Golden Sakura carried a quiet warmth that wrapped around anyone who stepped inside. Soft amber lights hung low from the ceiling, reflecting off polished wooden panels and delicate Japanese artwork placed carefully along the walls. The gentle hum of low conversations blended with the faint clink of porcelain cups and distant kitchen sounds. Privacy lived in every corner of the place, which is why high-profile names preferred it.
Kate walked through the entrance, her white dress flowing gently around her legs. The plunging neckline caught the warm light, and the soft fabric fit her figure comfortably. A few people looked her way, recognizing her, but no one disturbed her. They kept it to themselves.
A waiter noticed her immediately and approached with a polite smile. "Good afternoon, Ms. Winslet. Mr. Wilson is already here. Please follow me."
Kate nodded, offering a small smile while her heartbeat picked up slightly. She followed him through the restaurant, passing a few semi-private booths before reaching a quieter corner near the window.
Alex sat at the table, wearing a simple blue suit that somehow still made him stand out without trying. One hand rested near a glass of water while the other held his phone loosely. He looked relaxed, though there was always that quiet awareness in his posture that never really faded.
'Don't know why it always feels like he's on guard all the time. I need to stop overthinking things,' Kate thought.
Alex looked up as the waiter approached, and his eyes landed on Kate.
For a brief second, he paused. 'Holy crap! She looks beautiful, and I don't know why she isn't wearing any coat or jacket. It's kinda chilly out there. Maybe she left it in her car since this place got heater. But dang! She's gorgeous.' He thought.
Then he stood up.
Kate saw the subtle shift in his expression, the faint surprise that softened into something warmer as he took a step forward. She felt her chest tighten slightly, though she kept her smile calm and natural.
"Kate," Alex said, his voice warm as he moved around the table.
"Alex," she replied, stepping closer.
They met halfway, and he leaned in for a brief hug. His hand rested lightly on her back for a moment longer than strictly necessary, while she caught the faint scent of his cologne and felt her pulse quicken again.
"You look amazing," he said as they pulled back, his eyes moving over her dress before returning to her face.
'I was right to go with the white,' Kate smiled, pleased by the honesty in his tone. "Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself," she replied, her gaze flicking briefly over his suit.
He let out a small laugh as he walked over and pulled the chair for her. "Please, sit."
"Thank you," She said as she took the seat gracefully, smoothing the dress as she settled in.
Alex sat across from her, and for a second, the moment felt surprisingly comfortable, like slipping back into something familiar after years apart.
"It's been a while," Kate said, resting her hands lightly on the table.
"Yeah," Alex nodded, leaning back slightly. "Last time we spoke properly was during the Red Carpet event."
"You disappeared right after," she replied with a teasing smile.
"I got pulled into three meetings and a phone call," he said with a faint shrug. "I owe you a proper conversation and that lunch I promised."
"Well, you are making up for it now," she said softly, her eyes meeting his.
The waiter returned briefly to pour water and hand them menus before stepping away again, leaving them alone in the quiet corner.
Alex glanced at the menu for a second before setting it aside. "How have you been?"
"Busy," Kate replied, her fingers brushing lightly along the edge of the table. "Films, brand meetings, a few things in Europe. Nothing too exciting."
He raised an eyebrow slightly, amused. "Your version of nothing exciting usually involves award nominations."
She laughed softly, leaning forward a little. "And your version of busy involves reshaping Hollywood. By the way, I saw the Spiderman movie and truth be told, I'm blown away by the visual effects and the way Peter struggles to maintain a balance between his private and Spidey life."
He smiled faintly at that, "Thanks for the compliment. It was a team effort."
There was a brief pause, though it felt natural rather than awkward.
Kate watched him quietly, noticing the same calm confidence she remembered, though now it carried more weight. He looked more composed, more certain, and somehow more distant at the same time.
Alex met her gaze again, then leaned forward slightly. "I'm glad you came."
Kate felt a small warmth spread through her chest. "I wouldn't miss it."
...
The waiter returned a minute later, standing politely to the side while they made their choices. Alex glanced at Kate. "Still like seafood, or did that change over the years?"
Kate smiled as she closed the menu. "That never changed. I'll take the grilled salmon and green tea."
Alex nodded and handed the menu back. "I'll go with the teriyaki steak and miso soup."
The waiter noted everything quickly and left them alone again.
Kate leaned back slightly, relaxing into the chair as she studied him with a small smile. "You know, this place reminds me of that tiny restaurant in Vancouver during Titanic."
Alex chuckled softly. "The one where you ordered something fancy and ended up stealing fries from my plate."
Kate laughed, her eyes lighting up at the memory. "Because your fries looked better. And they were better."
"You ate half of them," Alex replied, shaking his head.
"You didn't complain."
"I was trying to maintain a professional image," he said with a faint grin.
Kate tilted her head, amused. "You? Professional image? I remember you slipping on wet floor tiles and nearly taking down three crew members with you."
Alex let out a quiet laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "That was one time."
"Twice," she corrected immediately, leaning forward slightly.
He pointed at her with mock accusation. "You were the one laughing so hard that the entire crew noticed."
