Every Rule Has an Exception

Every Rule Has An Exception - 2

Jo did not have to wait for too long in the bus station which was close to her house, and she arrived just in time to the restaurant where Jackson made the reservation. A chic boutique, with a cozy setup outside which exuded a bohemian aura. Jo admired the playful decorations hanging from the wooden frames before her eyes fell on Jackson's seemingly nervous frame. He was holding a pink assortment of flowers in his hand.

Jackson noticed Jo walking from afar and met her halfway. They smiled at each other, and Jo felt invited to wrap her arms around his neck into a quick hug. It felt like the most natural thing in the world. Jackson wrapped her frame with one arm, reciprocating the warmth of the hug

"Were you waiting long?" Jo asked, swaying cheerfully from side to side.

"Just got here! I'm happy I was the first to arrive, though."

Jackson reluctantly broke the hug to offer Jo the small bouquet. She brought it closer to indulge in their fragrance. "Thank you so much! These are so pretty."

He couldn't hide the satisfaction on his face, not that he wanted it to be hidden. "It didn't make sense to come empty handed."

"Consider me impressed, Mr. Wang," Jo admitted and allowed a smile of her own to bloom on her features.

Only then did it hit Jackson what a beautiful woman Jo truly was.

"Aren't you worried about being photographed in the streets, giving flowers to an unknown woman?"

Jackson offered his elbow, which Jo took happily. "I couldn't care less. Would you like to sit outside?"

"Mhm! It's still nice and warm, so I propose we should enjoy whatever left this summer has to offer."

So Jackson guided the two of them to the restaurant area, where he arranged for a table on the outside premises of the restaurant. Their designated waiter was kind enough to provide a vase for the flowers, which Jo arranged meticulously. She wanted to put her purse into her lap, but Jackson insisted on keeping it on his chair instead.

"Thank you for meeting me here, Jo. I realized just now that I did not follow up with a text."

"I wouldn't have stood you up, so thanks for having me." Jo crossed her legs and picked up a menu from the table. "Have you been here before?"

"No, I haven't. Jinyoung recommended this place, said he came here with some costars after filming his drama and it was nice and quiet."

Jo couldn't suppress a giggle. "I suppose they asked about last night."

Jackson rose his eyes from his menu in an embarrassed look. She noticed and shook her hand. "I didn't mean it like that. Sam also asked me about it, so I just assumed."

He laughed. "Don't know what Sam told you, but I was scolded for returning too soon, so..."

To Jackson, Jo was marvelous when she laughed. His brain developed a reflex to have Jo laugh as often as humanly possible.

"This and that, honestly. Her only care in the world was for me to not blow this. Whatever this meant."

A waiter met the two guests at their table and Jackson's response was cut short. He gave his order and took the lead for Jo.

"Truffle Pasta and a Cosmo for the lady, please."

The waiter took their orders and made haste towards the restaurant.

"The lady, huh?" Jo quirked an eyebrow, but a flirtatious smile did not hesitate to appear on her lips. She was content to let him take the lead. "I can only wonder what it would take to be Jackson Wang's lady."