As the four of you circled back toward the hotel district, the energy had softened. Hyunjin walked ahead with his headphones on, quietly humming to himself, while Lee Know trailed a few steps behind, stealing glances your way when he thought you weren't looking.
You reached the edge of the corner where your hotel street split off from theirs. That's when Chan turned to the group.
"I'm gonna walk her back to her hotel," he said casually, but with a tone that left no room for discussion. "Make sure she gets in safe."
Lee Know's brow lifted, but he nodded silently.
Hyunjin didn't even look surprised. He just smirked a little. "Yeah, of course you are."
You caught that and bit your lip to hide the smile.
"Night," Chan added to the others. "I'll catch up later."
With a quick wave to the boys, you and Chan took the quieter turn toward your hotel, the streets lined with the hush of late-night calm. The earlier tension gave way to something more peaceful—but no less magnetic.
"Sorry about them," Chan said after a moment. "They're not subtle."
"They don't need to be," you replied with a light laugh. "It's been kind of the best chaos I've ever been part of."
He smiled at that, slowing a little as the hotel came into view. "So... I meant to get you that new shirt."
You shot him a teasing look. "You meant to, huh?"
He rubbed the back of his neck, sheepish. "I got distracted by... everything else. But I'll fix it tomorrow. Promise."
"I'll believe it when I see it," you teased, folding your arms with a grin. "You're lucky I like this one."
"Good," he said, voice dipping low as he stepped a little closer, "because I like seeing you in something I gave you."
That heat from earlier sparked again—slow, steady, unmistakable.
You reached the hotel doors and turned to him. "Well, mission accomplished. I made it in one piece."
He hesitated, then pulled out his phone. "Before I go... can I get your number? I don't want this to end with just tonight."
You took his phone, heart thudding, and typed it in, adding your name with a small 💙 emoji. As you handed it back, your fingers brushed—just long enough for both of you to feel it.
"I'll text you," he said.
"You better."
He smiled, then surprised you by stepping close enough to gently press his forehead to yours, his hand resting lightly at your waist.
"Sleep well," he murmured. "You've got a front row seat waiting for you tomorrow."
You whispered, "I can't wait."
He lingered just a moment longer—his lips brushing your cheek, slow and purposeful—before stepping back into the quiet night. You watched him go, heart racing, body still buzzing from everything left unsaid. Tonight had ended. But something real had just begun.