The air in the car is thick with unspoken words and feelings.
Lina is sitting beside Ren in the backseat of the car, her hands resting in her lap, fingers nervously fidgeting as they are being driven back to their apartment by Caldwell's butler.
Lina has been silent ever since they left the mansion, and though Ren pretends not to notice, he can sense her unease.
The car hums softly as it glides through the night, the city lights reflecting on the window next to Lina's face. Her expression is hard to read—there's a mixture of sadness and forced contentment, as if she's holding something back.
Ren, sitting beside her, arms crossed, trying to figure out what happened. He feels like he's missed something that made her upset, but he can't quite place it.
He sneaks a glance at Lina, her face illuminated by passing streetlights, her eyes distant. He opens his mouth to say something, to ask if she's alright, but before he can, the car slows to a stop outside their apartment building.
"We're here, sir," the butler announces, stepping out to open the door for them.
Ren steps out first, then Lina follows, her movements slow, as though weighed down by the thoughts racing through her mind.
She mumbles a quiet "good night" to the butler, barely audible, before heading to the apartment building's entrance.
Ren watches her, confused by the sudden sadness in her voice, the way her shoulders slump ever so slightly.
"Lina," he calls softly, but she doesn't turn.
As they walk inside, the usual comfort of their small apartment feels strained. Lina turns to him fire her room's door, forcing a smile that doesn't reach her eyes.
"Good night, Ren," she says softly, her voice carrying a sadness that tugs at his chest. Before he can respond, she retreats into her room, closing the door gently behind her.
Ren stares at the closed door for a long moment, a frown tugging at his lips.
What's bothering her? He wonders, running a hand through his hair before heading to his own room. The unease gnaws at him as he lies down on his bed. He tries to brush it off, telling himself it's nothing, but the sadness in her eyes lingers in his mind as sleep finally overtakes him.
The next morning, Ren wakes up to the smell of food. The soft clinking of dishes echoes from the kitchen, and his curiosity pulls him out of bed.
He steps into the kitchen and finds Lina already setting the table with breakfast, just like always. Yet, something feels different.
She moves quietly, her usual bright energy absent, and her smile feels forced.
Ren sits down at the table, eyeing her as she places a plate in front of him. "Good morning," she says, her voice flat.
"Morning," he replies, watching her closely.
As they eat, the tension builds between them. He can see the sadness still lingering in her eyes, and it bothers him more than he wants to admit.
After a few bites, Ren finally speaks up. "What's wrong, Lina. You seem sad. Is something bothering you?"
Lina's back stiffens at his question. She hesitates for a moment before turning to him with a small, forced smile.
"No… nothing's wrong," she lies, her voice soft but unconvincing.
Ren frowns, clearly not buying it. He watches her for a long moment, then sighs and continues eating.
After breakfast, she silently do the dishes, her movements slower than usual. Ren feels the weight of the distance between them, gnawing at him.
A few moments later, Ren hears the door creak. Lina is standing at the door, dressed in her work clothes, a bag slung over her shoulder. She avoids eye contact, ready to leave.
Ren's confusion deepens as he stands up and walks over to her. "Where are you going?" he asks, his voice carrying a mixture of concern and confusion.
Lina glances at him, her expression unreadable. "To work,"
Ren's brow furrows. "Why? You don't need to anymore. I have money now."
Her lips twitch into a small, sad smile. "Yes, you have money… and I'm happy for you, Ren," she says, her voice soft, "But that's your money."
Immediately, Ren's chest tightens at her words. A sadness grips him, one he hasn't felt in a long time. His legs suddenly feel weak, and before he can stop himself, he sinks to the ground, his back sliding down the wall until he's sitting on the floor. His head drops, and his hands fall limply by his sides.
"Ren!" Lina cries, rushing toward him. She kneels beside him, her hands trembling as she lifts his head and places it gently on her lap.
"What happened? Are you alright?"
Ren doesn't respond, his eyes staring blankly at her. Then, slowly, tears begin to well in the corners of his eyes.
His voice, when it comes, is shaky, filled with a deep sorrow he's been holding in for far too long.
"Am I so bad… so ugly… so unlucky, that you don't want me?" he whispers, his words barely audible.
"Even though we've been living in the same apartment for years… why don't you like me?"
Lina's eyes widen in shock as his words sink in. Tears begin to gather in her own eyes as she shakes her head furiously.
"No, Ren… no, that's not true," she says, her voice breaking. "I do like you. You saved me from those thugs, you worry about me, you even offered to give me money… I do love you."
Ren looks up at her, his eyes searching hers for the truth.
"But…" Lina continues, her voice trembling, "if I live with you now, after you've gotten all this money… it would look like I'm only staying with you for your money. And I don't want that, Ren. I don't want anyone thinking I'm with you because of that."
Ren's heart aches at her words, and he can feel the sadness in her voice, the conflict she's feeling. His hands reach up to gently hold hers, still resting on his lap.
"Please don't say that, Lina. I love you. I'll give you what's mine, life money, anything. You can't leave me alone, I won't let you."
Lina: "But... But..."
Ren looks at her hesitation because of some money. "Then I'll hire you," he says softly. "I want a secretary… and you're the best one for that."
Lina blinks, taken aback. "Ren…"
"Please," Ren says, his voice pleading. "If you say no… don't say no. Please… live with me. Forever."
Lina stares at him, her eyes wide, tears slowly spilling from her lashes. She's overwhelmed, her heart full of emotion as she realizes the depth of Ren's feelings for her.
She can't hold back anymore. Her hands tremble as she gently cradles his face, and before she can stop herself, she leans down, pressing her lips against his.
Ren's eyes close as he returns the kiss, his hands tightening around hers. Their lips move together softly, gently, and for a long moment, everything else fades away. There's no more sadness, no more fear—just the quiet, shared moment between them.
When they finally pull away, their foreheads rest against each others, their breaths mingling in the quiet room.
Lina smiles, her tears falling onto Ren's cheeks as she whispers, "Thank you, Ren… thank you for everything."
Ren smiles softly, brushing away a stray tear from her cheek. "You don't have to thank me," he whispers back. "Just stay with me… that's all I want."
And in that moment, everything feels right. Everything feels perfect.