The rooftop was quieter than usual.

You weren’t hiding. Just… thinking. About how Yugyeom handed over that money without blinking—like it didn’t mean anything. But it did. At least to the people watching.

Footsteps behind you. You didn’t need to turn. You already knew.

“You got a habit of staring, huh?”

His voice—low, casual. Like what happened earlier hadn’t stirred the entire floor.

You glanced at him. “You took his money.”

He shrugged. “He paid for respect he hasn’t earned.”

You didn’t say anything.

But his gaze flicked toward you, sharp and lingering.

“What? Thought I’d fight him? Or did you just like seeing someone try me?”

You held his stare.

“I thought it was beneath you.”

He laughed once—low, quiet, unbothered.

“Beneath me?” he echoed. Then he stepped closer, voice dipping just slightly.

“You’re the only thing I let that close.”