Ember stepped out of the washroom, drying her hands on a napkin. Her curious gaze fell on the group as she asked, "Hey guys, what are you talking about?"
Emir leaned back in his chair, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "It's just boy talk," he replied casually. Dylan, sitting beside him, nodded in agreement.
Before the conversation could continue, Emir turned his attention to Ember and asked, "So, what do you want to eat?"
Dylan, eager to chime in, began listing items. "One sandwich, one Coke, pasta, and—"
Emir cut him off sharply. "I'm asking her, not you!" He turned to Ember, his tone softening. "Tell us, Ember. What do you want?"
A small smile tugged at Ember's lips. "I'll have pasta, and for my drink, juice," she said with a light, cheerful tone.
Emir nodded. "Okay, Dylan, go and get the order."
Dylan groaned, slumping dramatically in his seat. "Why me?" His protest was cut short by the sudden thud of the table as he bumped it while standing. "Fine, I'm going," he grumbled, trudging toward the counter.
"Bye!" Emir called after him, waving with mock enthusiasm. When Dylan was out of earshot, Emir leaned closer to Ember, his voice dropping to a softer, more personal tone. "So, Ember, tell me about your likings."
Ember tilted her head thoughtfully before replying, "I like many things. I enjoy playing games, watching horror movies, and reading books—especially mysterious ones."
His eyes lit up with interest. "Do you like dancing?"
A nervous chuckle escaped Ember's lips. "Not really! I mean, I like watching others dance, but I've never tried it myself."
Emir's expression remained calm, but his curiosity didn't waver. "Do you like actors?"
Ember's brow furrowed slightly. "Why are you asking me that?" she questioned, half-amused.
He shrugged nonchalantly. "Just asking."
At that moment, Dylan returned with the tray of food. He glanced between the two of them suspiciously. "What are you guys talking about?"
Emir waved him off with a dismissive smile. "Nothing."
As Ember took her first bite of pasta, she noticed Emir watching her closely, his expression expectant, as if waiting for her to continue. She set her fork down and answered the unspoken question. "It depends," she said simply. "On the actor's behavior and their nature."
Dylan blinked in confusion. "What are you two talking about?"
Emir smirked, his gaze never leaving Ember. "It's between us," he said cryptically.
The rest of the meal passed in lighthearted conversation, Dylan cracking jokes while Emir occasionally teased him. When they were done, Emir pushed his chair back and stood. "Let's go home," he said.
Ember nodded, standing as well. "Okay," she agreed.
Dylan stretched his arms lazily. "Yeah, let's go home."
Emir raised a brow at him. "Where are you going?"
Dylan blinked in confusion. "Are you giving me a ride?"
Emir shook his head firmly. "We're going. Not you. Find your own transportation."
Dylan groaned. "You can't do that to me!"
Emir smirked. "Your car is here. It's not appropriate for it to stay overnight."
Dylan's face lit up with sudden realization. "Oh, right! I almost forgot—I brought my car." He turned to Ember, smiling sheepishly. "Ember, let's meet tomorrow, yeah?"
Ember nodded with a small smile. "Okay, see you then."
Emir, ever impatient, urged Dylan, "Go fast."
"I'm going, I'm going!" Dylan called out as he walked toward his car, waving behind him. "You guys carry on!"
As they exited the restaurant, the evening sun cast a warm, golden hue over the city, dipping lower toward the horizon. Emir turned to his driver and instructed, "You can take a holiday."
The driver hesitated, looking confused. "Who will drive then?"
Without missing a beat, Emir replied confidently, "Me."
The driver immediately objected. "No, Sir, you can't."
Emir shot him a disapproving look and gestured for the driver to step aside. He led him to a quiet corner, believing Ember couldn't hear their exchange. But she could. She stood near the car, pretending not to notice as their conversation continued.
"I'm not allowed to lend you the car," the driver insisted, shaking his head firmly.
Emir leaned closer, his voice dropping as he pleaded, his expression boyish and mischievous. "Please! I just want to take her alone. Just this once! Please!" His tone grew more playful, but his puppy-dog eyes were undeniably persuasive.
The driver sighed in exasperation but finally relented. "Okay, but if anything happens, you're responsible."
Grinning, Emir clapped him on the shoulder. "I swear, nothing will happen."
Meanwhile, Dylan, who had lingered behind, approached the car and opened the door for Ember. With a playful smirk, he asked, "Come, miss. Ready for the ride?"
Ember stepped closer, tilting her head and teasing, "Do you even know how to drive?" Her voice carried a light, playful tone, though her smile hinted at her doubt.
Dylan gasped in mock offense. "Don't you trust me?"
She hesitated, lowering her gaze slightly. "That's not what I mean," she murmured softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Noticing her reaction, Dylan straightened, his tone turning reassuring. "Hey, don't worry. I have my driving license. You're in safe hands."
When she raised her eyes to meet his, his confident expression made her smile. "Okay," she agreed lightly and slid into the passenger seat.
Once inside, Emir leaned over to ensure everything was ready. "Buckle your seatbelt," he said casually.
Ember fumbled with the belt for a moment before muttering, "I think it's stuck."
"Let me help," Emir offered, leaning closer.
As his hands worked on the belt, their faces were suddenly just inches apart. She could feel his breath brushing against her skin, and her heart skipped a beat. Time seemed to pause as their eyes met, a silent intensity building between them.
"Why are you turning red?" he teased with a sly grin, pulling back slightly.
Startled, Ember shook her head quickly. "No, I'm not!" she protested, though her flushed cheeks betrayed her.
Emir chuckled softly, leaning in just enough to whisper, "Yes, you are."
Feeling flustered, she explained, "It's just… I think the temperature in the car is getting hotter."
