When Primrose opens her eyes, it's already 10:00 a.m. She has an important task today and that is to host a hotpot party for Nathaniel and Ember. Her younger brother has asked her to make them hotpot and who is she denying his request? She has been craving it too, mainly because of how cold the weather is getting.

Because Ember just got out of surgery, Lilian suggests making a lighter broth to accommodate her diet, so today's hotpot revolves around mushrooms, lots of mushrooms. There's a light of excitement in her eyes when Primrose sees how many mushrooms she has in the fridge, she can make many dishes just with this one ingredient.

Ember and Nathaniel promise to come over early today and help her prepare for tonight's feast, but Primrose declines. She can not make poor Ember work right after having a part of her body removed, her parents would be very mad if they found out about it. Besides, she needs to keep her image as the lovely bubbly older sister of Nathaniel, hoping that this positive side can earn her the title of sister-in-law soon.

As the raven head prepares the food, her mind wanders back to yesterday's conversation with Lilian and how she insisted on asking Caleb to escort her to the company's formal event. Primrose finds it unnerving at first, but the more she thinks about it, the more she realizes that Caleb is her only way out. She has little to no option and the thought of going with a complete stranger doesn't entertain her one bit.

But to go with Caleb…

Sighing, she puts the washed vegetables in a colander to let them dry. Despite her busy hands, she still thinks about the possibility of going to the event with Caleb. It's scary, her guarded heart is telling her to dismiss it, that it will only bring her harm if she goes with him. To this day, Primrose still carries the weight of the pain in the past, knowing very well that it serves nothing more than a hindrance to her bright future. But to abandon it means she is taking her personal pain lightly. After everything she has gone through, the last thing she wants to do is diminish her wound as nothing but a small, insignificant scratch…

Speaking of the devil, she hasn't seen him lately.

Lilian told her yesterday that she should talk to him as soon as possible, it seems like he has his work cut out for him. Due to the recommendation from his colleagues and high praise from past patients, Caleb is given more surgery to do to the point that he is now working on the 5th day of a 12-hour shift. Primrose truly wonders how the hospital can get under the radar of the Department of Labor when most doctors are overworked to the point of getting burnt out.

Looking at the meat tray in her hand, she ponders between the thought of ignoring him or maybe saving a portion for him if Caleb happens to come home tonight. They're not even that close to considering each other as acquaintances. Would it be odd for her to do that? Would Caleb think that she is being weird for doing unnecessary things?

But if her action can close the gap between them, even if it's just a tiny bit, Primrose might actually consider it. He has been nothing but kind to her, it is only natural that she returns the gestures. She blushes at the thought, wondering how he will react to her homemade food…

Turning her attention to the pot of water on the stove, she puts dried kelp and mushroom in, making the broth base. As Primrose moves swiftly in her kitchen, she finishes all the necessary tasks at hand before taking the leisure time to clean up her apartment. While the raven head has been keeping it nice and organized, it's better to serve her guests in a crispy clean environment, even if they are her brother, his girlfriend, and her best friend.

When Primrose finishes all her tasks, it's already 4:30 p.m. She has been so absorbed in the cleaning and cooking process that she forgets about taking care of herself.

"Oh, I should get ready…"

Although most of her work is at home, there are times when Primrose enjoys pampering herself. Whether it's a hot bath or an hour of doing her hair, in times like this, she feels like she is taking care of the little girl inside her. She pulls her hair into a low ponytail and ties it with a ribbon, changing into a skirt and sweater and socks, the raven head strolls back to her kitchen and takes out all the prepared ingredients from the fridge.

Her ear perks up when the doorbell sound rings in the air, the water mage walks to the front door and welcomes her guests. Lilian, Nathaniel and Ember are all here at the same time.

"Primrose!" Ember is the first to greet her "Thank you for having us."

"Of course, how are you feeling?"

"It's less painful now but Nathaniel won't stop bugging me about taking it easy." her emerald eyes shine a light of fondness "He treats me like a child."

