Kim’s words still echoed in his mind.

“Be careful, Liam.”

What did that even mean? Was Kim warning him to stay away, or was it something else?

Jay suddenly glanced up from his phone. “You’ve been quiet.”

Liam straightened in his seat. “I’m fine.”

Jay gave him a look but didn’t press further. “I’ll have the driver drop you off first.”

“Thank you.”

Jay nodded, then looked back at his phone. Liam sighed in relief. He didn’t know how to explain what he was feeling—not to Jay, not to anyone.

And yet, when Kim texted him later that night—

Kim: Come to Midnight Lounge. 10 PM.

Liam’s hands hesitated over his phone.

Then he exhaled and texted back.

Liam: On my way.

Midnight Lounge was exactly what he expected—dark, expensive, and filled with people who looked like they belonged there.

Liam didn’t.

He spotted Kim immediately. The singer was lounging in a private booth, his shirt slightly unbuttoned, a glass of whiskey in his hand. The dim lights cast shadows on his face, making him look more dangerous than usual.

Liam approached, stopping a few feet away. “You called.”

Kim smirked. “And you came.”

Liam didn’t respond. He just slid into the booth.

Kim studied him for a moment before asking, “Want a drink?”

“I’ll get one myself.”

Kim chuckled but said nothing as Liam stood and made his way toward the bar.

That was the last normal moment of the night.

Because when Liam turned back—

Kim wasn’t alone anymore.

A tall man with slicked-back hair had slid into the booth beside him. He leaned in close, fingers lightly tracing Kim’s jaw before tilting his head—

Then he kissed him.

And Kim didn’t push him away.

Liam’s heart dropped.

His stomach twisted, his breath caught in his throat.

What the fuck…?

Kim had invited him here, had looked at him like he was something special—only to turn around and kiss someone else?

Liam’s grip tightened around his drink.

Then he set it down and walked out of the club without looking back.

“Liam!”

Kim’s voice rang out behind him, but Liam didn’t stop.

A hand grabbed his wrist.

“Liam, wait!”

Liam ripped his arm free.

“Let go of me, Kim!” His voice was sharper than intended, but he didn’t care.

Kim hesitated. “Why did you leave?”

Liam let out a harsh, bitter laugh. “Are you serious?”

Kim’s expression shifted.

“I saw you,” Liam hissed. “You kissed that guy. Right in front of me.”

Kim’s lips parted, but Liam wasn’t done.

“You invited me here,” Liam said, voice unsteady. “You looked me in the eye like I was the only one in the room. And then, five minutes later, you’re making out with some other guy?”

Kim inhaled sharply. “Liam, it’s not—”

“Forget it.” Liam’s voice cracked slightly, but he turned to leave.

Then—

“Kim, don’t you get it?!” Liam’s voice broke.

“I’m in love with—”

Silence.

His hands curled into fists.

“You know what? Just forget it,” he muttered.

But before he could take another step, Kim grabbed his arm again.

“Liam—” Kim’s voice was softer now, hesitant.

Liam turned slightly, breath unsteady.

Kim swallowed hard. “I—” His voice broke. “I love you too.”

Liam’s breath caught.

“But we can’t,” Kim added quickly, gripping Liam’s sleeve like it hurt to let go. “It wouldn’t work. You know that. My family—my career—” He exhaled sharply. “It’s impossible.”

Liam stood still.

Then, he let out a breathless, bitter laugh. “That’s what I thought.”

Kim’s eyes widened slightly, but Liam kept going.

“I guess you’re right,” Liam said, voice quieter now. “I’m just a nobody.”

His throat tightened. “Gosh, why is it that the people I love don’t always love me back?”

Kim flinched.

Liam shook his head. “Don’t.” His voice was barely a whisper. “Just let me go.”

Kim didn’t stop him this time.

Liam walked away, leaving Kim standing there—silent, unmoving, shaken.

For the first time in a long time…

Kim didn’t know how to fix this.

The next day, Kim showed up at Liam’s door.

He didn’t know what he was going to say.

But he knew one thing for sure—

He couldn’t let Liam walk away from him forever.