Minra had barely slept.

  Even after she had escaped from the kitchen.

  Even after she had buried herself under the blankets, forcing her mind to think about anything else.

  It didn’t work.

  Because he was still there.

  Not just in the next room.

  But in her head.

  And now, morning had come.

  Which meant she had to face him again.

  .

  Minra forced herself to sit up.

  Her head felt heavy.

  Not exactly a hangover—but close enough.

  The expensive wine had been way too smooth, way too deceiving.

  She groaned softly, running a hand through her hair.

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  She needed to get to work.

  Now.

  Even if she was exhausted.

  Even if her body screamed for more rest.

  Because there was no way she’d stay here any longer than necessary.

  She swung her legs off the bed, preparing to stand—

  But before she could even move—

  A knock on the door.

  Followed by a too-familiar voice.

  “You don’t have to rush.”

  Minra froze.

  Shuun.

  .

  She swallowed, forcing her voice to stay even.

  “I have to be on set.”

  A pause.

  Then—his voice again.

  “I moved the call time.”

  Minra’s eyes widened.

  “…What?”

  Shuun leaned against the doorframe, completely unfazed.

  “I told them to push the casting session to the afternoon.”

  Minra blinked.

  “…Why?”

  Shuun tilted his head slightly.

  “So you can sleep a little longer.”

  Minra’s heart jumped.

  .

  She stared at him.

  Tried to process what he just said.

  Tried to tell herself it didn’t mean anything.

  But…

  Something about it felt different.

  Because it wasn’t like he changed the entire schedule.

  It wasn’t a grand gesture.

  It was just a small, simple thing.

  A small, simple thing that made her heart flutter.

  Like he…cared.

  Not in some dramatic way.

  Not in a way that demanded attention.

  But in a way that was effortless.

  Like it was just natural for him to notice.

  Like it was just normal for him to adjust things for her.

  And Minra?

  Minra didn’t know how to handle that.

  The Struggle to Respond

  She cleared her throat, crossing her arms.

  “You didn’t have to do that.”

  Shuun smirked slightly. “I know.”

  Minra exhaled slowly.

  “I’m still getting up.”

  Shuun raised an eyebrow. “Suit yourself.”

  Then, before she could argue more—he turned and walked away.

  Just like that.

  Like it wasn’t a big deal.

  Like he hadn’t just completely thrown her off balance.

  Minra stared at the doorway, her chest feeling weirdly warm.

  And for the first time, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to fight this feeling.

  .

  Chapter 22: The Way She Started Seeing Him Differently