Scarlet Strings.

Chapter 2:

Scarlet watched as Ha-Joon finished his soup with exaggerated enthusiasm, his energy finally starting to wane. His eyelids drooped, his words slurred even more, and his movements slowed. She knew he wouldn’t last much longer before he passed out completely. 

“All right, Moon,” she said softly, standing up and moving around the table. “Time for bed.” 

Ha-Joon blinked up at her, his dark eyes glazed but still warm. “You’re the best, Red,” he mumbled, reaching out as if to emphasize his point. His hand flopped aimlessly, and Scarlet caught it midair before gently tugging him to his feet. 

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” she replied, sliding one arm around his waist to steady him. “Now, come on, let’s get you upstairs before you pass out right here.” 

He leaned heavily on her as she guided him toward the grand staircase in the mansion’s foyer. It wasn’t the first time she’d had to help him to his room after a night like this, and it probably wouldn’t be the last. Despite her grumbling, she didn’t mind taking care of him, it was just part of who they were together. 

As they climbed the stairs, Ha-Joon’s weight became more noticeable, and Scarlet huffed with exertion. “You’re heavier than you look, you know that?” 

“I’m solid muscle,” he muttered, his words barely coherent. “Like a... a bear. Rawr.” 

Scarlet couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head. “Sure you are, Moon.” 

By the time they reached his room on the first floor, he was barely conscious. She opened the door, the soft click of the handle barely registering to him. His room was spacious yet cozy, with warm lighting, dark wood furniture, and a large bed that seemed to dominate the space. The sheets were neatly tucked, a testament to his usual meticulous nature, something entirely absent in his current state. 

Scarlet guided him to the bed, where he promptly collapsed with a sigh. “So comfy,” he mumbled, his voice muffled by the pillow. 

She shook her head, amused despite herself. “You’re impossible, you know that?” 

Ha-Joon didn’t respond, already half-asleep. Scarlet pulled a chair close to the bed and sat down, watching him for a moment. His face, though tired and flushed from the alcohol, still held that boyish charm she couldn’t help but admire. 

Reaching out, she traced her fingers lightly along his cheek. His skin was warm, his features soft in the dim light of the room. “Ridiculously cute,” she murmured, half to herself. 

To her surprise, he chuckled, his eyes fluttering open just enough to meet hers. “I know,” he said, his voice a low rumble. 

Scarlet scoffed, pulling her hand back and crossing her arms. “Of course you do.” 

He smiled faintly before his eyes drifted shut again, and this time, he didn’t stir. Scarlet sighed, standing up from the chair. She bent down to remove his shoes, gently tugging them off one at a time and placing them neatly by the side of the bed. Then, she adjusted the blankets, tucking him in snugly. 

“There,” she said softly. “Goodnight, Moon.” 

Ha-Joon didn’t respond, his breathing evening out as he slipped into a deep sleep. Scarlet lingered for a moment, watching him, before turning and leaving the room. 

She made her way upstairs to her own floor, the second level of the mansion. Her room was just as spacious as his, decorated in soft pastel tones and filled with personal touches that made it uniquely hers. She shut the door behind her with a soft click, leaning against it for a moment to catch her breath.