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Chapter 39 - Chapter 39: A Cup Between Us

The hotel was busy that morning.

The staff rushed back and forth, trays clattering, guests checking out, voices filling the air.

But in the corner of the lobby café, Aiden sat quietly with his coffee, eyes fixed on the entrance.

He had sent a request through the front desk.

Yuuto.

To meet him. Not as staff.

Just as himself.

---

Yuuto hesitated when the manager called him.

"Aiden... requested to speak to you. On your break."

Yuuto blinked. "He did?"

"Yes. But only if you're comfortable."

Yuuto looked toward the café and saw Aiden — alone, waiting.

His chest tightened again — that same ache he couldn't explain.

"I… I'll go."

---

Moments later—

Yuuto approached the table, unsure of his own footsteps.

Aiden stood up and pulled the chair out for him.

"You didn't have to—" Yuuto began.

"I wanted to," Aiden said gently.

Yuuto sat. Aiden returned to his seat, his gaze calm but steady.

"You look tired," Aiden said.

Yuuto chuckled lightly. "I always look like that."

Aiden smiled. "Still… I hope you're not pushing yourself too hard."

Yuuto stirred his coffee, eyes low.

"I don't get many days off."

Aiden tilted his head slightly. "Would you take one… if I asked you to spend it with me?"

Yuuto looked up, surprised.

"…Why?"

Aiden didn't answer right away.

Instead, he met Yuuto's eyes. Quiet. Intense.

"You feel familiar to me. And I think... I'd like to know you again."

Yuuto's breath caught.

Again?

The word echoed in his mind.

---

Upstairs…

In a hidden lounge on the 15th floor, the hotel owner stood by the window with a glass of red wine, watching them below.

Two figures.

Two souls drawn together again.

His grip on the glass tightened.

> "So he's making a move."

He turned to his assistant.

"Announce the annual charity gala," he said. "Three days from now."

"Of course, sir."

He sipped his wine, eyes still watching Aiden.

> "This time… he won't win so easily."

---

Back at the café—

Yuuto stared at his cup, unsure what to say.

But before he could speak, Aiden reached into his coat pocket and slid a small folded paper across the table.

"A ticket," he said. "To a gallery. Tomorrow. Just a few hours. No pressure."

Yuuto picked it up carefully.

He was quiet for a while, then softly said:

"I'll try."

Aiden smiled.

That was enough.

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