The night air was crisp, laced with the faint scent of moonlit jasmine, and the distant hush of wind dancing through academy garden trees followed her all the way. The path beneath Rena's boots shimmered with silver dew, each step echoing softly between the marble walls of the dorm courtyard.
Her expression was a blend of simmering exhaustion and restrained fury—cheeks still flushed, lips pressed into a rigid line, golden eyes glowing faintly with leftover mana and the bitter aftertaste of embarrassment. She had just guided Leona through one of the most ridiculous, mortifying episodes of the semester, and all she wanted was a hot bath, a deep breath... and maybe twenty guard dogs to chase her husband away.
But destiny had its own plans.
Under a sprawling cherry tree bathed in moonlight, Jin stood calm and composed. One black-gloved hand twirled a silver coin, the other rested casually at his side. His crimson eyes caught the moon's glow as though they held their own flame; his coat fell around him like living shadow.
He smiled—*that* smile.
"Good evening, my dear wife," he greeted, his voice soft with amusement.
Rena stopped dead. Fury flared across her cheeks, her fists tightening at her sides, hair shimmering like molten flame behind her. "You ruined my training, Jin!" she snapped, striding up to him. "You know how crucial that session was. My mother-in-law said—no distractions Yet you—"
He reached out gently, tilting her chin up with his fingertip. His crimson gaze held hers. "Which is precisely why I'm here. To compensate."
She frowned. "Compensate how?"
He stepped back, extending his hand. "By taking you on a proper date. Our first."
Time stilled.
Rena's mind raced. Her heart-pulse thundered in her ears. Beneath the cold, she felt something warm unravel.
"A date?" she echoed. "Are you serious?"
With the ghost of innocence on his lips, he replied, "Would I lie to you?"
"Yes!" she shot back, voice trembling. "All the time!"
He offered a mocking sigh. "You still followed me after I said it was safe. No deputy, no guard, just you and me... and Leona." He grinned. "Something about that tells me you liked the surprise."
Rena's glare softened slightly. "It was irresponsible."
"Perhaps—but memorable."
Before she could retort, he took her hand. Simple, warm, electric.
The night air held its breath.
He led her along the garden path. Nearby, lanterns shone dimly, the commerce zone a soft hum in the distance. He walked past smiling couples, but she didn't feel overshadowed—only alive.
They arrived at **Karaoke & Cocoa**, a moonlit den promising sugar and laughter. Rina stared.
"You're kidding," she whispered.
"Private rooms, loud music, embarrassing moments," he replied. "Cocoa the size of your childhood dreams."
"You're insufferable," she breathed.
"I married into the title."
Inside, the hostess witnessed Jin's arrival and visibly relaxed. Rena caught hushed whispers: *"That's the rotschy heir..."* She rolled her eyes.
They entered a velvet-walled room with cozy couches and pastel mood lights. Tables were already stacked with mochi, chocolate-covered berries, sparkly berry drinks, and menus with decadent sugar combinations.
Rena sat rigidly. "I don't want to sing."
He handed her a menu. "Eat first. Then decide. Okay?"
She prodded a macaroon with her fingertips, still tense.
"Scared your voice's awful?" he teased.
Her glance shot to him. "You have an annoying talent for insulting me to ruin everything."
He leaned in. "Then do it better."
She huffed, then closed her eyes and chose a song. The room dimmed, lights shifting to violet as the first notes of **"Bilionera"** by Otilia began:
> *"Take out your hand, because you are good
> Tonight I wanna dance on the sand
> I am not a stranger, I am nothing bad
> Come here, come here, and now…"*
Her voice was quiet. Frail. Then gathered strength.
> *"Gimme boy, gimme boy, I'm your lady
> I got here what you want, feels so crazy
> Gimme boy, gimme boy, I'm your baby…"*
With each verse, her posture straightened. Her red hair glimmered. Her voice grew sturdy, confident.
> *"You start this fire, the way you look at me
> Takes me higher, I want this moment
> To last forever and ever…"*
By the final chorus her cheeks blazed. Heart pounding. Eyes sparking. She sang with passion, with defiance—and above all, with freedom.
When the last note floated away, silence reigned a heartbeat too long. Then Jien clapped—slowly, deliberately, like he'd uncovered a secret power.
"That… was actually good," he said softly, voice warm. "Stunning. Impossible to forget."
Rena's guard broke. She laughed breathlessly, voice shaking with relief.
He smiled, brushing her red hair behind her ear. "Compensation accepted?"
She leaned into his hand. Heart racing. Eyes shining. "Maybe."
He pressed his forehead to hers. "Good."
They sat together in silence, surrounded by sugar and colored lights and the gentle melody still echoing in the air.
Rena thought: *He ruined my focus, but he found me again tonight—with melody, laughter… and unexpected kindness.*
Her golden eyes softened. The tension in her shoulders melted. The cold night felt a little warmer beneath the moon's indulgent glow.
She closed her eyes and whispered, "Thank you, Jin."
........
Heat: I put this song because it is very beautiful. Song name on YouTube » Otilia Bilionera