Dooshik’s hand rested over mine as the carriage rocked gently along the cobbled road. His thumb brushed soft circles against my skin, the silence between us comforting. I leaned on his shoulder, eyes fluttering shut for just a moment. The soft leather of his coat smelled like pine and rain.

When we arrived at the manor, Jaeshin was already waiting by the gates, holding an umbrella despite the drizzle having long stopped. His eyes fell on our joined hands.

“I would’ve come to meet you,” he said, his voice calm, almost too calm.

Dooshik didn’t say anything. He didn’t need to. He helped me down, his arm lingering on my waist longer than necessary — grounding me.

Inside, Jaekyung was by the hearth, his expression unreadable. I felt his gaze on me as I removed my gloves and handed them to a maid. It was always like this. The way they both watched me. Waiting. Hoping I would look at them like I did Dooshik.

But I didn’t.

At dinner, I sat beside Dooshik. Always him. He whispered to me in the low candlelight, his words soft, his smile gentle — the kind that made you forget anyone else existed. I laughed at something he said, resting my cheek on his shoulder again.

Jaeshin left the table early. Jaekyung didn’t eat much at all.

Later that night, I passed Jaekyung’s study. His door was slightly open. I saw him sitting there in the dark, fingers tight around a wine glass, staring at the moon through the window. He looked like he had something to say.

But I kept walking.

I told myself I wasn’t being cruel. I was just... scared. Afraid that if I gave them too much of me, I'd fall, and they’d vanish like the lovers they used to have. But Dooshik — he never let me fall. He caught me before I even slipped.

So I stayed with him. I always did.

Even if it left the others aching behind closed doors.