Hearing Riri's question left Serena speechless. She had no idea what was going through Riri's mind to make her ask such a strange thing.
"Is it because she's an editor? Does that make her imagination this weird?"
Serena thought to herself.
"Oh right, I have one request—when my son arrives, please don't say anything about my job. He has no idea that I'm a writer."
Serena asked earnestly.
Rather than answering Riri's odd question, Serena chose to ignore it entirely.
"Noted."
Riri replied without hesitation.
While waiting for Adrian, Serena decided to order dinner for them. Not long after, the food was ready, and so was Adrian, who had just arrived.
Seeing how handsome Adrian was, Riri couldn't hide her amazement. If she didn't know he was Serena's son, she would have thought they were siblings.
Adrian glanced at his mother, silently asking for an explanation about Riri's reaction. Serena, catching Adrian's SOS signal, cleared her throat.
"Ahem... Ri, this is my son, Adrian. Adrian, this is my friend, Riri."
Serena introduced them.
"Nice to meet... you,"
Adrian said, carefully choosing his words. Honestly, he wasn't sure how to address her. From Riri's appearance, she looked around his age—maybe even younger—but since she was his mother's friend, it automatically placed her on Serena's level, despite the age difference.
"Hi,"
Riri greeted him briefly with a professional smile.
Once Riri accepted the fact that Serena truly had a 25-year-old son, she returned to her usual self.
They enjoyed a relaxed dinner together.
As expected of an editor, Riri was used to talking a lot. Even while eating, her mouth never stopped moving. There was always something for her to say.
Watching her, Adrian smiled. He wasn't sure why, but there was something captivating about Riri's uninhibited way of expressing herself. Unlike the women Adrian usually encountered, she carried herself without a filter or sense of restraint.
Without realizing it, Adrian's gaze never strayed far from Riri.
Serena, who accidentally caught this moment, raised an eyebrow. This was the first time she had seen Adrian with that kind of expression.
After finishing their meal, Adrian insisted on taking Riri home. In his opinion, a woman traveling alone at night using public transportation was too dangerous. At first, Riri refused, but when Serena joined in persuading her, she finally agreed.
"Thank you,"
Riri said as she got out of Adrian's car.
Adrian simply smiled and gave a small nod.
"Go on inside; it's already late,"
Serena reminded her.
"Okay! Drive safe,"
Riri waved before heading into her apartment building. Only after Riri disappeared inside did Adrian start the car again, and they drove home.
During the ride, Serena observed Adrian closely. His eyes sparkled, and she could hear him softly humming.
"You seem really happy. What's up?"
Serena asked, curious. Though she had a feeling she already knew the answer, she still wanted to hear it from Adrian himself.
"Ah… do I?"
Adrian asked back, slightly surprised.
"Hmm... you've been humming the whole way."
Serena pointed out.
"Ah… maybe it's because tonight's dinner was different and really enjoyable."
Adrian dodged the question a little.
Realizing that Adrian didn't want to talk about it, Serena simply hummed in acknowledgment and let it go.
_____________
After taking a shower and getting ready for bed, Serena received a message from Ren.
Ren: Are you asleep?
Since she wasn't feeling tired yet, Serena decided to reply.
Serena: Not yet.
Ren responded almost instantly.
Ren: What time should I pick you up tomorrow?
Serena paused for a moment, then smacked her forehead. She had completely forgotten that she had promised to have lunch with Ren the next day.
Serena: No need to pick me up. I can come by myself.
Ren: No, I insist!
Serena thought for a moment, trying to figure out a time that would allow her to be ready when Ren arrived.
Serena: Maybe after 12?
Ren: Okay!!
A moment later, Ren sent another message.
Ren: Tomorrow is our first date!
Serena's eyes widened in surprise at Ren's unexpected message, then she let out a small laugh. The way Ren acted made it feel like they were still young. But even so, it made Serena happy.
Serena: Oh… a date, huh? 😌 I thought we were just having lunch together.
For some reason, Serena suddenly felt like teasing Ren.
Ren: Any time I spend with you, I will consider a date.
Ren was firm in his words. Serena chuckled while reading his reply.
Serena: 😆
Ren: How was your day?
Serena: Hmm… spent my time efficiently.
Ren: Like???
Serena: I'm not telling you 😋
Seeing Serena's response made Ren chuckle. He really wanted to see her expression while she typed those words.
"Ahh… I really, really miss her,"
Ren muttered to himself.
He quickly sent another message.
Ren: Okay, okay, I won't force you 😚.Serena...?
Serena: Hm???
Ren: Can I call you now?
Serena blinked in surprise. Why did Ren suddenly want to call her? Curious, she didn't wait for him to call and dialed his number first.
"Hey…"
Ren's voice was warm, deep, and undeniably sexy.
"What's up?"
Serena asked.
"I just… wanted to hear your voice,"
Ren admitted without hesitation.
Hearing that, Serena's face immediately turned red. She hadn't expected Ren to be such a smooth talker.
"Ren… you're such a flirt."
Serena accused him.
"I only do this with you,"
Ren responded, accepting the accusation happily while adding a little defense.
Serena's face grew even hotter. She had never experienced this before, and honestly, she didn't know how to react.
"I'm sleepy,"
Serena mumbled.
She and Ren both knew she wasn't actually sleepy—this was just her way of changing the subject.
"Really?"
Ren asked, unconvinced.
"Hmm!!"
Serena answered shortly.
"Alright then, go get some rest! And ..…"
Ren trailed off.
"And ???"
"I missed you a lot today,"
Ren admitted, his voice deep and sincere.
Hearing that made Serena's breath hitch and her heart pound faster.
"Reennn…"
She whined sweetly without even realizing it.
Ren smiled warmly at her reaction.
"Good night."
"Good night, Ren."
After hanging up, Serena rolled around on her bed, her face glowing with a smile.
For the first time in a long while, Serena felt like she was floating on air.