"Goodness, someone is actively praising her man." Lilian chimes in with a playful remark.

"Don't listen to her, sis. She has done anything but rest." the blond sends his girlfriend a pouty look "Anyway, we got cookies!"

Primrose opens her door wider, stepping outside to let everyone in. Unbeknownst to her, someone else has come back from a long and gruesome day at work. His raven lock is tousled unevenly, the doctor's coat hanging on his forearms, and his tie is loosely hanging around the neckline. His appearance, while not combed and neat, still exudes a charming aura that draws the attention of everyone on the same floor. His weary sigh, the tired neck spin, and how he strolls back to his place, Primrose's eyes widen at the sight of him.

"It's you!" Nathaniel is the first one to speak, pointing at him.

"Caleb?" Lilian is shocked at the sight of a tired doctor.

"Dortor Vatore?" Ember's eyes twinkle when she sees the man who had helped her.

The name call catches his attention as Caleb turns to them, surprised at all the familiar faces.

"Alright, what is going on?" Lilian wastes no time looking at her best friend "You guys are neighbors?"

"I-I…" a bright blush forms on her face as Primrose stumbles on her words "N-no, I don't know anything…"

"That's a lie! Primrose!"

Her friend's overreacting excitement draws the attention of Ember and Nathaniel, who look at her puzzlingly. They don't know that the handsome surgeon who treated the blond's girlfriend is also his sister's neighbor, what an amazing coincidence.

"Ah, I never have a chance to say this, but thank you for your amazing work, doctor Vatore."

"Caleb is fine, and you're welcome."

"He was your surgeon?"

This time, Primrose speaks up, surprised at the revelation. The one who helps her brother's girlfriend is Caleb…

"This deserves a party of its own. Join us, Caleb! You look like you can use some relaxation!" Lilian turns to the vampire lord "We're having hotpot today!"

"It would be great if doctor Va-, I mean, Caleb joined the feast." Nathaniel nods eagerly "If you don't mind, of course."

Caleb wears a tired yet warm smile on his face, but before he answers, silver orbs lay on her, silently asking if she wants to or not. Primrose notices his gaze and turns away, eyes closing with the blush on her cheek deepens its color. She bites her bottom lips nervously, trying to find a reason to say no, but the thought of him helping Ember and Nathaniel before, along with how she was hoping to save a portion of food for him earlier makes Primrose give in. She gives a soft nod before making a hasty retreat to her home.

Standing in the kitchen, she stares at the cutting board blankly. A realization dons on her when she sees that tall figure removing his shoes like the rest of the guests and putting on a pair of house slippers. Caleb is now inside her apartment, her safe space, and she is the one who invites him in…

"I'm crazy…" holding onto her apron as she finally realizes her daring action "I'm crazy…"

"Primrose, do you need help?" Ember walks up to her with a smile "I can help…"

"N-no, no…uhm…" the raven head is caught off guard again "I mean, I'm good. You should entertain Nathaniel and Lilian, they are starting another competition now."

She points towards the living room, where Lilian and Nathaniel are enthusiastically pulling out controllers and challenging each other to a racing game.

"Help me watch over them, I don't want to buy another new controller…" Primrose sighs, recalling how intense the last competition was when Lilian accidentally broke her controller.

"Leave it to me."

With that, Ember walks back into the living room and engages with them in the game. Caleb's eyes shift between the lively group and the quiet Primrose who is focusing on her task. He takes a few steps towards the kitchen, silently watching the lovely raven head swiftly move from one place to another.

When she turns to the cupboard and eyes the items on the shelves, there is a frustrated look on her face. Primrose tiptoes, extending her arm as far as she can to reach the item. It's an endearing sight that makes Caleb realize how she has the most modest height among everyone. He is thinking about offering help, but he doesn't know if she will reciprocate his intention positively or not.

