Suddenly, I Am Rich

”We’re here, boss.”

Daniel’s car slowed to a stop in front of a quiet restaurant in the city. It looked far from the glamorous spot he was expecting. The place had a simple but refined exterior. It had muted colors, glass windows, and a dark interior.

”Alright,” Gray took a deep breath and looked at his reflection through the car’s window.

”Good luck, boss,” Daniel said with a teasing grin as he glanced back.

Gray gave him a look. ”It’s just lunch.”

”Right,” Daniel said, dragging the word with a playful smile on his face before he turned his attention back to the wheel to park the car properly.

Once done, Gray got out of the car. He adjusted his blazer as he scanned the entrance of the restaurant. A few seconds later, a car arrived right behind them.

In there, Luna stepped out of her own car. She wore a light cream blouse tucked into tailored slacks. Her hair fell naturally over her shoulders. She also wore simple makeup, just enough to enhance her natural features, but not too much for a formal setting.

”Hey,” Gray was speechless for a moment, but he was able to quickly pull himself.

Her lips curved into a smile the moment she spotted him. ”Hey, Gray.”

He snapped back to himself and managed a smile, walking toward her.

”You’re already here.”

”Yup. Right on time,” she teased lightly, her eyes flicking briefly from up to down as if she noticed the effort he’d put in for their lunch today.

”You really prepared, huh?” She lightly joked around to lighten the atmosphere around them.

Gray also chuckled. Though deep inside, he was already asking if his preparations were just too much. He rubbed the back of his neck, trying not to sound too awkward.

”Thanks. You look... uh, great. As always.”

Luna chuckled, shaking her head as though amused by his honesty.

”Shall we go inside now?”

”Let’s go,” He nodded quickly, and they both stepped inside.

The restaurant’s interior matched its exterior. It was also quiet, warm, and intimate. Soft lighting filled the room, and only a few tables were occupied, giving it a relaxed atmosphere.

A server guided them to a table by the window. The view outside was of a small garden, and sunlight was peeking through leaves that swayed gently in the breeze.

”This place is nice,” Gray muttered as he took his seat across from her.

”It’s one of my favorites,” Luna said, settling comfortably into her chair. ”I like coming here when I want peace from all the noise and you know paparazzi. No one here really bothers me.”

”That makes sense. This place feels nice and homey. I can see why you prefer here than those luxurious restaurants,” Gray nodded, glancing around before returning his eyes to her.

”Exactly,” she agreed with a small smile. ”Also, this place is pretty quite. I really chose this because I wanted somewhere that we could actually talk.”

Those words sent his heart pounding again, but he kept his expression calm. He can’t let her know that her words were affecting him that much.

”Then I’m glad you chose this place.”

While talking, the menus were handed to them. Though, honestly, Gray barely glanced at his. His mind was too preoccupied with the fact that Luna McQueen was sitting across from him.

Around them, there were no cameras, no audience.

Just her.

Luna scanned her menu casually before looking back up at him, her eyes glinting with amusement. ”

”Just order what you want, Gray. Also, don’t be too tense. I won’t bite you.”

Gray exhaled slowly, realizing he’d been gripping the menu a little too tightly. He laughed under his breath.

”Easier said than done. You know, not everyone gets to have lunch with you.”

”Maybe not,” Luna said softly, ”but today, I wanted to have lunch with you.”

That simple line struck harder than he expected, and Gray could only meet her gaze in silence, a smile tugging at his lips despite himself.

”Alright, you’re right.”

The tension eased as the two of them fell into easy conversation. At first, it was about safe topics. They talked about the menu, the interior of the restaurant, and the kind of food Luna usually ordered when she came here.

Gray found himself chuckling more often than he expected, her presence naturally pulling the nerves out of him little by little.

When the server came back, they placed their orders without much fuss. Luna chose a light pasta and salad, while Gray, half-joking, asked if it was okay to order something heavier. She only rolled her eyes with a laugh.

”Of course. Just eat whatever you like.”

With it, Gray really ordered something heavy. He went with a classic burger and fries. Luna said it was one of the restaurant’s most famous dishes because, apparently, the chef here used to be a burger restaurant owner.

After the server left with their orders, a calm silence settled between them. The kind that wasn’t uncomfortable but almost expectant. It was as If they were just waiting on who would talk again first to continue their conversation.

After a few seconds, Luna idly traced the rim of her glass with her fingertip before lifting her eyes to meet his directly.

”So, Gray,” she said, ”are you... meeting someone now?”

The question landed heavier than he expected.

Gray blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question. His hand paused halfway as he was just about to reach for his water glass. For a moment, all he could hear was the faint murmur of voices from the other tables.

He set his hand down carefully, buying himself a second to think.

”Meeting someone?” he repeated.

Luna nodded slightly, her eyes never leaving his.

”Yeah. You know. The usual stuff. Dating and all that.”

Her straightforwardness in asking the question made his throat go dry. He couldnt believe that she would ask him that. He felt his heart kick, thumping louder.

He wasn’t sure if he should laugh it off or give her the answer as it was.