Ren and Lina are standing in the living room, blinking at each other, both flushed from what just happened.
The heated kiss lingers in the air like a silent confession neither of them knows how to address. Lina's cheeks are glowing, and Ren finds himself stealing glances at her face, his heart racing.
They stand frozen, words evading them, simply staring as if the world stopped moving.
Finally, Ren breaks the silence, his voice shaky.
"I-I'll... check," he stammers, turning towards the gate. His mind is a whirl of emotions—excitement from the kiss and annoyance that someone interrupted this moment.
He approaches the gate, his steps light but hesitant. He feels a strange satisfaction at having kissed her and simultaneously a growing irritation at whoever disturbed them.
Reaching the door, he opens it slowly, revealing an old man dressed in a pristine butler's uniform, standing tall and dignified.
Ren stares at the man in confusion. Who the hell is he?
The butler bows slightly and greets him, "Good evening, sir. My name is Sebastian," he introduces, his voice calm and formal.
"I am the personal butler of Mr. Caldwell. My master would like to extend an invitation to you for dinner, as a token of gratitude for saving him from the car crash a few days ago."
Ren's eyes narrow slightly. Caldwell? He remembers the incident, pulling some people from a wrecked car, but he had no idea who they were. The name Caldwell doesn't ring any bells, and he's still riding high on the kiss.
The last thing he wants is to get roped into some dinner.
"Sorry," Ren says flatly, his hand already on the gate to close it. "I don't remember saving anyone. You've got the wrong person."
The butler remains calm and steps forward slightly, preventing the gate from fully closing.
"Mr. Ren, please reconsider," he says smoothly. "My master knows it. It was you who saved him, and he also anticipated that you might decline this invitation. But my master has gone to great lengths to prepare a grand feast just for you."
Ren hesitates, now more annoyed than before. What does he mean by "knows everything"? His mind races. Could Caldwell somehow know about his powers? How did he even track Ren down? Ren's guard goes up, his irritation growing alongside a creeping sense of suspicion.
"No, I'm telling you—you've got the wrong person," Ren says firmly, pushing the door to close again.
But just as he's about to shut it entirely, Lina's voice rings out behind him, shocked and excited.
"Wait—Caldwell? As in Caldwell Enterprises? The Caldwell? One of the richest men in the world?"
Ren turns to see Lina's wide eyes, her excitement palpable. She practically runs to the door, her face alight with astonishment.
The butler, seeing her reaction, smiles with mild relief. "Yes, miss. That's correct. My master, Mr. Caldwell."
Lina whirls to Ren, her face glowing with excitement. "Ren, you should go!" she says, almost bouncing on her feet.
"Caldwell is one of the most influential people. If he's inviting you, you have to go. You can't just reject someone like him!"
Ren frowns, rubbing the back of his neck. "But I didn't do anything..."
Lina shakes her head. "Ren, trust me, rich people don't like being rejected. If someone like Caldwell is reaching out, you have to take the opportunity."
Ren watches her for a moment, his frustration melting slightly at her enthusiasm. Then, an idea strikes him.
"Fine. But... Lina," he says, looking at her seriously. "I don't want to go alone. Can you come with me? I'm scared going alone."
She hesitates, blinking at him. "Me?... I wasn't invited, Ren. It's not like I can just tag along."
Ren glances back at the butler, a small smile playing on his lips. "Then I can't go either."
The butler, noticing Ren's protective attitude toward Lina, immediately adapts. "Miss, please," he says hurriedly. "You are more than welcome to accompany Mr. Ren. I am certain my master would be delighted to meet you as well."
Lina looks taken aback. "Me? But why would someone like him want to meet someone like me?" she asks softly.
"Miss, I assure you, my master would be most pleased to have your company."
Lina bites her lip, glancing between Ren and the butler. Finally, she sighs, relenting. "Alright. Thank you for inviting me too. I'll just... I'll go put on some makeup."
Ren smiles at her warmly. "You don't need it, you know. You look beautiful already."
Lina blushes at the compliment, her cheeks flushing red as she mutters, "I'll just... be right back." She quickly heads to her room.
Ren watches her go hurriedly, coming out even more beautiful. Then, the butler guides them to the car parked outside the building entrance—a sleek, black luxury vehicle gleaming under the streetlights.
As they step outside, Lina, now dressed but without the makeup, stops in her tracks.
"Wow... Is that... Is that a Nighthawk C7?" she asks, her eyes wide as she takes in the expensive car.
Ren raises an eyebrow. "You like that car?"
Lina nods, her excitement evident. "Who wouldn't, Ren? That's like... one of the most luxurious cars ever. Look at the detailing, the sleek design..."
Ren grins, his eyes softening as he watches her excited. "I'll buy one for you someday," he teases.
Lina laughs, shaking her head. "Yeah, right," she mutters, but the gleam in her eyes shows that she's touched by the thought.
As they approach the car, they catch the attention of a few onlookers. People murmuring to each other, watching the two poor people head toward such an extravagant vehicle. Jealous whispers trail behind them.
"Aren't those the kids who live together?"
"Yeah, I heard they're both broke, living in the same apartment."
"How the hell are they getting into a car like that?"
The murmurs turn into snide comments, but Ren ignores them. He's too focused on the invitation, the kiss, and what awaits them at this mysterious dinner.
With a final glance at the envious eyes around them, Ren opens the door for Lina, who hesitates for a moment, looking back at him. He gives her a reassuring nod, and she steps inside the car. Ren follows after, sliding in beside her.
As the doors close and the car begins to move, Ren leans back, his thoughts swirling between the unexpected dinner invitation and the kiss still fresh in his mind.