105. Impressed
542 Words
Satsuki's nervousness returned briefly during the car ride to Ken's place. Being in such a confined space with the charming actor would have her react in such a way, but soon enough she relaxed as she got used to it. Ken's presence had after all become familiar to her, both on their previous dates and at the studio. It helped as well that he seemed to exude calm confidence, she drew comfort in that. And he had been so considerate with her so far, she certainly trusted him a lot more now than she had when she suggested this arrangement.
They drove in a companionable silence until they reached their destination. Ken parked the car in an underground garage and then rose to open the door for Satsuki like a perfect gentleman. She hesitated for a moment, but then wrapped her arm around his as they walked to the elevator. Ken told her that he had the penthouse apartment. The nervous flutter returned when they rode up, but it was the excited, giddy, good kind of nervous. They got off the elevator, and Satsuki could barely stand still while Ken opened the door. He held it out for her, gesturing for her to step in.
"Feel free to explore," he told her with a smirk as he took off his jacket. "I'll be stuck in the kitchen for a while so I can feed you."
"Do you need help?" Satsuki offered, her eyes drinking in the apartment.
It was sleek, modern and open-plan; black, white and chrome were the dominant colours.
"I'd rather you sit down and relax," he replied, walking into the kitchen.
Satsuki hovered for a moment in the entrance hall, before she felt encouraged enough to take up on Ken's suggestion to explore. She walked into the living area, glancing at the flat screen television only in passing. It was the bookshelf next to the TV unit that really interested her. Ken had a lot of books, both factual and fiction. She immediately recognised the familiar backs of Nishida-sensei's books, the series which was her current favourite, and a smile rose to her lips, unbidden. The white leather couch looked inviting, but instead Satsuki walked over to the kitchen, and sat at a bar stool that was by the counter island. She watched him as he pulled out a kettle and filled it with water.
"You have a nice apartment," she commented. It really suited the image she had of him.
"Thank you," he replied. After he had put the kettle on the stove, he appeared before her and poured her a glass of wine. She accepted it with thanks.
"So what are you making?" she asked, unable to contain her curiosity.
"I thought I'd go with Italian. It will be ready in little time, and cooking pasta is easy enough so I don't have to worry about screwing up."
"I thought you said you can cook," Satsuki teased.
"I can, but I don't cook that often, and I'm trying to impress you," he smoothly admitted, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye.
Satsuki sipped her wine and smiled, enjoying the warm glow in the pit of her stomach, sparked by his words.