Happy May, everyone! I wish I could say that I have been able to take advantage of the spring weather, but I live in Western New York, and we have enjoyed nothing but rain and cold for days. We're constantly on a flood watch here, so May has not been as lovely as it normally is. But in any case, it makes for good writing time, since it's not nice enough to be outside and enjoying outdoorsy activities.

Thank you to everyone who has been reading and leaving reviews, It really helps keep fuel in the tank and makes me feel like I'm not writing something that is unenjoyable or mundane. As always, let me know if you have suggestions, review/edits, or if this sucks :) Haha. Please don't tell me if I suck.

MU :3

"Serena, I'm going to get right to the point: this article is fantastic! I want to showcase it in our next issue." Serena's jaw dropped at the news from Audrey; sure, her articles were typically well-written and often published within the magazine, but showcased? This was a first for sure! Audrey continued; "I want photographs of the restaurant. Who is the freelancer you typically work with?"

"Mina White?" Serena answered, still in disbelief, mentally slapping herself that she squeaked Mina's name out in question-form.

"Yes, her. She's quite talented. Any who, I want photos of the meals you ate, I want photos of the owners, I want shots of the restaurant. I want to put this on the cover, so make sure you get me the best," Audrey instructed, Serena nodding at each sentence. "Zwei Towers, the first luxury restaurant in Tokyo that has judgment-free attitude. I love it. In today's age with all the hype of over-sensitivity, this is so refreshing to hear about. Our readers are going to love this! Oh Serena, great job, really!" With her final complements, Serena dismissed herself with a multitude of 'thank you's' before slipping out of her editor's office. Her heart was leaping; her first cover! She wanted to dance outside of Audrey's office, but resorted to borderline skipping down the hallway.

The cover! The cover of inTokyo! The realization of the news hit her even more when she sat down at her desk, tears of happiness pecking the corners of her eyes. Her hard work had really paid off. True to word, Serena made sure she gave Ami the truly glowing review it deserved. In fact, she spent about two weeks perfecting it before passing it over to Audrey, resorting to the thesauruses to make sure she was using the finest words to best describe the dishes she had enjoyed. Rather than just describing the food, she included the exert of how Ami wanted to stand apart from other trendy restaurants, how she wanted to include all those who wanted to dine and not discriminate against those who do not arrive dressed formally. In such a large city diversified with heavily populated social classes, it was extremely rare to see a place where one person makes six-figures can be seated next to the family who can only bring in 40,000 yen.

Not doting anymore on her news, she picked up her phone and dialed Mina's number, eager to get her lined up to assist. She answered rather quickly, much to Serena's glee.

"Do you have any availability this week to assist me in a photoshoot?" Serena inquired after pleasantries were exchanged.

"I have an ad I need to shoot on Wednesday, but I should be all set with that by 2:00. Besides that," she paused with a thoughtful 'hmm', "I don't think I have anything scheduled. Whatcha got?"

"Remember how I went back and did the review of Zwei? Audrey just called me in and told me that it's being featured on the cover next issue!" Serena excitingly said, to which Mina started cheering. "Can you come with me to get some photographs of the site? She wants some food shots, site shots, and some shots with the owner."

"Absolutely! Let me know when and where, doll. So wait, does this mean?" Mina trailed off, allowing Serena to fill in the blank. She spaced for a moment before groaning.

"Yes, ugh. I have to call him," she fumed, thinking of the last encounter. "Such an asshole!"

Mina laughed. "Let me know what works best for them, okay? Hopefully this week. Next week is tough for me."

"I'm sure if I say they're being featured on the cover we should be all set to get in soon," Serena laughed. "Clearly that means they had a good review."

"True!" Mina agreed. "Ok, let me know. Bye!" Once they disconnected, Serena dialed Zwei Towers' number, asking to speak to Ami. Soon she was connected with the girl, once again exchanging pleasantries before getting into the discussion.

"Of course this week would be wonderful! Do you have a specific time in mind?" Ami asked, the excitement in her voice radiating through the speaker.

"Whatever time works best to have both you and your brother at the site. My editor would like a shot of both of you for the magazine," Serena explained, idly tapping her pencil against her open agenda book.

"Oh yes, good point. Do you mind if I conference him in?" Ami asked.

"No, that sounds good, actually," Serena replied. Ami put her on hold, and soon enough his deep voice swirled around in her eardrum.

"Hello again, Ms. Thompson," Darien said too politely. Serena rolled her eyes at the formality.

