Chereads / A World Without You / Chapter 2 - Little Date

Chapter 2 - Little Date

St. George's Academy, a prestigious institution known for catering to both affluent and middle-class families, was the epitome of excellence. The campus was a sprawling expanse of manicured lawns, high-tech facilities, and elegant buildings that oozed sophistication. It was the kind of place where parents dreamed of sending their children, confident that the school's resources and reputation would set them on the path to success.

As Rafael descended the grand staircase that wound through the main building, his thoughts were miles away, lost in a fog of daydreams. He wasn't paying attention to his surroundings, his mind preoccupied with the day's events and what lay ahead. Suddenly, he collided with someone on the stairs. The impact jolted him back to reality, his eyes widening in surprise as he spun around to see who he had bumped into.

His heart skipped a beat when he realized it was the same girl he had met at Bianca's unforgettable party. Her face, with its warm, inviting smile, was impossible to forget. "Oh no, I'm so sorry!" Rafael blurted out, his voice tinged with panic as he instinctively reached out to steady her. He gently grasped her arm to help her regain her balance, his grip firm but careful.

She looked up at him, a hint of surprise in her eyes that quickly melted into recognition. "Rafael, it's me, Kanna," she said with a bright smile, her voice carrying a cheerful lilt that immediately put him at ease.

A wave of relief washed over Rafael, and a broad grin spread across his face. "Kanna... I'm so sorry about that," he stammered, still a bit flustered by their sudden encounter. He realized then that he was still holding onto her arm, and his face flushed with embarrassment. "Oh! I didn't mean to... I'm so sorry!" he exclaimed, quickly letting go of her arm and taking a small step back, his hands awkwardly hovering in front of him as if unsure what to do next.

Kanna chuckled softly, clearly amused by his awkwardness. She took a step closer to him, her smile widening. "It's really okay," she reassured him, her voice soft and soothing. There was a playful sparkle in her eyes as she added, "Would you like to go to the park with me?"

Rafael felt his heart leap in his chest. He wasn't sure if it was the surprise of the invitation or the way her eyes seemed to light up with excitement, but he found himself nodding, almost instinctively. "Yeah, sure, I'd love to," he replied, his voice a bit shaky with nerves. He could feel his palms growing damp with sweat as he followed her out of the building, the sounds of their footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway.

They made their way to the park, a serene space filled with lush greenery and dotted with old, towering trees. They walked in silence for a few moments before finding a spot beneath a sprawling Acacia tree. The branches provided a canopy of shade, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze created a calming atmosphere.

"This is my favorite spot to hang out," Kanna said, her gaze drifting upwards as she admired the way the sunlight filtered through the leaves. "The sky looks so beautiful today," she added, her voice filled with a quiet awe.

Rafael, still feeling a bit jittery, glanced up as well. "Not as beautiful as you," he blurted out before he could stop himself. His face turned beet red as he realized what he had just said, his fingers twitching nervously by his sides.

Kanna turned to him, her eyes widening in surprise before she broke into a wide, radiant smile. "That's sweet of you to say," she said, her cheeks tinged with a slight blush. She tilted her head slightly, studying him with a curious expression. "You know, it's funny—we've been schoolmates for so long, but we never really got to know each other until recently."

Rafael nodded, trying to compose himself. "Yeah, I guess I've always kept to myself," he admitted, his voice a bit quieter. "I'm not really good at socializing, so I don't leave the classroom much except for lunch." He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a bit self-conscious about his confession.

Kanna gave him an understanding smile. "That's okay," she said softly. "It's nice that we finally have a chance to talk." She looked around the park, her gaze thoughtful. "I come here to relax and clear my mind. It's a nice escape from all the noise."

Just then, the school bell rang, signaling the end of their break. Rafael glanced at his watch, realizing how quickly time had passed. "We should probably head back," he said, standing up and brushing off his pants. "Can I carry your books for you?"

Kanna nodded, handing him her things with a grateful smile. As they walked back to the building, Rafael's heart was pounding in his chest. He knew he had to seize this moment, to be bold for once. "I know this might sound a bit forward," he began, his voice hesitant, "but... could I have your phone number?"

