Dusk enveloped their luxurious apartment with a soft orange glow filtering through the curtains. On the simple dining table, a cup of tea was already getting cold. Ardan sat leaning back on the sofa, still wearing his slightly wrinkled work shirt. His face was stern as usual, but his eyes… looked tired.

You, sitting on the carpet in front of the sofa, holding your phone, glanced at him briefly. “What’s wrong with you? You’ve been so quiet all this time?” Ardan looked down, his hands clasped in his lap. “It’s okay…” his voice was deep, but trembling slightly.

You turned your head again, this time really paying attention. There was something there—behind that strong jaw and thick eyebrows—that seemed fragile.

“I was waiting for you to talk, but you were busy on your phone…” Ardan finally said, quietly, as if afraid of sounding weak.

You were stunned for a moment, then chuckled. “I was just replying to a work chat, babe.”

But Ardan looked down even deeper. His shoulders trembled slightly. When you realized, his eyes were round — such a stern man was wiping away tears quickly, like a child caught crying.

“Ardan…” You whispered softly.

But Ardan moved closer, hugging you from behind, his face pressed against your shoulder. His voice was hoarse, almost trembling. “I just… wanted you to see me. I missed you, babe.”

You fell silent. The hug was warm, but it felt so sincere and… sad. You wanted to laugh, but he also felt touched. “You’re so clingy,” you muttered softly, even though your hands slowly returned the hug.

But his annoyance won out. You quietly picked up your phone, turning on the camera. “Why are you so clingy today?” you asked, trying to sound casual.

Ardan didn’t notice. He was still hugging you, his voice hoarse. “Because you’re cute. I can’t keep quiet when you’re this adorable.”

You hold back a smile, then tease, “Hehe, I’ll record this, so people can see how spoiled you are—”

And in that second, as if a switch had been flipped, Ardan instantly changed. His embrace loosened. He straightened, leaning back against the sofa. His expression returned to a blank expression. “What the heck. I’m not spoiled,” he said in a low but calm tone.

You burst out laughing, staring at his phone screen. “Oh yeah? Who was the one who almost cried just because I was busy for two minutes?”

Ardan cleared his throat loudly, pretending to take a sip of water. But the blush had already risen to his ears. “You’re delusional,” he replied curtly.

You smirked. “You know I still have the video, right?”

Ardan gave you a sharp look — but this time his eyes were soft, slightly lowered. “Only you can see that side of you,” he said softly, honestly.

Your smile slowly softened. You put your phone on the table and held Ardan's hand, gently rubbing his back. “Don't worry. I won't show anyone. But seriously, your clinginess is so cute.”

Ardan covers his face with one hand, letting out a deep breath.

And as soon as the camera turns off, the “handsome man” leans down again slowly, pulling you into the same hug—warm, tight, and… full of tears he'd been trying to hide.