Jaeyel wasn’t sure when things started to shift.

Maybe it was on the beach, or maybe it was after that night on the rooftop. Or perhaps it was the way Yang kept appearing at just the right moments—his presence always cool and composed, yet somehow… grounding.

Either way, something between them was changing.

And Jaeyel wasn’t sure what to make of it.

---

It started with small things.

Like today, when Jaeyel was rushing between schedules and had barely eaten anything since morning.

“Take this.”

Jaeyel blinked as a small, neatly wrapped protein bar was placed in front of him. He looked up, startled to see Yang standing there, one hand still in his pocket, watching him with that unreadable gaze.

Jaeyel hesitated. “Uh… this is for me?”

Yang sighed. “You haven’t eaten.”

Jaeyel frowned. “How do you—” He stopped himself. Of course Yang knew. CEO or not, the man seemed to have eyes everywhere.

Still, this was unexpected.

Jaeyel reached for the protein bar, turning it over in his hands. “Thank you, CEO Yang.”

“Just eat.”

Jaeyel bit back a smile at the curt response and opened the wrapper.

Yang didn’t wait around for a reaction. He simply turned and walked off, his presence disappearing as quickly as it came.

Jaeyel chewed thoughtfully, watching him go.

Strange.

But… not unwelcome.

---

Then came the unplanned meeting.

It was late. Dance practice had drained every last bit of Jaeyel’s energy, and all he wanted was to get back to the dorm and collapse into bed.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead, slinging his bag over his shoulder as he pushed the door open—

And ran straight into a solid chest.

A firm hand caught his wrist just as he stumbled back, steadying him before he could completely lose his balance.

Jaeyel blinked, heart still catching up to the sudden movement.

“Careful.”

That voice— unmistakable.

Jaeyel looked up, only to be met with Yang’s sharp gaze, standing just inches away.

Again.

“CEO Yang…?” His voice came out quieter than he expected, thrown off by how close they were.

Yang didn’t let go immediately. His grip wasn’t tight, but it was firm—steady. Like he was making sure Jaeyel had his footing before he let go. And for some reason, that small detail made Jaeyel’s pulse jump.

Finally, Yang released his wrist, taking a step back like nothing had happened. “You should watch where you’re going.”

Jaeyel exhaled, willing himself to act normal. “Yeah… I was just—uh, heading out.”

Yang gave a small nod, but there was something unreadable in his gaze. Not cold, not harsh—just… observant. Like he was looking at Jaeyel a little too closely.

Jaeyel swallowed, suddenly feeling way too aware of the lingering warmth on his wrist.

Yang glanced at him, then at the practice room behind him. “You’re still here.”

Jaeyel let out a tired chuckle. “Yeah. Can’t exactly debut and slack off at the same time, right?”

Yang studied him for a moment before speaking. “I’ll take you home.”

Jaeyel froze. “…What?”

Yang was already walking. “Come on.”

Jaeyel blinked after him.

Wait. Was he serious?

The CEO of the company was offering to personally drive him home?

He should probably refuse. Say something like “That’s not necessary, sir.” Or “I can take the company van.”

But Jaeyel was too exhausted to argue.

So he sighed and followed.

---

Inside the car, the silence wasn’t as awkward as Jaeyel thought it would be.

They drove through the quiet city, the soft hum of the engine filling the space between them.

Jaeyel glanced at Yang, who was focused on the road, his expression as unreadable as ever.

He rested his head against the window, letting out a small sigh. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a schedule this packed before.”

Yang spoke without looking at him. “It’s the price of success.”

Jaeyel huffed a small laugh. “Yeah… I figured.”

Silence again.

Then Yang glanced at him. “You regret it?”

Jaeyel turned to him, a little surprised by the question.

He thought for a moment before answering. “No. But… I was probably just tired.”

Yang didn’t respond immediately.

When he finally spoke, his voice was quieter. “It doesn’t get easier.”

Jaeyel studied him. There was something in the way he said it—something almost personal.

For a second, Jaeyel wanted to ask.

But before he could, the car slowed to a stop.

“We’re here.”

Jaeyel looked out the window, realizing they had arrived at the dorm.

He unbuckled his seatbelt, hesitating for a brief moment.

“Thank you… for this.”

Yang nodded once. “Go rest.”

Jaeyel hesitated again before opening the door. But as he stepped out, he glanced back.

Yang was still watching him.

Not cold. Not distant.

Just… watching.

Jaeyel wasn’t sure why, but something about that made his chest feel tight.

He didn’t say anything else. Just shut the door behind him and walked inside.

Yang’s car didn’t leave right away.

It stayed there for a moment longer—before finally disappearing into the night.