Rewrite the Rules

Dinner: Part 70

"Oh shit! I remember now! He said looking surprised. With a wink, he slipped out of the bathroom, the towel barely concealing his form. I watched him go, a mixture of excitement and anticipation thrumming through me.

As the bathroom door creaked shut behind him, I scrambled to get myself presentable, the pounding on the door growing more insistent. This unexpected interruption might have shattered the peaceful ambiance, but it had also ignited a spark, a promise of something more waiting to be explore.

The soft thud of the bathroom door shutting behind me sent a tremor of anticipation through me. Stepping out into the living room, I traded the damp warmth of the towel for the cool cotton of a t-shirt and shorts.

Namjoon was by the fireplace, fiddling with the gas logs switch. A warm orange glow pulsed faintly, casting dancing shadows on the walls. The air was thick with the tantalizing aroma of... food? My stomach rumbled traitorously, reminding me I hadn't eaten since lunch.

"Close your eyes!" he called out, a playful glint in his voice as he straightened up.

"Who was at the door?" I asked, curiosity battling the urge to peek.

"Not supposed to look yet, love," he teased, holding his hands up defensively. "Just give me a couple of seconds."

The scent intensified, a symphony of herbs and spices that made my mouth water. There was a hint of garlic, the tang of citrus, and the unmistakable richness of... was that truffle oil?

Despite myself, I squeezed my eyelids shut, the image of a steaming platter of deliciousness filling my mind. "Okay, okay," I mumbled, a touch desperate in my voice.

He chuckled, the sound warm and rich. A click signaled the overhead light being doused, plunging the room into a soft, candlelit glow. Even with my eyes closed, I could sense the effort he'd put into creating a romantic ambiance.

His warm hands settled over mine, his fingers gently prying mine open. Goosebumps erupted on my skin the touch of his skin. He began to walk me forward, his arms wrapped around my waist, guiding me like a blindfolded explorer.

The rhythmic padding of my bare feet changed as we transitioned from rug to hardwood, signaling our arrival near the dining area. He stopped, his breath warm against my ear. "Okay, open your eyes now."

I did, and a gasp escaped my lips. He'd been right - it was magnificent. A steaming spread of gourmet food filled the table, a feast fit for royalty. The warm glow of strategically placed candles cast flickering patterns on the plates, and the fireplace crackled merrily in the background.

"Wow," I breathed, truly impressed. "Namjoon, this is..."

He grinned, his cheeks flushing slightly. "I know it's warm out, but I cranked up the air conditioning," he admitted sheepishly. "I wanted tonight to be perfect. Nothing is more romantic than a fireplace and food."

He gestured towards a chair, pulling it out with a flourish. "Go on, take a seat. Dinner is served."

A relieved laugh escaped Namjoon's lips as he hurried towards me, the playful glint in his eyes replaced by a sheepish grin. "Okay, confession time," he announced, his voice tinged with amusement. "Completely forgot I ordered room service while...well, enjoying the bath a little too much."

Understanding dawned on me, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Room service, huh?" I teased, raising an eyebrow playfully.

He chuckled, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. "Guilty as charged. But hey, at least dinner's here!"

Namjoon reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against mine as he handed me a chilled plate. "We have steaks and some chicken," he explained, gesturing towards the covered platters on the table.