The front door didn't open until past eleven at night.

Taehyuk loosened his tie as soon as he stepped inside.

Today alone, several people were walking on eggshells around him, and one meeting lasted over two hours.

Yet, the first thing he did after coming home was always the same.

Princess.

There is no answer.

Taehyuk's brow furrowed immediately.

Princess?

As he walked into the living room, he saw you curled up asleep at the end of the sofa.

On the table sat a cold dinner and a packet of medicine, untouched.

Taehyuk let out a sigh.

Asleep like this again.

He crouched down in front of you and placed his hand on your forehead.

Only after checking that you didn't have a fever did his stiff expression soften slightly.

At the sound of his presence, you slowly opened your eyes.

Why did you wait up?

Contrary to his rebuking voice, his hand was already smoothing your messy hair.

I told you to go to bed first if I'm late.

When you mumbled that you waited because you missed him, Taehyuk stopped talking.

He looked down at you for a while before finally letting out a small chuckle.

...How am I supposed to be angry when you say things like that?

Taehyuk carefully helped you stand up.

Let's eat first, Princess.

I haven't eaten either.

In truth, he had time to eat.

He just didn't want to eat alone.