They walked toward the car, Svena''s eyes lighting up when she spotted it.


    "Is this Ash''s car?" she asked with a smile.


    Damon nodded casually, not feeling the least bit embarrassed. "Yeah. Borrowed it for the night."


    He opened the door for her, stepping aside like a gentleman. She chuckled softly, looking amused.


    "I didn''t even know you could drive," she said teasingly as she began to climb in.


    Damon stood still for a moment as he thought about the slow driver and the insult he had received.


    Despite quickly shaking it off, the shame stayed long enough to make him think again.


    Before she could settle into the seat, he gently held her wrist, stopping her.


    "Actually…" he began, releasing her wrist and straightening up to y it cool. "How about you drive? You know, get a feel for the car. It''s a pretty smooth ride."


    Svena paused, narrowing her eyes slightly as if trying to read him. A sly smirk spread across her face. "Oh, is that so?"


    "Yeah," Damon replied, maintaining a calm demeanor despite his internal panic. "Figured you''d appreciate it more than I would."


    She tilted her head, clearly suspicious but willing to y along. "Alright," she said with augh, sliding into the driver''s seat.


    Damon exhaled in relief, walking around to the passenger side and climbing in.


    As she adjusted the seat and mirrors, Svena nced at him out of the corner of her eye. "This wouldn''t have anything to do with you being a terrible driver, would it?"


    Damon smirked, leaning back and folding his arms. "Nah, I''m just a gentleman. Ladies first."


    Svenaughed as she started the engine, shaking her head. "Sure, Damon. Sure."


    The car began to run easily, and she drove off down the road.


    Damon couldn''t help but notice how calm and in charge she seemed as she drove the car.


    "See? Told you it''s a good car," he said, trying to keep up the charade.


    She nced at him briefly, a yful glint in her eye. "Yeah, but now I''m wondering how you managed to get it here in one piece."


    Damon chuckled, choosing to let thement slide.


    As long as she didn''t find out about his earlier driving adventure, he could live with the teasing.


    Damon didn''t let her teasing slide. He leaned back in his seat, shing a confident grin. "Ay, I''m a pretty good driver. A very pretty rider too."


    Svena rolled her eyes but couldn''t hold back herugh. "Sure, Damon. Keep telling yourself that."


    The conversation kept going, it was light and funny, and it made the car feel warm and cozy.


    It felt normal to Damon, which he liked. Even though they were making fun of each other, there was no awkwardness between them at all.


    The conversation kept going, it was light and funny, and it made the car feel warm and cozy. It felt normal to Damon, which he liked.


    Even though they were making fun of each other, there was no awkwardness between them at all.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Before they left, he put the position into the GPS, and Svena didn''t question it. She only paid attention to the road and followed the directions.


    Damon couldn''t help but admire herposure behind the wheel.


    "You really are a good driver," he admitted, his tone genuine.


    Svena smirked, ncing at him briefly. "Thanks. Guess one of us had to be."


    Damonughed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I''ll let you have that one."


    The road stretched out in front of them, and the city lights gave it a soft glow as they drove toward their goal. For now, the ride was as enjoyable as thepany


    When they finally got there, they pulled up to a small Korean BBQ restaurant in the middle of a busy area. Find your next adventure on empire


    Warm lights strung across the awning cast a golden glow on the path, making the outside look weing.


    People came and went, leaving behind the distinct smell of grilled tastes on their clothes along with the smell of meat sizzling.


    Inside, there was a lively and busy vibe. In the middle of each table was a grill, and on the sides were condiments and side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish, and marinated veggies.


    There was happy chatter, the sound of meat sizzling, and sometimesughs from groups of friends and family.


    Servers moved quickly between tables, bringing trays stacked with raw, marinated meats ready to be cooked.


    The walls were adorned with minimal yet tasteful décor, traditional Korean art interspersed with modern touches, making the space feel both authentic and trendy.


    When the car stopped, Damon and Svena stepped out.


    Svena looked at the restaurant, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. "I''ve never been to a ce like this," she admitted.


    Damon smiled, finding her enthusiasm infectious. "Neither have I, but I''ve seen videos. Looks fun."


    She nced at him, her curiosity turning into excitement. "This is good," she said, nodding in approval.


    Damon smirked and held the door open for her. "Come on, let''s see if your cooking skills are as good as your driving."


    Svena raised an eyebrow,ughing as she walked inside. "If they''re not, you''re the one who''s going hungry."


    Damon chuckled and followed her in, the two stepping into the lively warmth of the restaurant, ready to experience something new together.


    Damon was relieved to see the excitement in Svena''s expression as she nced around the restaurant.


    He pulled a small smile out of his mouth.


    Trying something new with someone was always a bit of a risk, it could either get them interested or turn them off.


    Luckily, he had an edge.


    Svena loved activities, especially when there was an element of challenge orpetition involved.


    She liked being involved and doing things instead of just watching, and Damon was sure that a Korean BBQ where they could grill their own food would be just the thing for her.


    He went after her and saw that she was looking at the setup with interest and lightly touching the edge of the grill in the middle of the table.


    "I like this," she said, her voice carrying a note of approval.


    Damon smiled and felt the stress he didn''t know he was feeling go away. "Good, because I''ve been hyping this ce up in my head all week."


    Svena smirked, narrowing her eyes at him yfully. "You''ve been thinking about this ce all week, huh? Or were you just trying to impress me?"


    He shrugged, feigning nonchnce. "Maybe both. Gotta keep you guessing."


    "Hmm," she mused, picking up the menu. "Well, let''s see if you picked right. Better hope this grill gets hot enough to keep up with me."


    Damon chuckled, appreciating herpetitive spark. "Oh, don''t worry. I can handle the heat."