The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree

Twenty

I decided on wearing a dark blue halter top and a black skirt. I added gold hoops and curled my hair with deep waves. Minimal makeup and I grabbed my leather jacket and black shoulder coach bag as I got notified that the car was pulled up outside.

Harry sent a driver so as I climbed into the black town car, I scrolled my notes on my phone. Don't be easily impressed, sass him a bit, don't laugh at all of his jokes, good posture, let the silence settle before jumping to the next topic, don't give away too much information; ask him about his interest more.

I was nervous but I couldn't let it show.

Tsukimi was tucked away on a quiet side street.

Harry was waiting for me at the entrance when I arrived. He was wearing a dark blue button up with the sleeves rolled up his forearm, showing off his very eye-catching tattoos, a watch glinting at his wrist. His smile lit up the night sky, his dimples popping out -I had never noticed them before or maybe he just wasn't smiling hard enough before. "Well hello," He reached out for the palm of my hand, planting a kiss on my knuckles.

"Hi." I felt myself smiling, unable to control the soft giggle escaping my lips.

He wasted no time before opening the door and leading us inside. A low-lit, brick-walled restaurant with warm amber lights, worn leather booths, and the faint scent of garlic drifting from the kitchen. It didn't scream "celebrity-owned hotspot" the way some places did. In fact, it felt like a neighborhood secret, the kind of place you'd stumble upon and want to keep to yourself.

He greeted the hostess like a regular and told her about our reserved table. She smiled at the two of us and led us over to a corner booth, placing menus and chop sticks down for us before departing. Harry didn't let go over my hand as he guided me into the booth before reluctantly taking the seat at the booth across from me.

"Thank you for finding time in your busy schedule to join me tonight." He started off with a teasing smile. "I don't think I could have waited another week to see you again."

"You missed me that much?" I shot him a teasing smirk and his eyes didn't falter, they remained staring into mine like he was serious. Calculated, charming, but so, so serious.

"I did."

I felt my neck grow hotter before it spread up to my face, my cheeks most likely tinting as soft pink that could barely be seen through my melanated skin but I could feel it.

Was it hot in here?

I desperately wanted to look away from him; his stare was too intense for my liking but I couldn't back down. "That's sweet." I brushed off his comment before picking up one of the menus, glancing down at the selections that were offered.

The shiso mojito sounded good, it was described as a Japanese twist on the classic mint cocktail. I'll allow myself to have one, maybe two so I don't feel too tipsy. I needed my mind to remain sharp. This was a mission, I had to keep my eye on the prize.

"We should get the house sake flight. It's pretty good." I'm never the type to turn down a drink. Peer pressure fears me because I always find myself agreeing to whatever impulsive decision is offered to me before I could stop myself.

So I wasn't surprised by the words that left my mouth before I could stop them, "Sure, but whoever makes even the tiniest grimace has to drink a whole flight to themselves."

"Deal." He smirked and it was perfect timing as the waiter came over with ginger, wasabi, and cups for sauce.

"Have we had a chance to decide on what drinks we want?" She asked politely.

"Yeah, we'll take two of the house sake flights please."

What was I getting myself into? I read that Harry didn't go to college but why does it feel like I'm in a competition with a retired frat guy? I need to keep my poker face in tact. If I get him to drink and loosen up a bit, I could get him to let his guard down.