When the hotel room door clicked shut, cutting off the distant, unfamiliar noise of the hallway, the space instantly became cozy and quiet.

Nga leaned against the door. Thiên glanced around, walking toward the window to check the latch, then the bathroom door, and finally the air-conditioning system.

"Tsk... this light isn't bright enough," Thiên murmured, his deep voice, usually calm, carrying a faint, unspoken trace of worry.

Nga watched him—his broad shoulders slightly hunched as he inspected every corner with a seriousness bordering on the comical. The flustered sharpness she had shown earlier melted away, replaced by a gentle smile.

"Hey, hey... what are you doing? Are you investigating the crime scene like Conan?" she teased.

Thiên froze, caught off guard.

"Ah— no, nothing. I'm just... checking the AC system and window lock." He cleared his throat, switching to a mock professional tone. "Basic safety principles of an engineer. I want to ensure the Scene is fully approved—stable temperature, maximum security—for the peaceful sleep of Manager Ánh Nga."

Nga burst into laughter, her voice clear like a wind chime.

"Alright, old buddy (ông bạn già). Take your time. I'll just sit here until you're done with your inspection."

Her teasing didn't upset him. He knew she understood his clumsy care, and she chose to accept it.

"All done. The room is approved. The scene is clear. You can sleep safely now," he said, relaxing into a light smile. "Good night. I'll be in the room next door. Call me if you need anything."

After the tiring flight, the strange sense of comfort knowing Thiên was right beside her made Nga fall asleep instantly. It wasn't until 1 PM that she finally woke up to her phone ringing loudly.

Thiên (deep, patient voice): Sleeping in, My Lady? Wake up. If you don't get up for lunch and get ready, you won't make it in time to see your 'beloved' idol. It's already 1 PM.

Nga groaned, half-asleep.

"Okay... okay, I'm up. Give me an hour."

She hung up, curled into her blanket, and—promptly fell asleep again.

The second time she woke was from knocking—three firm, gentle taps. Thiên knew her sleeping habits too well.

Thiên (from outside): Wake up, My Lady. It's already 2 PM. Aren't you going to eat lunch? If you don't get up now, you'll really be late!

His voice jolted her like electricity. She shot up, horrified at the time, and rushed to open the door with messy hair and sleepy eyes.

"Ahhh— Oh no! Give me 30 minutes! No— 45 to be safe!" she panicked.

Thiên stood before her, already dressed neatly in a gray wool coat. He smiled gently.

"I'll wait. Hurry up, My Lady."

He stepped inside and calmly sat on the sofa, scrolling through his phone as if handling work, though his eyes lifted from time to time to watch her.

When Nga stepped out and sat at her vanity to do her makeup, Thiên remained seated, his gaze gentle and affectionate—watching her reflection in the mirror as though cherishing a beautiful painting. He didn't rush her. He simply waited.

While choosing outfits, Nga lifted dresses one by one, holding them against herself and turning toward him.

"Thiên, how about this one?" "Beautiful. It suits you." "And this?" "Also beautiful."

Nga pouted.

"Seriously! Can you put a little effort in? You keep nodding—everything is 'beautiful, beautiful.'"

Thiên laughed.

"I'm serious. According to basic physics, the most beautiful matter is the one with the highest contrast. Everything you pick looks good because it matches your light—your energy. What other formula do you want me to use?"

Unable to deal with him, Nga finally chose her own outfit: a white fitted crop top, black wide-leg hip-hop pants, and a suede bomber jacket. Two braided pigtails framed her face, topped with a tiny red floral scarf.

Though already twenty-nine, the moment she entered the concert venue, Nga transformed into a gleeful sixteen-year-old. She clutched her shimmering silver lightstick, blending into the sea of fans and music.

Thiên stepped back slightly, observing her quietly. In his eyes, all the surrounding chaos blurred away, leaving only the image of the girl dancing and cheering with all her heart. A soft, deep affection glimmered in his gaze—the gentle reverence of someone cherishing a precious treasure.

He stood steady—like a mountain amid the roaring river of people—always keeping just the right distance: not too close to disturb her freedom, but never too far to let her feel alone.

When Nga squeezed through the crowd, his hand hovered behind her protectively. When she paused her dancing to glance at him, he had already opened a bottle of water for her. While she focused on recording her idol, he quietly recorded her—immortalizing each bright, joyful moment.

At the end of the concert, when the lights went dark, Nga panted lightly, cheeks flushed with excitement. She turned and found Thiên right behind her, calm and relieved.

He handed her tissues and held out the opened bottle of water.

"That was amazing! I've waited so long for this day! We have to go again next time!" Nga exclaimed.

"Of course," Thiên replied. His voice held the enduring promise of a man determined to be her steady haven.

He reached out, gently taking her hand, intertwining her fingers with his warm ones. He guided her out of the crowd—his affection not loud or dramatic, but firm and quietly enduring.

The moment their hands touched, Nga felt the walls around her heart tremble faintly.

Thiên had begun building the most patient, sincere bridge toward her—step by steady step—through actions only a man in true, steadfast love could perform.

 Glossary / Notes for Non-Vietnamese Readers

1. "Conan"
Refers to Detective Conan, a famous Japanese detective manga/anime. In Vietnam, saying someone is "like Conan" means they are acting like a detective, inspecting or investigating something thoroughly.

2. "Thả thính" (not in the chapter but as requested)
A playful Vietnamese slang meaning to subtly flirt, to act cute or charming on purpose to get someone's attention.

3. "Day-Bong / lightstick"
Vietnamese fans often use an English-Vietnamese hybrid term. It refers to the light-up wand fans bring to concerts.

4. "Ông bạn già"
A teasing phrase meaning "old buddy" — playful, not literal.