That night, the lounge was more crowded than usual. The clinking of glasses, the muffled thud of bottles, the laughter of guets, and the low hum of soft music blended into the kind of background Reina had grown used to every night. But tonight, something felt different.
His gaze.
The kind of stare that pierced straight through her, as if it could read the thoughts she was desperately trying to hide.
She tried to focus on her work—taking orders, mixing drinks, avoiding the VIP table as much as she could. Yet every time she walked past, she could feel it. Ryuu Lancaster was still there, sitting with his usual expressionless face, eyes fixed on her in a way that unsettled her.
She couldn't deny it. Since last night—since he saved her and drove her home—something inside her had shifted.
Not because of his curt words. Not because of the way he had reached out his hand. But because of the way he made her feel—small, and strangely… safe at the same time.
"Hey, Rein."
Leon nudged her, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"Huh! What is it, Senior?"
Leon chuckled, tilting his chin toward the VIP table. "You realize our VIP guest seems to be… interested in you, right?"
Her eyes widened. "What? Don't be ridiculous!"
"Hey, hey, i'm serious. He never stares at anyone like that before," Leon said, grinning.
Reina exhaled sharply. "Maybe it's just coincidence."
"If it's a coincidence, then why is he still watching you every single time you walk by?" Leon teased, his grin widening. "Face it, he's got his eyes on you."
Reina froze. She didn't dare turn her head, but deep down she knew Leon wasn't wrong. She could feel that gaze.
But why her?
---
Her shift ended earlier than she expected. As the lounge emptied, she finally exhaled in relief, retreating into the staff room for a moment of rest. Just as she sat down, her phone buzzed. The name flashing on the screen made her stomach twist.
Daniel.
Reina hesitated, torn between answering and ignoring it. She knew if she didn't pick up, he would keep calling.
"What is it, Daniel?"
"Tch, finally you answer." His voice was harsh—whether from exhaustion or alcohol, she couldn't tell.
"How long are you gonna keep working there? I told you, I don't like it."
Reina rubbed her temple, fighting the weariness in her chest. "Daniel, I work because I need the money."
He gave a short laugh, cold and cutting. "Oh, really? Or maybe you just want attention from rich, VIP customers?"
Her brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?"
"I heard from someone… you're getting close to one of your VIPs. What's his name again? Ryuu Lancaster?"
Reina froze. Her heartbeat spiked.
"Who told you that?"
"None of your business. I just want to know if it's true."
"Daniel, he's just a customer, and i'm just a bartender."
"But he watches you, doesn't he?"
Reina bit her lip. "I can't control who chooses to look at me."
Daniel's irritated scoff filled her ear. "Listen, Reina. You're my girlfriend. Don't you dare start playing around with someone else."
BEEP!
The call ended abruptly, leaving Reina with nothing but a hollow ache in her chest.
He was always like this—jealous, controlling, toxic. And if he ever found out what happened last night…
Reina shook her head. No. She couldn't let herself get involved with Ryuu Lancaster. It would only make things worse.
---
The night air was cold as she stepped out of the lounge. Hugging her arms tightly across her chest, she hurried toward the bus stop.
But she had barely walked a few meters when a sleek black sedan rolled to a stop beside her. She recognized it instantly.
The window lowered slowly, revealing the face she had been trying to avoid.
"Get in."
Reina froze. "Why?"
Ryuu's eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, his fingers tapping the steering wheel. "Going home alone again?"
"I usually do."
"At this hour? Careless as always."
It wasn't a question. It was a statement of disapproval.
'Why does he care?' she thought.
"I can't keep letting you drive me home, Sir."
He finally turned his head toward her. "And why not?"
"I… I can manage on my own."
Ryuu studied her pouty and stubborn expression, though he already knew what she wasn't saying.
'I can't let this keep happening. If it does, I don't know if I can keep my distance from you… and Daniel will only get worse,' she admitted silently to herself.
"I don't want to burden you," she muttered.
Ryuu was quiet for a moment, then unlocked the door from inside.
"Get in. There's a group of drunks up ahead. Not safe to walk alone." His tone was calm, without force—but it left no room for refusal.
Her heart skipped. Fear and hesitation mingled inside her until finally, she gave in and slid into the seat.
The ride was silent. Reina stole glances at him, his face unreadable, focused on the road.
She raised her voice a little. "Why are you being so kind to me?"
Still staring ahead, he didn't answer immediately. Finally, he said, "No reason. Just… pity."
Her lips pressed together in irritation, fists curling in her lap.
Ryuu smirked faintly. "Would you prefer if I had other intentions instead?"
Her eyes darted away. "T-that's not what I meant…!"
"Relax, Reina. I won't do anything without your consent."
His words sent a strange shiver down her spine.
"Don't twist it into something dangerous!" she snapped.
Ryuu tilted his head, his voice low, almost teasing. "Hard not to. Part of me wants to stay away. Another part feels… pity. And something more."
"Alright then. Just… keep a safe distance, okay?"
He only nodded, though deep inside, a primal instinct stirred.
---
When the car stopped in front of her apartment building, Reina opened the door. "Thank you for the ride, Sir."
But before she could step out, Ryuu spoke.
"Your boyfriend… he likes controlling you, doesn't he?"
Her breath caught. "M-my boyfriend…? H-how do you know that?"
Ryuu looked at her briefly before turning back to the road.