Sleep came quickly once Nicole finally settled, exhaustion wrapping around her like a heavy blanket. The unfamiliar luxury of the bed, the quiet hum of the estate, the emotional weight of the day—it all pulled her under before she even realized it.
At first, the dream was distant.
Then it sharpened.
Salt filled her lungs. The sharp, metallic scent of the ocean mixed with panic. Waves crashed over her again and again, relentless, merciless. The water was freezing, stealing her breath, dragging her limbs down as exhaustion seeped into her bones. Her body felt heavy, unresponsive, as if it no longer belonged to her.
I can't fight anymore.
Fear hummed in the air, loud and suffocating. Her thoughts slowed, edges blurring as acceptance crept in—quiet, terrifying peace settling where panic once screamed.
Then—arms.
Strong. Steady.
She felt herself being lifted, cradled against a solid chest. A voice—low, urgent—cut through the roar of the sea. She tried to lift her head, to see his face, to remember—
"Nicole!"
Her body jerked violently as she tossed in the bed, a broken sob ripping from her chest. Tears soaked the pillow, her hands clutching the sheets as if they could anchor her back to reality.
The sound echoed down the hall.
⸻
Gu Sean woke instantly.
The sound pierced straight through him, sharp and wrong. His chest tightened before his mind fully caught up.
"Nicole?" he called, already sitting up.
Another broken cry answered him.
Fear gripped him as he swung his legs over the bed and rushed into the hall, bare feet silent against the polished floor. He didn't hesitate—he knocked once, sharply.
"Nicole!"
No answer.
He knocked again, harder this time. "Nicole, open the door!"
Nothing.
Panic surged. He opened the door without waiting.
Nicole thrashed beneath the covers, hair damp with sweat, face twisted in anguish. Her breathing was uneven, shallow, as if she were still fighting the sea.
"Nicole," Gu Sean said urgently, moving to her side. He reached out, hesitated only a second, then placed both hands on her shoulders. "Nicole, wake up."
He shook her gently at first—then more firmly.
Her eyes flew open with a sharp gasp. She sucked in air like she'd been underwater, body jerking upright as her gaze locked onto his.
For a second, she didn't recognize him.
Then the room came into focus. The dim lighting. The familiar lavender walls.
Him.
Her expression shifted from fear to confusion… then embarrassment.
She swallowed hard, glancing down at herself. Her clothes were damp, her skin flushed, chest rising and falling too fast.
"What—" her voice cracked. She cleared her throat. "What are you doing here? Is… is everything okay?"
Gu Sean let out a quiet breath, a soft chuckle escaping him—pure relief. "I should be asking you that," he said gently. "You scared me."
Nicole rubbed the back of her neck, anxiety creeping in. "I'm sorry. I was having a nightmare." She hesitated, eyes flickering away. "I… I was in an accident a while back. I'm still healing from it." She forced a small, tired smile. "I'm not ready to talk about it yet. But thank you for checking on me. I hope I didn't bother you."
Gu Sean's expression softened, something protective settling into his gaze. "You didn't bother me," he said sincerely. "Healing takes time. And when you're ready—if you ever want to talk—I'll listen."
He straightened slightly, giving her space. "For now, get some rest. You can start late tomorrow. Tonight's been… a lot."
The warmth of his concern lingered as he turned to leave.
"Wait."
Her fingers closed around his wrist—light, hesitant, as if she might let go at any second.
He froze.
Slowly, he turned back to her.
Nicole's cheeks were flushed, eyes still glassy from tears. "If I'm not overstepping…" she said quietly, voice barely above a whisper, "could you… keep me company tonight?"
Gu Sean didn't breathe.
Every instinct in him screamed to move closer, to pull her into his arms—but he stayed still, terrified that any sudden reaction might make her retreat.
He met her gaze, his expression calm despite the chaos racing through him. "If that's what you need," he said evenly, "I'm here."
The air between them thickened, heavy with unspoken things—fear, comfort, longing, restraint.
Then Nicole moved.
Slowly. Carefully.
She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his.
Gu Sean froze.
For half a second, time stopped.
Then his hand lifted instinctively—hovering just short of her waist—as if asking permission even now. His breath hitched, heart pounding against his ribs.
And in that quiet, fragile moment, neither of them pulled away.