The recording session lasted about an hour, and everyone couldn't stop praising Ira. In all her years of singing, this was her shortest and most flawless recording session. The song was filled with emotion, touching listeners' hearts as if expressing the simple wish of a girl who only wanted to be with the one she loved, asking for nothing extravagant.

Ira blushed, shyly accepting the compliments, but her eyes would sneak glances at Tawan. She caught a tender gaze from Tawan, one that carried a gentle affection and a smile full of pride and love. Ira's face turned even redder. Why was Tawan looking at her like that today? Was it because she had realized her feelings, or was it because of this morning's kiss?

Ira lightly patted her cheeks, trying to compose herself. No, she couldn't act like a teenager in love for the first time. She had to remain calm. She didn't yet know what Tawan thought of her. Now that she understood her own desires, she had to try harder to win Tawan over.

- Was my singing good? - Ira stepped closer to Tawan, leaning her face in and softly asking.

- It was amazing. - Tawan didn't flinch, her narrowed eyes studying Ira, curious about her intentions.

- Did you like it?

- I did. - Tawan nodded with a small smile.

- Did you like the song, or... me?

- Is there a difference? - Tawan smirked.

- Not much. - Ira straightened up, smiling mischievously. This "stone" was indeed tough.

- Tawan watched as Ira stepped back, chuckling softly. This girl would throw hints her way and then back off when Tawan didn't immediately respond.

- What are you laughing at? - Ira pouted, thinking Tawan was teasing her.

- I'm laughing because you're so adorable. - Tawan said softly.

Boom! Ira felt her heart explode. Her ears turned red, and she avoided Tawan's gaze, fumbling for an excuse to leave quickly. They say that cold people flirt intensely when they do, and Ira hadn't believed it—until now. Her heart wasn't strong enough to handle Tawan flirting with her like this.

After the recording, Ira had to practice choreography. Dance was both her favorite and most exhausting activity because her health wasn't great. The demanding movements often challenged her physically, but Ira was determined. She never gave up, even if it meant pushing through pain.

Today, she practiced moves for her upcoming song. There was one particular step she struggled with, unable to capture its essence. Frustrated, Ira stayed behind to continue practicing after everyone else had left. Tawan sat quietly on the stairs, watching her with a small smile, silently cheering her on.

Tawan observed Ira's dedication, noticing her stumble at times. She wanted to step in and help but stopped when she saw the determination in Ira's eyes. Quietly, Tawan withdrew, choosing to watch from the shadows. She admired Ira's perseverance, knowing that the path to fame required great sacrifices—not just beauty or talent but also time, health, sweat, tears, and sometimes even blood.

Tawan reflected on the reality behind every success story. Behind smiles and achievements lay long, often painful journeys. No one had the right to judge another's efforts, as only the individual knew the true cost of their struggles. The best one could do was to support or leave quietly—never criticize or belittle someone's efforts.

She smiled, imagining Ira shining under the spotlight before thousands, perhaps millions. Ira was born for such brilliance. Tawan silently vowed to protect that light for the rest of her life, unaware she was making an unspoken lifelong commitment.

- Yeahhhhh!

Ira's triumphant shout snapped Tawan out of her thoughts. She watched as Ira celebrated completing the challenging step, her face glowing with joy despite being drenched in sweat and visibly exhausted. Ira's happiness was infectious. For Ira, overcoming a challenge felt incredibly rewarding.

Unconsciously, Tawan smiled as well, turning to make a subtle "yeah" gesture in solidarity with Ira's success. It was something she'd never done before—not even for her own milestones.

- Tired? - Tawan walked over, handing Ira a towel and a bottle of water.

- Tired but happy! - Ira beamed as she accepted them.

- Your stamina's a bit weak. - Tawan remarked honestly.

- I know. My health's been poor since childhood, and I have trouble sleeping, so... - Ira trailed off, looking down sadly.

- Want to train with me? - Tawan offered.

- Train?

- Gym training. I'll be your personal trainer. Free of charge.

- But you're not allowed to get mad at me! I'm very lazy when it comes to working out!

- It's just to help you get a little stronger, not to build six-pack abs.

- Alright! You'll be my personal trainer and my personal bodyguard! - Ira laughed, leaning in for a hug, but Tawan stopped her by holding her forehead.

- What? - Ira looked up, confused.

- You're all sweaty. - Tawan used it as an excuse.

- So, if I'm clean and fresh, can I hug you? - Ira asked mischievously, batting her eyelashes.

Tawan was speechless, turning away to escape, but Ira wouldn't let her go, trailing behind with relentless questions:

"Can I hug you after I shower?"
"If I'm clean, can I hug P'Tawan?"

Finally, Tawan caved, nodding in agreement. It wasn't until she saw Ira's radiant smile that she realized she'd just set herself up. It was too late to take it back now.

After showering, Ira wasted no time rushing out and embracing Tawan tightly.

- What are you doing? - Tawan asked, frozen.

- You said if I was clean, I could hug you!

- ... Are you done hugging?

- Not yet! Just a little longer!