But Caleb is not the only one who has his eyes on her. Nathaniel has been watching from afar, not only looking at his older sister but also the young lord. Despite engaging in the game, the blond is still mindful of Doctor Vatore and his possible connection to Primrose. His protective instinct grows upon knowing that his sister's neighbor is someone of the opposite gender.

But before he voices his opinion, there is something Nathaniel must do…

"Hey sis, need a hand up there?"

Primrose stops tiptoeing and turns her attention to him, annoyed at his smug face and blushing when she meets Caleb's eyes. As Nathaniel walks closer to them, she can already tell where this is heading.

"Don't you dare…"

"Aw, let me help you. My eyes hurt just looking at you reaching that shelf."

Without any warning, Nathaniel picks her up like a little kid and raises his arms, giving her a lift so she can retrieve the dried noodle package. His good intention also meets with strong protest from Primrose as she wries herself off his grip. Her efforts are in vain, as always.

"Come on, I'm helping you here, little sis."

Primrose wastes no chance throwing the package at him, almost knocking the poor blond off his feet. As she gracefully catches the dried noodles, the raven head's hands are on her hips, she puffs up her chest, trying to make her small stature bigger and more intimidating.

"I am the older sibling here!"

"Yes yes, you are the older sibling." the blond snickers at her obvious comment, not skipping a chance of annoying his sister even more by slightly bending down so that his gaze levels hers "Hey look, I get to see your eyes now!"

"Nathaniel!" she exclaims loudly, hitting on his arms as her face grows redder at each teasing comment.

The blond laughs loudly, having fun entertaining himself, and walks back to the lively racing game. As he walks past Caleb who is casually sitting on the bar stool, their eyes meet and a silent conversation is exchanged. The young lord's lips curl up into a smile, that intense eye lock serves as a warning that he should not leering at Nathaniel's sister if he is not serious about her.

So they are siblings…

Stands up from his seat, Caleb makes his way to Primrose, who is setting the dried noodles onto a plate filled with other ingredients. Tapping lightly on her shoulders, he receives her attention as she stares at him, eyes widen a little bit before turning her gaze away. She has her guard up again…

"Is there anything I can help?"

His words carry an air of tranquility, an encouragement so that she can open her heart. Primrose grips onto the package tightly, looking around her kitchen before landing her eyes on a ceramic pot sitting neatly on another high shelf.

"Uhm, can you get the…" her voice trails off, but Caleb can see where her finger is pointing.

He nods, confirming her request by gracefully retrieving the pot and setting it on the marbled surface of her counter.

"Don't put heavy stuff up high like that, it's not safe."

"Yes…" she agrees, cleaning the pot with a wet cloth "Thank you."

She looks around again, wondering if she should give him another task to do. Caleb stays close by her side but still gives her a comfortable space where she doesn't feel like she is being intruded. He follows her finger, getting the stuff she needs and preparing the ingredients she wants.

As he is focused on cutting the mushroom, Caleb can't help but steal a few glances at her. How she dresses, how the linen apron fits her perfectly, how her hair is held by a lovely blue ribbon, how that blush still adorns her face as she is getting some tea bags out. That uneasiness slowly fades away, replaced by something calmer and more peaceful. She still has her guard up as any time Caleb reaches out to ask her what else to do, Primrose always flinches before speaking.

It's a small development, a subtle shift that embraces both of them with warmth and the hopes of further connection. Lilian sits in the living room and watches the scene, she can't help but smile proudly at their progress.

When Primrose finishes with her arrangements, she sets the ceramic pot on top of a portable stove and turns on the fire. It takes a few minutes for the pot and ingredients to heat up and be ready for consumption, and as the raven head lifts up the lid, everyone stares at it with awe.

"It looks so pretty, Primrose."

"Smell very nice too." Nathaniel smiles.

"Primrose, where is the alcohol?" Lilian turns to her friend "You have some in the fridge, right?"

"Don't go overboard this time, Lilian." she shakes her head in response "I also bring tea."