"Hello. I am not sure if Ami told you yet, but we would like to come in and take a few photographs. Your review is being featured in next month's magazine, and my editor would like it to be on the cover. Are there any dates and times that are better for you? We are hoping for some time this week." Serena studied her calendar, groaning inwardly at the boot camps she had listed on her early mornings three times a week, but returned her attention back to the call when she heard him start to speak again.

"I could do Thursday at 11:00. Ami, does that work for you?" Darien asked.

"Yes, Thursday at 11 is perfect. I'll make sure we have Alfonso in early that morning to get the items prepared ahead of time so we don't need to wait. Serena, can I confirm that you had the lemon-artichoke soup, truffle risotto, and the mango sorbet? I want to give Alfonso the list so he can have the items ready to go when you walk in the door," Ami inquired.

"Yes, that's correct," Serena replied, impressed at the recollection.

"Perfect!" Ami said happily. "So we will see you in a few days."

"Sounds good," Serena chimed in.

"We will see you then," Darien added formally before disconnecting. Ami and Serena said their goodbyes, to which Serena called Mina back confirming the date. She wrote the information down in her agenda before closing the colorful spiral bound book shut and slipping it into her bag. Thursday. Maybe they would be civil for once on Thursday. She shook her head; he was a jerk, she reminded herself. Dismissing him from her thoughts, she felt the corners of her lips twitch back into a smile.

"The cover," she whispered to herself in happiness, allowing herself to gently sway in her chair before diving back into her work.

Thursday came rather quickly, and due to the professionalism that this meeting did call for, Serena dressed up for the occasion. Normally Serena hated wearing business-casual, noting that she wore a pair of high-waist black dress pants, a short-sleeved magenta button up top, and a pair of plain black pumps, but the reason behind the outfit kept her pushing through the suffocating clothing. As a free spirit, she loved wearing airy, light outfits throughout the day, and being a journalist allowed her to don that attire. Dressing up to her meant wearing cocktail dresses and stilettos, not pantsuits or jackets. How someone would want to put on a suit everyday bewildered her.

With the last fleeting thought, she pulled up to Zwei Towers, noticing she was here before Mina. Thanking the Uber driver, she slipped out of the back of the car and popped open her umbrella. She grimaced; she would have much rather had a sunny, blue-skied day for the photographs, but she knew Mina was a photographic genius and could make any weather hiccup work. Not like they were outside or anything, but Serena itched to get a photograph with the expansive windows showing the city skyline; it was her favorite part of the restaurant.

Mina arrived a few moments later, grumbling as she pulled her equipment out of the trunk while attempting to balance her umbrella. Serena quickly came to Mina's side, grabbing a few items to help avoid them getting wet or falling. "Bring enough?" Serena jabbed, to which Mina rolled her eyes with a 'psh.'

"Girl, you know I go all out," Mina tossed back, which Serena laughed.

"And that's why you're my favorite photographer!" Serena happily replied.

"Hey now, best friend is more like it!" Mina replied, feigning hurt feelings.

"Amen, sister! Now let's go!" Serena said as they made their way into dryer territory. Not wasting any time, they made their way into the restaurant with a few minutes to spare. Serena smoothed out her hair, the blonde hair holding a slight wave from the humidity, much to Serena's annoyance. She mentally scoffed at neglecting to put her hair up in a tidy bun, raking her fingers through the long tresses.

"Serena, you look just fine," Mina assured, to which Serena instantly stopped finger-combing her hair.

"This damn humidity," she mumbled as she watched the numbers light up on each passing floor.

"Don't worry, Mister Hottie won't mind either way," she said with a wink, just in time for the doors to open, not giving Serena a chance to retort. Biting her lip, Serena followed Mina out of the elevator, Ami and Darien standing at the host podium. Ami was dressed beautifully, donning a baby-blue cashmere sweater, gray pencil skirt, and simple black heels. She noticed that she accessorized with a string of pearls, a classy touch for the sophisticated woman. Her attention quickly shifted to Darien, and it was as if she was bewitched by a time sorceress, slowing down time. He was standing tall in a slim cut, dark gray suit that beautifully contrasted against Ami's, a gray dress shirt that was a shade or two lighter than the suit, and a black tie that boldly stood out. His hair was styled in his normal fashion, his black tresses parted off to the left, his bangs falling and landing at various lengths just below his eyebrows. Her eyes traveled down his clean shaven, strong jaw and back up to his long, yet pointed nose. There should be a rule as to how sexy someone should be, Serena mentally jeered. She noticed his well-defined lips moving, her eyes lingering; how inviting they were! It took her a moment to realize he was talking to her, to which she shook her head, the erotic music looping in her head quickly ceasing as she regained her focus. Realizing he extended his hand to her, she rebounded by grabbing it with a shake.