Tawan licked her lips nervously, standing stiffly like a statue. She didn't know where to place her hands, so she let them hang awkwardly at her sides. Ira, meanwhile, nestled closer, resting her chin on Tawan's shoulder and wrapping her arms around Tawan's waist inside the vest. Closing her eyes, Ira leaned her head against Tawan's, savoring the warmth that belonged only to Tawan.

Tawan wasn't prepared for Ira's boldness. Feeling Ira's breath near her sensitive neck and ear sent shivers down her spine. Her heart raced, and her breathing became uneven.

- Tawan... - Ira whispered softly, her voice like a feather brushing against Tawan's heart.

- Ira... - Tawan's voice trembled. This was the first time anyone had been this close to her. She didn't know whether to act on instinct or maintain control.

- I'm here... - Ira's sweet, soft tone sent waves of warmth through Tawan.

Tawan remained silent, overwhelmed. Ira leaned closer, her lips brushing Tawan's neck—accidentally or intentionally, Tawan couldn't tell. The faint touch made her flinch.

Ira stepped back slightly, her amber eyes locking with Tawan's deep brown ones. A sly smile played on her lips as she leaned in again, but this time, Tawan raised a hand to gently push her forehead back.

- Don't tease me anymore. Let's go home. - Tawan's voice was firm, masking the internal chaos she felt.

- You're no fun, P'Tawan. - Ira pouted but didn't press further.

Tawan let out a relieved sigh. She prided herself on her self-control, but Ira constantly tested her limits. She decided she'd need to meditate tonight to regain balance.

- What do you want to eat? - Tawan asked as they got into the car.

- I don't want to eat anymore. - Ira huffed.

- Why not?

- I'm not in the mood. - Ira shot her a side-eye glare.

- It's late. Let's grab some beef noodles.

- I said I'm not hungry!

Growl...

Tawan raised an eyebrow, smirking at Ira's stomach.

- You might not want to eat, but your stomach disagrees. Stop being stubborn.

- Fine. Beef noodles it is. But...

- No conditions.

- You didn't even hear me out!

- I don't have to. I know you too well.

- Whatever! I still have a condition: after dinner, I get to sleep with you again tonight!

- ...

- Please, P'Tawan! Last night I slept so well in your room. Normally, I only sleep 2-3 hours before waking up and staying up till morning... - Ira's voice trailed off, looking forlorn.

- Fine. - Tawan relented, unable to refuse her. She understood Ira's health struggles and, truthfully, she had also slept better with Ira by her side. It was a win-win.

- Thank you! - Ira beamed, her joy infectious.

Both of them returned to Tawan's house close to 9 PM. As the car entered the garage, they noticed another car already waiting. Tawan stepped out of the car and motioned for the other two to wait for her in the office upstairs while she escorted Ira to her room. She instructed Ira to take a shower and rest early, telling her there was no need to wait as she had work to handle. However, Ira nodded absentmindedly, but deep inside, she decided to wait for Tawan to return before going to sleep.

- Boss! - Pey and Ace bowed to Tawan

- Do you have the results? Who is it? - Tawan took the document from Ace and began reading intently

- The Amarin family!

Tawan raised her head, silently processing the information, then quickly looked down to skim through Ace's report. This was part of a separate investigation she had assigned Ace a few days prior. After finishing the report, Tawan placed the tablet down and sighed. Her instincts were never wrong, but the situation had escalated beyond her expectations.

- This explains why she had to change over ten security companies and nearly fifty personnel in just six months!

- Yes! Given the circumstances, no one else would have accepted this contract. Furthermore, if it weren't you, I don't think anyone could handle this! - Pey sighed as she bowed her head

- The bounty notices are continuing to rise on Z! - Ace handed another report to Tawan

- The amounts are staggering! - Tawan remarked

- What should we do? - Pey looked at Tawan, waiting for instructions

- Tell Ray to have people accept the bounty jobs and delay the process. - Tawan suggested a stalling tactic

- Understood!

- Continue investigating who in the Amarin family is behind this!

- Yes, Boss!

- Oh, and one more thing! - Ace hesitated

- Stammering isn't like you! - Tawan scrutinized Ace

- It's about... Dara...

- What about her?

- She's been throwing tantrums, demanding to see you!

- Didn't I already arrange for her to be settled?

- Yes, but she still insists that you come... Dara hasn't eaten for days now!

- Did you tell her I'm busy?

- I did! But... - Ace glanced at Tawan, sighed, and then mustered up the courage to continue - ...when she heard the client was a woman, she went ballistic, smashed things, and then continued her hunger strike, demanding to meet you. I had no choice but to report this to you!

- Fine! I'll go see Dara. You two stay here and guard Ira! She's resting in my room!

- What? - Both of them exclaimed in unison, eyes widening in shock.

After receiving Tawan's sharp gaze, they realized their slip-up, immediately lowered their heads, and fell silent. They exchanged furtive glances, seemingly communicating through their eyes.

