Chapter:0.89 A Table for Six and Lingering Glances

Jin led the group into the academy's most prestigious restaurant—a place where crystal chandeliers cast soft sparkles across alabaster tables and muted shadows danced along the walls. He walked with effortless grace, dressed completely in black: a sleek leather coat, long-sleeved shirt, cut gloves revealing his pale, elegant fingers, and polished boots. His raven hair fell over his forehead just enough to conceal one eye, and his crimson gaze satisfied the last whispers of curiosity as he appointed himself the center of attention. Women of every age cast longing glances; men simmered with rivalry, yet Jin didn't bat an eyelash.

Arriving at the hostess stand, he cleared his throat softly and spoke in his smooth, confident tone:

> "Good evening, miss. May I have a table for six, please?"

The hostess, already struck by his supernatural presence, hesitated—for a heartbeat it seemed as if time froze. Raven-black hair, milky flawless skin, long lashes framing crimson eyes, flawless smile. She stammered—

> "Y-yes, of course… Right this way, sir."

As she guided them through dim corridors to the V.I.P. room, she blushed deeply. He held out his sleek black dining card—black leather embossed with a silver crescent and the name "Rotschy," scripted in diamond filigree. She accepted it with trembling hands, barely concealing her awe.

Inside, the private chamber exuded understated elegance: black lacquered walls, a round table draped in ivory silk, and a single chandelier radiating warm candlelight. Rina seated herself next to Jin, feeling his quiet presence ripple through her chest.

> "You seem to enjoy the attention," she said quietly, stirring the crystal glass before her.

He gave her a slow, teasing smile, eyes glinting like rubies in the subdued light.

> "And you," he replied softly, velvet rich in undertones, "seem jealous… possessive. Is that so?"

She curled her fingers around the glass's stem, her voice measured:

> "What if I am? What do *you* intend to do about it?"

A playful arch tugged at Jin's lips.

> "Then I shall regard it as a confession." He paused to let the Thorns of Possession wrap between them. His smile expanded.

> "And that," he murmured, "makes me profoundly… satisfied."

Rina's heart hammered—not just at his words, but at how casually he claimed her as his. Internally, she recoiled and danced along the edge of adrenaline and warmth, recalling every stolen glance, every secret sigh. *He's getting under my skin*, she told herself, *and I… I don't mind.*

Leona—sitting across from her twin brother Nox and Lilia—watched the exchange with mild amusement; she had witnessed Jin's suave provocations before. But Ethan, Nox, and Lilia remained wide-eyed, caught off guard by the audacity of the moment—their friend, the most composed of them all, seemed powerless to stop him.

Soon enough, silent waitstaff appeared one by one, setting down menus—heavy, leather-bound, embossed with silver filigrees. A silent invitation to feast.

Jin swept his hand across the table with a gracious nod.

> "Please, order whatever you like. Indulge yourselves; do not hold back."

He caught Rina's eye by way of a subtle challenge:

> "My love, will you honor me by selecting something *impressive*?"

Rina's cheeks warmed, yet she raised her chin.

> "I'll surprise you." She flipped open the menu, mentally gauging the prices—*he had dropped a fortune already*. She chose a classic dish with a touch of magic-infused sauce: *Mana-Braised Tenderloin with Crimson Cherry Reduction*.

Ethan, clasping his menu, attempted to inject humor:

> "I might devour half of yours if you pick well."

Jin grinned, his interest genuine:

> "You're welcome to it, as long as you ask properly."

Leona smirked at Nox, eyebrows raised:

> "He's smooth, sis. Can't compete."

Nox shook his head and ordered a hearty platter of grilled game meat and wild vegetables.

Lilia, ever thoughtful, chose a refreshing mana-infused saffron soup and herb-roasted pheasant.

Jin nodded approvingly:

> "Excellent choices. Lilia, I expect your bow to be as precise as your palate."

Leona burst into giggles. Rina swallowed tightly; the teasing heat of his voice, the unexpected news that he even noticed—*yes*, my heart whispered, *you matter to him*. A small victory, but precious.

In the flickering candlelight, they spoke softly, stories of summer adventures, odd academy rumors, laughter weaving its way between them. Rina's anger faded, replaced by that familiar protective pride. She glanced at Jin often enough to catch his gaze, but always looked away too—*too exposed*.

Jin watched her, maintained the teasing balance, but between his words hid gratitude—grateful that she stayed with him, still explored this strange new bond. He felt his heart tighten when a waiter poured tea for Rina—*Tea picked fresh from her favorite orchard, I'll wager.*

When the clothes around them relaxed, the air warmed, and Rina's smile returned—honest this time—it was clear the V.I.P. dinner wasn't just a lavish gesture: it was a dance, a test, a confession in motion.

By the time desert arrived—crimson-rose gelato in hand—Jin leaned again, his voice soft.

> "Thank you for indulging me tonight. I know… I'm not easiest to love."

Rina lifted her eyes, golden and sincere.

> "You *are*… very difficult," she said with a half-smile—her heart swelling.

> "But I... I'm trying."

He only smiled, and offered his hand.

> "Then that's—enough. More than enough."

They hitched pinky fingers, sealing a promise more intimate than any ring—a shared vow to walk this crazy path together.

And as they stepped out afterward into the cool moonlight, side by side, Rina carried more than a contented smile—she carried a fluttering certainty that, beneath this enigmatic, teasing man named Jin Rotschy, lay a soulmate worth chasing.