The soft melody continued playing, slow and beautiful, as Nik hit the final note.
Ash, still standing in the same spot, couldn't help but smile. He clapped his hands enthusiastically.
"Wow… that was beautiful," he said.
Nik, on the other hand, ignored the compliment. He took a deep breath and moved toward the nearby sofa, where the violin box sat. Sitting down, he carefully placed the instrument inside.
"Weren't you supposed to be with Dmitri?" he asked casually.
Ash leaned against the wall, looking down as if thinking, then turned to Nik with a teasing grin.
"Yeah… but your melody drew me in," he said playfully.
Nik looked at him,a faint blush appeared, but his voice was firm.
"As you're here, let me say this,whatever happened between us before. it was a mistake–Just because circumstances. So let's ensure to behave formally."
Ash raised an eyebrow and said calmly.
"Speaking about that… why didn't you tell me your real identity earlier? When you said you were a guard. I felt something was off about it."
Nik clicked the box closed and it placed back on the sofa near him.
"you knowing Now or back then, makes no difference you. Nothing changes." Nik said looking at Ash calmly.
He then stood up and started walking toward the door. As he passed Ash, Ash immediately reached out and grabbed his hand.
Nik turned his head, meeting Ash's gaze.
"Where are you going?" Ash asked.
Nik's eyes narrowed slightly.
"First, you're not my guard. And second… it's none of your business."
Slowly pulling hus hand, he exited the room and made his way down the corridor.
A few steps later, Nik spotted Dmitri in the hallway. Dmitri looked up and called,
"Nik! Have you seen Ashley?"
Nik shook his head slightly, keeping his expression neutral.
"No," he said simply, and walked on.
******************
The night drifted by slowly. Water trickled over Ash's toned muscles as he stood under the warm shower, feeling his body relax with every drop. In the end , Dmitri forced him to sleep in the room–—but in this moment, with warm water flowing over his body, he didn't regret it at all.
Rinsing the soap from his hair, he stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist. Moving to the mirror, he touched the tips of his damp hair. Time for a haircut, he thought. His hair had grown quite long; the last trim was back when he was supposed to start work as a debt collector.
A sudden knock on the door startled him. Quickly, he slipped on a pair of pants. Opening the door, he found Dmitri standing there, wearing shorts and an oversized T-shirt that made him look surprisingly small.
"Boss… any problem?" Ash asked, raising an eyebrow.
Dmitri's gaze lingered on Ash's chest for a moment before he snapped back to attention. "Hi," he said with a small smile. His eyes caught the droplets of water clinging to Ash's hair. HmmmFresh from the shower , Dmitri thought–and an idea sparked in his mind.
Without hesitation, Dmitri entered the room, grabbed Ash's hand, and started pulling him toward the bed.
"Hey!" Ash protested, but Dmitri paused, looking at him with a teasing grin. "You just got out of the bath, right? Let me help dry your hair," he said, continuing to guide him.
Ash tried to protest again. "It's fine, really—no need," he said. But Dmitri ignored him, moving with confident ease. Soon, Ash was seated on the bed, and Dmitri leaned over, placing his hands gently on Ash's shoulders.
"After all," Dmitri said with a playful smile, "as my personal guard, I also have to take care of you right."
Ash pressed the bridge of his nose with a sigh. " You know what? Do whatever you want just close the door."
A low chuckle escaped Dmitri "Yeah, we need some privacy," he said a clear tease in his voice before closing it. He returned to the bed and grabbed the hairdryer from the cupboard.
Taking a comfortable spot behind him on the bed, Dmitri gently began drying his hair, gently massaging his scalp as the warm air blew through the damp strands. Ash closed his eyes, enjoying the sensation, so relaxed that he didn't notice when Dmitri finished.
"Ashley," Dmitri called softly.
Ash opened his eyes and lifted his chin, meeting Dmitri's grin. Dmitri eyes sparkled, clearly amused." Look like I did a good job"
" Thanks" he murmured.
Smirking, Dmitri gave him a quick peck on the nose, then set the hairdryer aside and collapsed onto the bed.
" Oh and before I forget, we're going shopping tomorrow" he said casually.
"Shopping" Ash echoed, turning to look at him.
"Yeah" Dmitri replied " Our mom's funeral thanksgiving is coming up soon, and Nik and I have always been the one to handle it all–from buying supplies to arranging and decorating."
"We believe doing all if this on our own will make her happy" he went on.
Silence lingered after that. Minutes later Ash realized Dmitri had already drifted into a deep sleep.
****************
10 News
"Good evening, everyone. Tonight, we bring you an urgent health alert. In the past few days, there have been multiple reports of individuals developing widespread rashes accompanied by severe swelling. All cases appear to be linked to the consumption of the same unknown drug. To provide more details, Here in the studio with us is CID(Criminal Investigation Department) Agent Inspector James Cart. Sir, what can you tell us about this dangerous substance?"
CID Agent:"Thank you. Our laboratory tests have confirmed that the drug contains two highly toxic compounds—Hydroxyline and Oxy-14. Both are extremely hazardous to humans. Fortunately, those affected so far have experienced only fever and skin rashes, suggesting that the dosage used by the distributors is currently low. However, this could change at any moment."
Journalist: "Sir, have the authorities identified the people responsible for producing and distributing this drug?"
CID Agent: "Not yet, but our team is actively pursuing all leads. We urge the public to remain vigilant.Even a small amount can pose serious health risks."
"Thank you, Inspector Cart. Everyone, please take this warning seriously. Authorities continue their investigation, but the drug remains in circulation. Stay safe and stay alert. This is 10 News—your trusted source for the latest updates."