Chapter 5: First date

"Where are we, Sir?" I asked Prince, marveling at the view outside the car window.

I couldn't help but smile as we passed by.

"Do you like it?" he asked, looking at me, so I turned to him.

"Where are we really going? W-why are we here?" I asked, gazing at him.

"It's a date," he whispered into the air.

"Pardon? What do you mean, Sir Prince?"

"Well, I just said we're going for a stroll."

"A stroll? But you have a meeting."

"It's still early, we have time for a little walk."

"U-uh . . . sir, your actions are confusing me, but okay, then."

"Drop the 'po' and 'opo.' I'm starting to feel old," he chuckled.

"Not at all-- uhh . . . just a sign of respect--"

"Ms. Beauty, just because I am your boss doesn't mean that I am the King. Think of it, as you being the one who invested and worked hard with me while I'm just the result. So, you're actually higher than me, and there are other ways to show respect, not just by using 'po' and 'opo.'"

"I'm sorry if I offended you."

"No, they're not offensive words. It's fine. I just want you to treat me normally, not as your boss or someone superior, but as equals. No one is high or low. Respect me for who I am not because I am your boss."

My heart raced incredibly fast. I was left speechless by his words. I didn't know that Prince Yuahn Lee was like this. He was so down-to-earth, truly living up to his name, unlike me, the complete opposite.

"Are you okay?" he asked, smiling at me.

I took a few deep breaths. I hadn't realized I was holding my breath.

"I'm fine. I just can't believe that I have a boss like you, you're so kind to your employees--"

"Nope, I think we have different definitions of 'kind' if you think I'm kind because of what I said, you're wrong. True kindness doesn't hurt others. I prefer being nice rather than kind. I'm the type of person that, If someone does something that I don't like, I will take revenge, especially when it comes to someone I love or the person who's important to me. I'm not the type of person who initiates, however they deserve to get their karma, and I'll be their karma."

I stared at him for a few seconds before bursting into laughter, trying to dispel the strange atmosphere between us.

He coughed, and then he changed the topic, and before I knew it, we found ourselves laughing and the awkwardness faded away.

"By the way, where are your friends?" he asked, still smiling.

I was taken aback by his question, and I hesitated before responding.

"Ah . . . it's okay if you don't want to answer my question."

I nodded and gave him a small smile.

"I haven't had any friends since birth. I don't have anyone I can call a friend, maybe just acquaintances, but not friends. Maybe it's better that way, rather than having people I consider friends but don't treat me as one. They're only friends when they need something, but not someone I can rely on when I need them."

I could see his demeanor change. His face softened. I laughed to dissipate the heavy atmosphere.

He cleared his throat and continued setting up the food in the basket before turning to me.

"Sorry for not mentioning it earlier. I just wanted to have someone to eat with. I don't like eating in restaurants, I prefer it simple. Is that okay with you?" he looked at me again.

I was taken aback by his question, and my heart raced even faster.

"I-it's fine," I managed to say, feeling nervous.

"Take a seat," he patted the empty space next to him.

I sat down.

He prepared the food for me before starting on his own.

"I'm done eating, sir." I said, startled, realizing I had been holding my breath.

He paused and I closed my eyes tightly, embarrassed by my own foolishness.

"But I can eat this with you," I quickly added.

He looked at me again, smiling, and as I ate, I couldn't help but laugh, especially when Prince made jokes. What was uncomfortable before gradually became comfortable.

"What about you? Where are your friends?" I asked, still smiling.

He froze at my question and the smile on his face slowly faded, as if I knew the reason for his sudden pause.

"Ah, Sorry sir. Did I ask something wrong? But it's okay if you don't want to answer my question, too," I mumbled.

I shook my head and smiled, trying to ease the tension.

"My only best friend died."

"Sorry about that . . ."

"No, you don't have to say sorry."

I could see his expression change, and I feel sorry about what happened to his best friend so I changed the topic to dissipate the heavy atmosphere once again.

We continued talking and laughing until we realized we were late for work.

"Oh no! We're late for work! Sir, you have a meeting in Laguna! What time is it?" I panicked.

But instead of panicking, he calmly stood up, put the basket and blanket in the car, and then turned to me.

"It's an advantage of being the boss," he grinned.

My heart raced even faster, especially when he reached out and held my hand. I widened my eyes, feeling overwhelmed by his actions.

I could feel him sensing the rapid beating of my heart.

"Thank you for today," he whispered in my ear.

Goosebumps formed on my arms.

He stepped away from me before giving me a sweet smile.

"Your heart . . . " he started to say something else but stopped himself, just smiling and shaking his head. "Let's go, I hope you enjoyed our first date."