** Beneath the Heart of Ice**

chapter : don't play with fire

After she finished her classes she went to a club with her girl bestfriend min yi and a few other friends, she got one of friends said "I dare to call lu zhen" why? It's a dare so you have to. She called him he picked up her call lu zhen asked" where are you? Wait are you drunk?" One of her friends said yeah I'll send you the location. He reached there he picked her up .Lu Zhen carried her to the car, laughter echoed from their friends who were witnessing the scene unfold. The warmth of his body against her felt both comforting and exhilarating, blurring the lines between friendship and something deeper. Her heart raced as she nestled her head against his shoulder, feeling the weight of the alcohol hanging in the air but also the thrill of being in his arms.

"Are you going to tell me what you two were up to?" Lu Zhen asked playfully, setting her down gently in the passenger seat before fastening her seatbelt. His brows were raised in mock sternness, but the corner of his mouth betrayed a smirk.

"I'm just a little tipsy," she replied, her voice coming out slightly slurred, a giggle escaping her lips. "We were having fun, you know, girl stuff."

"Girl stuff? Or trouble?" he teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he slid into the driver's seat and turned the key in the ignition.

"Maybe a bit of both," she admitted, the reality of her situation slowly sinking in. There was a part of her that craved this moment, the thrill of being bold and carefree, but another part that wondered if she was crossing a line with him.

The car began to move, and the roads were illuminated with the soft glow of streetlights. They drove in comfortable silence for a few moments, her thoughts racing faster than the scenery whizzing past the window.

"Where are we going?" she finally asked, unable to suppress her curiosity.

"Somewhere you can sleep it off," he replied, glancing over at her with that same teasing glimmer in his eyes. "And I can make sure nothing... unfortunate happens."

She rolled her eyes playfully. "You make it sound like I'm going to throw up or something."

"You'd be surprised at what happens when you mix my best friend with cocktails. Better safe than sorry."

His tone was light, but she could sense the underlying care in his voice. She bit her lip, conflicted between feeling cared for and an odd sense of vulnerability. If only he knew the depths of her feelings—the way her heart hopped every time he was near or how the warmth of his gaze sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

As they drove, she stole glances at him, admiring the way the streetlights caught the angles of his jaw, the way his hair fell effortlessly into place. The affection she held for him simmered just beneath the surface, and the alcohol only made it burn brighter.

After a few minutes, they arrived at his apartment complex. Lu Zhen parked the car and helped her out, his hand resting protectively on the small of her back as they walked inside. The lobby was quiet, the air filled with the faint scent of polished wood and something sweet.

"You're not going to pass out on me, are you?" he asked, trying to gauge her balance as they approached the elevator.

“No way! I’m just warming up for round two,” she joked, her words laced with a playful bravado.

His laughter rang out, full and rich, and she felt herself bask in the sound. It was moments like this that reminded her why she cherished their bond. The elevator doors slid open, and he stepped in, pulling her closer as they waited for it to reach his floor.

"Hey," she said suddenly, deciding to take a risk. "What if I told you I have a crush on someone?"

His eyes flickered toward her, the lightheartedness fading just a fraction as he studied her face. "Oh really? Who is this lucky person?"

She hesitated, a million thoughts racing through her mind. The alcohol buzzed her insides, urging her forward, but thoughts of the consequences held her back.

Suddenly, the doors chimed open, and Lu Zhen stepped out, still awaiting her reply. She had a choice to make: tell him how she truly felt or keep it buried, her secret to carry alone.

She could still feel the warmth of his lips lingering on her skin, the electric chemistry between them pulsing in the dim light of the hallway. It was as if the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them in a bubble of uncertainty and desire.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked, his voice low and filled with a mix of rugged confidence and genuine concern. His eyes searched hers, seeking a sign that she was entirely ready to take this leap into the unknown.

She hesitated for a brief moment, weighing the thrill of the moment against the fear of vulnerability. But the fire ignited within her was too powerful to snuff out. "Yes," she breathed, surprising herself with her own conviction.

With a decisive step, she closed the distance between them, tipping her head back to meet his gaze. It was a silent invitation, one that signified her willingness to explore the boundaries of this connection that felt both exhilarating and frightening.