"Do you always rely on your looks to charm people?" Emma asked, waving her hand dismissively in front of his face. With a snap, she closed her novel and slipped it back into her bag. "Maybe try using your free time to practise that acting of yours," she said, wiggling her toes into her heels before slipping them back on with a final, pointed look.
"So, a handsome face isn't enough?" he said, taking a seat beside Emma. "I can act well, but if I do, you might have to share me with a lot of girls out there."
A frown appeared between Emma's brows. "Excuse me? That level of flirting is so outdated. Cringe, really. I don't even know you, so please—why would I share you with anyone?" She stood up and walked away, exhaling a long sigh all the way to her gate.
As Emma entered the plane, she quickly found her seat, tucked in the middle of the economy section, already picturing how she'd settle in for the long flight with her book. But before she could even put her bag down, a stewardess approached with a warm smile.
"Miss," she said, her tone polite but with a hint of excitement. "We've had a last-minute opening in first class. We'd like to offer you an upgrade."
Emma blinked at the offer, glancing at her cramped economy seat and then back at the stewardess with a mixture of suspicion and delight. "Wait, an upgrade? Like, an actual first-class upgrade?"
The stewardess nodded, gesturing toward the front of the plane with a professional smile. "Absolutely, miss. Just follow me."
Emma's face lit up as she quickly grabbed her bag. She tried hard to look casual—and not like she'd won the lottery. As she followed the stewardess down the aisle, she felt like she was walking on cloud nine, her steps barely touching the ground.
Her eyes widened in amused, the luxurious was more than she'd imagined: wide, plush seats, a glass of something fancy already waiting, and legroom that seemed to stretch for miles. As she sank into her seat, she felt like she'd stepped into a new world, a world that she always pictured in magazines.
But just as she was reaching for her book, she caught sight of someone dropping into the seat next to hers.
She glanced sideways—and froze. Of course, it was him again.
"Oh, you again?" she said, stifling a groan. "Do you have a radar that tells you wherever I go?"
"Who uses radar these days?" He smirked as he leaned to his seat.
Emma raised an eyebrow. "Right, silly me. I should have guessed you'd have something more high-tech—like a private satellite or something."
He chuckled, settling in like he was born for first class. "If it means I get to run into you, maybe I'll consider it."
Emma gave a dramatic sigh, flipping open her book. "You're really…" She stopped, rolling her eyes in annoyance, "Seriously, aren't there other seats in first class? Maybe ones where people actually want to chat?"
He crossed his legs, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Well, I like a little challenge. And besides, how often do you run into someone with... compatible reading tastes?"
She glanced at her book, then at him, clearly sceptical. "You mean, you read?"
He grinned, unbothered. "Let's just say I'm an expert in stories. Especially the ones where people are upgraded to first class purely by fate."
Emma rolled her eyes, sinking further into her seat. "Right, 'fate.' And here I thought it was just my lucky day."
"It is your lucky day, consider meeting me today is the start of your lucky day. Many more coming ahead" He smiled, gazing down. "Wish whatever you want, I will try my best to get it for you."
Emma snorted, crossing her arms. "My lucky day? Says the man who's been stalking me since the gate. What are you, a genie now? Should I start making a wish list?"
He leaned in, an amused glint in his eyes. "Go ahead, try me. A coffee, a private island, the moon... I'm a man of resources."
She arched an eyebrow, fighting a grin. "Moon? All right, a man of resources. Show me your moon." she challenged, leaning back. "Surprise me."
He chuckled, the sound warm and easy, as if they were already old friends sharing inside jokes. "You've got it! Just give me a second." He reached into his bag and pulled out a shiny silver coin. "Behold, the magic of my resources!"
Emma raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "A coin? Is this supposed to impress me?"
With a flourish, he flipped the coin in the air, catching it with a snap. "Not just any coin. This is the Moonlight Coin. Legend has it that it can grant one wish under a full moon."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile creeping onto her lips. "And I'm supposed to believe that? What's next? A unicorn?"
He leaned back, looking mock serious. "Hey, don't look down on unicorns. They have excellent transportation skills."
"Right, because I definitely need a unicorn to get to work," she shot back, crossing her arms with a smirk.
"Okay, okay. But let's be real. If you're going to wish for something, make it good. You only get one shot!" He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And I promise, if you wish for a unicorn, I'll do my best to get you one."
Emma chuckled, shaking her head. "Alright, Mr. Resourceful. I'll take my chances. How about a nice cup of coffee instead? Keep it simple."
"Coffee? No problem!" He snapped his fingers dramatically, a playful spark in his eyes. "Coming right up! One perfectly brewed cup of coffee, just for you."
She laughed, leaning back in her seat, feeling a warmth in her chest. Maybe this wouldn't be such a boring flight after all.
As she opened her book, she felt his gaze on her and glanced up to see him studying her with an unreadable expression.
"What?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
He leaned back, a small, mysterious smile forming at his lips. "Me? Just wondering if you're ready for what's next."
"What's next? No! There is no next time, so please, Mr. Stranger who came out of nowhere, let me sleep in peace." She sighed dramatically before slipping her headphones on and closing her eyes, blocking out the world around her.