Downstairs — Gu Sean and Xan
The moment Nicole's door locked upstairs, Gu Sean turned on Xan like a switch flipping.
"What did you do?" Gu Sean hissed.
Xan's eyes narrowed. "What did I do?"
"You made her uncomfortable," Gu Sean said sharply. "She ran."
Xan scoffed. "She ran because you walked into Ash's apartment acting like you owned her."
Gu Sean stepped closer, voice low and dangerous. "She's my wife."
Xan's expression hardened. "And she looked happier when she thought you weren't coming."
Gu Sean froze.
That hit too deep.
Xan exhaled sharply. "We agreed—no jealousy. No fighting. Remember?"
Gu Sean clenched his jaw so hard it ached.
"Fine," he said, turning away.
But his hands were trembling.
Not from anger.
From fear.
Because for the first time, Gu Sean realized something he couldn't ignore:
Nicole wasn't just running from danger.
She was running from them.
And if he didn't fix that—
He would lose her.
⸻
That Night — The First Awkward Dinner
Dinner was served at seven.
Nicole came down reluctantly, moving like a cautious animal, eyes darting between them. She wore an oversized lavender sweater and soft shorts—comfortable, defensive. Her hair was loose, wavy, still slightly damp.
She looked adorable.
Both men noticed.
Both pretended they didn't.
The dining table was enormous.
And somehow, the three of them still felt too close.
Food sat in front of them—perfectly plated, untouched.
The only sound was silverware clinking softly… and Nicole's heart pounding in her ears.
Gu Sean cleared his throat. "How was your day?"
Nicole blinked like she didn't expect kindness. "Fine."
Xan nodded slightly. "Did you eat earlier?"
Nicole's eyes narrowed. "Yes."
Silence again.
Ash would've had a field day watching this.
Gu Sean tried again, voice softer. "Nicole… about earlier—"
Nicole cut him off quickly. "We're not talking about feelings at dinner."
Gu Sean's mouth shut.
Xan's lips twitched faintly like he was trying not to smile.
Nicole noticed.
"Don't," she warned.
Xan lifted both hands slightly. "I didn't say anything."
Nicole stabbed a piece of food aggressively.
Gu Sean watched her like she was the most fragile thing in the world.
Xan watched her like she was the most fascinating.
Nicole felt both of their gazes like heat on her skin.
She swallowed hard, cheeks flushing again.
This was going to be a long night.
And somehow—
it was only the beginning.