"Because you tried to act like nothing happened while still sliding forward," she said, her voice warm with laughter.
Alex shook his head, though the smile stayed. "You're still holding that against me."
Kate's expression softened. "Some memories are worth holding onto."
They kept talking about small things...
Their food arrived. The waiter placed the plates carefully before stepping away again. The aroma filled the space between them, and for a second, they focused on their meals.
Kate took a small bite, then nodded approvingly. "Okay, this is really good."
Alex tasted his as well, giving a small approving hum. "Yeah, they haven't lost their touch."
They ate comfortably for a minute, the conversation drifting naturally again.
Kate wiped her lips lightly with her napkin before glancing at him. "So, I have to ask. You don't usually call people for lunch unless there's something interesting involved."
Alex leaned back slightly. "You know me too well."
She smiled faintly.
He watched her for a moment, then his expression shifted slightly, more thoughtful now. "I wanted to ask you something before I even mention the role."
Kate straightened subtly, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Okay. I'm listening."
"How do you feel about stepping outside your comfort zone?" he asked with a serious expression. "I mean completely outside. Something different from what people expect from you."
Kate paused, considering the question seriously. She set her fork down and leaned back slightly, her gaze thoughtful.
"I think that depends," she said slowly. "Different how?"
Alex tilted his head slightly, studying her reaction. "Different personality. Different tone. Maybe even someone who doesn't lean into emotional vulnerability the way you usually do."
Kate let out a quiet breath, her eyes narrowing slightly in interest. "So... colder?"
"Maybe," Alex replied. "Or sharper. Someone unpredictable. Someone who walks into a room and makes people uncomfortable without saying much."
Kate felt a spark of excitement run through her chest. As an actress, she always wanted to play different roles, but after Titanic, all she got were romantic roles. So, she'd been looking for something new... different. And here it was... Her chance to get out of the bubble. She leaned forward slightly, resting her forearms lightly on the table.
"That sounds fun," she admitted, a small smile forming.
Alex watched her closely. "It wouldn't be easy. It would push you into a very different space."
Kate met his gaze without hesitation. "I wouldn't be here if I wanted easy. I want to challenge myself and step into that new territory. I want to show everyone that I can also do something out of my usual comfort zone. And I promise, I'll give it my hundred percent and more."
Alex smiled faintly at her answer, clearly pleased.
"I figured you'd say that," he said quietly.
Kate looked into his eyes and waited for him to reveal this new role.
"Poison Ivy. Four live-action movie contracts, an animated series voiceover contract, and a Titan Exclusive model contract. And during the time period of these contracts, you aren't allowed to work with other studios, including modelling or any other roles. I want you to be one of Titan Studio's exclusive talents. Finally, I promise you I have a role that'll earn you your second Oscar," Alex explained as he took out a Titan card and placed it on the table before her. "Take some time to think. It's a big decision and..."
Before he could finish...
Kate extended her hand toward him, saying, "I'm in."
Alex looked at her hand. "You're in? I mean, you haven't yet read the contract and your payment..."
"Yeah. I'm in, and I trust you," She nodded with a smile. She looked too excited.
Alex shook her hand. "Alright, meet me at the Studio on Monday, and I'll prepare your contracts. Use this card for entry and don't lose it."
...
Lunch stretched longer than either of them expected. Conversation drifted from films to travel, from old memories to industry gossip, and somehow the time slipped away without either noticing. Kate found herself laughing more than she had in months, her shoulders relaxed, her guard lowered in a way that felt natural around him.
Alex paid the bill when the waiter returned. Kate noticed but did not argue. She already knew he would not change his mind.
They stood together near the table, and for a brief second, neither of them moved. Then Alex gestured toward the exit with an easy smile.
"Walk you out?"
Kate nodded. "I'd like that."
They stepped outside together, and the cold January air greeted them immediately. Kate instinctively folded her arms slightly, the thin white dress offering little protection against the chill.
Alex noticed at once. "You didn't bring a coat?"
Kate smiled sheepishly. "I may have underestimated the weather."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Okay, fine. I was so excited that I left it on the bed and halfway to the restaurant, I realized how cold it was," She replied.
He slipped off his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders. The warmth wrapped around her instantly, and she caught the faint scent of his cologne again.
"Thanks," she said softly, adjusting it around herself.
"No problem," he replied as they walked toward the front driveway where their cars were being brought around.
They stepped closer almost naturally, and Alex pulled her into a brief hug. His arms wrapped around her gently, and she leaned into him without hesitation. The moment lingered just a little longer than expected, comfortable and warm despite the cold air around them.
"See you Sunday," Kate said softly as they pulled apart, still holding his gaze.
"Sunday," Alex nodded.
Across the street, partially hidden behind a parked vehicle, a paparazzi lowered his camera after snapping several shots. The lens had captured the hug, the smiles, and the quiet moment between them from a distance.
Kate slid into her car, still smiling faintly as she closed the door. Alex watched her pull away before turning toward his own vehicle.
Behind them, the paparazzi checked the photos on his screen and grinned.
"Oh, this one's gonna blow up."
...
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