"Yes, we're about to," I nodded quickly—
Then clung to Dhylan's arm in panic.
Sorry, Dhylan.
You are unfortunately my human shield for today.
"Let's go." I tugged Dhylan's sleeve, ready—SO READY—to walk past Ice like he was a random NPC and not the cause of my emotional spiral today.
I dragged Dhylan with me, forcing my legs to move. Two steps.
Just two steps under the lamppost where Ice stood, silent as a statue carved from pure frost—
when suddenly a warm grip closed around my forearm.
I stopped breathing.
I turned back, slow and dramatic like in every romance manga…
Why do you have to do this?
This was supposed to be the part where the male lead pulls the heroine by the forearm, and when she looks back, she sees his pleading eyes—
the kind that say don't go.
Heartbreaking. Romantic. A scene worthy of background music and falling cherry blossoms.
But when I looked back…
it was Ice's eyes.
Annoyed.
Sharp.
Absolutely not romantic.
And yet—
my heart still sprinted like it heard the theme song of a love confession scene.
Unfair.
Totally unfair.
"We're going home."
He stepped closer, tugging me lightly—but even that tiny pull overpowered all of my brain functions.
I forgot how to react. Move. Speak.
Great. I'm just a Fire-flavored popsicle now.
Dhylan walked back toward me immediately.
"No need to worry, we're already going home," he said. His playful tone was gone—replaced with something firm. Serious.
Whao, Dhylan's so manly?!
I can imagine him saving Oriel in a hostage scene with this voice—keep it up, actor nim!
"I'll escort her home."
Ice's voice sharpened. If his eyes were flames earlier, now they were full-on wildfire aimed at Dhylan.
Then he looked at me, and I almost flinched.
"The car's in the back. Let's go."
"If she doesn't want to, you can't force her," Dhylan said, coming closer, eyes softening as he looked at me.
"Let's go?" he asked gently.
But just as he did… I felt another pull from Ice's side.
The lamppost's white glow painted everything gold and silver.
Cars passed by with rushing headlights that blurred the air.
The night felt colder than it should.
Ice's hand holding mine felt too warm.
My heartbeat felt too loud.
The silence stretched—tight, fragile—until:
I love you, DJ!
Dhylan's ringtone screamed into the night.
Dhylan jolted like someone slapped his soul.
He answered immediately, turning half away from us.
"I'll be there in a minute—yes, yes!"
His voice softened… too soft.
Guilt poked my heart.
Sorry, Dhylan…Sorry Oriel.
He pocketed his phone and smiled at me, signaling for me to go.
"It's okay, you go," I echoed, my voice finally steady.
But then—
"She said it, now go."
That was Ice.
Mocking.
LIKE A CHILD BULLY.
I glared up at him. Why are you like this?!
Thankfully, Dhylan ignored the tone.
"You sure?" he asked again.
"Yes," I nodded, smiling.
He waved goodbye and sprinted off, Oriel was probably worried sick by now.
I watched him disappear into the distance.
Then I sulked.
Like a full five-year-old.
INT – ICE'S CAR
"Can you stop pouting like that?" Ice sighed, sounding like a disappointed dad.
I puffed my cheeks even more and crossed my arms dramatically.
Perfect passenger princess behavior.
Zero shame.
"Why are you even angry?" he asked, eyes on the road.Occasionally checking my side.
"I'm not, you are!" I snapped back.
He sighed again. His glare softened—not angry, just… something else. Something I couldn't read.
"Why were you even following me?" I complained.
"I wasn't."
I turned to him, laser-focused on his lips, waiting.
He opened his mouth.
Closed it.
Opened it again.
Closed it again.
"What?!" I leaned toward him, pressing for answers.
He didn't give one.
Classic Ice.
I sat back before I distracted him into crashing the car.
Then, completely uninvited, my brain whispered:
I wonder if another girl sat here too…
This is MY seat!
…Says who?!
Ugh. Why am I like this?!
"I was just passing by and saw you," Ice finally said, voice flat.
"It was late, so I thought you'd need a ride."
His face flickered with passing lights—white, gold, red.
The car noise outside felt muffled somehow.
"You surprisingly took a long time."
His tone changed. Annoyed again.
He really wanted me to feel that.
"I was just enjoying ice cream with Dhylan," I muttered, glaring at my reflection in the side mirror.
"It's already late. I told you it's not safe. Especially with a guy."
I wanted to tell him straight to his face—
Hello? You're a guy too!
But maybe it was partly my fault. I never looked at Ice that way before. He was just… Ice. The person I trust.
Not until now.
Ugh. Why now? Why does it have to be now that every second alone with him makes my heart hyperventilate like it's training for a marathon?
I sighed.
It's always my fault. And this is just a crush— just a crush. If I keep acting like this, I'll end up ruining our friendship.
The quiet night made everything clearer. I was acting like a spoiled kid, throwing feelings everywhere. Ice was only here because he cares about his little sister.
…Okay, that still stings. A lot.
But I really need to fix myself.
Stop falling for his kindness.
Before I fall so hard I can't climb back out.
"Are you mad?"
The question drifted from my left—quiet, almost like a plea.
I turned, searching for the source, and my eyes landed on him. Ice, hands firm on the wheel, his lower lip caught between his teeth. The tiniest bite, the kind people do when they're guilty… or anxious.
His eyes didn't meet mine, but the soft curve of them, the faint sadness there, the way his shoulders slumped—it was something I'd never seen on him before. Ice didn't get flustered. Ice didn't look unsure.
But right now… he did.
Thankfully he kept his gaze on the road, because if he'd looked at me directly with those eyes—soft, wounded, almost afraid—I might've drowned right there without a fight.