If someone told Lila that she would be leaving the office at 9:47 p.m. with Raven Hale at her side, she would've laughed. Or panicked. Probably panicked.
But here she was.
Walking beside him down the quiet sidewalk, the city lights glowing softly against the night sky. The streets were calmer, the passing cars fewer. A faint breeze toyed with her hair, occasionally blowing a strand across her cheek.
Raven noticed first.
Without thinking, he reached out and gently brushed it aside.
Lila's heart stopped.
So did Raven's hand.
He froze for a moment, realizing what he'd done. Then he slowly retracted his fingers, clearing his throat.
"Your hair was… uh, attacking your face."
Lila stared ahead, trying to maintain her composure.
Why does he do things like that… and then pretend he didn't almost kill me with heart palpitations?
"Thanks," she muttered softly.
Raven shoved his hands into his pockets. "Don't mention it."
---
An Unexpected Choice for Dinner
"So…" Raven said casually, "you eat spicy food?"
Lila blinked. "Um… yes? But not extremely spicy."
"Hm. That's cute."
"It's not cute." She frowned. "It's normal."
"No, the way you said it was cute."
She glared. "Stop teasing me."
"Impossible."
He grinned.
Lila rolled her eyes, but the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement.
They reached a small restaurant at the corner of the street—warm lights glowing inside, the air thick with the smell of grilled chicken and savory sauces.
"Here?" Lila asked.
Raven nodded. "It's my favorite."
She blinked. "You… have a favorite restaurant?"
"What? You think I live off chaos and arrogance alone?"
Lila laughed softly. "Honestly? Maybe."
Raven opened the door for her. "Then prepare to be impressed."
---
A Table for Two
Inside, the place was cozy—dim lights, wooden furniture, gentle music, and a few customers quietly enjoying late dinners.
They sat by the window. Raven rested his elbows on the table, studying the menu with exaggerated seriousness.
"You look like you're about to solve a crime," Lila remarked.
"Choosing food is a serious matter," he replied.
"You really like eating…"
"I like eating good food."
"And what's good food to you?"
"Anything I eat with a cute coworker."
Lila choked. "W–what—"
Raven leaned back, smirking. "You make this too easy."
"You're awful."
"You love it."
She looked away, hiding her red cheeks behind the menu. "I don't."
"You do."
"I don't!"
"Then why are you smiling?"
She slammed the menu down. "I'm NOT smiling."
He stared at her.
She realized, with horror, that she was smiling.
"…Traitor," she whispered at her own cheeks.
---
The Meal
When the food arrived—sizzling grilled chicken, fragrant rice, spicy dipping sauces—Raven nudged her plate closer.
"Try this one," he said, sliding a small cup of sauce her way.
Lila leaned forward, sniffed it cautiously, then dipped a piece of chicken.
Raven watched. Closely.
She took a bite.
Her eyes widened. "Oh—oh this is good."
"Knew it."
She nodded, chewing happily. "It's sweet… and spicy… but not too much. I like it."
"Thought you'd say that."
She glanced up. "You did?"
Raven lowered his gaze to his plate, almost smiling. "Yeah."
The moment hung lightly between them.
---
Comfort in the Chaos
As the meal continued, the conversation flowed surprisingly easily. Lila talked more than usual—about her department, her favorite foods, even a bit about her childhood (carefully, cautiously). Raven listened—not just hearing, but actually listening.
He reacted subtly:
quiet smiles
raised eyebrows
small chuckles
thoughtful nods
Not mocking.
Not teasing (too much).
Just… present.
It felt strange.
Warm.
Safe.
When Lila finished her drink, Raven flagged the waiter instantly. "Refill for her," he said without hesitation, then looked at her. "You were going to ask."
"I wasn't."
"You were thirsty."
"…Maybe."
---
The Walk Home
When they stepped outside, the night air felt cooler. Raven walked beside her, hands still in pockets, posture relaxed.
"You're not as scary as people say," he said suddenly.
Lila blinked. "I… know?"
"No, I mean…" He hesitated. "You're actually… nice."
"Is that supposed to be surprising?"
"For a demoness?" He grinned. "Yes."
She glared. "I told you not to call me that."
"Make me stop."
"I will—"
"Okay, okay." He raised his hands defensively. "Point taken."
She sighed.
But she didn't hate it when he said it.
Not when he said it with a warm smile instead of fear or judgment.
---
A Moment at Her Door
They finally reached her apartment building. Lila stopped in front of the entrance, clutching her bag strap.
"So…" she said quietly. "Thanks. For tonight."
Raven tilted his head slightly. "You make it sound like a date."
Her heart nearly jumped out of her chest. "It wasn't."
He stepped closer, a small smirk forming.
"But it felt like one."
Lila swallowed hard. "Stop… saying things like that."
"Why? Does it bother you?"
"It—" She looked away, blushing. "It makes me feel… weird."
Raven softened, leaning slightly. "Good weird?"
She hesitated.
Then nodded.
Raven's smirk brightened. "Then I won't stop."
She glared weakly. "You're impossible."
"And you're adorable when you're flustered."
Her breath caught.
For a moment, they just stood there.
Silence.
Night breeze.
Two heartbeats too loud in their chests.
Raven lifted a hand—slowly, carefully.
Not touching her.
Just hovering near her cheek, as if asking permission.
Lila didn't move away.
Raven's eyes darkened slightly.
"I'll walk you home again next time," he murmured.
"T-there isn't a next time."
"There will be."
"…Maybe."
"Definitely."
He stepped back, giving her space at last. "Goodnight, Lila."
"Goodnight… Raven."
She entered the building with her heart slamming against her ribs.
He walked away with a smile he couldn't hide.
---End of Chapter 15---