"Aren't you going to ask why you ended up here?"
The words slipped out before he could stop them, his annoyance leaking into every syllable.
"I... I fell asleep. Sorry!"
She looked up at him with guilty eyes, hands pressed together like she was praying for forgiveness.
This wasn't how Ice had pictured the conversation going.
He just wanted to clear the air—to make sure she didn't get the wrong idea.
He hated being misunderstood. It was frustrating in ways he couldn't explain.
"I was so tired yesterday—but not from the baking!" she added quickly, her voice rising in panic. "I had a shoot that morning and only slept for an hour. When I have work weeks like that, my body just collapses. But I know that's not an excuse! Sorry!"
She bowed her head again, eyes wide and filled with genuine regret.
Ice blinked.
The irritation bubbling inside him fizzled out instantly, replaced by a quiet, unfamiliar weight in his chest.
He hadn't expected this. Her honesty, her sincere apology—it caught him off guard.
"That's fine," he said quickly, unsure if it even sounded right. The words felt flat, inadequate. He didn't know how to reassure her.
"Thank you so much for taking care of me!"
She bowed again, so deeply and sincerely it made him pause.
Was this a cultural thing? Or was she just this grateful? Either way, she meant it—even if it felt a little over the top.
"Just don't do that again."
His voice turned firm, slipping into big brother mode before he could stop himself. "It's not safe. Especially with guys you barely know."
But instead of being upset, she grinned. Bright, unbothered, and completely sincere.
"I know, I know. But it's you, Ice! I know I'm safe."
He wanted to argue. He really did.
But the way she looked at him—with that bright, unshakable confidence—made him hesitate.
She didn't get it. She didn't understand the danger.
And yet... it didn't feel worth pushing.
With a huff, he stood up, trying to walk away before he said something he'd regret.
"I'll just hit the shower. Then we'll head to class."
"Aye aye, sir!" She saluted him with all the enthusiasm of a cartoon mascot.
He rolled his eyes. Childish.
The cold water washed away the last of his irritation.
Standing under the stream, Ice let the silence soak into his thoughts.
Fire.
What was she doing now? Had she touched anything? Broken anything?
He hated when people messed with his space. It wasn't about the mess—it was the principle.
He sighed. Hopefully, nothing was out of place when he stepped out.
I want to kick her out of here so bad.
The thought burned in the back of his mind, heat simmering just beneath the surface.
Then—
a loud scream shattered the air.
High-pitched. Panicked.
Fire.
He bolted from the bathroom, tying his robe in a quick, messy knot.
Still dripping wet, he rushed toward the sound.
"What's happening?"
His voice came out sharp, edged with irritation.
But she didn't even hear him.
Her eyes were glued to the wall, body frozen as she backed away, fear etched all over her face.
"Hey, stop!"
He moved closer, realizing a second too late
she was about to trip.
"Hey, Fire, stop!"
Too late.
Thud!
She collapsed off the bed and hit the floor with a loud crash. Thankfully, she'd landed in a relatively safe spot.
Still, it didn't mean it didn't hurt.
"What the hell were you thinking?"
He moved to her side. She was clutching her legs, wincing, but not seriously hurt.
"Ice-su!"
She whined, rubbing her ankle. "Why didn't you catch me?"
Her tearful, accusing glare hit him straight in the chest.
He stared at her, unmoved.
She clearly wanted sympathy. Comfort.
But the words wouldn't come.
Are you really that foolish?
The thought slipped through, sharp and unfiltered.
Her wide, vulnerable eyes stared up at him with raw innocence—and yet... he couldn't bring himself to reassure her.
It wasn't that he didn't care.
"There was a lizard on the wall! It was chasing me!"
She cried out, voice trembling.
What is she, five?
He looked down at her, unimpressed.
"Are you just gonna lie there, or are you actually gonna get up?"
"Can you at least chase the lizard away?!"
The desperation in her voice made him sigh.
He raised an eyebrow, completely done with the situation.
"What lizard? That one?"
He pointed vaguely in the direction near her without even bothering to look.
She followed his gaze with wide eyes, clearly waiting for him to do something.
He smirked.
This was ridiculous.
Something he'd definitely regret.