Soft jazz music is playing in the background by the time Mako and Remora enter the restaurant. The place doesn't look too shabby nor did it look too expensive. The place was slightly dim. The tables are arranged neatly and orderly. Not to forget that it's not too big and spacious nor is it small and crowded.

It's pretty decent and standard. Just the way Mako likes it.

'Seems like there aren't any guests her.' Remora notes, seeing the lack of people in the restaurant then looks at him.

'Meaning that we have the place to ourselves.' He adds with a smile.

'Welcome to Yue Oasis. How can I help you?' The waiter asks upon their arrival.

'I made a reservation for a romantic couple date.' Mako informs him.

'Right this way.' He leads them to their table outside. 'I'll be back with the menus.'

The waiter leaves them. Mako pulls the chair for her.

'My! My! You are such a gentleman.' Remora smiles sitting down.

'Anything for my date.' He smiles, taking a seat opposite from her.

The waiter came with the menu cards and handed them to them.

'So many choices.' Remora says, looking through the menu.

'Pick anything you want.' Mako replies.

'You sure? The prices seem kinda pricey.' She asks.

'I'm sure. I'm the one paying for this date.' He assures her.

They sit in silence as they look through the menu. Mako stole a couple of glances at Remora here and there. Come on, Mako. Say something. He looked up, attempting to say something but trailed off when he looked at her. Why did she have to look so beautiful?

He likes the way she moves a strand of her hair to the back of her ear. He likes the way her eyebrows are knitted together as she's focused on the menu. He most definitely likes the way she bite her lip as she's trying to decide what she wants to eat. He can tell that she's secretly trying to look for cheaper options just by observing her but he doesn't care.

Remora looks up and meets his gaze. She smiles noticing the blush on his cheeks. Mako quickly covers his face with the menu.

Gosh I feel like a thirteen-year-old looking at his crush at a distance. I can't even bring myself to say anything without blushing. Man! I'm such a wimp.

'Don't hide your face, Mako.' She reaches over and moves the menu from his face. 'You look cute when you blush. It's adorable.' She smiles more.

'T-thank.' He manages to say.

•~*~•

'How's your dessert?' He asked.

'Great.' She says. 'Wanna try.'

'Sure.'

'Say ah.'

Mako does as he's told and opens his mouth. Remora scoops a spoon, brings it towards his mouth.

'Mhm. Nice.' He said scooping his desert and brings it towards her mouth. 'Try mine.'

Remora takes a bite and giggles until she notices something.

'Hold still. There's something on your face.' She reaches out for his face and wipes the chocolate from the corner of his mouth with her thumb. 'You had some chocolate on your face.' She sucked the chocolate off her thumb.

'Thanks.' He blushed.

'Also, I noticed the burnt scar on your left hand.' She added.

'Oh this!' Mako rubbed it. 'I got it whilst I was destroying a giant mega tank years ago. Kinda saved the city from a crazy dictator who piloted it.'

'You fought a mega tank? That's cool!'

'Not really! I had to avoid any activity that involved bending and experience a lot of pain.'

'But that was brave. It was worth it.' She notes with a smile. 'It seems like your life is interesting and less boring – unlike me.'

'What makes you say that?' he asks curiously.

'I'm a barista by day and a bartender and performer at night.' She tells him as she swirls the glass of red wine that she holds in her hand as she's talking. 'I know I moved here for some soul searching but I'm not exactly satisfied with where I'm at. I feel there's more for me than being a barista and a bartender.'

'Do you have anything in mind?'

Remora leans back with a contemplative look on her face as she sips her wine. 'I was thinking of opening my own dance studio where I can teach dance.' She says. 'And I might consider getting into the music industry at some point but I'm not sure if I should.'

'I think you should go for it.' He encourages, making her gawk at him. 'I mean, after seeing you perform and dance on the street, I'm pretty sure you'll be able to make it big in the industry. Plus, it looks like something you're passionate about – something that makes you happy.'

He smiles at her. She smiles back.

The music in the background changes.

Mako stands up from his seat and offers his hand to her.

'May I have this dance?' He says.

Remora smiles and takes it. Mako helps her up and walks to the open space that was a few metres from their table. Remora puts her arms around his neck whilst he wraps his around her waist and they start swaying to the beat of the music.

'So? How do you like this date?' He asked.

'I don't like it.'

He frowns feeling disappointed.

'I love it.' She smiles.

Mako feels his insides relax after hearing that. Remora laughs at his reaction.

'You should have seen the look on your face.' She teases.

'Yeah, yeah. Ha-ha!' He rolls his eyes.

'You really did impress me, Mako.' She says.

'I'm glad. At least this actually makes up for our last encounter.' He smiles as she cackles.

As they continue to sway to the song, Remora starts humming.

'You know this song?' He asks.

'No.' she shakes her head. 'I have a habit of freestyling whenever I listen to music. The lyrics just flow in my head and – boom – I make a song right there and then.'

'That's impressive.' He comments, raising eyebrow indicating that he's impressed. It seems like this fine lady is full of surprises. What more did she have up her sleeve?

'Mind singing it to me?'

'If I was to sing, you'd probably faint.'

'I'll try not to.'

'Okay. You have been warned.' She cackled.

And just like that, she starts singing. This time her singing was different from the first time he heard her sing. Her voice was soft and smooth, matching the tone and rhythm of the song that was playing in the background. Her eyes are locked on his, as though she's speaking to him through the lyrics of the song she somehow managed to compose right there and then.

'You really have a beautiful voice.' Mako smiles at her.

'I got it from my mom.' She says looking down. 'I remember her singing to me all the time when I was still little before she died.' She looked up and smiled at Mako. 'I always feel closer and connected to her whenever I sing.'

'I'm sure your mom would be happy seeing sing to a good-looking guy like myself.' He replies making her laugh.

'Yeah...I'm sure she is.' She said.

She continues to sing until Mako dips her at the end of the song.

•~*~•

'Tonight, was fun.' Remora says as they stop by her door. 'I really had a great time.'

'Yeah. Me too.' Mako says with a blush tinted on his cheeks.

They stares at each other, waiting for either of them to break the silence between them.

Come on, Mako. Do something!

He clears his throat. 'So umm...how do we conclude our date?'

Remora gives him a devious smirk. Before they know it, Remora grabs Mako by the collar of his shirt and crashes his lips onto hers.

Mako's surprised at first, but he melts and kisses her back. His lips moves in sync with her into a sensual kiss as he reaches behind her head and presses his lips harder against her, deepening the kiss. He captures everything. He makes sure to familiarise himself with the feeling of her soft lips, their sweet taste, how they fit perfectly with his and her smell.

After a brief time, they break away, catching their breath, foreheads against each other, breathes mingling with each other.

Mako slowly opened his eyes at his face turned red like his shirt.

'What's wrong? Cat deer got your tongue.' She teases.

Mako opens his mouth to say something but he can't utter a syllable. Remora chuckled.

'Thanks again for the date. Had a great time.' She leans in. 'See you around.' She pecks his lips and retreats into her apartment.

Mako stands there awestruck. He touches his lips. Man! That girl is something else. He thinks finding himself grinning like an idiot.