Chapter 2: The Dream Date Begins

The Night That Felt Unreal

Standing in front of Soleil Restaurant, I felt like I had been transported into another universe.

The restaurant wasn’t just fancy—it was the kind of place where celebrities and billionaires dined, the kind of place I had only ever seen in magazines. The golden lights shimmered against the deep navy sky, and soft violin music floated from inside. The air smelled of expensive perfume and gourmet dishes, making my stomach twist with nerves.

I glanced at my reflection in the tall glass windows, my fingers tightening around the small clutch purse I had borrowed from Mina. I had spent hours getting ready—picking the right outfit, practicing my smile, watching a million YouTube videos on "How to Act Normal on a Date" (not that I was confident it had worked).

My black dress was simple yet elegant, hugging my body just enough to make me feel put-together without looking like I was trying too hard. My hair, usually a chaotic mess, had been tamed into soft waves.

This is real.

This is happening.

I was about to meet Yuki Hayashi.

My heart pounded so loudly I was sure the valet could hear it. My hands felt cold despite the warm summer night. A part of me still expected someone to pop out and say, Just kidding! We emailed the wrong person!

But the moment the restaurant doors swung open, and a suited staff member approached me with a polite smile, reality hit.

“Miss Tanaka?” His voice was calm, professional.

I swallowed hard. “Y-Yes?”

“Right this way, please. Mr. Hayashi is already waiting for you.”

Oh. Oh.

My legs almost gave out.

I was about to meet Yuki Hayashi.

Breathe, Hina. Breathe.

Meeting the Untouchable

The restaurant was even more breathtaking inside. Dim chandeliers cast a golden glow over tables adorned with fresh roses and crystal glasses. It was quiet, elegant—nothing like the noisy ramen shops I usually visited.

As I followed the waiter through the restaurant, I spotted him.

Yuki Hayashi.

Sitting in the farthest booth, dressed in a sleek black button-up, his silver necklace catching the light. His dark brown hair fell slightly over his forehead, styled effortlessly but not overly perfect. He was looking at his phone, his long fingers lazily scrolling, completely unaware that my soul had just left my body.

He’s even more handsome in person.

No camera, no filter—just him.

The waiter cleared his throat, and Yuki looked up.

And that’s when it happened.

Our eyes met.

For a second, time stopped.

Then, slowly, a smile spread across his lips.

Not the idol smile—the one he used on stage, the one carefully crafted to steal hearts—but something softer, more genuine.

He stood up. “You must be Hina.”

His voice was smoother than melted chocolate.

I forgot how to breathe.

“Y-Yes,” I managed, my voice barely above a whisper.

Yuki chuckled—a low, amused sound that sent actual shivers down my spine. “You look like you just saw a ghost.”

I wanted to say something normal, something cool, but my brain had completely shut down.

Yuki Hayashi—THE Yuki Hayashi—was standing in front of me, looking at me like I was an actual person and not just another fan in a screaming crowd.

Somehow, I found my voice. “No, um—I mean, yes, I mean—”

Oh my god, what was I saying?!

Yuki’s smile widened, and he gestured toward the booth. “Let’s sit.”

I nodded frantically like a broken bobblehead and slid into the seat across from him.

The moment I sat down, reality hit me hard.

I was on a date with Yuki Hayashi.

And I had absolutely no idea how to act normal.

The Awkward First Moments

“So,” Yuki said, resting his chin on his hand, eyes scanning my face with interest. “How does it feel to win a date with me?”

A million responses ran through my head:

I think I might pass out.

I have no idea what to do with my hands.

Your existence is illegal.

Instead, I somehow managed, “It feels… surreal.”

Yuki chuckled. “I bet.” He leaned back slightly, studying me. “You’re surprisingly calm, though. Most fans I meet can’t even look me in the eye.”

Oh, I was dying inside, but sure, let’s go with "calm."

I forced a tiny smile. “Maybe I’m just good at pretending.”

He raised an eyebrow, amused. “Or maybe you’re different.”

Different? Me?

I nearly choked on air.

Before I could process that, a waiter appeared with menus.

“Would you like to order drinks?”

Yuki glanced at me. “What do you like?”

I panicked. What was the coolest drink to order?

“I, um… water,” I blurted out.

Water.

The most basic thing on the planet.

Yuki’s lips twitched like he was holding back a laugh. “Water it is, then.”

Getting Comfortable… Sort Of

As the evening went on, something unexpected happened.

I started to relax.

At first, I thought Yuki would be distant—polite but uninterested, like he was just doing this for PR. But he was… easy to talk to.

Surprisingly normal.

He asked me questions—not just about being a fan, but about me. My favorite food. My hobbies. What I wanted to do after high school.

For the first time, it didn’t feel like I was sitting across from a super idol. It felt like I was talking to a guy my age.

A really, really attractive guy.

Halfway through dinner, he leaned forward, eyes glinting with curiosity. “So, be honest—am I what you expected?”

I hesitated, twirling my straw. “I don’t know… you’re more real than I imagined.”

He tilted his head. “Real?”

I nodded. “On stage, you seem untouchable. Perfect. But right now… you’re just Yuki.”

For a moment, something flickered in his expression. A shadow of something deeper.

Then, he smiled. “That’s probably the nicest thing anyone’s said to me in a while.”

His voice was light, but I sensed it—the weight behind his words.

And for the first time that night, I wondered…

What was it really like to be him?

The Unexpected Twist

Just as I was starting to feel comfortable, something happened that threw me completely off balance.

The restaurant door swung open, and a tall figure walked in.

Yuki’s face immediately tensed.

I followed his gaze and felt my stomach drop.

Because standing there, scanning the room with sharp eyes…

Was a paparazzi photographer.

“Oh no,” Yuki muttered. “Not tonight.”

My heart pounded.

Was our date about to be exposed?

Before I could react, Yuki suddenly stood up.

“Change of plans,” he said, grabbing my wrist. His touch was warm, firm—but gentle. “We need to get out of here.”

My eyes widened. “Wait, what—?!”

“Trust me.”

And before I knew it, Yuki Hayashi was pulling me out of the restaurant—

And straight into the night of a lifetime.

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[End of Chapter 2]

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