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You're sitting across from Han at a cozy little restaurant, the kind with dim lighting and soft music that makes every moment feel a little more romantic. The two of you had been looking forward to this dinner date for a while, and now that it's finally here, you can't help but feel a warm sense of contentment. Han's eyes are sparkling as he talks, his animated expressions making you smile. You're completely engrossed in the conversation, enjoying the playful banter and the way his laughter makes everything else fade into the background.
Just as you're about to respond to one of his jokes, the waitress arrives to take your order. At first, you barely notice her—just another part of the dining experience. But then she starts talking, and you can't help but feel a twinge of annoyance.
She's smiling—no, beaming—at Han, her eyes lingering on him far longer than necessary. "Hi there! I'm Emily, and I'll be taking care of you tonight," she says, her voice syrupy sweet. "Can I just say, I love your hair," she adds, reaching out to touch a strand of Han's hair. He's always had that effortlessly cool look, and you know he gets compliments all the time, but the way she's doing it... it doesn't sit right with you.
You glance at Han, hoping he'll notice the way she's practically ignoring your existence. But he's just being his usual friendly self, smiling politely at her. "Oh, thanks," he says, a little taken aback by the boldness of her compliment.
"So, have you been here before?" she asks, leaning in slightly, clearly more interested in chatting with Han than taking your orders. You feel your mood starting to sour, the warmth of the evening cooling rapidly.
Han, ever polite, answers, "Yeah, once or twice. It's a nice place."
She nods eagerly, still not acknowledging you. "Well, I'm glad you're back. I'll make sure everything's perfect for you tonight," she says, her tone dripping with flirtation. "We have some amazing specials. I think you'd really love the steak—very strong and satisfying, just like you look."
That's it. Your jaw tightens as you feel a wave of jealousy wash over you. It's not like you don't trust Han, but the way she's so blatantly flirting with him and pretending you don't exist is infuriating. You try to focus on the menu, but your mind is too busy replaying her words, each one feeling like a small jab.
Han glances at you and notices the shift in your expression. The playful light in your eyes has dimmed, replaced by something more tense. He can tell you're bothered, and he quickly puts two and two together. His gaze flickers between you and the waitress, who's still standing way too close, waiting for his response.
He decides to put a stop to it.
"Actually, Emily," Han says, his tone polite but firm, "could you please stop flirting with me? I'm here with my girlfriend, and I'd like to focus on her tonight." He nods toward you, making it clear that you're his priority.
The waitress blinks, clearly caught off guard. Her smile falters as she finally acknowledges you, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Oh, um, I'm so sorry," she stammers, the confident flirtation gone from her voice. "I didn't mean to— I'll just, um, get your drinks and give you a minute to decide on your order."
She hurries away, leaving you and Han alone at the table. For a moment, you just sit there, a little stunned by what just happened. But then you look at Han, and the sight of his mischievous grin makes the corners of your mouth twitch upward.
He leans forward, his eyes locked on yours, full of warmth and affection. "Better?" he asks, his voice soft and teasing, but you can hear the genuine concern beneath it.
You nod, feeling a smile spread across your face as the jealousy that had been gnawing at you dissolves. "Much better," you admit, feeling a little silly for having been so worked up in the first place. But Han doesn't make you feel bad about it. Instead, he reaches across the table, taking your hand in his and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"You know," he says, his tone light and playful, "I think it's kind of cute when you get jealous."
You roll your eyes, but you can't help the laugh that escapes you. "Don't get used to it," you tease back, your heart swelling with love for him.
The rest of the dinner goes off without a hitch. When the waitress returns, she's much more professional, treating you both with equal politeness. You're able to relax and enjoy the evening again, the earlier tension a distant memory.
By the time you leave the restaurant, hand in hand with Han, you're all smiles, the warmth and happiness from the start of the evening fully restored. He pulls you closer, pressing a kiss to your temple as you walk, and you realize just how lucky you are to have someone who not only notices your feelings but knows exactly how to make you feel cherished.
