What the hell is this? How did I even manage to get here? A demon is after me just to spite a tortured angel, and that angel and I seem to have feelings for each other... but they seem invalid. How could love arise from this?
I gaze out at the galax...
Jimin has his car parked in valet while we walk up to the entrance of Bottega. It's designed like an ancient Italian ruin with a wide, beautifully cracked marble staircase, endless rows of vines cascading down from pillars, and lavish furniture and food visible from the mezzanine inside.
"It's magnificent." I breathe, loosening my grip on Jimin's arm. "It's like I've been transported back to ancient Italy."
"I figured you'd like it." he rumbles in that smooth, seductive tone.
A fancier version of a bouncer steps in front of us. His heavily greased, raven black hair gleams in the warm glow emitted from Bottega.
"Reservations?" he growls in a rough voice.
"Yes, reservation for two under Park Jimin." the angel replies to the sewer rat.
The man pulls out an electronic tablet and types in 'Park Jimin'. It makes a high-pitched beep before he puts it away again.
"Alright, welcome Mr. Jimin," I chuckle at the mistake. The man clearly doesn't know that the surnames go first in Korean names. "you will be seated in the middle of the dining floor. Your server will greet you soon and escort you there."
"Thank you much." says Jimin politely. He loops his arm through mine again and walks us through the tall, marble arches into the Bottega.
"Jimin," I whisper. "this place even has security guards to check for reservations! This is insane!" I pull him to a stop and frown at him. "I didn't know that it would be this opulent and extravagant! I need to help you pay or you'll go into debt."
He beams down at me with that seraphic smile.
"I can handle some meager expenses. And also, don't ever worry about how you look compared to the others here." He fingers my hair between his thumb and index. "I've already explained to you that you'd look better than everyone else in sweatpants."
I bunch my hands into fists. It's hard to stay mad at him when talks like that. "I'm tired of giving in to you." I sigh.
He chuckles and drags his fingers through his hair. "I'll never be tired of spoiling you."
A skinny woman rushes up to us before I can retaliate.
"Hello. I am Natalia and I will be your server today. Follow me to your table."
Her wispy sable hair flows behind her as Jimin and I follow in suit. We pass the trickling fountain and lush botanical garden on the way. She leads us up a grand staircase that has a twin on its right. One for the left side of the restaurant and one for the right side, I assume. Although didn't that bouncer say that we were in the middle?
I swerve my head around, trying to see if there's another floor above us, but only the garden and the current mezzanine are visible.
"Where's—" I start to ask, but then Natalia pulls back a silky curtain to reveal an entirely separate room.
"Woah." I say instead as I take in the gorgeous hidden room.
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