“What’s wrong?” Kim asked with concern as he noticed Maria’s unnatural expression, while also observing their surroundings to make sure there were no paparazzi following them.
“It’s nothing, just a habit,” Maria laughed.
But the feeling of being followed by someone lingered in her mind. She pursed her lips and thought that maybe she was just too nervous.
After all, the security here was very good, and with a membership system in place, paparazzi shouldn’t be able to get in.
However, the feeling of hunger made Maria lazy to think about these things. If they were exposed, they could clarify it later. Anyway, she and Kim were innocent and there wouldn’t be any misunderstandings.
As they entered the restaurant, Maria was immediately drawn to its decor. It was no wonder that this place had been recommended by many people; it really gave off a great vibe.
The waiter led them to their reserved private room where one wall connected directly to an aquarium outside where beautiful fish swam freely. On the other side of the room was a view of the night sky. In such an environment like this one, Maria felt relaxed both physically and mentally as she played with fish in water which brought out her smile.
“Take a look at what you want to eat,” Kim said with a smile as he pushed the menu towards Maria.
“Well then I won’t hold back,” said Maria grinning widely as she ordered several dishes recommended online.
After ordering food, Maria admired night view outside while exclaiming, “It’s so beautiful.”
“As long as you like it,” Kim replied softly.
The two of them chatted casually, and surprisingly, the atmosphere wasn’t awkward; instead, both seemed quite relaxed.
Maria actually enjoyed the feeling of being with Kim. He was courteous, maintaining a certain level of distance, yet not making things feel unfamiliar. Maria felt like they were longtime friends, even in moments of silence, it didn’t feel awkward.
The dishes arrived quickly at the restaurant, and Maria, despite being hungry, hesitated a bit before digging in.
“What’s wrong? Doesn’t it suit your taste?” Kim asked, observing Maria’s hesitation. He had actually ordered dishes according to Maria’s preferences, but she didn’t seem to be eating much.
Seeing this, Maria waved her hand and cleared her throat slightly before smiling, “No, it’s just…”
Kim looked at her nervously.
“It’s just that in such a beautiful place, I feel like I should eat more elegantly,” Maria said, pursing her lips.
To her surprise, Kim burst into laughter, and his hearty laughter echoed in Maria’s ears.
“What are you laughing at?” Maria pouted.
Kim held a straight face and looked at Maria tenderly. “Laughing at how cute you are.”
Maria paused, her fork still in hand, and met Kim’s gaze.
“Don’t just stand there, try this dish. It’s delicious,” Kim said with a hint of resignation as she picked up some food for Maria.
Maria snapped out of her daze and tasted the food that Kim had offered her. Her eyes lit up as she nodded in approval, forgetting what she had wanted to say earlier.
The two chatted happily over their meal without realizing how much time had passed. But Maria suddenly felt full and leaned back with satisfaction.
“I’m so full now! This place is really good,” she sighed contentedly.
“If you like it here, we can come often,” Kim suggested as she poured water for Maria.
“Wow, if we come here often I’ll get fat! I need to maintain my figure; don’t even think about making me gain weight!” Maria wrinkled her nose playfully.
“Okay okay… I’ve found several other great restaurants recently though. If you can’t go with me next time I’ll take pictures for you instead,” Kim said mischievously while flashing a sly grin.
Hearing this made Maria feel like an angry cat whose tail was being stepped on, “Fine then! If you dare make me jealous again, I’ll block your number!”
“No no no… I promise to take you there myself.” Seeing the way that anger made her look even cuter than before, Kim quickly apologized while raising the corners of her lips into a smile.
As they finished their meal together, something outside caught Maria’s attention, “Hey? What is that place over there?”
Following where Maria pointed towards outside the window, Kim explained, “That’s an artificial lake which has been newly developed recently where people can go boating or enjoy the scenery from above on top of it. Would you like to go?”
Maria rolled her eyes before nodding in agreement, “Sure thing! Some exercise will help digest all this food.”
Kim nodded too, and both got up from their private room heading towards the artificial lake.
The weather was still warm despite being early autumn; the cool breeze blowing against their cheeks felt very comfortable.
Maria carefully boarded onto one of boats but swayed unsteadily once onboarded.
Kim immediately reached out and wrapped an arm around her waist, stabilizing them both. This position left them almost hugging each other tightly.
When they raised their heads, Maria could clearly see herself reflected in those clear eyes belonging to Kim. This posture… was quite ambiguous indeed.
Kim was the first to react, releasing Maria, but the inexplicable atmosphere between them did not dissipate.
“Thank you,” Maria’s face flushed as she took a deep breath and nodded with a smile, turning to look at the scenery by the lake.
The small boat glided steadily on the lake as Maria lowered her eyes and gently touched the surface of the water with her fingertips. The cool temperature of the water made her momentarily stunned, but she didn’t notice Kim’s gaze that had been fixed on her all this time.
“Maria,” Kim called out her name and pointed to the sky when she looked up.
Maria raised her eyes and saw countless stars in full bloom; such a beautiful sight left her speechless for a moment. She felt that life had become somewhat dull lately; sometimes so busy that she forgot about time passing by. It had been ages since she last relaxed like this.
“It’s really beautiful here; I haven’t seen so many stars in one place since I left my hometown.”
Maria took out her phone to take pictures but found that it couldn’t capture what was before their eyes.
“That’s too bad; my camera can’t do justice to this view, or else I would have shown it off when we get back.”
Turning around with a smile on her face, Maria said, “Thank you again, Kim.”
“Maria,” Kim called out again in his soft voice which sounded like starlight falling onto Maria’s heart.
Suddenly sensing something different from before, Maria’s heart began beating faster.
“I…” As he looked at this cute girl in front of him who suddenly seemed more attractive than ever before, Kim felt his heart skip a beat.
But just as he was about to express his feelings for Maria, the small boat suddenly shook violently…