"Congratulations on the cover," Serena said, looking at the siblings. "You should be proud of the business you have built."

"No, thank you, Serena, for giving us such a review. I can't believe we are going to be on the cover!" Ami nearly squealed in excitement, clearly outside of her normal reserved self. When she noticed her near outburst she took a few breaths, attempting to collect herself.

"Yes, thank you, Serena. I appreciate you coming back and giving us a second chance," Darien added in a friendly tone. She smiled at the remark.

"Of course. You have an amazing restaurant here and I'm glad I can help tell the city that." Serena paused as she turned towards Mina. "This is my friend and photographer, Mina White. She will be taking a few shots of the restaurant, of the two of you, and the meals. It should not take more than 30 minutes. Mina, do you want to take charge?" Serena led, allowing Mina to jump in.

"Yes. Let's go ahead and grab shots of the two of you first. Hmmm," Mina paused, looking around. "Let's put you guys here." Mina led them over to the main entryway of the building. Serena watched as she instructed the siblings, having Ami sit in one of the black chairs, Darien standing behind it with one of the abstract artworks framed in the background. She had to give credit where it was due; Mina had the eye of a brilliant photographer, and she was not shy about telling people how they should stand or sit. Serena continued to stand in the background, watching Mina take charge, but her eyes fluttered back to Darien. She curled a loose piece of hair around her finger, lost in his presence. It wasn't until she realized he was looking right back at her that she interrupted her hypnosis, resorting to smoothing out the imaginary wrinkle in her pants. She could feel the redness shading her cheeks as she tried her hardest not to look back at him, turning her attention to Mina. She could tell that she was wrapping up with the shots of the siblings, so she regained her composure and stood next to Mina.

"Ok guys," Mina began, "Let's go ahead and start taking shots of the restaurant before anyone arrives." Ami nodded, leading Mina off to different areas. Serena stood in the lobby, watching Ami point out her favorite spots of the restaurant and Mina capturing the different spaces. She was well aware that Darien was still standing in the lobby, though due to embarrassment for being caught staring earlier, she opted not to initiate any type of conversation. Darien, however, had no problem being the first to speak, and in a manner that was pleasantly surprising to Serena.

"Thank you for coming back here, Serena," Darien said kindly, to which Serena turned to face him. He was standing closely, her body aware of his physical presence, but she squashed the feelings budding inside her. "I am not sure what changed your mind, but really, thank you."

"You're welcome," she stumbled out, taken aback by his kindness. In both meetings, while he was ridiculously gorgeous and easy on the eyes, he was nothing short of rude. To hear him being sincerely kind to her was welcoming. She studied him as he turned his gaze onto his sister, who was happily guiding Mina around the restaurant.

"She truly deserves this," Darien said softly. Serena smiled at the affection he displayed for his sister's accomplishment.

"That she does," Serena agreed. "I hope that the two of you like the article when it comes out."

"Do you have an idea when that may be?" he inquired, still watching his sister guide Mina around.

"We usually release our magazines at the beginning of the month, so I would say towards the end of the first week of June," Serena replied. "But, if you would like, I can have a copy sent to you and Ami when it's finished at the printers."

Darien looked surprised. "Really?" Serena nodded in confirmation. "That would be great, thank you."

"No problem," Serena replied. A few more moments passed by, Serena finding herself wishing he would say something further, but nothing came. When Mina called Serena over to one of the tables, she found herself disappointed that their dialogue had ended. I seriously need to find someone, Serena mentally muttered to herself. I need to get him out of my head.

The rest of the photoshoot went well, Mina using her props to capture proper lighting on the different dishes. Serena smiled as Mina also captured some candid shots, one she was particularly excited to see when it developed of Ami and Chef Alfonso garnishing and wiping down a dish prior to presentation. Soon enough Mina and Serena began to pack up, Mina frequently commenting on how excited she was to see the photos on her computer and that she would begin editing as soon as she got home. As Serena zipped up one of the last bags, she found Ami at their side, her appreciation wafting.

