As they stepped out of the restaurant, Denial turned to her.
"Where's your home? Come on, I'll drop you off," he offered.
Sohee shook her head quickly. "No, sir, it's alright. I'll take the bus."
"At this hour? Who knows when you'll even find one," Denial countered gently. "It's better if I drive you home."
Sohee hesitated… but in the end, she couldn't refuse him.
Inside the car, she glanced at him shyly. "Thank you… again."
Denial chuckled. "You don't have to thank me every time."
She smiled faintly. "I just meant—"
"It's okay," he interrupted softly, his eyes still on the road.
He dropped her off at the address she gave. Just as he was about to leave, Sohee called out,
"Sir… it's your first time coming to my home. I can't just let you leave like this."
"Not tonight," Denial replied with a small smile. "It's late. Go inside and rest. We'll meet at the office tomorrow."
Sohee nodded reluctantly, watching him drive away.
As she unlocked her door, a thought flickered in her mind — a wish she would never dare to voice. If only… if only he stayed tonight… I'd hold him close, feel his warmth… I miss the strength of his arms, the way his face looks when he smiles.
The sudden chime of the doorbell pulled her from her thoughts.
When she opened it, Denial was standing there.
Before she could speak, he stepped inside and closed the door behind him. His hand cupped her cheek, and then his lips were on hers — firm, hungry, yet achingly gentle.
Her heart raced as she melted into the kiss. Without thinking, her hands found the edge of his coat, sliding it off his shoulders. His touch was warm, protective, and impossibly close.
They moved together as if the world outside didn't exist — a tangle of stolen breaths, lingering touches, and unspoken promises. Every moment felt deeper than the last, until the night itself seemed to wrap around them.
Hours later, Sohee lay curled against him, her body pleasantly weary, her heart full.
"You don't have to come to the office today," Denial murmured, brushing her hair back. "Rest. I'll handle things."
In the morning, she woke to find the space beside her empty, but on the bedside table lay a note in his familiar handwriting:
Don't worry. If you need me, I'll be here.
Sohee read it with a soft smile, pressing the paper to her chest. If he comes again tonight… I'll hold him close. I'll make him feel how grateful I am…
Her heart skipped, already longing for the next time his footsteps would cross her doorstep.
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