SOMEWHERE BETWEEN US

SAKURA POV

~Tokyo, Japan~

I stared again at the mirror, my face bright red, I had tried to dissuade the feeling as it would be just a casual date, but my heart wouldn't listen. After several hours of scattering my wardrobe, I finally settled with an outfit. I didn't want want to give the impression I was trying too hard, but there was no way I would dress like a slob either. Especially when You're date is with the human greek god of beauty, Nathan.

I wore a crisp white button down shirt, slightly oversized, the type that always looked effortlessly classy. I had tucked just one half neatly into the waistband of my high-waist grey trousers, letting the other side fall loose on purpose. It kinda gave off a casual vibe, like I was relaxed... Even if my stomach was doing somersaults. The trousers were wide-legged, tailored, and structured. They hugged my waist perfectly but flared slightly at the ankle, giving a sharp silhouette. The were the kind of pants that made You walk a little taller without trying.i paired them with white simple sneakers. Nothing the too flashly kind, just simple, neat, and clean.

I wore a sliver necklace with a single heart charm, a dainty bracelet I was wore for luck, father had given it to me, many years ago and it was still spot on around my neck. I wore a small hoop earrings that glittered anytime I tilted my head. My hair was parted to side, and tied into a low, loose ponytail, a few strands left out to frame my face. Natural makeup, a swipe of nude gloss, and light blush, just enough to make feel me. My black crossbody bag hung neatly from one shoulder, the leather strap pressing softly against the shirt. It was small, sleek, and practical, just enough room for my lip gloss, and phone. I inhaled deeply, as I glanced at myself again before heading out, mom was already at the shop, and I wondered if I should have told her.

It was a little bit cold outside today, he had to me to wait at a particular spot. I clicked my fingers in anxiousness. What will he be wearing, will he come, what if he's trying to set me up. Severally thoughts flooded my head. Sweats started gathering around my fore head, then I heard a soft quite voice. "Hii, You look stunning. A voice, I knew too well, Nathan. His voice low, calm, almost too smooth was the kind that wrapped around your ears like silk. That feeling which makes your chest flutter for no good reason. I turned, and… yeah. I almost forgot how to breathe.

Nathan stood there like he'd just walked out of a magazine cover, except cooler. He still had that signature nonchalant vibe, but tonight? He looked like he actually tried. Just a little. Enough to wreck me. Instead of his usual band tee or oversized sweaters, he wore a sleek black button-up, the top two buttons left undone in that dangerously casual way. Over it, a dark, double-breasted coat hung slightly open, sharp at the shoulders, tailored just enough to make it look very expensive, probably was. His black trousers were fitted, not tight, just clean and smooth, giving his whole silhouette this lean, tall, put-together energy. He still wore his chunky Nike sneakers of course but somehow, they didn't clash. They made it more him.

He still wore he's Silver chain necklace, rings stacked on his fingers, that one earring dangling on his left ear with a tiny cross. A few new ones too. It should've been too much, but on him? It wasn't. It was his armor. His signature. And he wore it like a second skin. God, I was so screwed. Still enthralled in my daze, A voice called out again, "Hii," snapping me off my few minutes fantasy. He smiled a little, not sure I had seen him smile before. "You look nice," he said. "Taken aback by the compliment, I responded with reply. "You soo..." I paused, then responded, "You look good." He smiled, reaching out his hand for me, I reciprocated.

We walked together, past the busy streets, apparently the uber had taken longer than expected, so we had to walk down a little bit. Our hands together, my heart flustered. The piercing gaze of the onlookers and also the stink eyes and death stares I recieved from the hateful eyes of girls that walked by us. Nathan was a little bit popular, and tho he didn't see it that way, It didn't change the outcome. But despite all this, I couldn't help but smile. Luckily the uber finally arrived.

The ride wasn't bad, I had slept on Nathan shoulders throughout the ride, and the moment I woke up and realized, I jumped and Squeaked like a rat. The immediate burst of surprise and laughter from Nathan sent a shiver down my spine. I flushed, my face red. "You okay,"? A sudden sense of worry crept towards he's face. "Are You not feeling too well,"? He asked. "I'm fine." I smiled anxiously, gesturing with my hands. After several curious glance, he relaxed. As the car stopped at front of a where I assumed was our destination. Nathan got down and the opened the door. I blinked, then pinched myself. This was something I knew I would never get tired of. I smiled at him and came down from the uber. I looked up at the sleek signage glowing gently above the door like it was mocking me. Hanabira Bistro.

No way. No, no freaking way. I felt the breath catch in my throat. Was this a joke? I had been here just once. Once. And that time, it took seven of us, my entire high school friend group, to split the cost of one meal and a cake for our graduation celebration. Even then, we had joked we were "eating like CEOs for one night only." This wasn't some random date spot. This was Tokyo luxury subtle, quiet, intimidating.

The restaurant wasn't flashy, but that made it worse somehow. The way the gold cursive logo sat against smooth charcoal stone, the clean glass panels that shimmered like they were wiped every ten minutes, the faint scent of flowers even outside the door it all screamed money. Understated, mature, and very much out of my league.

Soft warm lights lit the entrance from behind vintage glass sconces, and inside, I could already see couples sitting in velvet-lined booths, wine glasses catching the dim light like camera flashes. Classical jazz drifted from somewhere in the background, just loud enough to hear but not loud enough to distract.

I turned slowly to Nathan, shocked. He was just standing there, brushing down his clothes like it was no big deal, his expression completely unreadable. My stomach flipped. This wasn't "a chill dinner." This was him trying. And that made it even harder to breathe. Was he really serious about me, It wasn't like he was trying to just get with me, he could with several girls, so why me. I wondered my head spinning.