CHAPTER FIVE POINT TWO

Oner adjusted his casual black jacket, its fabric hanging loosely over his T1 jersey. The crisp night air mingled with the soft hum of excitement around Namsan Tower. "Do I look okay?" He shot a glance at Khynny, who inspected him with a playful smirk.

"More like a rogue esports player trying to go incognito," she teased, her eyes shimmering under the twinkling lights. "But it works. Let's hope the fans don't have eagle eyes tonight."

"Eagle eyes?" He chuckled, darting his gaze around the crowd. "More like rabid hawks. I'm not ready to sign autographs while trying to eat."

Khynny nudged him playfully, laughter lighting up her face. "Just act natural. You're not a celebrity on a date with a normal girl, right?"

"Normal girl?" He feigned shock, a smile tugging at his lips. "You just called me a celebrity!"

She rolled her eyes, dramatic yet warm. "You're practically the most famous player in Korea. My students nearly fainted when they found out I was hanging out with Moon Hye Jin and her younger brother."

"Fainting is a strong reaction. They could've at least waited until I did something cool," he said, shaking his head as they approached the entrance of the tower.

Inside, the host greeted them with a welcoming smile. "Welcome to Namsan Tower! Do you have a reservation?"

Oner glanced at Khynny, his heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement. "Uh, yes! Under Moon Hyeun Jun? I called earlier."

The host nodded and checked the list. "Right this way."

As they followed, Khynny leaned closer, her voice a whisper. "Look at you, pulling off reservations like a pro. Next thing I know, you'll reveal your secret life as a five-star chef."

Oner laughed, the sound ringing out like music to his ears. "I can barely make ramyeon without burning it. The culinary world is safe from me."

Their table, bathed in the soft glow of the cityscape, felt like something out of a romantic movie. Khynny's eyes widened as she took in the panoramic view. "Wow, it's beautiful up here."

"Not as beautiful and captivating as you," Oner said, the words spilling from him before he could think. Heat rushed to his cheeks, and he tried to play it cool.

Khynny met his gaze, her expression shifting. "Okay, Casanova," she laughed, shaking her head. "Let's not get too cheesy. We might attract the fans you're trying to avoid."

"I'm being honest," he replied, leaning back, his heart racing. "It's not every day I get to take a stunning professor out for dinner."

"Stunning, huh? You're really laying it on thick tonight." She smiled, her gaze softening as it lingered on him, and in that moment, he felt an undeniable urge to bridge the distance between them.

The server approached, handing them menus. "What can I get for you two?"

"I'll take the... what do you recommend?" Oner asked, glancing at Khynny, eager to share the experience with her.

"The steak is excellent, and the pasta is divine," she said, scanning the menu. "But I'm really here for dessert, so save room."

"Dessert it is! I'll have the steak," Oner nodded at the server, his mind racing with thoughts of their fleeting moments together. "And we'll take your best dessert, too."

As the server left, Oner turned to Khynny, curiosity flickering in his chest. "So, what do you think of the T1 team? Be honest."

Khynny grinned, her eyes sparkling. "You're all adorable, but I can definitely see the competitive fire in you guys. It's like watching a pack of wolves fighting over the last piece of meat."

Oner burst out laughing, the sound echoing around them. "Wolves? We're not that intense, are we?"

"Just wait until match day," she said, leaning in closer, their knees brushing. "The way you all yell at each other—it's like a soap opera mixed with a sports documentary."

"Ah, so you've seen the real drama," he teased, trying to mask the weight of his feelings behind humor. "And here I thought we were all about teamwork and friendship."

"Friendship? More like friendly rivalry. Gumayusi is definitely the drama queen."

Oner snorted, imagining the antics. "Don't let him hear you say that. He might come for you with one of his emotional speeches."

Their banter flowed effortlessly, the conversation light and playful, easing the tension building inside him. When their food arrived, he shared stories about his chaotic life as a pro gamer while Khynny opened up about her students and her transition into this new environment. The warmth between them felt natural, like a shared secret.

"Do you ever get tired of playing?" Khynny asked, sipping her drink, her gaze penetrating.

