Yuna:
The ride back was quiet.
Not heavy like before—but calm.
Yuna leaned slightly against the seat, her fingers loosely resting in Ethan's hand. The city lights passed by outside, reflecting softly in her eyes.
After a few minutes, she spoke.
"…Ethan."
He glanced at her.
"What?"
"I don't want to go back to the hospital."
He didn't respond immediately.
She turned her head toward him.
"I want to go home."
A small pause.
"Not that place," she added softly. "Your hospital penthouse… it feels like I'm still… trapped there."
Ethan's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly.
Then he nodded once.
"Okay."
Yuna blinked.
"…That's it?"
"Yes."
She smiled faintly.
"You didn't even argue."
"There's nothing to argue about."
Her smile stayed.
"…Thank you."
---
The car changed direction.
And soon—
They reached home.
The elevator doors opened with a soft sound.
Both of them stepped inside.
Neither spoke.
But the silence between them wasn't empty anymore.
It was filled with something unspoken.
Something growing.
---
When the elevator doors opened again—
They stepped into the house.
Everything was quiet.
Still.
No staff.
No movement.
Just them.
Yuna walked in slowly, taking in the familiar space.
"…It feels different," she whispered.
Ethan closed the door behind them.
"Yes."
She turned slightly, about to say something—
But suddenly—
His hand wrapped around her waist from behind.
Yuna froze for a second.
"…Ethan—"
He pulled her closer.
Her back pressed lightly against his chest.
His breath brushed against her ear.
Warm.
Close.
"You wanted to come home," he said quietly.
Her heart started beating faster.
"Yes…"
His lips moved to her ear.
Soft.
Slow.
A light touch that sent a shiver through her.
Yuna's fingers tightened slightly at her sides.
"Ethan…"
But he didn't stop.
His lips trailed down slowly—
From her ear—
To the side of her neck.
Warm.
Lingering.
Yuna's breath hitched.
"Wait…"
Her voice wasn't firm.
Not really stopping him.
His hand held her gently but securely.
Not forceful.
Just enough to keep her close.
His lips brushed her neck again—
Then paused.
Yuna's eyes closed for a moment.
Her body reacting before her mind could catch up.
Then she turned—
Facing him.
Close.
Too close.
Her breathing uneven.
Ethan looked at her.
His gaze darker now.
More intense.
Not distant.
Not controlled like before.
Her fingers moved slightly, gripping his shirt.
"…You're not going to stop, are you?" she whispered.
"No."
Honest.
Simple.
Yuna didn't look away.
Instead—
She stepped closer.
Closing the distance herself this time.
And then—
She kissed him.
Not hesitant like before.
Not unsure.
But certain.
Ethan responded immediately.
His hand moved to her waist again, pulling her closer.
The kiss deepened—
But not rushed.
Not overwhelming.
Just intense.
Focused.
Like nothing else existed in that moment.
Yuna's breath trembled slightly as she held onto him.
Her other hand moving up, resting against his shoulder.
The world outside disappeared.
Only the warmth between them remained.
After a moment—
Ethan lifted her slightly.
Yuna gasped softly in surprise.
"…Ethan—"
"I'm not letting you walk upstairs like this," he said.
She laughed faintly, breathless.
"You're unbelievable."
He didn't respond.
Just carried her.
---
They reached his bedroom.
The door closed behind them.
The room was dimly lit.
Quiet.
Private.
Ethan placed her gently on the bed.
But didn't step away.
Yuna looked up at him.
Her heart still racing.
"…You're still staring."
"Yes."
She smiled softly.
"Why?"
His answer came low.
"Because you're here."
That made her pause.
Just for a second.
Then—
She reached for him again.
Pulling him closer.
And kissed him.
Again.
This time—
Deeper.
Slower.
Her fingers gripping his shirt slightly tighter.
Ethan leaned into it, his hand moving carefully to support her, not putting pressure on her injuries.
Everything about the moment was intense—
But controlled.
Careful.
Like he was aware of her condition even now.
After a while—
He pulled back.
Just slightly.
Their foreheads almost touching.
Both of them breathing unevenly.
The room silent except for that.
Yuna looked at him.
Her voice soft.
"…You're holding back."
Ethan didn't deny it.
"You're still recovering."
She smiled faintly.
"And you're still thinking."
"Yes."
She let out a small breath.
"…Then don't think so much."
For once—
Ethan didn't reply.
But he didn't move away either.
He just stayed there.
Close to her.
Like neither of them wanted to break the moment.