Shadows of the Spotlight

Chapter 62

I'm pulled from my sleep by the sound of Arc's voice and the gentle shake of my shoulder.

"Lila, wake up."

His voice is soft but insistent. Blinking groggily, I turn my head, still half-asleep, and mumble, "Why are you waking me up? This is my room."

Normally, I'm the early riser, and Arc is the one who loves to sleep in. But today, for some unholy reason, the scene is reversed. He's already awake—fully awake—and, to make it worse, he looks annoyingly alert for this time of the morning.

He smirks. "Because if we don't wake up now, it will be late."

I groan, my body protesting as I bury my face back into the pillow. "나는 충분히 자지 못했다.(I didn't get enough sleep.)"

Arc chuckles, his tone far too amused. "다음에는 일찍 자게 해 줄게.(I'll let you sleep early next time.)"

I blindly reach out and swat at him. "Then stop saying 'one more episode' every time."

He laughs at that but doesn't relent. Instead, he yanks my blanket off me in one swift motion. A rush of cool air replaces the warmth of my cocoon, making me shiver.

I let out a dramatic sigh, cracking one eye open to glare at him before squinting at the clock. The glowing numbers taunt me.

4:00 AM.

I groan again. "Why are you waking me up at this ungodly hour?"

At first, I assume he's just here to say goodbye before sneaking out of my room for his early morning schedule. Sighing, I force myself up slightly, my movements sluggish. Without thinking, I press a lazy kiss to his cheek.

"Okay, bye. Have a good day," I mumble, already turning to collapse back onto my pillow.

I expect him to chuckle and leave. Instead, my wrist is suddenly caught in a firm grip, and before I can react, Arc tugs me up from the bed.

"Nice try. Get up and get ready."

I groan in protest, trying to pull my arm back. "For what?!"

Arc doesn't answer, just drags me toward the bathroom while I grumble and trip over my own feet, still not fully awake. When we reach the bathroom door, I blink, noticing a neatly folded outfit placed on the counter.

"I picked out your clothes," Arc says casually, leaning against the doorframe as if he does this all the time.

I stare at him, then at the clothes. Blue jeans and an unfamiliar striped shirt. I frown, running my fingers over the fabric.

"This looks new."

Arc shrugs, a boyish grin playing on his lips. "Maybe."

I narrow my eyes at him, my suspicion growing, but I'm too tired to argue. Instead, I sigh, accepting my fate. "좋아요. 하지만 이게 장난이라면 복수할 거예요.(Fine. But if this is some kind of prank, I will get revenge.)"

Arc just smirks. "알았어요. 이제 서둘러요(Noted. Now hurry up.)"

With one last glare, I step into the bathroom and shut the door.

The warm water from the shower finally pulls me out of my half-asleep state, washing away the last remnants of grogginess. By the time I step out, towel-drying my hair, I feel much more awake—though still mildly grumpy about being dragged out of bed at this ungodly hour.

I slip into the jeans and striped shirt Arc had left for me and step out of the bathroom, rubbing my damp hair with a towel. That's when I finally get a proper look at him.