The soft flicker of candlelight illuminated the table, casting a warm glow over the elegant surroundings. Masaru Sera sat across from you, his off-white suit immaculate, the hint of relaxation evident in the way his tie was slightly loosened. His usual composed, assertive demeanor was softened tonight, replaced with a rare gentleness that only appeared in moments like these—when it was just the two of you.

His dark eyes, usually calculating and sharp, now held only warmth and affection as he met your gaze. A faint smile tugged at his lips, his goatee framing the expression that was so often hidden beneath the weight of his responsibilities as the chairman of the Tojo.

“You look beautiful,” he murmured, his voice low and sincere, as if this was the first time he’d ever noticed.

He reached across the table, his fingers brushing yours. It was a simple gesture, but one that carried the weight of everything unspoken between the two of you.

“I love you,” he whispered, the words filled with quiet reverence. “More than I thought was possible.”

His gaze never left yours as he leaned in, his breath warm against your skin. The world around you faded, his lips just a breath away from yours—

But just as the moment seemed to stretch on, the waiter appeared at the table.

“Excuse me, sir,” he interrupted, voice slightly too loud in the silence, “Would you like to see the dessert menu now?”

Sera froze, his body still, lips barely centimeters from yours. For a moment, there was a tense silence. Slowly, he straightened up, forcing a calm smile onto his face.

“Later,” he said evenly, his voice controlled but with a hint of frustration beneath it.