Love in the Chaos

Chapter - 6

After the meeting, Aaron suggested lunch to strengthen their working relationship, and Rune reluctantly agreed.

As they stepped into the luxurious restaurant, the soft glow of chandeliers illuminated the elegantly set tables, and the faint hum of classical music filled the air. Aaron, ever the gentleman, walked Rune to their table and pulled out the chair for him.

Rune frowned, crossing his arms. “I’m not a girl, you know. I can pull out my own chair.”

Aaron raised an eyebrow, leaning slightly closer. “I know. But you’re so beautiful, I couldn’t resist treating you like royalty.”

Rune opened his mouth to retort but froze as Aaron leaned even closer, his piercing gaze locking onto Rune’s. Rune’s breath hitched, and his heartbeat raced, betraying his usually calm demeanor. Satisfied by the reaction, Aaron smirked and backed away, finally taking his seat.

Rune scowled, trying to hide his flustered state. “You’re unbelievable.”

Aaron chuckled softly, picking up his menu. “And you’re entertaining. This is going to be a fun lunch.”

Once they placed their orders, Aaron leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes never leaving Rune. “By the way,” he began with a smirk tugging at his lips, “we haven’t even introduced ourselves properly.”

Rune hesitated, feeling uncharacteristically nervous under Aaron’s intense gaze. “I’m Rune,” he said quietly. “An alpha from Korea. I came here to help my uncle with his business.”

Aaron nodded, a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes. “An alpha, huh? Interesting. And me? I’m Aaron. A vampire and CEO of this company.” He said it so casually that it caught Rune off guard.

Rune blinked, his brows furrowing. “You’re… a vampire?” he asked, his tone laced with disbelief.

Aaron tilted his head, studying Rune’s reaction. “Why? Do you have a problem with vampires?”

“No!” Rune replied quickly, though his expression betrayed his unease. “It’s just… my first time meeting one. I didn’t expect it, that’s all.”

Aaron leaned forward slightly, his lips curling into an amused smile. “You don’t have a problem being friends with a vampire, do you?”

Rune’s eyes widened. “Wait—when did we become friends?”

Aaron gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. “You wound me, Rune. I really thought we were friends.”

Rune stammered, his cheeks flushing. “N-No, I mean—yes? No? Ugh, I don’t know!”

Aaron’s laughter rang out, light and genuine. “Relax, I’m just teasing you.”

The conversation flowed easily after that, a mix of playful banter and genuine curiosity about each other’s worlds.

Aaron leaned back, resting his arms on the chair, and spoke first. “You know, Rune, you’re the first alpha I’ve met who seems so… shy.”

Rune’s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing. “I’m not shy. I’m just… cautious.”

Aaron chuckled, the sound rich and smooth. “Cautious? That’s an interesting way to put it.”

Rune huffed, setting his menu down. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means you’re trying so hard to act tough, but your eyes give you away.” Aaron leaned forward, his voice dropping slightly. “They’re too honest.”

Rune felt heat rise to his cheeks and quickly looked away, mumbling, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Aaron laughed softly, his gaze never leaving Rune. “Don’t worry, I find it… endearing.”