As they drove, Kota watched the city lights blur past the McLaren's windows as Theo navigated the evening traffic with careful precision.
The drive had been filled with Theo's nervous chatter, little stories about his day, complaints about board meetings, and repeated shy questions about whether Kota was comfortable.
By the time the sleek white car pulled up to a towering high-rise building in the heart of downtown, Kota's own nerves had settled into a warm buzz of anticipation.
Theo parked smoothly right at the grand entrance. The building gleamed with polished marble and gold accents, a glowing sign reading "Nova Express" in elegant script above massive glass doors. Theo turned off the engine and gave Kota a sheepish little smile.
"It's… a restaurant-hotel combination," he explained, fiddling with the hem of his white button-up. "Really high-end. One of the best in the city. I thought it would be nice for our first official date."
Before Kota could respond, a sharply dressed valet in a velvet uniform approached the driver's side. "Mr. Theo Hawthorne?" the man asked politely.
Theo nodded, cheeks already tinting pink. He unbuckled and stepped out of the car with graceful ease. Kota blinked in confusion, still sitting in the passenger seat.
"Why are you stepping out?" Kota asked, opening his own door.
Theo giggled softly, the sound light and adorable. "Because he's doing valet parking, obviously. Come on, darling."
Kota stepped out, frowning slightly. "Valet… what? You're just letting some random guy drive your car?"
Theo thought he was joking.
He leaned in quickly and pressed a soft kiss to Kota's cheek, lips lingering for a sweet second. "You're such a jokester. It's fine, I promise."
He handed the keys to the valet along with a crisp five-hundred-dollar bill.
"Thank you. Take good care of her."
The valet's eyes widened at the generous tip.
"Of course, Mr. Hawthorne. Enjoy your evening." He slid into the McLaren and drove off smoothly toward the parking garage.
Kota watched the expensive car disappear around the corner, still processing.
"You really just handed your keys to a stranger and paid him five hundred dollars…?"
Theo linked their arms together, smiling up at him. "That's how it works at places like this. Don't worry about it. Tonight is about us."
They approached the grand entrance together. A sharply dressed host stood at a podium, checking a digital list. When Theo gave his name, the man nodded immediately. "Mr. Hawthorne, welcome. Right this way—"
Kota moved to follow, but the host stepped forward, raising a hand politely but firmly. "I'm sorry, sir. Do you have a reservation?"
Theo's expression shifted instantly. He stepped back, interlocked their fingers tightly, and pulled Kota closer to his side.
"He's with me," Theo said, voice taking on that posh, authoritative tone he used at school. His grip on Kota's hand tightened protectively.
When the host's eyes flicked up and down Kota's outfit with a semi-disapproving look, Theo's spine straightened. "Is there a problem?" he asked, tone sharpening.
"Because if there is, I can speak to the manager. Or perhaps buy the entire evening's service. My boyfriend and I have a reservation. Under Hawthorne. Check again."
The host paled slightly and stepped aside. "Of course, Mr. Hawthorne. My apologies. Right this way."
Theo kept their hands firmly linked as they followed the host inside. Kota couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips, Theo in protective boyfriend mode was unexpectedly cute.
The interior of Nova Express was breathtaking. Fifteen-foot ceilings soared overhead, adorned with massive crystal chandeliers that cast warm, sparkling light across everything. Marble floors gleamed underfoot. Plush velvet seating, dark wood accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the glittering city created an atmosphere of pure opulence.
Soft classical music played in the background. Every table seemed carefully arranged for privacy and romance.
The host led them toward the back, past elegant dining areas, and into a secluded VIP booth tucked away in a quiet corner with perfect views of the skyline.
Heavy curtains could be drawn for even more privacy. Kota opened his mouth to ask why they'd been given such an exclusive spot, but when he glanced at Theo, the principal was blushing furiously and looking pointedly away at the city lights.
Kota instantly understood. He chuckled under his breath and slid into the booth beside Theo instead of across from him. "Nice choice," he murmured, bumping their shoulders together.
Theo's blush deepened. "Shut up," he whispered, though he was smiling.
They had barely settled when a young waiter approached their table. He looked around twenty-three or twenty-four, dressed in a crisp black-and-white tuxedo that fit his slender frame perfectly. His hair was styled in cute pigtails with soft bangs framing his face. When his eyes landed on Kota, he visibly bit his lower lip, freezing for half a second.
"Fuck… he's hot," the waiter murmured under his breath, barely audible, before catching himself and straightening up with a professional smile. "Good evening, gentlemen. My name is Luca. I'll be taking care of you tonight. Can I start you off with something to drink?"
Theo noticed the waiter's lingering stare immediately. He shifted closer to Kota, placing a possessive hand on his boyfriend's thigh under the table. "We'll have the house sparkling water to start, please. And perhaps the wine list when you return."
As Luca nodded and walked away, still stealing quick glances at Kota, Theo leaned in, voice low and slightly pouty. "He was staring at you. Did you see that? The nerve… right in front of me."
Kota laughed softly, covering Theo's hand with his own. "Relax. I'm here with you."
Theo huffed, cheeks still pink, but he squeezed Kota's thigh. "I know. But still… you're my boyfriend now. They should know better." He paused, then added with a shy little smile, "Though I can't exactly blame him. You do look really good tonight."
The conversation flowed easily after that—light teasing, shared stories from their days, Theo excitedly describing the menu items he'd researched in advance.
Every few minutes he would glance around the luxurious space as if making sure everything was perfect, his free hand never leaving Kota's leg. The opulent surroundings, the soft lighting, the way Theo kept stealing little looks at him—it all made the evening feel surreal in the best possible way.
Kota leaned back in the plush booth, letting the atmosphere sink in. For once, the weight of everything else—the changes to his body, the craziness with Kin and Yuki, his dad's expectations—felt distant. Right now, it was just him and Theo in this beautiful, over-the-top restaurant, starting something real.
Theo's thumb traced small circles on Kota's thigh as they waited for their drinks, his blond hair catching the chandelier light beautifully. "I'm really glad you came," he whispered, voice soft and sincere. "Even if I was a little dramatic about everything last night."
Kota turned his head, meeting Theo's eyes. "Wouldn't miss it."
The waiter returned shortly after, setting down their sparkling water with another lingering glance toward Kota before quickly looking away when Theo shot him a pointed look. Theo's hand stayed firmly on Kota's leg the entire time, a quiet but clear claim.
This was going to be a good night.