The movie ended with the warm chatter of people stretching, standing, and gathering their bags, but Hye-rin barely registered any of it. Her mind kept circling back to Min-jae's quiet confession—I know about the contract. Even as she walked out into the cool night air with Se-hee tugging at her arm and rambling about the plot twist, she felt like she was moving underwater.
Min-jae followed them out of the cinema lobby, hands tucked in his pockets, shoulders slightly hunched as though the world had suddenly become too heavy. When her eyes accidentally met his, he offered a small, almost apologetic smile.
"Let me drop you off," he said gently. "It's late."
Hye-rin shook her head immediately. "No, no—Joon-hyuk sent his car. The chauffeur is waiting."
She tried to keep her voice light, normal, but it trembled anyway.
Min-jae didn't push, but the disappointment flickered. "Alright. Get home safely."
