Suhyuk had been waiting for hours, his car parked close to the curb under a streetlight in front of the office building, engine idling. It was long past quitting time; the crowds had completely vanished, and even the lobby lights were flickering off one by one when his gaze finally locked onto a specific spot.

A small, familiar silhouette trudged out onto the empty sidewalk. Her gait, heavy with the exhaustion of a long day, lightened as if by magic the moment she spotted the car waiting in the darkness. Soon, a bright smile of relief spread across her face, and a deep grin naturally settled on Suhyuk's lips as well.

Cutting through the cold night air, she approached with quick steps and tapped lightly on the passenger window. As if he had been waiting for that exact moment, Suhyuk pressed the switch on the driver's side door.

Through the gap of the sliding window, her thin face, hair fluttering in the night breeze, and the sheer weariness of her day seeped into the car. He immediately leaned his upper body toward the passenger side and swung the door wide open for her.

The moment she slipped inside and settled into the seat, her signature subtle perfume wafted in through the cold air.

Suhyuk watched her in silence for a long moment as she carefully closed the door with cold fingertips. Under the yellow glow of the interior light, she hugged her bag tightly to her chest and exhaled a long breath, finally looking at ease.

He adjusted the heater vents toward her and gently brushed her hair back with a warm gaze until her stiff shoulders finally relaxed.

I've been waiting. Let's go, I made a reservation at a restaurant.