"I dare you to tell me your ten most embarrassing moments from childhood," Ashura stated, his voice calm yet firm.
Amanda's playful demeanor faltered. She tried to negotiate, playfully pleading for an alternative dare, but Ashura remained steadfast. He made it clear that the consequences of her choice were hers to bear. There would be no changing her mind.
Once she understood that he wouldn't relent, Amanda sighed, a mixture of apprehension and grudging admiration in her eyes. "I like that," she confessed, a hint of excitement in her voice. "You're quite authoritative. I find dominant men attractive."
She attempted to recount some of the insecurities she had previously mentioned, but Ashura immediately interrupted. "No repeating old stories," he said, his tone gently but firmly dismissive. "Give me something new."
After a considerable pause, Amanda finally began to share her most embarrassing childhood moments. When she finished, Ashura offered a reassuring smile. "Those aren't embarrassing," he said kindly. "They're funny anecdotes. You're just being hard on yourself, overthinking things that are perfectly normal childhood experiences. It's not a big deal."
Amanda considered his words, a thoughtful expression replacing her initial embarrassment. "You're right," she conceded. "It's not nearly as bad as I made it out to be."
Ashura nodded. "Of course not. Everyone has awkward moments as a child. You're being unnecessarily hard on yourself."
As Ashura listened to Amanda's insecurities, a genuine understanding bloomed between them. He found it remarkable that a relative stranger could so quickly grasp her vulnerabilities and desires. She confessed that she'd never encountered anyone who understood her so completely, and that her attraction to him went far beyond his physical appearance. She saw his intelligence, thoughtfulness, and kindness—qualities she deeply valued.
"I'm falling for you, Ashura," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes fixed on his.
Ashura chuckled, a warm smile playing on his lips. "I know you're bold, Amanda," he said, his tone gentle but teasing. "And I appreciate it. I have a soft spot for confident women. But let's focus on the task at hand. We can explore this further when we have more free time." He paused, adding with a wink, "For now, my business—and finding that server—demands my full attention."
He glanced at his watch, the soft glow of the cabin lights reflecting in his eyes. "We should arrive in Japan in five minutes. The scent of the Pacific will soon replace the aroma of this luxurious cabin. And soon, the hum of the airplane engines will yield to the bustling sounds of a new city." He paused, letting the sensory details hang in the air between them. "Imagine: the humid air clinging to our skin, the vibrant neon lights reflecting in the rain-slicked streets, the cacophony of a foreign language weaving its magic around us..."
Amanda, seizing the opportunity, suggested they visit her father's office. Her father and grandfather were already there, engaged in a heated chess match. Amanda's grandfather, a formidable chess player, was clearly frustrated by his daughter's comparatively weak skills.
Observing the scene, Ashura politely interjected, "Excuse me, sir, but it seems you lack a worthy opponent. Might I offer my services?"
Amanda's grandfather, intrigued by Ashura's confidence, chuckled. "If you can defeat me in chess, I guarantee you a favorable deal regarding your server hosting needs."
To the astonishment of everyone present, Ashura checkmated Amanda's grandfather in a mere three moves. The old man, despite his initial shock, accepted his defeat with good grace. He was clearly impressed.
"You have skill beyond your years," the grandfather conceded, a glint of respect in his eyes. "But I need a sparring partner as well. Are you skilled in hand-to-hand combat?"
"Indeed," Ashura replied, "but I'd prefer to settle the business contract first."
The grandfather raised an eyebrow. "What contract?"
Ashura quickly explained his situation. "We need server hosting, and I was hoping to negotiate a deal," he concluded.
Amanda's grandfather responded with a hearty laugh. "My dear boy, you don't need to worry about the finer points of a contract. We'll take care of it. We'll provide you with what you need. Consider it a gift, but you still need to respect the old man's fighting spirit." He turned to Amanda, his expression softening. "Amanda, my dear, while I am pleased to welcome our new business associate, I expect you to show him the proper respect. He is under my protection for now, and I am quite certain he can handle himself."
With a whistle, the sparring match began. Ashura and Amanda's grandfather circled each other, assuming their fighting stances. Ashura, however, noticeably held back, using only his legs and keeping his hands casually in his pockets.
"I prefer to fight with my legs," Ashura explained, his voice calm despite the intensity of the moment. "It's less risky."
Amanda's grandfather chuckled, a deep rumble in his chest. "I know you're strong, young man, but I'm capable of handling you. Don't hold back. Let's see a real brawl!"
Hesitantly at first, Ashura eventually heeded the old man's challenge. The fight escalated rapidly, becoming a fierce, intense exchange of blows. Amanda's grandfather, clearly a formidable opponent, fought with a relentless energy. Seeing his grandfather in danger, Amanda's father attempted to intervene, only to be effortlessly knocked unconscious by a single, powerful blow from the old man.
After a few seconds, Amanda's grandfather regained consciousness. He laughed, his eyes shining with genuine admiration. "You've defeated me in chess and in a fair fight! That's quite a feat. Consider it a debt paid. If you ever need anything in the future, you have my word. Consider it earned."