The hotel hallway was quiet, the soft hum of the air conditioning the only sound as you walked past the rows of identical doors. You gripped your suitcase firmly, your fingers tightening around the handle as you searched for your room. The dim lighting cast long shadows along the walls, making the space feel emptier than it probably was.

Finally, you stopped in front of the right door. Getting out the key, you slid it into the lock, twisting the handle to push it open. But just as you stepped forward, the door swung open from the other side.

You collided with someone—your body jolting slightly as the unexpected impact sent a brief shock through you. A sharp intake of breath escaped you as you stumbled back a step, and the other person did the same.

When you looked up, your eyes met his.

Lucas Jade Zumann.

For a second, neither of you spoke. His expression was one of mild surprise, eyebrows slightly raised as he took in the situation. He was taller than you by a few inches, and the way he looked down at you made the moment feel even more surreal.

He blinked before tilting his head slightly, a small, curious frown forming. “Uhm, sorry about that. Is this your room too?” His eyes flickered down to the suitcase in your grip, realization dawning on him. His stance relaxed slightly, but there was still a trace of confusion in his expression.

You stood there for a moment, processing what had just happened. Of all people, of all places—Lucas Jade Zumann was standing in the doorway of your hotel room. How did this happen? Two people booking the same room at the same time? You didn’t know what to think.