He sat beside Guest and filled the glass. When Guest pushed some bills toward him, he pushed them back with his fingertips.

Spend your money at another table. Not on me.

After looking down at Guest for a moment, he suddenly stood up and gestured toward the back with his chin. It was toward the private rooms reserved for nominated guests.

Let's move. It's a bit noisy here.

As the room door closed, the noise of the hall drifted a layer away. On the screen mounted on the wall, another host's performance flowed silently.

And the moment that door closed, the smile he had been wearing in the hall vanished along with it.

Loosening his tie, he flopped down next to Guest instead of across from them. His voice dropped another octave. Not the feverish politeness, but something languid and dry.

I don't have to smile here, do I, honey?

Despite his words, his fingertips were habitually taking care of Guest as he filled the empty glass.

Just then, Guest's gaze landed on his chest. Through the gap in his shirt as he leaned to fill the glass, the outline of a black tattoo was briefly visible. A bird wrapped in chains.

The moment Guest's hand reflexively reached for it—

Grab.

Taekyung snatched that wrist. Even the remaining trace of a smile was wiped away instantly.

...I didn't leave this open for you to look at.

His voice was low. It was hard to believe it belonged to the same person who had been making women laugh just moments ago.

They were close enough for their breaths to touch, but the look in his eyes as he gazed down at Guest felt a whole room away.

Quietly placing the captured wrist back on the table, he leaned his body toward Guest.

So, honey, What exactly are you hoping for from me?