His grin widened, and he leaned even closer, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. "Do you know why the car feels so hot?"
Her curiosity got the better of her. "Why?" she asked hesitantly.
With a smirk, he replied, "Because I'm too hot. Don't you think?"
Ember pushed him back into his seat, her cheeks burning. "Just drive," she said firmly, though her tone couldn't mask her amusement.
Laughing, Emir reached for the controls. "Okay, okay. I'll turn on the AC."
She nodded, managing a small smile. "Good."
When the car roared to life, Emir drove off with a flair, the engine humming with power. At first, Ember thought the speed was manageable, but soon she realized he was driving like a racer.
"Is it too fast for you?" he asked, glancing at her with a playful smirk.
Ember hesitated, her hands gripping the seat. "Not too fast," she admitted, "but this isn't the usual way home."
He grinned. "That's because it's not. Just enjoy it. I'm giving you a car tour of my city."
After a moment, she spoke up again. "Can you slow down a little?"
He raised a brow. "Are you scared?"
She shook her head firmly. "No! But if you slow down, I can see outside better. I want to take in how your city looks."
Emir considered her words and nodded. "You're right," he said, easing the car into a smoother, slower pace.
As they approached a flyover, the scene outside transformed into a breathtaking view of the city bathed in twilight. The golden and pink hues of the sky reflected off the buildings and winding streets below.
"Did you like my city?" Emir asked, his voice softer now.
Ember's eyes sparkled as she looked out at the view. "Yes," she replied sincerely. "It's truly beautiful."
Emir smiled, pleased with her reaction. "Next time, I'll give you a proper tour of every single place. I promise."
Ember turned to him, her excitement evident. "Okay," she said brightly. "I'm really looking forward to it."
Her genuine enthusiasm made him grin wider, and for the rest of the drive, the air between them felt lighter, warmer, and filled with the promise of something more.
They had been traveling for over an hour when Emir slowed the car and said, "Let's stop here."
Ember turned to him, puzzled. "Why?"
He glanced at her with a playful smile. "Aren't you hungry?"
Before she could reply, the sound of her stomach growling broke the silence.
Emir chuckled softly and said, "Let's go!"
Feeling embarrassed, Ember's cheeks flushed as she mumbled, "Okay."
They entered a restaurant with a sleek, modern design. The ambient lighting and elegant decor created a warm atmosphere. Emir led her to a table near the large glass windows that overlooked the sparkling city lights. Pulling out a chair for her, he gestured, "Let's sit here."
"I'll be back in a moment," he added before heading off to place their order.
"Okay," Ember replied softly, sitting down and gazing at the breathtaking view of the illuminated skyline.
As she waited, she started hearing faint whispers from nearby tables. She glanced around and noticed people occasionally looking in her direction. A sinking feeling settled in her chest. She tugged at the hem of her short dress, attempting to cover her legs, and thought nervously, 'Is it because of my dress?'
From the counter, Emir noticed her discomfort. After handing over their order, he returned to the table and draped his coat gently over her legs.
"You'll catch a cold; it's windy here," he said with a reassuring smile, pulling his chair closer to hers.
Ember looked up at him, surprised but grateful. She nodded, murmuring, "Thank you."
"I've placed the order," he continued. "I'll be right back; just need to visit the washroom."
"Alright," Ember replied, feeling a bit more at ease with his thoughtful gesture.
By the time he returned, their dinner had been served. The two ate in comfortable silence at first, gradually transitioning into lighthearted conversation. His stories about the city and his playful humor made her laugh, easing her earlier worries.
After finishing their meal, Emir paid the bill, and they left the restaurant. The night air was crisp, and as soon as they stepped outside, a cold wind swept over them, making Ember shiver.
She tried to return his coat. "Take your coat back; it's cold outside," she said.
Emir smiled at her and replied, "Okay," but as he saw her tremble again, he stopped and said, "I think you need it more."
He started to take the coat off her shoulders, but Ember gently protested. "If you catch a cold…"
He paused, considering her words, then grinned and suggested, "Let's share it."
Without waiting for her response, he wrapped the coat around both of them, pulling her closer so that no distance remained between them. Ember's breath hitched as his hand rested lightly on her shoulder, guiding her as they walked. She couldn't see his face due to their close proximity, but his warmth and presence were enough to make her heart flutter.
They walked together in silence until they reached the parking area. Emir drove them back to his home, the journey quiet but filled with a comfortable intimacy.
When they arrived, Emir stepped out of the car and said, "It's late. Go back to sleep."
Ember nodded, suppressing a yawn. "Okay. Goodnight," she replied, heading toward the stairs.
Just as she began to climb, his voice stopped her. "Wait."
She turned back, curious. "Hmm? What's up?"
He took a step closer, pausing just one step below her. His gaze softened as he said, "Come back tomorrow. I'll wait for you."
Ember's heart skipped a beat. His words caught her off guard, and she felt a wave of warmth rush to her cheeks. Lowering her head shyly, she mumbled, "I will."
Emir closed the small distance between them, his hand gently tilting her chin up so their eyes met. His touch was soft, yet it sent a jolt through her. Leaning in, he planted a tender kiss on her forehead.
"Goodnight," he whispered, his voice low and filled with warmth.
Their eyes lingered on each other for a moment, the world around them seeming to fade. Ember felt her face heat up even more, overwhelmed by the sudden intimacy. She quickly turned away and hurried up the stairs, mumbling, "Okay, goodnight," before slipping into her room and closing the door behind her.
Leaning against the door, she pressed her hand to her chest, feeling her heart racing uncontrollably. A smile crept onto her lips as she whispered to herself, "Tomorrow…"