their steps, stealing glances, some bold enough to linger. But the chill in his eyes—the kind of cold that seeped into the bones—kept them at a distance.
He leaned casually against the wall, one hand in his pocket, the other flicking his watch every few seconds. The minute hand crept toward six, and each tick stretched his anticipation tighter.
Finally, a taxi pulled up.
The moment Yunah stepped out, his composure cracked—his eyes lit up, his lips curving into a rare, delicate smile. He pushed off the wall instantly, striding toward her with a quiet eagerness he couldn't disguise.
Yunah's gaze swept over him, pausing on his outfit. Her brows arched, and she let out a teasing laugh.
"Wahh… what's this? Are you heading to a date or a movie premiere? Why so overdressed?"
Noah leaned in slightly, his voice low but bold, a mischievous curve tugging at his lips.
"Then call it a date… if you want."
Her steps faltered for a second at his bluntness, before she scoffed and shook her head, half-amused, half-flustered.
"Unbelievable. This guy…" she muttered, brushing past him toward the entrance. "Come on, let's get inside."
"Hm." Noah's reply was a satisfied hum, his smile lingering as he slid his hands back into his pockets and followed, each step lighter than the last.
-----------------
After finding a perfect corner table, Yunah and Noah sat opposite each other. Tonight, the restaurant looked different—extravagant, almost dreamlike. Fresh flowers adorned every table, their fragrance mingling with the soft hum of romantic music that floated through the air. Each table was set like a date.
Yunah shifted uneasily, heat rising to her cheeks. Why here of all places… She was the one who'd called him out, but now the atmosphere made her feel strangely shy and exposed.
Across from her, Noah's lips curved into a sly, knowing smile as he studied her embarrassed face.
"Di," he drawled lightly, "Is something wrong? You don't like this place? If you're uncomfortable, we can leave and eat somewhere else."
The way he said it—gentle yet teasing—only flustered her more.
"No, it's fine…" Yunah forced a small smile, fumbling with the edge of the tablecloth. "Just… order whatever you want."
"Then…" Noah reached for the menu, his tone dropping the familiar "Di," slipping instead into something more intimate—like a boyfriend naturally would. His fingers traced down the list with practiced calm.
"What about you? What do you want to have?"
Yunah didn't notice the change. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, trying to sound casual.
"Ah… I'll eat whatever you order. I'm not picky."
Noah's lips twitched. He raised his hand, calling the waiter with quiet confidence.
"We'll have chili chicken, noodles, fried dumplings, and crispy potato. And don't forget plenty of mayonnaise." He paused, flipping to the dessert section.
Yunah blinked, her eyes narrowing in surprise. "Those are… all my favorites." She stared at him, suspicion and curiosity flickering in her gaze.
"For dessert," Noah continued smoothly, snapping the menu shut, "vanilla pastry. That'll be all."
"Yes, sir. It will take around twenty minutes. Please enjoy your evening." The waiter gave a polite bow and left.
Yunah leaned forward, her eyes locked on Noah as if trying to peel away the mask on his face. "That order…" she muttered, her voice low, almost accusing.
Noah tilted his head, feigning innocence. His dark eyes were steady, unreadable.
"What about it? Did you wanted to add something?" His tone was light, curious—too smooth, too perfect.
Yunah exhaled softly, giving up on finding cracks in his expression. She shook her head with a reluctant smile.
"No… it's fine."
But inside, her doubt lingered, settling in her chest like a whisper she couldn't shake off.
---------------
Twenty minutes later, the waiter returned with steaming plates. Yunah and Noah began their dinner, the clinking of cutlery mixing with the low hum of background music. For a while, everything felt almost normal.
Then Noah froze mid-bite. His fork and spoon clattered softly against the plate as his entire demeanor shifted. The warmth drained from his expression, replaced by a sharp, icy aura that made the air around him heavier.
Yunah blinked at him, concerned. "Is everything okay? Why do you look like you just saw—"
Before she could finish, a too-familiar voice cut in.
"Yunah… it really is you."
Yunah turned, her breath catching in her throat. Standing there, hand-in-hand, were the last two people she ever wanted to see—her ex–best friend Meena and her ex-lover Gaurav. Her face went pale, her knuckles tightening against the table.
Her voice came out cold, clipped. "What are you both doing here?" She refused to look at them directly, her tone dripping with disdain.
Noah sat back, jaw tight, his eyes narrowing as he watched the exchange. He didn't know the full story, but one thing was crystal clear—Yunah wasn't happy to see them, and that was enough to ignite the storm building in him.
Meena smiled, smug, clutching Gaurav's arm tighter as if to rub salt into old wounds. "We're here on a date. And you…" Her gaze slid to Noah, sizing him up. "Are you on a date too? Is he your boyfriend?"
The question hit Yunah like a strike. Her heart raced, panic flooding her veins. Her fingers curled against her clothes as she struggled for words. Part of her wanted to scream yes just to protect her pride, but another part hesitated—Noah was younger, the same age as her little brother. Could she really…?
She opened her mouth to deny it—
But Noah's voice cut through the tension like a blade. Deep, cold, and unwavering.
"Yes. I'm her boyfriend."
He leaned forward slightly, his piercing gaze locking onto Gaurav's eyes with an aura so sharp it felt suffocating. The confidence in his voice carried no room for doubt, no space for denial. His presence alone was enough to make the air crackle, as if daring anyone to challenge him.
Yunah froze, wide-eyed. For a moment, even she couldn't tell if he was acting—or if he truly meant it.