Lucas stood in front of the mirror, staring at himself with a serious expression.
His reflection stared back at him, equally stressed.
"This is getting out of control."
He adjusted his collar again.
Then sighed.
Ever since this morning's incident in Adrian's room, his mind had not been calm for even a second.
Sleeping on Adrian's bed.
Waking up in his arms.
Adrian saying he could come to his room anytime.
Adrian saying he would always protect him.
Lucas covered his face.
"This wasn't in the original novel."
In the original story, Adrian was supposed to be cold and distant toward Lucas Carter.
He was supposed to dislike him.
Avoid him.
Eventually destroy him.
Not…
Sleep in the same bed with him.
Not look at him softly.
And definitely not say things like you're welcome here.
Lucas sighed deeply.
"The plot is breaking."
He picked up his shirt and started buttoning it.
Today was another workday at Carter Group, and he needed to look presentable.
Lucas buttoned the first button.
Then the second.
Then the third.
Then—
His hand stopped.
The fourth button wouldn't go in properly.
Lucas frowned.
"Why is this thing so stubborn?"
He tried again.
Still not working.
He groaned slightly.
"This shirt is annoying."
His fingers slipped again.
The button refused to cooperate.
Lucas clicked his tongue.
"Seriously?"
He tried one more time.
Still nothing.
Suddenly—
Knock.
Lucas froze.
"…Come in."
The door opened.
Adrian walked in.
Lucas immediately straightened.
"Good morning."
Adrian nodded slightly.
"Good morning."
He stepped inside and closed the door.
Lucas looked at him nervously.
"Do you need something?"
Adrian walked closer calmly.
"Breakfast is ready."
Lucas nodded.
"I'll come down soon."
Adrian's eyes moved to Lucas's shirt.
Lucas followed his gaze.
Then he sighed.
"This stupid button is refusing to cooperate."
Adrian stepped closer.
"Let me see."
Lucas blinked.
"…What?"
Adrian was already standing in front of him.
Very close.
Lucas felt his heartbeat increase again.
Adrian looked at the shirt calmly.
"You buttoned it incorrectly."
Lucas frowned.
"I did not."
Adrian pointed.
"The third and fourth buttons are misaligned."
Lucas looked down.
Then he froze.
"…Oh."
Adrian was right.
Lucas scratched his head awkwardly.
"That explains it."
He tried to fix it again.
But Adrian suddenly caught his hand.
Lucas froze.
Adrian's hand was warm.
Firm.
Holding his wrist gently.
"Stop."
Lucas swallowed slightly.
"I was fixing it."
Adrian shook his head.
"I'll do it."
Lucas blinked.
"…You'll do it?"
Adrian nodded calmly.
"Yes."
Before Lucas could react, Adrian moved even closer.
Now they were standing almost chest to chest.
Lucas's breathing became slightly uneven.
This is too close.
Adrian gently removed the wrong buttons and started buttoning the shirt properly.
His fingers moved slowly and carefully.
Lucas stood still.
Completely frozen.
Adrian's face was close.
Very close.
Lucas could feel his breathing.
Warm and steady.
Lucas's heart started beating faster.
Why is he doing this himself?!
Adrian focused on the shirt calmly.
Lucas stared at him.
This is not normal.
In the original novel, Adrian never helped Lucas Carter with anything.
He ignored him.
Avoided him.
Even disliked him.
But now—
Adrian was buttoning his shirt.
Carefully.
Gently.
Like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Lucas's mind started screaming.
THIS WASN'T IN THE ORIGINAL NOVEL!
Adrian finished one button.
Then moved to the next.
Lucas spoke nervously.
"I could do it myself."
Adrian didn't stop.
"I know."
Lucas swallowed.
"Then why are you doing it?"
Adrian spoke calmly.
"Because you were struggling."
Lucas felt embarrassed.
"That's not a reason."
Adrian looked at him briefly.
Then continued buttoning.
"It is."
Lucas didn't know what to say.
