Dominate Showbiz: Media Tycoon Discovered My Talent-Chapter 127: The First Date of My Life

Antony’s hand guided hers toward his face.

Without needing a word, her palm came to rest against his cheek, fingers brushing gently over cool skin. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

With all the lights out, only half of Antony’s face was illuminated by the faint glow spilling in from the main door, but it was enough for her to see the expression he wore.

It was the same soft, vulnerable look he showed only in rare moments, when they were alone like this.

"Instructor," she said at last, caressing the warmth of his cheek. "Why squeeze the date into such a small time slot, when we could spend a whole day together, if you want?"

His eyes widened slightly at her words, more from delight than surprise.

"Because I know the label wants more than just a debut single from you," he said, placing his hand over hers. "With the way things are going, and how crazy people already are about you, you’ll definitely be working on a studio album soon. Extended plays, variety shows, promotions, tours... far more than what we’re doing right now."

Her gaze lingered on the faint tremble in his eyes. "And you think I won’t have time for you?"

"I don’t even have to think," he replied with a quiet sigh. "I’ve been around long enough to know how this goes. You won’t be free for at least the next year, and I won’t be the one to distract you. This year will be the most important one of your entire career."

Kaija’s gaze fell away from his, lost in thought.

As much as she wanted to make it up to him for everything he had done for her, she knew he was right.

Just the day before, Esko had briefed her on next week’s schedule, which looked even more nightmarish than the training program. And over the past few days, whenever Charles visited, he had mentioned similar things, briefly, but often enough.

"If you say so, then..." she said, smiling faintly, "we can go on a small date tomorrow."

A soft smile spread across his features. "Good," he said in a quiet, shy voice, his fingers brushing against hers. "I’m looking forward to it."

"But... actually," Kaija said softly, her smile fading, "there’s something you should know."

"What is it?" he asked, his tone lowering upon seeing that slight shift.

"Instructor..." she murmured, regret coloring her voice. "I’m also dating Karl Hanski."

For a long moment, Antony said nothing.

He stared at her with those golden eyes, now gleaming faintly in the low light, his expression unreadable.

His hand, however, tightened around hers, until at last, he lowered it from his face.

Just as she thought he was about to let go, his other hand slid to her waist, pulling her flush against him.

"You’re dating Karl Hanski," he repeated, his voice thin, yet each word steady. "So what?"

The look in his eyes as he said those words was so fierce, she almost felt burnt by the golden flame in those eyes.

Surprise bloomed across her face.

If she turned to look into the mirror now, she knew for sure she’d see the two of them held in a pose that looked almost like one of those slow dance scenes in romantic movies.

"But... but it’s... it’s your first time dating someone," she stammered. "I don’t know if it’s even a good idea, especially if that someone happens to be me, let alone the fact that I’m seeing other people."

"Look," he muttered, eyes narrowing with displeasure. "I didn’t ask you without thinking it through, unlike some spoiled brat who probably came up with the idea on impulse. Besides, the way he keeps clinging to you like that, it’s not even hard to tell that he likes you too, just the way I do."

"Even so, Instructor," she sighed in frustration, "you should also know that... I’m seeing Charles as well."

"Tch." He grumbled, clearly displeased that she even brought it up. "Which part of I’ve thought it through did you fail to understand? I already knew that jerk half-brother of mine was clinging to you the moment you stepped onto this campus."

Her face went blank at his raised voice, blinking in utter bewilderment.

"Oh..." she blurted. "But... how?"

Antony’s shoulders trembled, as if he were holding back the urge to snap.

"Because!" he groaned. "Didn’t you show up in my class that morning with your neck covered in red marks?"

Kaija blinked a few more times, before clapping a hand over her mouth.

"I... I... okay, I’d better shut up now," she mumbled in regret, heat flooding her face as the memory finally caught up with her.

"Listen," he said firmly, a red tinge creeping back into his cheeks, "I might lack experience compared to those two jerks, and I know I’m not exactly any girl’s ideal type.

"But I’m learning, and I don’t plan on letting those idiots get their way with you.

"So please, be patient with me. And stop trying to convince me to quit dating you with every other excuse you come up with.

"Because I like you, and just being with you makes me feel happier than any album I’ve ever made or awards I’ve ever won in my life!"

Kaija’s lips trembled as if she wanted to reply, but no words came out.

When she had first considered bringing this up to Antony, she’d expected his anger, his cold rejection, maybe even him never wanting to see her again.

Over the past few days, she’d tried to find the right moment, only to get swept up in debut preparations under his barrage of commands, again and again.

But now that everything was out in the open, and now that he had said all of this with such unexpected earnestness in his voice, and quiet determination in his eyes...

"Instructor," she said softly, "what would you like to do for our first date?"

The hand holding hers trembled slightly before his fingers slid between hers, interlacing gently.

His gaze drifted away into thoughts, for he hadn’t even worked out a good idea yet when he brought it up, until it finally settled on the wide mirror of the studio.

"Have you ever tried the waltz?" he asked, watching their reflections with a faint smile.

"Um, Instructor," she replied nervously, "I’m the last person you should ask. Of course I haven’t."

"Good," he said, golden eyes softening as they returned to hers. "Me neither. But I’d love to try it for the first time in my life, on the first date of my life, with you."