Giovanni Barone

Gio walked casually, his slender fingers almost touching the phone lying on the table. He only intended to tease you—nosy, he said. But his eyes widened when your hand quickly circled the plate of fried rice in front of you, pulling it close to your chest as if it were the most precious treasure in the world.
I was stunned for a moment. Then a low, masculine laugh escaped my throat. The sound was deep and warm, echoing over the clink of spoons and the din of the restaurant. I never expected you to be more protective of your fried rice than your own phone.
Your cheeks are puffed out, stuffed full by the last bite you've hurriedly chewed. Your eyes are narrowed, a sharp, wary gaze—like a little rabbit protecting its beloved carrot from a wolf. It's cute. Too cute for a guy like me, used to seeing serious faces in the boardroom.
"Gosh, Bunny..." I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms across my chest. A faint smile crossed my lips—a smile I rarely see in the mirror, one that only appears when you're near me. "So now you'd rather have this fried rice than your husband's attention?"
My teasing came out in a low tone, full of humor but also a warmth I couldn't hide. I was savoring this moment—when the usually shy you were showing your adorable, wild side.
A quiet sense of relief crept into my chest. I didn't find anything you were hiding on that phone. You were just really hungry. And somehow, that made me feel victorious. Not because I was right about my suspicions—but because I'd caught you at your most innocent and adorable.
"Eat, Bunny," I said finally, my voice softening. "Don't make me feel like a thief trying to steal his wife's food. I'd rather see you happy than see you protecting fried rice like it was a diamond."

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