I was surprised. “Me… me too.”

Just like that, Steven ended up giving me a ride.

As he turned to fasten my seatbelt, I instinctively raised my hand to cover my face.

I did not know why, but I felt a sudden flicker of fear toward him.

Steven paused for a moment, then let out a soft laugh. “Are you afraid of me?”

I swallowed and shook my head. I wanted to explain, but I did not know how.

I lowered my head and turned slightly to the side. When I closed my eyes, a strong sense of familiarity washed over me.

It felt like someone was pressing me down in the passenger seat. I was in pain, but the other person paid no attention.

I could not remember the rest clearly.

I suddenly opened my eyes and breathed quickly. I met Steven’s gaze.

I was not sure if it was my imagination, but I thought I saw something else in his eyes. It was quiet and intense, like a hunter watching its prey. Then it disappeared.

“Zoe?”

Steven’s slightly concerned voice brought me back.

“I-I’m fine.” I wiped the sweat from my forehead.

After that, we went to Sugarfrost together. I parted ways with Steven to meet the person I had arranged to see. He seemed to be a college student too.

He said he had found a place to practice dancing. I did not suspect anything at first.

It was only when he led me into a small alley and urged me upstairs, where a few shady-looking people were, and faint noises came from above, that I realized how serious the situation was.

I had been deceived.

I held my bag tightly and pretended to walk upstairs. When he was not paying attention, I swung the bag at his face, pushed him back, and ran without looking behind me.

A curse came from behind.

I was terrified. I ran as fast as I could. I ran until I reached a street where there were at least a few people.

Tears ran down my face.

At that moment, I felt endless grief and loneliness.

It was as if I had been an orphan all my life and had never had a real friend. I could not even spend money without being tricked.

The more I thought about it, the more upset I became. The more upset I became, the harder I cried. I could not stop.

Then a car stopped in front of me. Someone got out, and a tall shadow loomed over me.

“Zoe, why are you crouching here?”

I looked up at the voice and sobbed. “Dr. Frost, I-I…”

He was truly gentle. He helped me into the car and spoke softly to comfort me.

I was crying so hard that I could barely catch my breath. I told him what had happened.

He tapped my nose lightly. I froze for a moment and then lowered my gaze.

“It’s nothing serious. I’ll be your date this weekend.”

“R‑really?”

He nodded and held me in his arms. The gesture felt natural and familiar. Then he said, “Of course. But next time, don’t cry.

“It’s not good for your eyes.”

As I listened to his gentle voice and smelled the faint scent in the car, I slowly fell asleep.

I did not know how much time had passed. I felt warm and uncomfortable, so I tugged at my T‑shirt. Then I felt something cool resting over me. It was soothing.

I wanted to speak, but no words would come out.

“Zoe, we’re home.”

I woke up groggily at the sound of his voice. I looked out the car window. It was almost dark.

Steven seemed to notice my confusion. He looked apologetic. “I’m really sorry. The car broke down when we were halfway along, but you were sleeping so soundly that I didn’t want to wake you.”

His words were completely sincere. I hurried to say it was fine. After all, I was in his car. If I had not met him today, who knew how long I would have spent crying?

“Go on ahead. I still have some things to do.

“See you this weekend.”

Steven’s smile lingered in my eyes for a moment. I froze slightly.

Then I noticed a slight glint on the knuckles of his right hand. It seemed to be saliva.

I only came back to my senses after the car drove away.

…

The weekend arrived as planned. I stood in front of my wardrobe trying to pick something to wear, but I realized I did not even have a decent dress.

Just then, the doorbell rang. I guessed it was Steven, and I was right.

He was wearing a black suit. His already upright figure looked even more imposing, with a hint of restraint that made him seem distant.

I did not dare to gaze at him any longer, quickly lowering my head. I stammered, “Dr. Frost… are you ready?”

He replied casually and handed me a black gift box. I was slightly surprised.

“I prepared a dress for you.”

I already felt bad for taking up his weekend. I could not accept a gift on top of that.

Then he said, “Your birthday is coming up soon, right? Think of this as a birthday present.”

I looked up at once. There was confusion in my eyes.

“Dr. Frost, how do you know when my birthday is?”

“People say college students can be a bit naive. I suppose that’s true.

“Did you forget? I have your medical records.”

My face turned warm. He was right. I had forgotten. Even so, I was still reluctant to accept it.

“Fair exchange. My birthday is on the same day as yours. You can give me a gift then, alright?”

He spoke with a smile, but his tone allowed no refusal. I felt that familiar sense of pressure again. It was strong enough that I barely registered that we shared a birthday.

“Go get changed. We need to leave soon.”

I nodded without thinking. I felt that something uncontrollable would be triggered if I refused.

I went back to my room and opened the gift box. Inside was a black strapless dress. The hem fell just below my hips. It was beautiful.

I changed into the dress and found that it fit perfectly. The fabric clung to my body, as if it had been tailored for me.

I stood in front of the full-length mirror and looked at myself. A vivid poppy was tattooed on my leg. It was small but striking.

Evidently, I got the tattoo because of a burn on my leg. That was how it all began.

I went out in my slippers. Steven sat on the couch with his legs crossed, his back against the cushion, and one hand resting loosely at his side. A faint smile lingered on his face as he tapped the seat beside him.

Without thinking, I walked over and sat where he had tapped. Everything felt natural, as if I had done this many times before.

He stood up and crouched in front of me. The moment his hand touched my foot, a strange numbness spread through me. It felt like an electric current running through my body.

I quickly pulled my foot back and murmured, “No… this isn’t appropriate.”

I did not know whether he heard me. He only lifted his gaze slightly and said, “You’re very sensitive.”

“What?”

I stood up. My heels were around three inches high, yet I barely reached Steven’s shoulder.

He placed his hand on my waist. The pressure slowly increased, and it became firm enough to make me uneasy. I looked at him in confusion. His expression remained polite and composed, with the same measured smile.

“Let’s go. Your classmates are waiting.”

When we reached the meeting place, there was no one there. I checked the class group chat. Everyone gave the same explanation. The time had changed, and they had forgotten to tell me.

That was when I realized I had been fooled.

A wave of hurt rose in my chest. My eyes reddened, and tears gathered before I could stop them.

Steven patted my back. “Don’t cry. It’s bad for your eyes.”

His voice carried a quiet firmness.

He guided me back to the couch and sat beside me. “Weekends are meant for relaxing. Even if they are not here, we can still enjoy the evening.”

He handed me a glass of red wine. “Have a sip.”

I nodded and took a small drink. It tasted bitter, and I frowned.

Steven let out a soft laugh. His kisses landed in gentle, fleeting touches. They grew tender and close, and a familiar warmth slowly took over my senses.

Only after my breathing grew rapid did he finally pull away.