Kanna stopped and turned to him, her smile widening. "Of course," she replied, reaching for his phone. "Here, let me put it in for you." She quickly tapped her number into his phone and handed it back to him. Rafael's heart soared as he saw the new contact appear on his screen, a sense of triumph washing over him.

As they entered the classroom, Rafael was greeted by his best friend, Eugene, who had been watching the whole exchange from a distance. Eugene, the son of Gustav Ojeda—one of Karl's closest allies—was always the more outgoing of the two, and he was grinning from ear to ear. "Well, well," Eugene teased, nudging Rafael with his elbow. "Look who's making moves."

Rafael blushed but couldn't help but smile. Today had turned out to be better than he could have ever expected. As he took his seat, he glanced over at Kanna, who gave him a friendly wave. He waved back, his heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time. For once, he felt like everything was going to be okay.

-----

"It's amazing that you've met Kanna Fontierra," Eugene whispered to Rafael, leaning in close with a conspiratorial grin. "Did you manage to get her number?"

Rafael nodded, a sly smile spreading across his face as he held up his phone to show Eugene Kanna's number. Eugene's eyes lit up with excitement, and he slapped Rafael playfully on the shoulder. "Man, you're one lucky guy!"

Curious about his friend's enthusiasm, Rafael tilted his head. "Why do you say that?"

Eugene leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms with a knowing look. "She's like the third hottest girl in school."

Rafael raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Who are the first and second?"

Eugene chuckled, giving Rafael a playful nudge. "Your sisters, obviously." He then added, more seriously, "Plus, Kanna's dad is a big name in real estate and logistics. That's some serious clout."

Rafael nodded thoughtfully, leaning back in his chair as he mulled over the information. "Yeah, that makes sense," he murmured, almost to himself, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk. After a moment, he added with a soft smile, "But to me, she's the fairest of them all."

Jiena, who had been standing at the door unnoticed, folded her arms across her chest and smirked. "And who might be the fairest?" she asked, her voice dripping with teasing curiosity.

Startled, Rafael turned his head quickly to see his twin sister leaning casually against the doorframe. His eyes narrowed slightly in annoyance. "None of your business, Jiena," he shot back, trying to maintain his composure.

Jiena sauntered over to Rafael's desk, her smirk growing wider. "Let me guess—it's Kanna Roxanne Fontierra, isn't it?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she perched herself on the edge of his desk.

Rafael rolled his eyes, clearly irritated. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms defensively. "I said it's not your business," he repeated firmly. "Shouldn't you be in your own class right now?"

Jiena laughed lightly, her shoulders shaking with amusement. She leaned in closer, her voice low and teasing. "Oh, I'm sure you're head over heels for her. Don't worry, though—I'll be keeping an eye on you both," she warned, winking playfully. "It's clear to me that my brother is completely smitten."

Rafael clenched his jaw, his frustration evident. "Just go back to your class, you nosy buffoon!" he snapped, though a faint blush on his cheeks suggested he wasn't entirely unaffected by her teasing.

Eugene, sensing the tension and wanting to change the subject, jumped in. "I heard she had a boyfriend back in high school, but they broke up after just a month," he said casually, glancing between the twins.

Jiena's eyebrows lifted in surprise, and she leaned back slightly, giving Eugene an impressed look. "You've got quite the intelligence network, Eugene," she remarked with a smirk.

Rafael, still irritated, shot his sister a pointed look. "What's interesting about Kanna is that she doesn't flaunt her wealth like you do, Jiena," he said sharply. "She's got a great personality, long hair, those round, angelic eyes, and a complexion far better than yours," he added, his voice steady but his eyes challenging. "Plus, unlike you, she's actually humble about her achievements."

Jiena, ever the provocateur, grinned broadly and leaned in even closer, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Maybe that's why you're so interested in her," she suggested playfully. "You like a challenge."

Rafael shook his head, trying to suppress a smile despite himself. "Just go, Jiena," he muttered, waving her away with a flick of his hand. "Seriously, just leave us alone."

With a playful shrug, Jiena hopped off the desk and headed toward the door. But she couldn't resist one last jibe over her shoulder. "Don't worry, Rafa. Your little secret is safe with me." She winked and slipped out of the room.

Rafael groaned, running a hand through his hair as he turned back to Eugene. "She's impossible," he muttered under his breath, though there was a hint of affection in his voice. Despite the bickering, the bond between the siblings was unmistakable.

