PERFECT (F4 THAILAND)

his secret (24)

The quiet hum of the city surrounded them as they approached her home.

Ren’s hand still supported her legs, his grip steady, unyielding. He didn’t need to speak reassurance.his presence alone was enough.

The main door loomed ahead, opening almost immediately as the maid recognized him.

“Oh, Master Ren,” the maid said, eyes wide but respectful. “Miss Rose…” Her voice caught slightly as she glanced at Rose’s flushed cheeks and pale face. “Is… everything all right?”

Ren gave a small nod. “Everything’s fine now. Just… had a little trouble on the way here.” He carried Rose across the grand foyer and up the staircase, every stride purposeful. Rose felt the subtle shift of the creaking polished wood beneath his boots, the faint scent of lavender from the hallway candles. This was her home, yet she had never expected to return to it like this carried in the arms of the man she once swore she disliked.

He paused before her bedroom door, then pushed it open with his shoulder, entering quietly. His gaze swept over the room: the soft pastels, the neatly stacked books, the faint scent of roses lingering in the air. It was the first time he’d been there, and though his face gave away little, something flickered in his eyes.

He lowered her carefully onto the edge of the bed, his hands steady, movements gentle. For a moment, he lingered, his shadow tall against her curtains, watching her catch her breath.

To her, it was strange being in her own room, safe and familiar, yet with him there, the room felt… different. More charged, more protective.

“It’s… been a long night,” she muttered, brushing a damp strand of hair from her face, trying to reclaim some composure.

Ren stepped back, giving her space but still standing close, his gaze scanning her carefully. “I’ll stay here until you’re okay,” he said softly. His voice lacked arrogance; it was calm, steady, and almost… tender.

Meanwhile, in the other wing of the house, Ray was in his room. His attention had been on some mundane task, but the maid’s sudden, slightly panicked voice drew his gaze sharply.

“Master Ray… Master Ren… took Miss Rose home on his back…” she said, hesitating. “Something… might have happened.”

Ray froze, every instinct in his body screaming. His chest tightened, and his heart jumped into his throat.

“What do you mean, on his back?” he asked sharply, fear creeping in around the edges of his voice. His mind raced had something really happened to his sister? Was she hurt?

Without a second thought, he bolted from his room, rushing down the hallway two steps at a time, his shoes clattering against the floor. The fear in his chest beat in rhythm with his steps. Rose wasn’t just his sister; she was the center of his world, and the thought of her being harmed made his stomach churn.

As he reached her door, he found Ren standing by her bed, speaking in calm, measured tones. Ren’s posture was relaxed, but there was an unmistakable intensity in his eyes alert, protective, watchful. Rose sat on her bed.

Ray’s steps quickened as he neared her. He pushed the door open without knocking.

“Rose?” Ray’s voice cracked with urgency. His eyes darted from her pale figure on the bed to Ren standing nearby, steady and protective. He rushed toward her. “What happened?”

His eyes scanned her for injuries, for any sign the world had been cruel. His hands flew to her arms, gently probing, checking for bruises or scratches. “Are you hurt, Rose?” His voice carried all the panic he had been holding back.