Ara stood still, her back to him.
"Don't walk away."
His voice wasn't cold this time. It wasn't commanding either.
It was uncertain.
Slowly, she turned around.
Yura watched the exchange closely, her smile polite but eyes sharp. "Is something wrong?" she asked lightly.
Jae-min didn't look at her.
"Ara," he said, "we're going to the dinner. Together."
Ara's breath caught. "Jae-min—"
"I'll handle the assumptions," he added, his gaze steady now. "You don't have to."
For the first time, Yura's smile faltered.
"You didn't mention this to me."
"I didn't need to," he replied.
The words were calm, final.
Ara searched his face, unsure if this was a decision or another temporary convenience.
"You don't have to," she said softly.
"I know," he replied. "But I want you there."
Want.
The word echoed in her mind.
After a moment, she nodded. "Fine."
Yura stepped back, masking her reaction.
"Then I'll see you both there."
She left without another glance.
When the door closed, silence filled the room.
Ara spoke first. "You didn't hesitate this time."
He looked at her. "I almost did."
Her heart sank.
"But I didn't," he continued. "That matters."
It did.
More than she wanted to admit.
They walked out together, side by side but not touching. Yet the space between them felt charged, fragile.
As they reached the elevator, his phone buzzed.
He checked the message.
His expression changed.
"What is it?" Ara asked.
He slipped the phone back into his pocket.
"We'll talk later."
The elevator doors opened.
As they stepped inside, Ara caught a glimpse of the message reflected in the mirrored wall.
Unknown Number: She doesn't know the truth about the contract… does she?
Her chest tightened.
The doors closed.