The ride back to the mansion was quiet at first—not the awkward kind of quiet, but the kind that feels like a warm blanket after a long, exhausting day. The city lights streaked past the car windows, turning into blurred rivers of gold. My head rested against the soft leather seat, and for the first time in days, I let myself just breathe.
Joonseo's hand found mine between us, his thumb brushing lightly over my knuckles. "You handled yourself perfectly tonight," he said in that low, calm voice of his. "Better than I imagined."
I let out a little laugh. "Better than you imagined? What, you thought I'd throw a cake at her?"
He chuckled, and the sound was like a deep vibration in the air between us. "Honestly? The thought crossed my mind."
"I was tempted," I admitted, leaning my head toward him. "That cake was huge. I think I could have taken her out with one slice."