As a result of his brother's explicit comparison, Jiena was brutally insulted. When she finished teasing Rafael, she left the room without speaking a word. There is a distinct difference between the twins' relationships, and it's not in a good way. There is an insatiable amount of fighting between the twins on a daily basis. The day will not end without them arguing over nonsensible topics. It was the influence of those around them that brought them to this point.

Before leaving the school, Rafael approached Kanna once more, mustering all the courage and confidence he could muster, he grasped his breath, grasping his breath as he approached Kanna one more time. It was Rafael who said, "Kanna? Tomorrow is Saturday, if you are free, I would love to invite you out for dinner. Would you be interested?"

Rafael's sudden proposal to Kanna surprised both their classmates and friends alike. Eugene stared at his best friend, stunned, while Jiena glanced at her and waited for her to respond.

Kanna was astounded by the invitation. "I was not expecting that. Thank you for the invitation, Rafael. I look forward to having dinner with you. I will let you know the details by text, alright?" an ecstatic Kanna accepted the invitation with enthusiasm without any hesitation. "See you tomorrow, then," she said as she smiled brightly.

After hearing Kanna's immediate response, Rafael's eyes dilated. He was on cloud nine and his heart skipped a beat and he couldn't stop smiling as they headed home. They were at home when they came back, and when they got home, they went to the kitchen and saluted the man who was reading the newspaper in front of them. Their father was sitting there with his eyes closed as he stared at them with a frown on his face.u look like wet crumpled paper to throw." Karl brutally told the old man.

----

Riko instructed the children to bow as a sign of respect to their grandfather, Hirofumi Minomoto, who is Riko's father. They did as she instructed, bowed as a sign of respect to their grandfather. After the gesture, Riko smiled proudly and said, "Now, we're going to have our sumptuous dinner in just a few minutes."

After Karl married Riko, Hirofumi and I have been shrugging cold shoulders at each other. They have been tying themselves up constantly just because Karl is not Japanese. Karl, on the other hand, is not Japanese. In Hirofumi's eyes, Karl had always been treated as a waste of time and energy, claiming that he was not suitable for her daughter and that Riko had given up her career in order to marry someone like him. In contrast, Karl ignores Hirofumi's insults and instead throws shade at his father-in-law, drawing the ire of the old man who is quite disgusted with his son's behavior.

Hirofumi Minomoto was a typical Japanese salaryman working for a loan company, and had two children, Riko Minomoto and Hiroshi Minomoto. As soon as the third world war broke out, he found himself laid off from his company, making him rely on both her daughter Riko, who works as an actress and Hiroshi, who works for a moving company as a driver. As soon as Hirofumi saw Karl and Riko get married, he was disgusted with him, thinking that someone like Karl married his daughter in order to obtain a Japanese visa. he would've wanted his daughter to marry a millionaire, politician or a businessman, even a good-looking foreigner, but not the likes and the looks of Karl. It would have been better if his daughter had married a millionaire, a politician or a businessman, even a good-looking foreigner, but he would not have wanted her to marry someone with Karl's looks. Hirofumi had called his son-in-law names, ranging from 'monkey', 'fat lard', to 'an ugly, useless son-in-law'.

----

Few minutes later, the Marino siblings went to the dining area and settled down, Riko had place sumptuous food on the table, they feasted all of her cooked dishes, from Miso soup, steamed dory to mixed vegetables. However, the aura was tense as Hirofumi and Karl remained silent.

"You've been the mayor of this City for six years, but you have never taken advantage of your influence or power to expand your business," Hirofumi said, making his first move. "I mean, you have to grab opportunities while you are in power." he added.

---

"I would be unfair to other businesses if I did that," Karl replied, his tone steady and his posture rigid. He folded his arms across his chest, leaning back in his chair with a calm but assertive demeanor. "Besides, Riko and the rest of my relatives are doing well managing the business."

Hirofumi scoffed, his face showing clear irritation as he leaned forward, pointing a finger at Karl. "I don't think you're using your brain," he said sharply. "Look at Harris, my assistant—now he uses his. His clever thinking has expanded my business."

Karl rolled his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips. "Oto-sama, don't compare me to a frog," he replied, his voice tinged with sarcasm. "And enough with bragging about that secretary of yours."

