"No," he said after a moment. "I’m not seeing anyone right now. I’m... single."
The words were simple enough, but in the back of his mind, a flicker of thought surfaced on them. Selina’s face flashed through his thoughts briefly. He didn’t know why, but at that moment, he couldn’t help but remember her.
However, he quickly pushed the thought away. He didn’t want to complicate this moment.
"I see," Luna’s lips curved into a small smile at his answer. "I mean, that’s good."
That one word made his chest tighten, though her tone was light and casual. Gray just nodded, trying not to read too much into it.
Their food arrived soon after, giving him a perfect excuse to focus on something else. The server set down Luna’s pasta and salad, then placed his burger and fries in front of him. The scent immediately made him realize just how hungry he was.
"See?" Luna teased, gesturing at his plate. "The food looks good, right?’"
"It does look good." Gray laughed, picking up one of the fries. "But will it taste good?"
Luna chuckled at that. She shook her head as she twirled her pasta with her fork. The sound of her laughter was warm and genuine.
For a while, they just ate and enjoyed their meal. From time to time, they would also have their own conversation. It was nothing heavy. They just talk about their food, the good atmosphere of the restaurant, and sometimes their work.
Gray found himself smiling more than he realized. Each time Luna leaned forward slightly when she talked, or when her eyes lit up at some detail she shared, he felt that old admiration he had for her swell in his chest.
It wasn’t like the usual moments when he saw her on TV. Here, it was just her, sitting across from him, eating lunch as if they were two ordinary people.
And somehow, that felt even better.
For Gray, it was happiness in its simplest form. Who would have thought that one day, he will finally have the chance to sit across from Luna? The person he once thought was unreachable?
Not only were they eating, but they were sharing a meal, laughing, and talking. He realized that she was really as genuine as he had imagined when he was still young.
The minutes passed easily, almost too quickly.
Gray found himself laughing more than he had in weeks. He didn’t even know how. He just knew that Luna had a way of pulling stories out of him. That’s the time he realized that she really fit to be a host and interviewer.
In turn, Luna also shared bits of her own life.
When their plates were nearly empty, the conversation slowed down for them. Gray leaned back slightly, resting his arms on the table.
"I have to admit," he said, "you were right. The food’s really good."
"I told you," Luna smirked, setting down her fork. "I wouldn’t bring you somewhere boring."
"Guess I’ll have to trust your recommendations from now on." Gray chuckled at that, shaking his head.
"Good." Her smile stayed a little longer before she glanced toward the window. It was still bright and sunny. She fell into thinking for a moment. Then, after a minute, she turned back to him.
"Gray," she called out his name to call for his attention. "Do you have plans after this?"
Gray blinked, caught off guard again.
"After this? Uh... not really. Why?" He was planning on visiting the grocery store later, but he couldn’t bring himself to say that.
Luna’s lips curved into a gentle smile as if that was a good answer.
"There’s an exhibit nearby. A friend of mine is showcasing her work. I was planning to drop by after lunch anyway. Would you like to come with me?"
For a moment, Gray just stared at her, the words sinking in. She had just invited him out to check an exhibit. His chest tightened again, his heart’s beating quickening as he searched for an answer that wouldn’t sound too eager.
"Yeah. I’d like that." After a second, Gray calmly replied
Luna’s smile widened, and there was something in her eyes, a spark of genuine interest, flickering.
"Let’s go then," Luna said warmly, picking up her small purse from the side of her chair.
Gray nodded, motioning for the server. When the bill arrived, he reached for it without hesitation. Luna blinked at him in surprise, her lips parting as if to protest, but Gray only offered a faint smile.
"I’ll take care of it."
"You didn’t have to," she said softly, though the gratitude in her eyes was clear.
"I wanted to," Gray replied, sliding his card into the folder. The exchange was quick, and when the server left, Luna shook her head lightly, a chuckle escaping her lips.
"Thank you, Gray."
He only smiled in return. "Anytime."
A few minutes later, they stepped outside the restaurant. The afternoon sun was brighter now, spilling light across the quiet street. Luna’s car was parked just a short distance behind Daniel’s.
Since Daniel was already waiting, the two of them naturally headed toward their own cars. Luna glanced back at him with a small smile. "I’ll see you at the exhibit, then?"
Gray gave a short nod. "Yeah. I’ll follow right behind."
They parted ways with that simple exchange. Luna slipped gracefully into her car, while Gray walked toward Daniel’s vehicle. The moment he opened the door and sat down, Daniel’s eyes flicked to him through the rearview mirror.
A grin spread across Daniel’s face, one that was far too amused. "So..." he drawled, "how was it, boss?"
Gray gave him a flat look, but the heat rising to his ears betrayed him instantly.
"Don’t start," he muttered, adjusting his blazer as if it could hide his reaction.
Daniel’s grin only widened, clearly enjoying every second of it.
"Alright, alright, boss," Daniel said, still chuckling as he started the engine. "I’ll stop teasing." He glanced at Gray through the mirror again, smirk tugging at his lips. "So... are we heading straight to the exhibit, or do we have one more place to swing by?"
"Yup. Follow Luna’s car."