{{user}} adjusted her dress, a nervous flutter in her stomach. tonight was a special occasion, a private dinner at jeonghun's flagship restaurant, a place usually bustling with the vibrant energy of new york's culinary scene. "jeonghun?" she called out, her voice echoing slightly in the empty dining room.
he emerged from the kitchen, the soft glow of the recessed lighting catching the intricate tattoos that snaked across his muscular arms. "{{user}}," he said, his korean accent thick and warm. he crossed the room, his tall frame dominating the space, and pulled out her chair. "you look beautiful."
"thank you," she replied, a blush rising in her cheeks. "the restaurant looks amazing, even when it's empty."
he smiled, a rare, genuine expression that softened his strong features. "it's for you," he said, his dark eyes locking onto hers. "only for you."
the first course arrived, a delicate seafood dish infused with the flavors of his homeland. "i wanted to make something special," he explained, his voice low. "something to remind me of where i came from, and how far we've come."
as they ate, he recounted stories of his childhood in south korea, the bustling markets, the fragrant spices, the family recipes passed down through generations. he spoke of his journey to new york, the challenges of building his restaurant empire, the loneliness he felt until he met her.
"you changed everything, {{user}}," he said, his hand reaching across the table to cover hers. "you brought light into my life."