Hirofumi's brows furrowed in frustration as he waved a dismissive hand in the air. "Harris has a vision," he shot back, his voice rising with each word. "Unlike you, who don't seem to have any dreams or vision at all."

Karl's face flushed with annoyance. He straightened up in his chair, his expression turning defiant. "I do have a vision!" he declared, his voice louder now. "I was at the gates of heaven, and Saint Peter was there, standing right in front of me. He asked, 'Iho, what is your name?' and I said, 'I'm Karl Marino.' Then he asked, 'What is the name of your wife?' and I replied, 'Riko Minomoto.' And then he asked, 'Is your father-in-law Hirofumi Minomoto?' and I said, 'Yes.' So, Saint Peter just let me in without any hesitation, like I was already meant to be there."

Hirofumi's face turned a deep shade of red, his eyes widening in anger. He slammed his fist on the table, making the dishes clatter. "You impudent, despicable bastard! You hellhound! I'm gonna kill you!" he shouted, his voice booming through the room.

Karl just laughed, pushing his chair back with a loud scrape against the floor. He stood up, still chuckling, and glanced over at Riko. "Riko, I'm done. Thanks for the food," he said casually, as if nothing had happened.

Riko quickly moved over to her father, placing a calming hand on his shoulder and rubbing his back gently. "Karl's just joking, Dad," she said soothingly, trying to calm him down. Hirofumi, however, could still hear Karl's mocking laughter echoing in his ears as he stomped away from the dining room, muttering angrily under his breath.

Rafael finished his meal and quietly followed his father into the living room. He found Karl lounging comfortably on the couch, his eyes glued to the television screen, watching the news. Rafael hesitated for a moment, nervously fidgeting with his fingers as he tried to gather his courage.

"Dad, I have something to ask," Rafael began tentatively, standing awkwardly by the side of the couch.

Karl glanced at him briefly before returning his gaze to the TV. "Ask, what is it?" he replied, his tone indifferent.

"It's a request...for something," Rafael stammered, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "But that's not important right now. I have a date tomorrow with one of my classmates, and I was hoping you could give me some money."

Karl's expression softened slightly as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. "It's nice to know you're going out," he said with a small smile, taking out a few bills. "Here's two thousand. That should be enough for one night."

Rafael glanced down at the money in his hand, a hint of uncertainty on his face. "Dad, I think this isn't enough to buy roses, chocolates, and a teddy bear," he explained, scratching his head nervously. "What about our dinner date?"

Karl raised an eyebrow, his smile fading into a frown. "You're not planning to eat at a five-star restaurant, are you?" he asked, clutching his wallet tightly, his posture suddenly tense.

"I wouldn't take my date to eat street food," Rafael explained, sitting down on the couch next to his father, trying to make his case. "It's our first date; I want it to be special."

Karl sighed deeply, exasperated. He leaned back against the couch, shaking his head in disbelief. "What kind of stomach does she have? Is it made of gold that you need to go to a fancy restaurant?" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with frustration.

"Dad, I need to impress her!" Rafael insisted, his tone earnest and pleading. Karl let out another sigh, clearly frustrated but reluctantly reaching back into his wallet to pull out another three thousand pesos.

"If this date goes badly, I'm really going to beat the crap out of you," Karl warned, his voice low and stern as he handed the money over to Rafael. He tucked his wallet back into his pocket with a sigh.

"And what about gas money for the car?" Rafael asked sheepishly, glancing at his father with hopeful eyes.

Karl glared at him, his patience wearing thin. "How about I withhold your allowance for the entire month?" he snapped, pointing a finger at Rafael. "You're acting like your father is some kind of Sultan."

Realizing he might have pushed his luck too far, Rafael quickly backed away, clutching the cash in his hand with a satisfied grin. As he stepped into the hallway, he spotted his twin sister, Jiena, leaning casually against the wall with her arms crossed.

"Can't you just be supportive of me?" Rafael asked, his voice tinged with frustration as he approached her.

Jiena raised an eyebrow, a sly smile forming on her lips. "Did I say anything?" she replied playfully, clearly enjoying her brother's flustered state. She paused for a moment, her smile softening. "Good luck on your date," she added with a teasing wink.

