Rudy and Maria settled into the car, the excitement from earlier still buzzing in the air. As they got comfortable, Rudy discreetly placed the sealed report in a compartment without opening it, a small gesture that didn't escape Maria's notice. Curiosity danced in her eyes, but she respected Rudy's decision to keep it a secret for now.
Not wanting to pry, she turned her attention to the road as they drove towards the hospital's main gate. The city lights painted colorful streaks against the evening sky, casting a warm glow over their surroundings.
As they reached the main gate and parked the car, Maria couldn't help but steal a sideways glance at Rudy. "So, what's in that report you put away earlier?"
Rudy flashed her a mischievous grin. "Ah, you caught that, huh? Don't worry, I promise I'll tell you all about it later. It's just something that I thought could wait until after our dinner."
Maria raised an eyebrow, but she relented, a playful smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Alright, you've got my attention. I'll be patient."
Their conversation was interrupted by a familiar figure hurrying towards the car. Kaguya was walking briskly, almost as if she was in a rush. The expression on her face seemed a mix of apology and urgency. She approached the car, and without hesitation, opened the back door and slipped inside.
"Hey, Kaguya," Maria greeted her with a warm smile. "Don't worry about being a little late. We just got here ourselves."
Kaguya offered a quick but sincere smile in return. "Thank you, Maria. Sorry for making you wait."
Rudy glanced at Kaguya through the rearview mirror, a friendly twinkle in his eyes. "No problem at all. Ready for a nice dinner?"
Kaguya nodded, her expression grateful. "Definitely. Thanks for inviting me."
With Kaguya now settled in the backseat, the car pulled away from the hospital's entrance and onto the city streets.
The car glided through the city streets, and as the silence stretched on, Kaguya found herself growing more and more nervous. She noticed Rudy stealing occasional glances at her, and each time their eyes met, she quickly averted her gaze, her heart fluttering inexplicably.
Sensing Kaguya's unease, Maria turned her attention away from the road for a moment. "Kaguya, are you feeling comfortable? If there's anything you need or want to talk about, feel free to let us know."
Kaguya offered a small smile, appreciating Maria's concern. "Thank you, Maria. I'm alright, just a little... unused to this kind of outing, I guess."
Rudy's voice, tinged with amusement, cut through the air. "Oh, come on, Kaguya. You're among friends here. Just relax and enjoy the evening."
Kaguya managed a nod but remained slightly tense. Rudy's playful teasing and the way he seemed to focus his attention on her made her heart race even faster. She felt a blush creeping onto her cheeks, and she couldn't help but notice his charming smile.
Breaking the silence, Rudy's voice cut through the air with a chuckle. "You know, Kaguya, I have to say, I've never seen you in anything other than your nurse uniform. You look really nice in that casual outfit."
Kaguya's cheeks flushed slightly at the unexpected compliment. She felt a mix of surprise and shyness, not used to receiving such comments. She glanced at Rudy briefly, her expression a mixture of gratitude and bashfulness. "Oh, thank you. I... uh, it's not often I get to dress like this."
Maria's eyes twinkled with amusement as she glanced at Kaguya through the rearview mirror. "Oh, you've caught Rudy's attention, Kaguya."
Kaguya's eyes widened, and she stammered slightly. "W-Well, I—"
Maria, picking up on the unspoken exchange, looked between Rudy and Kaguya with a knowing smile. She then turned her attention back to the road, steering the car with ease. "Well, Kaguya, I have to agree with Rudy. You do look great."
Kaguya smiled, still feeling a bit flustered. "Thanks, Maria."
Rudy leaned back in his seat, a playful glint in his eyes. "See, Kaguya? You've got both of us giving you compliments. You should take them to heart."
Kaguya chuckled softly, a mixture of amusement and embarrassment coloring her features. She then turned to Maria, her expression more serious. "Maria, I wanted to point something out."
Maria glanced at Kaguya, curious. "What is it?"
Kaguya gestured subtly towards Rudy. "Well, you see... I think someone here is quite the charmer."
Maria raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. She looked between Kaguya and Rudy, then back at Kaguya. "Oh? And who might that be?"
Kaguya playfully pointed a finger at Rudy, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Him. He's been showering me with compliments since we got in the car. I think he's quite the flirt."
Rudy burst into laughter, caught off guard by Kaguya's boldness. He shrugged with a grin. "Guilty as charged."
Maria chuckled as well, finding Kaguya's observations amusing. "Well, Kaguya, I hope you're ready to handle his charms then."
As the car continued down the road, Kaguya turned her attention to Maria with genuine curiosity. "So, Maria, how did you two meet? And what led you to get married at such a young age?"
Maria exchanged a glance with Rudy before a mischievous grin spread across her face. She leaned back in her seat, clearly ready to share the story. "Well, it all started in a casino."
Kaguya's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "A casino?"
Maria nodded, her smile growing. "Yep. I was there, just looking for a gambling buddy to play with. I didn't know anyone and thought it might be fun to have some company. That's when I saw Rudy."
Kaguya turned her gaze to Rudy, her interest piqued. "Rudy, you were a gambling buddy?"
Rudy chuckled and shrugged. "Yeah, I happened to be there and decided to join her for a game. Little did I know, that was the beginning of our crazy journey together."
Maria nodded in agreement. "Exactly. And you know what, Kaguya? Rudy's kindness is what really caught my attention."
Kaguya's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Kindness?"
Maria nodded, her gaze affectionate as she looked at Rudy. "Yep. He's a natural charmer, you know. His looks, his voice, his actions—everything just works in his favor. And before I knew it, I was falling for him."
Rudy chuckled, a hint of embarrassment in his expression. "Oh come on, Maria. You're making me sound like some kind of Casanova."
Maria playfully nudged him. "Well, you do have that effect on people."
Maria leaned in with a playful glint in her eyes, her tone conspiratorial. "Just a word of caution, Kaguya. Be careful of Rudy's charm. He might just sweep you off your feet."
Kaguya chuckled softly. "He is already married to you. Why would he want another girl? You are amazing, beautiful, and so friendly. And you are carrying his baby in your womb. You are going to be the mother of his child."
Kaguya's reaction was expected and Maria wasn't surprised. But she knew that if Rudy had set his eyes on a girl, he wouldn't let her go until she falls for him.
Maria laughed, shaking her head. "I can't help it. I have to give credit where it's due. The man has a talent for winning hearts."
Kaguya's smile grew. "I can see that. He certainly knows how to make an impression."
