The celebration gala hosted by Japan's Mori Royale, a top-tier luxury company, was a grand affair filled with luminaries and glittering splendor. Amid the dazzling crowd, one could hardly ignore the sheer abundance of strikingly beautiful people, their appearances polished to perfection. The brilliance radiating off their tailored suits and elegant gowns was almost enough to blind onlookers.
Even Claire Grace, normally confident about her appearance, couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious. Standing at just 5'4", even her exquisitely delicate features couldn't save her from blending into the crowd of towering men and women, whose average height seemed to be a striking 5'11" or more.
Regret gnawed at her as she began to question her decision to attend this unfamiliar gala.
"Claire, you seem nervous." Blaine Jackson, who was holding her slightly clammy hand, didn't really need to ask. Her unease was palpable.
"They're all so tall," she murmured, her voice trembling slightly as she leaned closer to him, a flicker of insecurity crossing her face.
"So what?" Blaine arched an eyebrow and glanced down at her. "It's not like they're going to step on you." His towering height had never seemed to faze her before.
"...You're no help! I'm really nervous," she said, her frustration bubbling up. Wasn't he supposed to be her boyfriend?
"And what do you expect me to do about it?" Blaine asked, his tone mildly teasing.
"Well…" Claire tilted her head, looking up at him with a mischievous smile, her dimples appearing faintly. "You could kiss my forehead and tell me not to worry, that you'll protect me. That way, I'd stop being nervous."
"You're not a child," Blaine countered flatly, refusing to indulge her in what he deemed a childish charade. But still, he added, "If you're really uncomfortable here, I'll go say hello to Yuto Miyazawa and then we can leave." He released her hand as if to prove his point and started toward Yuto.
"Wait, no!" Claire panicked and grabbed his arm. "I was just joking! Leaving would be so rude. Mr. Miyazawa is a business partner of the company; we can't just walk out. I'll be fine." She forced a wider smile, her efforts to appear normal almost exaggerated.
"If you feel uncomfortable at any point, tell me," Blaine said seriously. Though he wasn't skilled at doting on women, and he'd told her before that a future together wasn't likely, that didn't mean he could simply ignore her feelings.
"Got it." Claire looped her arm through his, her smile softening. "Blaine, are you worried about me?"
"...What else would it be?" Blaine reached out and playfully pinched her nose, utterly unaware of how indulgent his gesture seemed. "What do you want to eat? I'll take you there." He figured avoiding Yuto until the gala was nearly over was the best course of action.
"Blaine."
"Hmm?"
"I really like you," Claire confessed, her voice low but sincere, a gentle smile playing on her lips.
Blaine cast her a swift glance before placing a hand on her cheek. "Stop trying to charm me. Don't think you can make me fall for you before the deadline." This girl… Did she have no sense of modesty? How could she confess her feelings so freely, like it was nothing? Was she planning to turn "I like you" into her catchphrase?
"But I really do like you." Her wide eyes darted around the room, and when she confirmed no one was paying attention, she suddenly tiptoed and planted a quick kiss on his cheek.
"Claire Grace!" Blaine exclaimed, incredulous. "Are you out of your mind? There are so many people here, and you just—"
"Don't be mad," Claire interrupted, unfazed. "I'm serious. I like you so much."
"If you keep this up, I might change my mind…" Blaine muttered, trailing off before adding silently, *about giving you a chance to make me like you.*
"If you change your mind, you're a coward," she teased, completely unfazed. "Blaine, I like you."
"You're like a broken record," he muttered, exasperated. Did she think he'd grow accustomed to her declarations if she repeated them enough?
"Blaine, I like you," she said again, sticking out her tongue mischievously.
Blaine sighed, his frustration melting into resignation. He decided to let her have her way, taking her hand and leading her through the crowd toward the circular food court on the far side of the ballroom.
"Director Jackson." A smooth, polished voice called out behind them.
Blaine sighed, his shoulders stiffening. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was. The voice belonged to someone unmistakable—not only because the speaker used Japanese but also because of the distinct, melodic tone.
Reluctantly, Blaine turned to face the man. His sharp features softened into a polite, practiced smile.
"Mr. Miyazawa."
"Director Jackson, you've arrived without even saying hello. If I hadn't passed by here, I might not have seen you until the event ended," Yuto Miyazawa said with a charming smile, his almond-shaped eyes sparkling as they lingered on Claire.
"Mr. Miyazawa, you jest," Blaine replied smoothly, masking his irritation. "I was just about to get her some food before coming to greet you." *Unfortunately, your sharp eyes caught us first.*
"Miss Grace, are you hungry?" Yuto asked, his tone overflowing with warmth. "While the buffet here offers fine dishes, most of it is finger food or cold appetizers. If you're hungry, I could take you to the private dining area for a taste of some local specialties."
Blaine instantly saw through Yuto's intentions. Flattery without reason? The man clearly had an ulterior motive. But Claire, ever oblivious, didn't share his wariness.
"Mr. Miyazawa, you're so considerate," Claire replied, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Wouldn't your girlfriend get jealous if she knew how kind you are to me?"
Yuto blinked in surprise before breaking into a dazzling smile. "Miss Grace, I'm single, so there's no need to worry about anyone feeling jealous of my attention to you." He turned to Blaine with a pointed grin. "Don't you agree, Director Jackson?"
"..." Blaine cursed inwardly. *Old fox.* Did Yuto really expect him to agree? Like hell he wouldn't be jealous. But instead, he maintained his composed facade. "If that's the case, I'll leave her in your care for a moment. I need to touch base with your company's models at the event," Blaine said, subtly letting go of Claire's hand.
Claire froze for a second, her grip tightening on his arm. "Blaine, aren't you coming with me?"
"I…" He paused, tempted to reassure her in their shared language. But recalling the incident with Evan Lee, who could not only understand but speak Chinese fluently, Blaine chose otherwise. Shaking his head, he replied casually, "I have work to do. Go ahead with Mr. Miyazawa. I'll find you when I'm done."
Without waiting for her response, he brushed off her hand and walked toward the other side of the room without looking back.