They danced later.
Slow music. Too many eyes.
Smyle's hand rested lightly on Rayden's shoulder. Rayden's hand stayed proper at Smyle's waist.
Professional. Controlled.
Yet—
"You're shaking," Rayden murmured.
"Because I hate crowds."
"Because you're nervous."
Smyle looked up. "You don't know me that well."
Rayden met his gaze.
"I know more than you think."
That line blurred.
Just for a second.
Smyle pulled back first.
"Remember the deal," he whispered. "Don't confuse acting with ownership."
Rayden's jaw tightened.
"Careful," he replied. "You're the one playing with fire."
THE PRICE OF ATTENTION
Later—too late—someone else tried.
A man older. Confident. Too confident.
"You look bored," he said to Smyle. "Want a drink?"
Smyle smiled politely. "I'm fine."
The man persisted.
Rayden watched from across the room.
This time—
He didn't interrupt immediately.
He waited.
Measured.
Smyle handled it himself.
"I said no," Smyle said firmly.
The man backed off.
Rayden felt something unfamiliar twist in his chest.
Pride?
Relief?
Something worse.
When Rayden approached afterward, Smyle spoke first.
"See? I don't need rescuing."
"I wasn't rescuing," Rayden said.
Smyle raised a brow. "Then what were you doing?"
Rayden leaned in just enough for others to see intimacy.
"Watching," he said quietly.
"And deciding how much I hate it."
Smyle swallowed.
THE WAY HOME...
The car ride home was quiet.
Not tense.
Heavy.
Smyle looked out the window, city lights blurring.
"You were different tonight," he said suddenly.
Rayden glanced at him. "So were you."
Smyle smiled faintly. "Guess the act worked."
Rayden studied him. "You enjoyed it."
Smyle didn't deny it.
"I enjoyed being seen," he said honestly.
"Not owned. Seen."
Rayden looked away.
That distinction mattered more than he wanted.
BACK HOME ...
Back at the house, Smyle paused before going inside.
"This deal," he said.
"I'll play the part. Smile. Attend events. Be convincing."
Rayden waited.
"But don't mistake that," Smyle continued softly,
"for surrender."
Rayden stepped closer.
"I don't want surrender," he said.
"I want choice."
Smyle laughed quietly.
"Then you chose the wrong person."
As Smyle walked inside, Rayden stayed behind.
For the first time—
He wasn't sure who was in control anymore.
THE BMW OUTSIDE THE GATE...
Morning at the university was loud.
Laughter, footsteps, chatter, bags slung over shoulders—
the usual chaos Smyle felt safest in.
Normal people.
Normal problems.
He liked that.
Smyle walked through the gate with Ohm beside him, earphones half-on, sketchbook tucked under his arm.
"Ohm," Smyle muttered, "if James steals my pen again today, I swear I'll—"
A sudden silence rippled through the crowd.
Not complete silence—
but the kind where voices drop, steps slow, and curiosity sharpens.
Smyle frowned.
"What's with everyone—"
Then he saw it.
A black BMW, sleek and expensive, parked right outside the main gate.
Engine still running.
Windows tinted.
Very out of place.
William whistled low.
"Okay… WHO'S SUDAR DADDY IS THATTTT?"
James squinted.
"That's not a daddy'd car. That's a 'don't mess with me' car."
Hong nudged Leo.
"Is this a movie shoot?"
Smyle didn't laugh.
His stomach sank.
Slowly.
"Oh no," he whispered.
Ohm turned. "What?"
The back door of the BMW opened.
A man stepped out.
Tall.
Black coat.
Perfect posture.
Rayden Black.
Phones came out instantly.
Girls stared.
Boys stared too.
Smyle froze like someone had unplugged him.
"No," he muttered. "No no no no—"
Rayden's eyes scanned the crowd.
Then—
They landed on Smyle.
Locked.
Ohm followed Smyle's gaze.
"…Smyle," Ohm said slowly, "why does that man look like he owns the city?"
Rayden walked forward calmly, unbothered by the attention.
Straight to them.
Every step screamed money and control.
"Good morning," Rayden said politely.
Smyle wanted the ground to eat him alive.
"Oh my god," Smyle hissed under his breath. "You cannot be serious."
Rayden tilted his head.
"I said I'd take you today."
"You didn't say you'd invade my university."
Rayden's lips curved faintly.
Ohm stared between them.
"…Do you know him?"
Smyle opened his mouth.
Closed it.
William leaned in.
"Smyle, blink twice if you're being kidnapped."
Rayden extended his hand calmly.
"Rayden Black. Smyle's husband."
Five seconds.
That's how long it took for the group to explode.
"HUH?!"
"WHAT?!"
"HUSBAND??"
"YOU'RE MARRIED??"
Ohm didn't say anything. But in mind *ohh he married HIM? He didn't even invite me hah*
Which scared Smyle more.
Smyle grabbed Rayden's sleeve and dragged him two steps away.
"What are you DOING?" he hissed.
"You're late," Rayden replied calmly. "And you forgot your lunch."
He handed Smyle a neatly packed bag.
Smyle stared at it like it might bite him.
"…You didn't have to do that. University have canteen ."
"I know."
That answer annoyed him more.
Leo muttered loudly,
"Okay but why is he hot though—"
"Oh my GOD," Smyle groaned.
Rayden glanced back at the group.
"You're welcome to join him for lunch anytime," he said smoothly.
"Our driver can take you."
William choked.
"Our?"
James whispered, "I think I'm in the wrong tax bracket."
Ohm finally spoke.
Calm. Too calm.
"Smyle," he said, eyes sharp,
"Walk with me."
Smyle swallowed.
"Uh—after class?"
"No," Ohm said. "Now."
Rayden watched them.
Didn't interfere.
That worried Smyle even more.
They walked a few steps away.
Ohm crossed his arms.
"You were going to tell me ?!?"
Smyle sighed.
"I was."
"When?"
"…Eventually."
Ohm studied his face carefully.
"You don't look scared," Ohm said slowly.
"You look annoyed."
Smyle snorted.
"Because he's embarrassing."
That… confused Ohm.
"So you're okay?"
Smyle hesitated.
Then smiled—small, real.
"I'm not in danger," he said honestly.
"I'm just… in something complicated."
Rayden watched from a distance.
He didn't like that Ohm stood so close.
Didn't like how easily Smyle relaxed with him.
That unfamiliar feeling twisted in his chest.
Jealousy.
Pure. Sharp. Unwanted.
Smyle walked back.
"Don't do this again," Smyle warned Rayden quietly.
"Surprise appearances."
Rayden leaned closer, voice low.
"Then answer my calls."
Smyle rolled his eyes.
"You're impossible."
Rayden smirked.
"You're still talking to me."
Smyle turned to his friends.
"I'll explain later," he said quickly.
"Don't start rumors."
William grinned.
"Oh, it's too late for that."
Rayden opened the car door.
"I'll pick you up at four."
Smyle blinked.
"I didn't agree to that."
Rayden paused.
"Dinner. Public place."
Smyle narrowed his eyes.
"…Fine."
Rayden left.
The BMW drove off.
The moment it disappeared—
"Oh my GOD," James yelled.
"SMYLE IS MARRIED TO A BILLIONAIRE!"
Leo laughed.
"You're living in a drama."
William grinned.
"So… rich husband?"
Smyle sighed deeply.
"I hate all of you."
Ohm didn't smile.
He looked thoughtful.
Suspicious.
And Rayden—
From the car mirror—
Watched Smyle laugh with his friends.
And felt something settle deep inside him.
This wasn't just obsession anymore.
This was territory.