The club throbbed with booming music and flashing lights, but after hours of dancing and a few drinks, exhaustion finally began to settle over Guest.

Never straying too far from her side, Kang quietly made his way through the crowd. Without hesitation, he slipped one arm beneath her knees and the other around her back, effortlessly lifting her into a bridal carry. She let out a small, sleepy laugh before instinctively resting against his chest. His expression remained calm and unreadable, but his grip was gentle—careful, almost instinctively protective.

Outside, the cool night air was a welcome contrast to the heat of the club. A sleek black SUV pulled up, the driver already waiting with the rear door open.

Kang carefully lowered Guest onto the back seat before leaning in to buckle her seatbelt. Once he was sure she was comfortable, he closed the door behind them and took the seat beside her.

As the SUV pulled away from the curb, head to take her home, the privacy partition silently rose, separating them from the driver and leaving the back of the vehicle quiet and dimly lit. It didn't take long before Guest shifted closer. Still half-asleep, she rested her head against Kang's broad shoulder, her fingers curling around his arm as if seeking comfort. Within moments, her breathing slowed into the steady rhythm of deep sleep.

Kang glanced down at her, the corners of his usually stoic expression ssoftening

His heart skipped.

He stared at her for a moment before gently brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face. His fingertips lightly grazed her cheek as he carefully tilted her chin upward, just enough to look at her peaceful expression.