#double oof

The first thing people noticed about dating Azul Ashengrotto was the luxury.

Not because he flaunted it—he never had to—but because it followed him as naturally as his shadow. Reservations made months in advance. Invitations addressed in embossed gold lettering. Chauffeurs waiting patiently beneath hotel awnings. Restaurants hidden behind discreet facades, their names spoken only among those fortunate enough to secure a table.

It was a life built on careful appearances.

One Azul wore effortlessly.

You had grown accustomed to it sooner than expected.

The expensive dinners no longer left you intimidated, nor did the conversations drifting around polished tables between influential alumni, investors, and business owners. Somewhere along the way, you’d learned how to smile at the right moments, how to politely excuse yourself from conversations that wandered too far into finance, and how to let Azul shine whenever the evening inevitably became another opportunity to expand Mostro Lounge’s reputation.

You didn’t mind.

Really.

Watching him speak was almost mesmerizing.

There was something admirable about the confidence with which he carried himself. Every sentence was measured. Every smile deliberate. Every handshake seemed capable of securing another partnership before dessert had even arrived.

It was one of the many reasons you’d fallen for him.

“…My sincerest apologies.” Azul’s voice pulled you gently from your thoughts.

The carriage rolled steadily over rain-darkened cobblestone streets, the quiet rhythm of its wheels muffled beneath the evening drizzle. Across from you, Azul adjusted one of his cufflinks before smoothing an invisible crease from the sleeve of his tailored coat.

“I realize this isn’t how either of us intended to spend our evening together.”

You smiled softly.

“I thought we were having dinner.” You murmured, your voice warm with quiet amusement rather than complaint.

“We are.” He returned the smile, though there was the faintest hint of guilt behind it.

“Unfortunately, I’ve also arranged a meeting with two potential investors. It seemed… efficient to combine the occasions.”

Of course he had.

Efficiency was practically another language to Azul.

“You don’t have to apologize.”

“I feel that I do.”

His gaze lingered on you for a moment before drifting toward the rain-speckled window beside him.

“I’ve been rather occupied lately.”

“You’ve always been occupied.”

“…That isn’t much of a defense.”

“No,” you admitted with a quiet laugh, “but it’s true.”

For a brief moment, the tension in his shoulders eased.

“I appreciate your patience.”

The carriage slowed to a gentle stop. Outside, a doorman stepped forward with an umbrella before the coachman had even climbed down from his seat.

The restaurant stood at the end of the street, tucked between two historic buildings overlooking the harbor. Warm amber light spilled through tall windows framed by dark stone, reflecting against rain-slick pavement like liquid gold. It looked less like a restaurant and more like a place where important decisions were made over crystal glasses and expensive wine.

Azul exited first, offering you his hand as you stepped onto the pavement.

“Careful.”

“I’ve got you.”

Before you could thank him, another familiar voice greeted the two of you.

“I was beginning to wonder whether the rain had delayed your arrival.”

Jade stood beneath the entrance canopy, one hand resting lightly against the polished handle of his umbrella. His suit was every bit as immaculate as Azul’s, untouched by the weather despite having clearly arrived several minutes earlier. The soft glow spilling from the restaurant windows caught in the lenses of his glasses, obscuring his eyes for only a heartbeat before he smiled.

“Good evening.”

“Jade,” Azul greeted, adjusting the cuff of his glove. “Have you been waiting long?”

“Not particularly.”

His gaze shifted toward you.

“…Good evening. It’s lovely to see you again.”

“And you,” you replied.

The corners of his smile lifted almost imperceptibly.

“I’m pleased to hear that.”

The maître d’ opened the doors before anyone had the chance to reach for them.

“Mr. Ashengrotto. Mr. Leech.” He inclined his head respectfully before turning to you with the same practiced courtesy. “Welcome back. Your private room has been prepared.”

Without another word, the three of you stepped inside.

The scent of polished cedar and fresh lilies greeted you almost immediately, accompanied by the distant melody of a grand piano drifting somewhere beyond the dining room. Crystal chandeliers cast warm reflections across marble floors so pristine they mirrored every passing silhouette. Conversations remained low and refined, never rising above the soft clink of porcelain and glass.

It was beautiful.

Almost intimidating…

“You’ve been here before, haven’t you?” Jade asked as the maître d’ guided you through the restaurant.

“Once.”

“Only once?”

“Azul usually tries somewhere different.”

“I see.”

His smile lingered.

“Then I hope this visit proves more memorable.”

You glanced toward him, uncertain whether he meant the restaurant…

…or the company.