𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍; 𝐈𝐭𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐢 𝐒𝐚𝐞

08. DINNER

After putting his daughter into bed and tucking her in, Sae flicked off the lights and closed the door. He stood outside, his tongue swiping over his teeth as he rested his forehead against the wooden walls.

Sae felt like the worst person on the planet at that moment.

His kid caught a stomach bug at school and was throwing up everywhere, and not only could he not make it to pick her up, but he also made a woman that he barely knew take care of her for him for an extra hour.

'I've failed as a father...' Sae thought to himself, running a hand over his face. At this point, Sae felt like he failed as a human being.

Sae knew that Shoko would get over his utter betrayal without a second thought, but he wasn't so sure about you. It wasn't like you were family and it's something he could brush off. Gladly, you didn't seem to mind at all. It was clear that you enjoyed looking after the girl, and based on what Shoko told him about tonight, she and you had a wonderful time talking and watching movies. Although, he couldn't help but feel guilty.

He truly did feel bad that you had to stay for so long in an unfamiliar place, however he was extremely grateful that you did at the same time. Sae had been worrying that Shoko had too many male influences in her life and not enough women to be around, so tonight was very good for her.

'She had to cancel plans tonight as well, fuck.' Sae pondered, running through potential options in his head. 'I could pay her. But she'd probably refuse. Maybe I give her a ride home..? No, her car is here.'

'Bottom line, I can't just say thank you and kick her out.'

Sae descended the stairs and found you on your phone, texting someone with your jacket looped around your arm.

While you were distracted, he took a second to really look at you. You had the beginnings of dark circles forming under your eyes, signs of fatigue plaguing your face. This was the girl who tended to his sick daughter and made her feel happy.

He had to thank you. Sae couldn't forgive himself if he didn't.

"Have you eaten yet?"

And that was how you ended up in a fancy restaurant with Itoshi Sae, sitting across from him at a candlelit table by a large window overlooking the city.

Sae noticed how you were a bit overwhelmed by the decor of the building, as you were staring at everything he'd consider normal. Most notably was your reaction to the prices, which still made Sae crack a smile when thinking back on.

"Mr. Itoshi, are you sure it's alright? I would hate to be a burden." You muttered with a nervous smile.

When Sae invited you out for food, you half-expected you'd go to a local bar or maybe a cafe. But, no, Sae brought you to a restaurant with three Michelin stars, where an entree costed more than half of your day's salary.

"I'm the one who was an hour late. If anyone was a burden tonight, it's me." He admitted. "Please, order whatever you'd like. Or else I'll have to pick for you."

You glanced up at him from the menu at his last remark, a light chuckle passing your lips. "You won't have to worry, I've got an idea of what I'd like."

"Oh? Have you been here before?" Sae asked.

"Well, you could say that..." You smiled. "My friend from high school's parents know the owners, and sometimes they bring dishes over for dinner parties. So, I've tried a few things here."

"Really? I'm not surprised. Mariko and Ed are fun people." Sae agreed.

You deadpan. 'So he knows them as well?!'