Chapter 5

Chapter 5

"ARGHH," Nadine let out a frustrated gasp, her emotions twisting in a chaotic swirl of fear and confusion as someone grabbed her wrist from behind. The jolt was like a sudden crash of reality breaking into her distracted thoughts. Her heart skipped a beat, and she spun around, breath catching in her throat, expecting to confront a stranger rushing by. Instead, she locked eyes with Noah, his smile wide and amused—completely disarming her frantic state of mind. Her chest tightened, breath hitching as she spun around, expecting to face yet another crowd member rushing past her in the busy street. Instead, she came face-to-face with Noah. It took her a moment to process the sight of him—his smile wide and amused, as though the awkwardness from earlier hadn't happened.

"Hey, it's me," Noah said, his voice light, a chuckle slipping out as he adjusted his stance. "Remember? The one you spilled coffee on?" Nadine blinked, still in shock. She hadn't heard him approach. Her mind had been preoccupied with replaying their earlier encounter, but now, standing in front of her, Noah seemed… different. Less formal. More relaxed.

"I've been calling you, but I guess you didn't hear me," Noah added, his gaze flickering to her wrist, which he was still holding. He released it gently, but the moment lingered.

"Oh, sorry," Nadine said, her cheeks flushing. "I was just… distracted." She fidgeted, unsure of how to steer the conversation.

Noah raised an eyebrow, his smile unwavering. "You're fine," he said easily. His presence felt lighter now—as if he carried none of the tension she did.

"Look, I was hoping I could take you to dinner, if you're free now?" The request caught her off guard. Why would he want to spend time with her after their awkward interactions? Was he just being kind, or genuinely interested? She paused, unsure what to say. Her usual response would have been a polite decline, maintaining her distance. But something about the way Noah looked at her made her hesitate. His gaze held something softer, more genuine.

"I mean, if you're free," Noah added quickly, sensing her uncertainty.

"I—I'm not sure…" Nadine bit her lip. Dinner meant stepping out of her usual routine, away from family obligations. It also meant indulging in a curiosity she couldn't quite shake.

Noah's playful tone returned. "Or, if that's too forward, maybe I can just get your number? I promise I won't spill any more coffee on you." Nadine laughed, the sound surprising her. His teasing felt genuine, without any pretense.

The strange familiarity of their encounter made her want to say yes. It wasn't just his smile or the playful way he teased her—it was the unspoken ease between them, as if they'd known each other in another life. It reminded her of fleeting moments she couldn't quite place: a comforting voice in a dream, a song she hadn't heard in years but still knew by heart. That familiarity stirred both comfort and fear within her, making her wonder if she was stepping into something destined or dangerously unknown.

"Okay," she finally said, shaking her head but smiling. "Dinner sounds good." She found herself relaxing. "And I guess you can have my number too. But I'm warning you—I might be a terrible dinner companion."

Noah grinned. "I'll take my chances."

As she handed him her phone, their fingers brushed, and Nadine felt a shift between them. It wasn't love at first sight, but a spark—an acknowledgment that something worth exploring might be there.

"Alright, I'll text you," Noah said with a wink. "I'm looking forward to dinner."

They walked along the pavement until they stopped in front of a traditional Korean seafood restaurant, its warm lights glowing through the windows.

The place exuded a cozy yet refined atmosphere, with polished wooden furniture and soft ambient lighting.

"They serve the best seafood jjigae here," Noah said, excitement in his tone.

'How does he know I love seafood? Or is it just a coincidence?' Nadine wondered, glancing at him.

"Hello, Mr. Lee! Where would you like to sit tonight?" the server greeted with a smile as they entered.

Nadine blinked. The staff knew him? She tried not to let her curiosity show. Was he a regular here?

"Hello," Noah replied warmly. "A private room, please."

"This way, sir," the server said, leading them to a secluded area.

Noah pulled out a chair for her. Nadine sat with a quiet "Thank you" as Noah took his seat.

"As usual, Mr. Lee?" the server asked.

"Yes, two portions, please."

As the server left, Nadine stared at Noah across the table. Before she could ask about the order, the dishes arrived, filling the table. The jjigae's vibrant red broth, thick with seafood, vegetables, and spices, smelled delicious. Nadine's stomach churned. The sight of the stew reminded her of the previous day's events, making her lose her appetite.

Noah scooped jjigae into a bowl for her. "Eat," he said simply.

"Thank you," Nadine replied, taking a spoonful.

She forced herself to eat, but each bite felt heavy. Her nausea grew, and she struggled to hide it.

"Does the food not suit your taste?" Noah's question broke her thoughts.

"No… It's good. Why?" she stammered.

"You don't seem to have an appetite."

"Oh! I just wanted to savor the moment," Nadine said automatically, but Noah's expression showed doubt.

"You've been nibbling. You don't have to force yourself. I can order something else."

"It's fine," Nadine insisted, nervous.

"Then please empty your bowl. You're too skinny anyway."

Obediently, Nadine picked up her spoon. She tried to appear at ease, but the greasy stew made her queasy.

After finishing her rice, she abruptly excused herself. "Sorry, I'll go to the restroom."

In the restroom, Nadine threw up everything she'd eaten. She cleaned herself up and adjusted her makeup before returning. As she stepped out, she was startled to see Noah waiting outside the restroom.

"Oh, shit," Nadine muttered under her breath, surprised by his sudden appearance. "Can't you give me a heads-up?" she said, trying to compose herself.

Noah frowned, his concern evident. "Are you feeling sick?"

'How does he know? Did he notice I threw up?' Nadine wondered.

She shook her head quickly. "Maybe I missed my lunch. I'll be fine after some rest."

"Are you sure?" Noah's gaze was steady, and Nadine could see the worry etched in his expression.

"Yes," she said, offering a weak smile. "Let's go."

Noah seemed hesitant but didn't press further.

As they walked back to the table, Nadine's thoughts were swirling. Despite everything, there was something comforting about his presence—like he genuinely cared.

They finished their meal in relative silence. As they rose from the table, she reached for her bag, determined to settle the bill. But Noah quickly stop her intention, "Don't even think about it. I would be a laughingstock if people know that I let a woman pays on our first date." 

"But I feel so terrible about the coffee earlier. It's the least I can do".

She tried to protest, but his playful but resolute expression made it clear she wasn't going to win this battle. She reluctantly gave up, watching as he handed his card to the cashier.

The word 'date' lingered in the air, wrapped around Nadine's thoughts like an echo. Was she reading too much into this? Had he meant it that way? Her mind wavered between dismissing the notion and indulging in the idea that maybe, just maybe, this had been more than an apology dinner. Was that what tonight had been? A date? Surely not. It was just an apology dinner-or at least, that's what she'd told herself, the way he spoke, made it hard to brush off the possibility. 

"Next time, let's pick a meal you actually want to eat," he said with a small smile.

"Deal."