Primrose doesn't care if Lilian is opening a bottle of soju and Ember nods her head when Nathaniel gestures that he wants to drink some too, she sets the mug in front of everyone. Caleb, who has made himself comfortable next to her, staring at the black liquid in the mug. It is chamomile tea with honey, a lovely floral scent with a hint of sweetness hits his nostrils and the young lord's lips curl up into a smile.

The kotatsu table is big, but still small enough that everyone stays close to each other. As they begin to dig in, there are some elbow bumps, clanking soju cups, Lilian is getting wild, Nathaniel laughs at her jokes, Ember giggles following her playfulness, and an odd yet calming air between Primrose and Caleb.

There are times when their hands brush lightly against one another and Primrose always removes her hand immediately, a fainted blush appears on the tip of her ears. There is a subtleness in their small and shy interactions, but none escape Lilian's sight and Nathaniel's watchful eyes as they become aware of the budding connection. They refrain from commenting, worried that it can cause awkwardness between her and Caleb. They want the evening to be enjoyable for everyone, and so far, it seems to be going well.

An hour turns into two, then three, and by the time Lilian finishes the whole bottle of soju, she is completely smashed.

"Lilian, you're death…" Primrose sighs, looking at her friend who is lying flat on the kotatsu table "Nathaniel, Ember! Why don't you both stay here for tonight? It's not safe for Nat to drive, right?"

"I can drive, but I don't think I can carry him off the car when we get home." Ember smiles fondly "Thank you for your offer, Primrose."

"I'll fetch the futons."

She walks out of the closet with two sets of futons in her hands and lays them on the floor for her brother and his girlfriend. She turns to Lilian, who is still dozing on the kotatsu table and helps her get into her bedroom so she can sleep on her bed. When the arrangement is complete and Ember is snuggling against a dozing-off Nathaniel, Primrose slowly walks out to her balcony, where Caleb is sitting and gazing at the city view. When he notices Primrose, a warm smile forms on his lips as he turns his full attention to her.

"It's getting late, I should get back home…"

He trails off, almost reluctantly to go back. He knows that the young mage is probably very tired from the feast they had and she deserves nothing less than a good night's sleep.

Primrose only nods at his words, unsure what else to say. She thinks about what her friend told her about bringing Caleb to the party and pondering with the thoughts again. Should she even try to ask him?

Playing with her hair, she looks at him again, onyx eyes staring at his silver ones. Caleb is surprised at the full attention he receives from Primrose, but he remains silent, letting her take the time to speak up whatever is in her mind.

Primrose thinks about the possibility of going to the event with Caleb, she has initially thought about how she should phrase her words carefully to ask him about this topic. But somewhere along the lines, her mind trails off to somewhere else, to that night when he turned down her feelings and the morning after when she found out that he left without a word.

Her voice hitches at the painful memories as she takes a few steps back, her whole body tense and small shoulders visibly shaking. Why is she thinking about this? Why is her mind playing these scenes in her head? She doesn't want to remember this haunting past…

Caleb, sensing her uneasiness, steps up to help. With both hands on her shoulders, he tightened his grip, hoping the presence of another person would bring back some sense into her. As she feels his hands on her, Primrose raises her head and looks at him, searching for something in the depth of his eyes, an answer to her heartbreak.

and Marlin have given her the answer she desperately seeks, but hearing from them doesn't ease her pain and only amplifies her confusion even more.

Why did he leave her?

Why did he choose to say nothing and act on his own?

Why did he believe that leaving her was the best option?

Why did it have to be her?

Why…?

"Primrose, beloved…"

It's like an instinct call within his heart, Caleb calls out the nickname he gave her years ago. His eyes stare at her tearful ones, worried and confused. Brushing away the falling tears, Caleb doesn't know what is the cause of her sadness. It is in moments like this that he wants nothing more than to hold her close and whisk her away from the pain that resides in her heart. Is it that difficult to figure out the matter of her heart?

"Why…?" her hands lay on his chest before gasping onto the shirt tightly "Why did you leave me?"