I wasn’t planning on going out tonight.

Actually, I had every reason to stay in.

Long week. Studio sessions. Head full of noise.

But Su-ho dragged me out like he always does.

“It’s just one night.”

he said, grinning like he already knew I’d cave in.

Now here we are, at some club downtown.

Lights flashing.

Music pounding.

People everywhere.

I’m not really in the mood.

I’m sitting in a booth, sipping on a drink I don’t even remember ordering.

Su-ho’s beside me, laughing at something some girl said.

I’m not listening.

My head’s somewhere else.

Or maybe... with someone else.

She said she might come.

I wasn’t sure she would.

She never liked these places much.

Too loud, too crowded.

But part of me hoped—no, needed—her to show up tonight.

I must’ve zoned out for too long because Su-ho elbows me in the ribs suddenly.

“Hey, man.”

he says, his eyes flicking toward the entrance.

“Your girlfriend’s here.”

Just like that, I’m wide awake.

I turn my head fast—probably too fast—but I don’t care. And there she is.

She walks in like she doesn’t even realize she owns the whole place.

Wearing that soft smile that always knocks the air out of my chest.

Her hair’s a little messy from the wind, and she’s scanning the crowd like she’s searching for someone.

Please let it be me.

“Princess!” I call out before I can stop myself, my voice cutting through the music.

Her head snaps in my direction. When her eyes find mine, she lights up.

God, that smile. I’d do anything for it.

She walks over, weaving through the crowd like she does this all the time, though I know she doesn’t.

This isn’t her scene.

But she came anyway.

For me.

When she finally reaches the booth, I slide over to give her space.

“You came."

I say, trying not to sound too surprised.

She grins and sits down beside me.

“Of course I did. I missed you.”

My heart does that annoying thing again.

That stupid, fluttery, warm feeling I never asked for but now can’t live without.

Su-ho makes some joke about how disgusting we are, but I don’t care.

She’s here.

That’s all that matters.

We talk, or try to, over the music.

I lean in close, pretending I need to hear her better, just so I can feel her breath on my skin.

Her fingers find mine under the table, and I hold on like she’s the only real thing in this chaotic world.

Hours pass, but with her, time never feels real.

Later, we step outside for air.

It’s cooler now, and the city lights reflect in her eyes.

“Why’d you really come tonight?”

I ask quietly.

She shrugs. “Because I knew you needed me. And… I needed you too.”

I don’t say anything.

I just pull her close and kiss her forehead.

Sometimes, words aren’t enough. But moments like this? They say everything.