Bentley's POV
After work, I walked to the grocery shop to get some ingredients I'd need for lunch and dinner. I felt like spoiling Damian with some treats today. 

A key holder collection caught my attention. I darted to the silver one with the inscription, "Be safe and come back to me," and thought of him immediately. Getting him another present wouldn't be a bad idea. I just hope he'd like it. 

I picked the key holder and added it to my cart. 

***

I prepared a new dish and waited for him to come home so we could eat together. He arrived a few minutes past three o'clock. 

"Welcome back, how was your day?" 

"Good. I smell something nice," he smiled. 

"Hurry up so we can eat. I want you to try it first," I replied. 

"Alright, I'll be fast," he answered, moving toward the elevator. 

We sat down for lunch, and I waited for him to taste it. It's called Chicken Alfredo pasta; the pasta is coated in Alfredo sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, resulting in a smooth, velvety, and tasty creamy texture. 

"You're the best cook in the world. Even my brother's restaurant is below your standards. You should cook for kings only," he commented, taking another bite. 

"What do you mean? I'm doing that right now," I said with a smug look. 

Damian paused, his lips parted, eyes wide. A glint of surprise passed over them, then he smirked. 

"Lucky me, I found myself a charming man," he said, returning the tease. 

I turned away from his gaze and cleared my throat. "I got you something," I said, taking his hand and placing the gift in his palm. "I-I know it's not expensive, and it's not your aesthetic, but I wanted you to have it anyway," I mumbled, fumbling with my fingers. 

I glanced at him as he stared at it, my negative thoughts clouding my mind again. "What if he doesn't like the present? I should have asked him what he wanted... but I probably wouldn’t be able to afford it." 

Damian had a warm smile on his face as he diverted his focus to me. "It's a cute present. I'll take care of it. Thank you," he replied. 

I exhaled, a wave of relief washing over me. I wouldn’t know how to feel if he disliked my gift. 

We ate dinner together before going to bed. As expected, he dropped another five-star rating. I loved that he always rated me based on my skills and not his feelings for me. I was certain because the head chef at my workplace rates the same way. 

***

Damian's POV
I wasn't going to sleep in Bentley's room tonight. I was preoccupied with thinking of the perfect way to ask him out. We liked each other, and I wanted to take the next step—dating him. 

I dialed a number, and she picked up. "Hey, Emma, I need you to find the best bookstore for fiction stories. Get back to me today." 

She paused. "Sir, it's 9 p.m., and—" 

"Check your account, I just sent something," I cut in. 

"Yes, sir! I'll give you feedback in a few minutes!" she answered with enthusiasm. 

"I know I can count on you," I smirked, hanging up. 

***

I got up early on Saturday morning and picked casual clothes for today's event— a black designer t-shirt and joggers from abroad. 

I knocked on Bentley's door, but he was fast asleep, so I entered to wake him up myself. 

I tapped him lightly. "Bentley, wake up. We're going somewhere." 

"Hmm? Five more minutes," he muttered, throwing the covers over his head. 

I sighed, scooping him up from the bed into my arms. "Do you need me to bathe you?" 

His eyes popped open, sleep falling away. "I'm up! Put me down," he answered quickly, blushing hard. 

***

I rented the bookstore on Friday night so it would be just the two of us. Bentley doesn't do well with strangers or socializing, so I had to consider that. 

"Pick the books you want," I said, gesturing to the shelves. 

"I can't pick," he exhaled, his sparkling eyes roaming over the multiple options. 

"No problem," I replied, turning to the employee standing next to the shelf. "We'll take everything." 

"What! Are you crazy?" His eyes widened. 

"For you, yes," I smirked. 

"I'm serious," he said, averting his gaze, his cheeks a light shade of pink. 

It was time for my main agenda. I looked at the table, where a small flower vase sat in the center and the limited sequel edition of the book he had just finished yesterday was bathed in the sun's golden light, setting the perfect romantic mood. 

"Let's sit over there. I think you'll like the book on the table." 

He grinned, hurrying over. He pulled out the chair and sat down. Picking up the book, he glanced at me, squinting in suspicion. 

A wide grin spread across my face. "Read it to me." 

He pushed his glasses up his nose bridge and opened the first page. He paused, pulling out a red card with white calligraphy. His eyebrows creased in confusion as he read it aloud: "Will you be my boyfriend?" 

Bentley inhaled, darting his gaze to me. "Did you—?" 

"Yes, I want you to officially date me. So, what's your answer?" 

He pressed his lips together, thinking for a second, then nodded. "Yes," he said, smiling. 

I exhaled, releasing the air I had bottled up in anticipation of his answer. If he had said no, I wouldn’t have known what else to do. I'm madly in love with this guy, and I want to show it. I don’t know how I ended up being a hopeless romantic, but I like it. 

"Let's go home. You'll have more than enough books to read now," I said, grinning. 

"No, I'll just take this one," Bentley replied, standing up. 

"Why can't we take all?" I asked with a shrug. 

He shook his head. "Don't just go around wasting money. One is enough." 

"You know the amount means nothing to me, right? Just let me get them for you," I pleaded, tagging behind him. Our footsteps filled the silence until I spoke again. "Would you prefer if I sent the money to you instead?" 

He cracked a smile, halting. "If you want to get me something that bad, then you can buy the books."

Author's note:
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