---

It was five in the afternoon when Rafael steered his black Toyota Prius through the winding streets leading to Goldenberg Estates, a posh neighborhood known for its large, elegant homes and manicured lawns. He parked near a small waiting shed just outside the gated community, his hands gripping the steering wheel a bit tighter than usual as he glanced around, scanning the quiet, upscale surroundings. The air was still, and a soft breeze rustled the leaves of the tall trees lining the street.

Rafael checked his watch and noted it was 3:40. He let out a small sigh, feeling a mixture of anticipation and nervousness bubbling up inside him. His eyes darted back to the entrance of the estate, where he hoped to catch his first glimpse of Kanna. His heart began to beat a little faster in his chest as he waited. Moments later, he saw her approaching the waiting shed, her figure illuminated by the soft glow of the late afternoon sun. She wore a pair of skinny jeans that hugged her figure and a white crop top that complemented her slender frame. Her brown hair flowed freely over her shoulders, catching the light with each step she took.

Rafael felt his breath catch in his throat, his eyes widening slightly as he took in her appearance. His palms began to sweat, and he wiped them hastily on his jeans before grabbing the bouquet of roses and the box of chocolates he had brought for her. As he got out of the car, he could feel his heart pounding in his chest, each beat echoing in his ears. He took a deep breath to steady himself, mustering the courage to approach her.

"Hi, Kanna," Rafael greeted with a smile, his voice a bit shaky. He extended the bouquet of roses and the box of chocolates towards her, his hands trembling slightly.

Kanna's eyes lit up as she saw the flowers and chocolates, her lips curling into a warm, appreciative smile. "Thank you so much," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of surprise and delight. "You're such a nice guy." She accepted the gifts, her fingers brushing lightly against his as she did, sending a small jolt through Rafael's body.

Feeling a bit more at ease, Rafael nodded, trying to keep his voice steady. "Shall we go?" he asked, gesturing towards his car with a slight tilt of his head.

Kanna nodded, her smile widening. "Sure, thank you for inviting me," she replied graciously, her eyes meeting his with a warmth that made Rafael's cheeks flush slightly.

"No problem at all. I should be the one thanking you for coming," Rafael said, quickly moving to open the car door for her. He made a small, polite bow as she slid into the passenger seat, her presence filling the car with a subtle, sweet fragrance that Rafael found calming.

As they drove towards the local mall, the atmosphere in the car gradually became more relaxed. They began to chat, their conversation flowing naturally as they discovered common interests and shared a few laughs. Rafael's initial nerves started to fade away, replaced by a growing sense of comfort and ease. Kanna's laughter was light and melodious, and Rafael found himself grinning almost involuntarily every time she laughed at one of his jokes or shared a funny story.

When they arrived at the mall, Rafael and Kanna spent time exploring the various stores, enjoying each other's company. They played a few games in the arcade, their competitive sides coming out as they tried to outdo each other in a racing game. Rafael's laughter was genuine and carefree, a rare sound that seemed to echo pleasantly around them. As they wandered through the mall, their conversation continued to flow easily, with no awkward pauses or moments of silence.

Eventually, they made their way to a fancy restaurant that Rafael had picked out. As they were seated at a table near the window, Rafael took a deep breath, feeling a slight flutter of nervousness again as he sat across from Kanna. He clasped his hands together on his lap, trying to keep his composure as he looked around the elegant interior of the restaurant. The soft lighting and tasteful decor added a sense of intimacy to the setting, and Rafael couldn't help but feel grateful for choosing this place.

"This place is pretty expensive," Kanna remarked, glancing around with a slight look of awe.

Rafael smiled, his eyes fixed on her. "But it's worth it," he responded softly. "The food here is supposed to be really good, and I wanted our first date to be special."

Kanna's expression softened as she looked at him, her eyes twinkling with appreciation. "That's very sweet of you," she said, her voice sincere. "I appreciate the thought."

As they settled into their seats, the conversation naturally shifted to other topics. "I saw your father at an event the other day," Kanna said, a smile playing on her lips. "His speeches are so funny. There wasn't a dull moment; everyone was laughing."

Rafael chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, that's just how he is. Always the life of the party," he said, leaning back in his chair slightly. "I don't think any of my siblings got that gene, though."

Kanna tilted her head, a thoughtful look on her face. "Everyone has different personalities," she mused. "Maybe one of your siblings inherited his sense of humor in a different way."

