The lively chatter inside the private banquet room continued as music drifted softly through the speakers. Laughter filled the elegant hall while guests gathered around the buffet, chatting and enjoying themselves.
Benny sighed happily after finishing his second slice of chocolate cake.
"That was amazing."
Daisy, who had been standing beside him, raised an eyebrow.
"Second?"
Benny quickly hid the empty dessert plate behind his back.
"I... I was just helping your sister."
"Helping her what?"
"...Reduce the leftovers?"
Daisy crossed her arms, trying not to laugh.
"Benny."
"Hm?"
"That excuse was terrible."
He chuckled sheepishly, revealing his little bunny teeth once again.
"I tried."
Before Daisy could tease him further, Clara walked over carrying several wrapped gifts.
"Daisy, could you help me take these to the storage room?"
"Sure."
She turned to Benny.
"I'll only be gone for a few minutes. Don't wander off."
Benny saluted dramatically.
"Yes, ma'am."
She narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"I mean it."
"I'll stay right here."
Satisfied, Daisy followed her sister out of the room.
The moment they disappeared...
Benny looked around.
His eyes landed on the refreshment table.
"...Maybe just one drink."
Outside the banquet hall, the corridor was unusually quiet.
The luxurious carpet muffled every footstep as Benny slowly walked toward the refreshment area. He picked up a glass of fresh orange juice before leaning against the large window overlooking the city.
The skyline glittered beneath the night sky.
"So beautiful..."
He smiled softly.
Moments like these reminded him how much bigger the world was than the tiny apartment he rented.
"If Mom and Dad were still alive..."
His smile faded slightly.
"I wonder if they'd be proud of me."
A quiet sigh escaped his lips.
He rarely allowed himself to think about them.
Some nights the loneliness became unbearable.
But tonight...
He wanted to enjoy himself.
Just then—
A loud crash echoed from the opposite end of the hallway.
Benny blinked.
"Huh?"
Curiosity got the better of him.
He cautiously walked toward the sound.
The closer he got, the louder the angry voices became.
"...You promised us!"
"I've already answered your questions."
"No."
"You've only answered the easy ones."
Benny froze.
Someone was arguing.
He peeked carefully around the corner.
His eyes widened.
The frightening man from earlier...
Nathan.
He stood with his back facing Benny, hands tucked casually into his trouser pockets as two bodyguards restrained a middle-aged man whose face was bruised and swollen.
"...Please..."
The man collapsed to his knees.
"I've told you everything."
Nathan remained silent.
The coldness surrounding him seemed almost unreal.
After several long seconds, he finally spoke.
"You lied."
"I didn't!"
Nathan slowly turned.
His sapphire-blue eyes were colder than winter itself.
"I dislike giving second chances."
The kneeling man trembled violently.
"Please... my family..."
Nathan's expression didn't change.
"Take him."
The bodyguards immediately dragged the struggling man away.
His desperate cries echoed down the hallway before disappearing completely.
Silence returned.
Nathan adjusted the cuff of his suit as though nothing had happened.
Only then did he notice someone standing at the end of the corridor.
A pair of emerald-green eyes met his.
Nathan narrowed his gaze.
The blond university student.
Benny.
For a heartbeat, neither of them moved.
Benny's mind went completely blank.
Oh no...
He saw me.
Nathan stared at him without saying a word.
His assistant followed his gaze and immediately stiffened.
"Sir... should we—"
Nathan raised one finger.
The assistant instantly fell silent.
Benny forced an awkward smile.
"I..."
His voice caught in his throat.
"I think... I'm lost."
Nathan looked at him for several seconds before speaking in the same calm voice as before.
"This floor isn't open to guests."
"I-I'm sorry."
"I heard a noise."
"I wasn't trying to spy."
Nathan studied the young man carefully.
Unlike everyone else who met his gaze, Benny's fear wasn't fake.
He was genuinely terrified.
Yet...
He hadn't run away.
Nathan found that... interesting.
"Your name."
Benny blinked.
"...Benny."
"Full name."
"Benny Miller."
Nathan repeated it silently in his mind.
Benny Miller.
For reasons he couldn't explain...
He felt as though he should remember that name.
"Go back to the banquet."
Benny nodded so quickly it almost looked comical.
"Y-Yes, sir!"
Without waiting another second, he turned and hurried away.
Nathan watched until the blond disappeared around the corner.
His assistant spoke cautiously.
"Should we investigate him?"
Nathan was silent.
After a long pause, he answered.
"...No."
"He was simply in the wrong place."
But even as he said those words...
Nathan's thoughts lingered on the young man with bright green eyes and an innocent smile.
Somewhere deep inside...
He had the strange feeling that this wouldn't be the last time their paths crossed.