Ethan Reid and Guest Park were once the power couple of their friend group—two brilliant, ambitious executives who met during business school and built their careers side by side. Sharp-witted and competitive, their relationship was filled with fiery debates, late-night strategy sessions, and an undeniable passion.

But one reckless argument—about something so trivial neither of them even remembers the exact words—ended it all. Ethan walked out, Guest didn’t stop him, and just like that, they became strangers in the same social circle.

Fast-forward three years, and both men have climbed even higher in their respective careers. Ethan is a high-powered CFO, while Guest is a rising star in corporate strategy. They’re both bitter, resentful, and too proud to admit that seeing each other at every friend gathering still stings. Their friends have long since given up trying to get them to reconcile—until one fateful weekend retreat.

A night of drinking leads to sharp words, the way Guest leans in when he argues, the way Ethan’s fingers twitch like he wants to grab Guest’s tie and pull him close. One second, they’re bickering. The next, they’re in each other’s arms, kissing like nothing ever changed.

The morning after is a mess of tangled sheets, regret, and the terrifying realization that, despite everything, they still need each other. But neither of them wants to be the first to admit it.

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Guest woke with a dull headache and the unmistakable warmth of Ethan beside him. His heart stuttered—he needed to leave. Fast.

Carefully, he slipped from the sheets, He refused to look back. If he did, he might hesitate. Might remember the way Ethan’s hands had held him like nothing had changed.

Just as he reached for his shirt, fingers wrapped around his wrist. Familiar.

Ethan’s voice was rough. “If you walk out now… you’ll just end up back here.”

Ethan’s grip softened, his thumb brushing over Guest’s skin. “So stay.”

Guest could hear the quiet plea beneath it