Rafael smiled, appreciating her insight. "My younger siblings are all child prodigies," he said with a shrug. "Who knows? Dad is unpredictable like that." As he spoke, the dishes they had ordered began arriving one by one, filling the table with an array of delicious scents and colors.

"What about your mom?" Kanna asked, looking down at her plate filled with grilled lamb. "Is she like your dad?"

Rafael hesitated for a moment, his smile fading slightly. "Which mom? My stepmom or my real mother?" he asked, his voice a bit quieter. "If you're talking about my real mom, I've never met her. My dad always told me and Jiena that we were the result of a one-night stand and were left outside his house. But he is definitely our biological father."

Kanna's eyes widened slightly, a look of sympathy crossing her face. "And your stepmom?" she asked gently.

"She was a former actress in Tokyo," Rafael explained, his voice becoming more animated. "She retired when Dad asked her to help with our family's trading business. Now she handles everything related to Tokyo and Seoul."

"You really do have an interesting family," Kanna said, taking a sip of her drink. "My siblings and I are usually left alone at home because my mom has filming schedules, and my dad is busy with business all over the country."

Rafael frowned slightly, his brow furrowing in concern. "Doesn't that make you feel lonely?" he asked, genuinely curious.

Kanna shrugged, her smile turning a bit wistful. "Sometimes, but I can't really question them. They're my parents, after all. But there is something I always wondered about."

"What's that?" Rafael asked, leaning forward slightly, his interest piqued.

"We were in the same class for a while, but you never noticed me," Kanna said, her tone teasing but with a hint of genuine curiosity.

Rafael's face turned a deep shade of red, and he looked down at his plate, nervously slicing his lamb. "I-I honestly didn't notice you until recently," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kanna laughed softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Everyone knows me," she said, a playful smirk on her lips.

"But, as I said, I'm a shy person," Rafael explained, still focused on his plate.

"And yet you managed to muster up enough courage to ask me on a date," Kanna teased, her smile widening.

"I-I..." Rafael stuttered, feeling a lump in his throat. He looked away, embarrassed, his face burning with a mix of shyness and nervousness.

As their conversation flowed, Rafael and Kanna grew more comfortable with each other. Despite having met only two weeks prior, they felt like they had known each other for much longer. Rafael was captivated by Kanna's enthusiasm as she talked about her life and passions. He watched her intently, mesmerized by her innocent face, round eyes, and the way her expressions shifted with every word she spoke.

"Are you even listening?" Kanna asked, catching Rafael off guard. She noticed his dreamy gaze and laughed.

"I am," Rafael said quickly, snapping out of his trance. "I just... enjoy looking at an angel like you."

Kanna chuckled, her cheeks turning a faint pink. "Stop it, silly," she said, clearly flattered.

After dinner, they decided to stroll around the mall again, taking their time to unwind and enjoy each other's company. Eventually, they made their way to a quiet park overlooking a large mall pool.

"I really enjoyed our date tonight," Kanna said softly, her hand finding its way to Rafael's.

"I'm... I'm glad you had fun," Rafael replied, his heart racing as he felt the warmth of her hand.

"I hope we get to know each other better," Kanna said, smiling up at him. "You're quite an interesting person."

"And I must have been a fool for not noticing your beauty sooner," Rafael admitted, his voice sincere.

Kanna giggled. "And I never realized you were such a shy gentleman."

"I want to know more about you," Rafael said, leaning in slightly, his eyes locking onto hers.

Kanna tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, her face turning a deeper shade of red. Her eyes flickered between their hands and Rafael's warm hazelnut gaze. "You're quite bold, aren't you?"

"Not really," Rafael replied, shaking his head with a soft smile.

Kanna laughed again, amused by Rafael's flustered expression. After spending more time together, Rafael drove Kanna back to her house in the posh village.

"Thank you, I really had a lot of fun," Kanna said, giving Rafael's hand a gentle squeeze before getting out of the car. "We should do this more often."

"Definitely," Rafael nodded, smiling brightly. "See you on Monday."

As Kanna disappeared into her house, Rafael couldn't help but smile to himself. His first date with her was a success, and his heart was filled with contentment. Feeling accomplished, he drove out of the village and headed home, his mind replaying every moment of the evening.

—chapter end—