A moment of understanding passed between them, years of shared history and unspoken feelings condensed into a single look.
Rose's hand twitched, as if she wanted to reach out to him, but she restrained herself.
"Kim," she said, her voice softer now, tinged with an emotion she rarely allowed herself to show. "Whatever you're planning... be careful. The Association, the demons - they're all moving pieces on a board we can barely see."
Kim's expression softened slightly, a rare glimpse of the man behind the calm exterior. "Your concern is noted, Rose. And appreciated."
She smiled, a genuine expression that transformed her face.
For a moment, they weren't the Thorn Princess and the enigmatic Kim Jung, but simply two people sharing a quiet moment over tea.
The spell was broken by the sudden commotion at the teahouse entrance.
Heads turned as a woman strode in, flanked by two men in dark suits who were clearly security personnel.