Oner paused, contemplating her question. "Sometimes. But then I remember the feeling of winning, the fans cheering... it's addictive. Like a drug, but less illegal." He smirked, and Khynny rolled her eyes.

"Such a rebel," she shot back, grinning. "Is that why you chose the life of a gamer instead of, I don't know, something more... normal?"

"Normal is overrated," he countered, leaning closer, driven by an urgency to connect. "Why settle for boring when you can battle dragons and save the world?"

"Fair point," she admitted, her eyes glinting. "But I'd like to see you battle real dragons someday."

"Oh, so you think I should level up my life skills?" he asked, his heart thumping louder.

"Absolutely," she said, her tone serious but playful. "Imagine the headlines—'Oner, the Dragon Slayer!'"

Oner grinned, the playful exchange warming him. "Now that's a title I could get behind."

When dessert arrived—a lavish chocolate cake topped with whipped cream and strawberries—Khynny gasped, her excitement infectious. "Is this dessert or a work of art?"

"Both," Oner replied, a smile spreading across his face. "But I'll risk destroying it."

As they shared the cake, Khynny smeared a bit of whipped cream on his nose, laughter bursting from her lips. "Oops! Looks like you have a little something... right there."

Oner gave her a mischievous smile, feeling daring. "Very funny." Instead of wiping it away, he leaned closer, their faces inches apart. With a playful nudge, he transferred the whipped cream to her nose.

Khynny giggled, wiping her nose, her laughter ringing in his ears. "Now we both look ridiculous."

They shared a hearty laugh, the moment electric. Oner's heart raced, and he felt the weight of their chemistry pressing down on him. "Khynny, there's something I need to say."

She tilted her head, curiosity brightening her features. "What is it?"

Taking a deep breath, he steadied his nerves, the vulnerability surfacing. "I've never felt like this before—not even with my ex. It's... it's different with you. I can't shake this feeling that I want to know you more deeply. I want to be part of your life."

Her gaze softened, and he could see the surprise flickering in her eyes. "Hyeun Jun, I—"

"Wait, let me finish," he urged, urgency creeping into his tone. "From the moment we met in Leyte, your hospitality, your positivity, your vibrancy—it was blinding. I was drawn to you instantly. That kiss at Leyte Landing Memorial Park? I was still with my ex then, but I still think about it. It may sound like a betrayal during those times, but you really left a deep impression on me that I thought would fade away. Never in my dreams did I expect that we would meet again. Looking back, now I believe all of this is some kind of preordained miracle."

She blinked, absorbing his words, and for a moment, silence enveloped them. "That's... quite the revelation," she finally said, her voice soft but steady.

"I know it's fast, and I'm not trying to pressure you," he rushed to say, vulnerability flooding him. "But I don't want to miss this chance either. I want to see where this goes, if you'll let me."

Khynny's expression softened further, warmth flooding her features. "You really mean that?"

"Absolutely," he replied, his heart pounding in his chest. "But I understand if you need time. Just... don't forget I'm here."

She looked down, her fingers tracing the edge of the table, as if weighing his words. "You're... very different from what I expected. I'll admit that I like spending time with you. You remind me so much of my father and siblings back home in the Philippines that I terribly miss."

His heart sank, yet hope ignited within him. "So, you see me as just a nam dongsaeng?"

"Yes and no." She smiled fondly, her expression reassuring. "You're dedicated, hardworking, and caring. Traits that my family also have. That's why I admire that. But we're at different stages of life. You're only 22. I'm not saying no, but..."

"So, we're friends, but... more?" Oner echoed, confusion swirling inside him.

Khynny's hand found his on the table, her touch igniting a spark. "Something like that. I want to explore this with you, too. But as you've said earlier, we'll not rush into anything. Let's see where this leads."

His heart soared, the tension between them shifting into something new and thrilling. "Yeah, we can do that," a grin broke across his face. "But just so you know, I'll still steal kisses whenever I can."

She laughed, the sound vibrant and alive. "Let's just see if you can catch me first."

And as they leaned closer, the world around them faded, the city lights twinkling like stars in the distance, echoing the promise of their unexpected journey ahead.