"Thank you again, ladies. Can I convince you two to join me for lunch as a sign of my appreciation?" Ami asked. Mina looked over at Serena, her eyes full of pleading to accept.

Serena grinned. "Absolutely."

"Wonderful!" Ami exclaimed as she clasped her hands. "Darien has to run, but I would love to get to know you two. Darien?" she called over to her brother with a wave, who made his way over. "I know you have to run, but Serena and Mina are going to stay for lunch if you would like to say goodbye."

Darien extended his hand once again with a smile, shaking Mina and Serena's hands respectfully. His grip held on slightly longer to Serena's, her hand softening in his as he held on a second longer.

"A pleasure," he said. His smile was soft, like a petals caught in a breeze. It was just enough to allow a gleam of white from the teeth below and a slight dimple of his cheek, causing Serena's heart to skip a beat. Never had she been so entranced by a man's features before. In exchange she returned a bashful smile, unable to form any words in response, her heart thumping like crazy. Her brain was screaming, reminding her that he was rude to her in their prior exchanges, that he teased her, that he kicked her out of the restaurant the first time. Her heart, however, refused to listen, banging against her chest, desperate to break free. Their hands released as they held each other's gaze a moment longer before he turned away from her. She inhaled a shaky breath, trying to calm herself down from what he was doing to her. And just from a handshake! Swallowing an imaginary lump, she turned back to the girls and made her way over to the table. Just before she sat down, she tossed a look over to the elevator. Her heart began wildly pumping as she caught him staring at her, a look in his eye that she could not quite place, but suspected its intention as he looked away once their gazes caught each other. She grinned; maybe he was… interested?

Serena stretched out on her couch, succumbing to the worn cushions' comfort as she tossed her head back on her pillow. She yawned as she snuggled in deeper to the couch, which had seen better days. She didn't care; it may have been a hand-me-down, gifted to her from her parents when she moved into her apartment, but she knew all the sweet spots of the couch. Many lazy days were spent on this couch, as well as many other good times. After turning on the television, she surfed through the various channels before deciding on a romantic comedy. She snuggled into her pillow as she began to drift into a light nap until her cell phone began to ring. Feeling slightly groggy, she ripped the phone out of the pocket of her hoodie, not recognizing the number. Normally she would screen her calls, but her curiosity got the best of her. Hopefully telemarketers were not calling at 9:00 at night. If that was the case, she would certainly give them an earful.

"Serena Thompson" she curtly bellowed into the phone.

"Hello, Serena. I hope you do not mind me calling you so late," the deep voice on the other end replied. Darien?

"Darien?" she asked, suddenly shifting up from her couch into a sitting position.

"Yes. Am I calling too late in the evening?" he asked politely.

"No, you're fine. Sorry, I began to doze off when you called. So if I sounded hostile.." she explained briefly.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you," Darien apologized. "I can let you go."

"No, no, you're fine, honestly. So, what's up?" she inquired.

"I wanted to thank you again for coming back. I know our original meeting was less than professional on my end, and I wanted to express my gratitude. Would you happen to be available for dinner on Friday evening?" Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god.

"This Friday?" she practically stammered in surprise.

"Yes, around 7 o'clock?"

"Um, yeah, I am free," she replied, still blown away by his invitation.

"Wonderful. I can meet you at your place, or we can meet? Whichever you prefer," he offered.

"We can meet up at the place. Any particular one in mind?" she questioned.

He chuckled. "Actually, a dear friend of mine has a wonderful place right by Tokyo Tower called Infinito. Have you been before?"

She pursed her lips in wonder. "Actually, I do not think I have been," she replied, surprised by her lack of attendance or knowledge of the place.

"I'm surprised," he mirrored, "I would have assumed you have been everywhere."

"One of the many mysteries about me," she laughed. Darien exchanged directions, to which Serena nodded and wrote down on a scrap of paper, her grin expanding across the entire region of her face. They disconnected shortly thereafter, Serena staring at her phone in wonder.

"He's just showing gratitude, nothing more," she said to herself.

Or he's taking you out on a date.

"It's nice of him after the way he treated me, after all!" she loudly declared to no one.

Girl, it's a date.

"Or maybe he's trying to weasel me into his friend's place?!"

It's an Italian restaurant. Shut up. It's a DATE.

"Ooooh that ass!"

D-A-T-E. DATE!

She flopped back onto her couch, a grin still plastered on her face, holding her phone closely to a chest.

"A date."