Mina tried to hide her blush, but the thought made her heart race. “I… doubt that,” she said with a slight smile, looking away, “but thanks for the pep talk.”
As they packed up, one of the team members turned back, giving her a knowing smile. “Remember, confidence is everything. You wear the look, don’t let it wear you. And enjoy the brunch—it’s not every day you dine in Michelin-starred style.”
With that, they left, leaving Mina to admire herself in the mirror. Taking a deep breath, she whispered to herself, “Alright, Mina. You’ve got this.”
When they finished, Mina was speechless, catching her reflection in the mirror. She looked like a refined heiress—a princess from a royal family with old money roots. The gown was simple yet sophisticated, accentuating her elegance in a way that felt both effortless and regal.
When Mina arrived and saw Leo already waiting, she immediately noticed he didn’t offer any compliments or comments—just a satisfied gaze and a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Holding back her disappointment, she wondered if her look hadn’t been captivating enough after all the work she and the styling team put in.
After a few silent moments, Mina couldn’t take it anymore. She looked at Leo with slight hesitation, pretending to be casual as she asked, “So… what do you think? Does it look too much?”
Leo raised an eyebrow, seeming surprised by the question. “Too much?” he replied, his tone relaxed but meaningful. “I think it’s perfect. You look… like yourself, but even more stunning.”
Mina bit her lip, trying to hide a smile. “That’s it? No other comments? Not even after the styling team worked hard for an hour?”
Leo’s gaze held hers, a silent admiration evident in his eyes. “I prefer to enjoy beauty rather than comment on it, Mina. Besides,” he added with a playful smile, “I wouldn’t want you to get used to hearing compliments every time you see me.”
Mina laughed, feeling flattered despite Leo’s mysterious attitude. “You know, a little compliment wouldn’t make me conceited, Leo.”
Leo laughed too, this time more openly. “Alright then. Consider this look a compliment I didn’t say aloud. Because honestly, I might run out of words if I had to explain just how breathtaking you are today.”
Mina blushed, looking down to hide the color creeping into her cheeks.
They arrived at the Michelin-starred restaurant Leo had promised. From the moment they stepped inside, they were greeted and attended to with an impeccable level of service. Mina couldn’t hide her amazement, her gaze lingering over the elegant decor and perfectly set tables. The restaurant exuded an air of quiet luxury, one that felt both exhilarating and intimidating.
As they took their seats, Leo noticed Mina’s wide-eyed wonder. He leaned in slightly, smirking. “Getting used to it yet?”
Mina shook her head, still taking in the surroundings. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to places like this. It’s like stepping into a whole different world.”
Leo chuckled, his gaze softening. “Well, stick with me, and maybe it’ll start to feel more familiar.”
She gave him a playful glare. “I’m not planning on depending on you just to get into fancy places, you know.”
Leo shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes. “Oh, I know. But I like being the one to show you around, anyway.”
The waiter arrived, presenting them with a menu of refined brunch selections. Mina looked it over, her eyes widening slightly at the descriptions of dishes she’d only ever heard of in movies. Leo leaned over, pointing to a few items. “Trust me, you’ll love this one,” he said, tapping on the truffle scrambled eggs.
However, as Mina glanced at the prices listed in the menu, her expression shifted from excitement to shock. She looked pale, almost dizzy. “Uh, Leo… are you sure this place is… well, worth it?” 
Leo couldn’t help but chuckle at her adorably flustered reaction. It was clear she was overwhelmed, and her surprise brought him an unexpected sense of joy. Watching her was entertaining; her genuine excitement and innocence made him want to share more of his world with her. 
“Relax, Mina. I promise it’s worth every penny,” he reassured her, his tone light. “Besides, it’s not every day we get to eat here. Just enjoy it.”
For the first time, Leo found himself reveling in the happiness of someone else. He’d never considered that he had the power to make someone feel this way; all he had known before were intimidation and control. But here, with Mina, he realized he could offer joy instead. It was a revelation that brought a smile to his face.
Mina looked at him, a mix of disbelief and appreciation in her eyes. “You really enjoy this, don’t you?” 
“I do,” he admitted, his voice sincere. “Showing you these things makes me happy.” 
Mina smiled softly, her cheeks flushing. “Well, in that case, I’ll try to enjoy it as much as you do.” 
Leo leaned back, satisfied, as they placed their orders. It felt good, this new experience of sharing joy rather than instilling fear, and he was eager to see where this unexpected journey with Mina would lead.
Mina finally relented and allowed Leo to place their order, impressed by his fluent French. As they waited, she admired the luxurious ambiance of the restaurant, her earlier nerves giving way to a sense of excitement.
When the food arrived, however, her excitement quickly turned to confusion. The dishes looked exquisite, artfully plated with vibrant colors, but the portions were minuscule. Mina stared at her plate, her brows furrowing. “Is this really all we get for that price?” she asked, incredulous.
Leo chuckled at her astonished expression. “Welcome to fine dining, Mina. It's about the experience, not just the quantity.”
Mina picked up her fork, hesitating. “But… it looks amazing, and I’m sure it tastes incredible, but I feel like I’ll still be hungry after this.”
Leo smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Just wait. You’ll see.”
As she took her first bite, Mina’s eyes widened in delight. The flavors exploded in her mouth, a perfect blend of richness and finesse. “Oh my gosh, this is so good!” she exclaimed, nearly breathless.