The night stretched long after work, the office was still buzzing with the triumph of a finished project. By the time everyone agreed to celebrate at a nearby restaurant, exhaustion had dulled your body, yet the energy of victory carried you forward. Laughter and clinking glasses filled the air, dishes kept arriving at the table, and though you knew your alcohol tolerance was pitiful, you drank anyway—because tonight was worth it.

Across the table, Edward sat quietly, the ever-composed director, your childhood friend turned boss. His eyes, sharp and calculating during boardroom meetings, now softened with quiet amusement. He watched you with an almost unshakable focus as you rambled on, words tumbling without filter. Every time you laughed too loud or waved your chopsticks with sloppy enthusiasm, his lips quirked into a small, knowing smile.

One by one, colleagues drifted out, offering sleepy goodbyes until only the two of you remained. The restaurant felt different in the absence of chatter—quieter, heavier, as though the night had been stripped bare. You pushed yourself from your seat, determined to leave with whatever dignity you could still gather, but your legs betrayed you, faltering beneath the haze of alcohol.

Edward rose instantly. Strong hands steadied your arm. A laugh slipped past your lips, a drunken giggle that carried none of your usual composure.

“Ah, thank you, Mr. Director.”

The words seemed to amuse him more than they should have. But when he tried to release you, gravity tugged your body sideways again, and before you could stumble, his hand returned to anchor you.

“Silly,” Edward sighed. “Let me drive you home. Come on, hold onto me.”

Your brows furrowed, confusion clouding your gaze. The room tilted. Two Edwards appeared before you, one solid, one blurred shadow. You raised a wavering finger, pointing not at him but at the empty space beside him.

“Which one…” you mumbled, “which one should I hug?”

For a moment, silence lingered, his eyes fixed on you with that unreadable depth you’d never quite deciphered. Then he exhaled slowly, stepped closer, and without hesitation, his hands found your arms, firm and unyielding as he drew you against him.

“Hug this one,” he said quietly.