Adrian finished the last button and adjusted Lucas's collar slightly.
His fingers brushed Lucas's neck lightly.
Lucas shivered slightly.
Adrian paused.
"…Cold?"
Lucas shook his head quickly.
"No."
Adrian studied him for a moment.
Lucas avoided his gaze.
This is dangerous.
Adrian stepped back slightly.
"It's done."
Lucas looked down.
The shirt was perfectly buttoned.
Neat.
Clean.
Proper.
Lucas sighed.
"Thanks."
Adrian nodded.
"You're welcome."
Lucas rubbed the back of his neck.
"This is still strange."
Adrian tilted his head slightly.
"What is?"
Lucas looked at him.
"You helping me like this."
Adrian spoke calmly.
"You're part of Carter Group."
Lucas sighed.
"You keep saying that."
Adrian's gaze softened slightly.
Lucas muttered quietly.
"This really wasn't in the original novel."
Adrian frowned.
"…Original novel?"
Lucas froze.
"…What?"
Adrian looked at him carefully.
"What did you say?"
Lucas's brain panicked.
"I said… original… level."
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
"Level?"
Lucas nodded quickly.
"Yes. Original level of responsibility."
Adrian stared at him silently.
Lucas forced a smile.
"Company responsibility level."
Adrian continued staring.
Lucas sweated internally.
That was close.
Adrian finally spoke.
"You say strange things sometimes."
Lucas laughed nervously.
"Do I?"
Adrian nodded.
"Yes."
Lucas quickly walked toward the door.
"Let's go eat breakfast."
Adrian followed him calmly.
But his eyes remained thoughtful.
As they walked down the hallway, Lucas sighed internally.
This is really bad.
Adrian was getting closer.
Too close.
Helping him.
Protecting him.
Standing near him.
Touching him casually.
Lucas held his head slightly.
This is not how the story was supposed to go.
In the original novel, Adrian would eventually fall in love with the female lead.
Not him.
Lucas Carter was supposed to be the villain.
The obstacle.
The one who gets removed.
Not…
The one Adrian helps button his shirt.
Lucas sighed deeply.
The plot is broken.
Meanwhile, Adrian walked beside him quietly.
But his gaze occasionally moved toward Lucas.
Watching him.
Observing him.
Carefully.
When they reached the dining room, Lucas sat down first.
Adrian sat beside him.
Not across.
Beside.
Lucas noticed.
Why is he sitting so close?
The servants placed breakfast on the table.
Lucas started eating quietly.
Adrian suddenly spoke.
"You didn't sleep well."
Lucas blinked.
"I did."
Adrian shook his head.
"You look tired."
Lucas sighed.
"I was thinking too much."
Adrian looked at him.
"About what?"
Lucas paused.
Then he spoke honestly.
"About you."
Adrian froze slightly.
Lucas realized what he said and quickly corrected himself.
"I mean… about work with you."
Adrian nodded slowly.
"I see."
Lucas continued eating quickly.
Trying to avoid eye contact.
Adrian watched him quietly.
Then he spoke calmly.
"Lucas."
"…Yes?"
"You should rely on me more."
Lucas paused.
"What?"
Adrian spoke softly.
"You don't need to handle everything alone."
Lucas looked at him.
Adrian's eyes were calm.
Serious.
Genuine.
Lucas felt his chest tighten slightly.
"…I'll try."
Adrian nodded.
"That's good."
Lucas looked away again.
This is dangerous.
Adrian was becoming too important.
Too reliable.
Too close.
And that scared him.
Because in the original novel—
Anyone close to Adrian eventually got involved in dangerous conflicts.
Lucas Carter died because he stayed too close.
Lucas lowered his head slightly.
I need to be careful.
But Adrian watched him quietly.
And in his mind, his decision remained the same.
He would pursue Lucas.
Slowly.
Carefully.
Until Lucas belonged beside him.
Not as responsibility.
Not as family.
But as someone important.
Someone he wanted to keep.
Forever.