"Boss allowed someone into her room, and it's a woman?" - Pey widened her eyes at Ace, then stole a glance at Tawan

"I'm just as shocked!" - Ace's eyes bulged in surprise

Both close aides were flooded with countless questions in their minds. For Tawan, her private space was extremely important—she disliked anyone entering her private areas, such as her home, office, and especially her bedroom. Allowing Ira to stay by her side, even sharing a bed with her, was truly an earth-shattering event for her closest associates. Even that person, when they were alive, had never been granted such a privilege, let alone a client she had only taken on a few days ago. Ace and Pey exchanged glances, a peculiar yet perfectly logical idea flashing in their minds.

"Ira! This thigh needs to be held on to tightly!"

Tawan noticed her two close aides exchanging glances and silently communicating their thoughts but chose not to bother with them. She turned back and headed to her room. Ira had finished her shower and was sitting on a chair reading a book. The moment she saw Tawan open the door and walk in, she quickly stood up and smiled at her.

- You should take a bath. I've already filled the tub for you! - Ira smiled brightly.

- Thank you, but I have to go out for a bit. - Tawan looked at Ira gently.

- But it's already so late. Where are you going at this hour? - Ira asked, surprised and worried.

- I have some work to handle. Stay home and go to sleep first; you don't need to wait for me.

- But without you here, I'm scared...

- Don't worry! This is my private home. It's very safe here, and besides, Pey and Ace, my most trusted aides, will be outside the door guarding you. Be good and stay home to sleep. I'll finish my work and come back to you as soon as I can. Alright?

- ... - Ira stayed silent for a moment before reluctantly nodding. She didn't want to act childish because she understood that if Tawan had to leave at this hour, the matter must be very important. She wouldn't delay her time.

- Good girl. - Tawan patted Ira's head to comfort her. She could clearly see the look of disappointment on Ira's face but appreciated that Ira didn't complain. Tawan smiled warmly. - Before I go, could you help me replace the bandages?

- Sure! I'll go get the supplies! - Ira's mood quickly lifted, and she eagerly went to retrieve the items. Knowing that Tawan wanted her to take care of the wound made her very happy.

- No need! I'll call for someone to bring them. - Tawan called out toward the door.

A knock sounded shortly after, and Tawan signaled for the person outside to enter. Pey carefully opened the door, carrying a medical kit and bowing as she stepped in. This was the first time she had ever set foot in the forbidden sanctuary of Tawan's bedroom, which made her tense. Outside, Ace peeked in, just as nervous.

What greeted Pey's eyes was her boss sitting calmly on the bed while Ira, like a gentle little wife, was carefully lifting Tawan's arm and removing the old bandages, waiting for the tools and medication to clean, disinfect, and reapply the dressing.

Pey handed the medical kit to Ira, then stood dumbfounded on the spot while Ace, still outside, peeked in and stared in awe. It was a once-in-a-lifetime scene. Their fearsome boss, who usually commanded with an iron fist, was now sitting still and obediently letting a delicate lady take care of her. Pey admitted to herself that if she weren't so afraid of death, she would have pulled out her phone to record the moment. But she valued her life—more specifically, she feared Tawan more than she feared death itself.

- What are you standing here for? - Tawan's cold voice pierced through their dazed expressions, her sharp gaze sending chills down their spines. Both of them scrambled out of the room, closing the door behind them, leaving Tawan and Ira in privacy.

- They're really scared of you! - Ira teased upon noticing, her hands still gently disinfecting Tawan's wound, her eyes focused to avoid causing pain.

- Everyone's scared of me... - Tawan smiled softly at Ira's careful actions - ... except for you.

- Why should I be scared of you? - Ira looked up, pausing her movements.

- Maybe because... I'm frightening.

- You're not frightening! I'm not scared of you! - Ira shook her head adorably and resumed bandaging.

- That's because you haven't seen my hands covered in blood. - Tawan's voice grew heavy.

- ... - Ira paused momentarily, then smiled, looking straight into Tawan's eyes - Even if you became a mass murderer, in my eyes, you'd still be my hero. I would never be afraid of you.

- I'm not a psychopathic killer! - Tawan protested.

- I know! - Ira flashed her bright, pearly smile and continued her work.

Tawan watched Ira, feeling a warm sensation in her chest. She didn't want Ira to fear her. If given a choice, Tawan would ensure Ira would never see the dark side of her life or witness her blood-stained hands. Tawan silently promised herself that she would shield Ira from storms of blood and chaos, keeping her safe under her wings.

- All done! - Ira exclaimed with satisfaction, looking up only to catch the protective, caring gaze in Tawan's eyes. She froze for a moment, as if realizing she had become something precious to Tawan.

- Yeah, it looks great. - Tawan withdrew her gaze and smiled in approval - I'm heading out now. Go to sleep.

- I understand! Drive safely!

- I will.

With that, Tawan grabbed her coat and left. Ira watched as the door closed, then lay down, hugging a pillow, pulling the blanket over herself, and rolling back and forth. Eventually, she got up and walked to the window, looking down to see Tawan driving away. A slight sense of loss rose in her chest. Sitting silently on the sofa by the window, Ira stared at the full moon outside. Alone in the quiet space, she curled up on the small sofa, quietly waiting for Tawan to return.

END CHAP 08