Nicole thought leaving Ash's apartment the second time would feel easier.
It didn't.
The first time, she'd arrived soaked, shaking, heartbroken. Ash had wrapped her up like a shield and fed her warm soup like love could be served in a bowl.
But this time… Nicole stood in front of the guest room mirror with her suitcase open on the bed, staring at herself like she was trying to recognize the girl in the reflection.
Her hair was tied back in a low, messy ponytail. She wore loose gray joggers and a fitted black long-sleeve shirt—comfortable, simple, safe. No makeup. No jewelry except the ring she still hadn't taken off.
She'd tried.
But every time she slid it down her finger, her chest tightened like the band was holding her together more than it was binding her to Gu Sean.
Nicole sighed and folded a sweater into her suitcase.
Ash leaned against the doorframe with her arms crossed, watching quietly.
"You sure you wanna go back today?" Ash asked, voice softer than usual.
Nicole nodded, forcing confidence into her posture.
"I can't hide here forever," she said. "I have work. I have… responsibilities."
Ash's eyes flicked to Nicole's ring, then back to her face.
"And feelings," she muttered.
Nicole pretended she didn't hear that part.
She zipped the suitcase shut and sat on the edge of the bed for a second, exhaling.
Her stomach twisted with nerves.
Okay. One step at a time. Go home. Talk. Breathe.
A sudden knock sounded at the front door.
Nicole froze.
Ash straightened immediately. "That's probably your driver."
Nicole swallowed and stood.
She dragged her suitcase out into the hallway, heart thumping, and headed for the door.
"Okay," she called through it, trying to sound casual. "I'm coming—"
She opened the door.
And stopped mid-sentence.
Because it wasn't the driver.
It was Xan.
And Gu Sean.
Standing shoulder to shoulder like they had arrived together but hated every second of it.
Both of them looked… disheveled.
Not messy in a poor way—still expensive, still handsome, still perfectly intimidating men.
But their shirts weren't as crisp as usual. Xan's tie was slightly loosened like someone had grabbed him by it. Gu Sean's coat collar was flipped up wrong. And there was a faint, undeniable scuff mark on Gu Sean's knuckles like he'd punched something he shouldn't have.
Or someone.
Nicole stared, mouth slightly open.
Her eyes darted between them.
"…Why are you both here?" she asked slowly.
Xan cleared his throat like a man trying to pretend he hadn't been in a fight five minutes ago. "Good morning."
Gu Sean spoke at the exact same time.
"We need to talk."
They both paused.
Then glared at each other.
Nicole blinked harder. "Oh my God."
Ash appeared behind Nicole like a curious demon.
"What in the K-drama is happening?" Ash whispered.
Nicole didn't answer because she didn't have one.
Gu Sean's gaze softened slightly when he looked at Nicole, voice quieter. "Can we come in?"
Xan's expression was calm, but his eyes were sharp. "Please."
Nicole hesitated.
Every logical part of her screamed no.
But something else—curiosity, chaos, adrenaline—made her step aside.
She nodded slowly.
"…Come in."
Ash immediately backed up into the living room, eyes wide like she was about to witness history.
Gu Sean and Xan stepped inside at the same time and almost bumped shoulders.
Both stopped.
Both adjusted like they were too big to share oxygen.
Nicole shut the door and turned to face them.
They stood in her best friend's living room like two rich, beautiful problems she had accidentally summoned into existence.
"Okay," Nicole said cautiously. "Talk."
Gu Sean and Xan glanced at each other.
The tension between them was sharp, coiled, barely held back.
Then Gu Sean spoke first, voice controlled.
"We discussed your safety."
Nicole's brows lifted. "I'm safe."
Xan's jaw flexed. "You were almost killed twice."
Nicole went still.
Gu Sean continued, "We made an agreement."
Nicole's stomach sank. "An agreement about what?"
Xan exhaled slowly, then said the words like ripping off a bandage.
"I'm moving into the estate."