Benny followed closely behind Daisy, trying not to stare too much at everything around him.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting warm golden light across the elegant marble floors. Beautifully dressed guests chatted with glasses of wine in hand while soft laughter echoed through the hallway leading to the private rooms.
"I've never seen somewhere this fancy," Benny whispered.
Daisy smiled.
"My sister likes celebrating in style."
"I can see that."
He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
"I suddenly feel poor."
Daisy burst into laughter.
"You always say the funniest things."
"I'm serious."
She gently bumped his shoulder.
"No one here cares what you're wearing."
"I hope you're right."
Just then, another group of guests walked past them.
Benny instinctively stepped aside to let them through.
At that exact moment...
Nathan and his entourage turned the corner from the opposite hallway.
Neither of them was paying attention.
Benny glanced toward Daisy.
Nathan glanced at the documents his assistant had handed him.
The distance between them disappeared in seconds.
Bump.
Benny stumbled backward.
"Oh!"
The force made the folder in Nathan's hand fall to the polished floor.
Several documents scattered across the marble.
Silence.
Benny's eyes widened.
"Oh no! I'm so sorry!"
Without thinking, he immediately crouched down and began gathering the papers.
"I didn't see you..."
Nathan looked down at the boy.
Golden hair.
Round face.
Bright green eyes.
And when Benny bit his lip nervously...
Those tiny rabbit-like teeth appeared again.
For a brief moment...
Nathan simply stared.
He had seen countless beautiful people.
Actors.
Models.
Royalty.
None had ever made him pause.
Yet this nervous university student somehow did.
Benny quickly arranged the papers before standing and holding them out with both hands.
"I-I'm really sorry, sir."
Nathan accepted them silently.
Their fingers brushed for the briefest second.
Benny quickly withdrew his hand as if he had touched fire.
"S-Sorry..."
Nathan finally spoke.
"...Watch where you're going."
His voice was deep, calm, and unreadable.
Benny lowered his head immediately.
"Yes, sir."
Daisy hurried forward and bowed slightly.
"I apologize on behalf of my friend."
Nathan gave a small nod before walking past them without another glance.
His bodyguards followed closely behind.
Only after they disappeared around the corner did Benny release the breath he had been holding.
"...He's scary."
Daisy looked toward the hallway where Nathan had vanished.
"He must be some important businessman."
Benny nodded absentmindedly.
"...Yeah."
But for some reason...
He couldn't forget those cold blue eyes.
Nor did Nathan realize that as he walked toward the VIP room, an image kept replaying in his mind.
A pair of sparkling green eyes.
Golden hair.
And a shy smile that revealed two tiny bunny teeth.
Neither of them knew...
That this accidental meeting would become the beginning of a story that would change both of their lives forever.
The moment Nathan disappeared down the corridor, the tense atmosphere surrounding Benny finally lifted.
He let out a slow breath, pressing a hand against his chest.
"I thought he was going to kill me just for bumping into him."
Daisy giggled.
"You worry too much."
"You saw the way he looked at me!"
"I did."
"And?"
"He looked like someone who hadn't smiled in years."
Benny shuddered dramatically.
"I'm glad I'm still alive."
Daisy laughed so hard she had to cover her mouth.
"You really are hopeless."
"I prefer the word careful."
She shook her head before gently pulling him toward the staircase.
"Come on. Everyone's waiting."
The private banquet hall occupied the entire third floor.
Unlike the noisy atmosphere downstairs, this floor was peaceful and elegant.
Soft piano music floated through hidden speakers.
Crystal chandeliers illuminated the room with a warm golden glow.
Fresh white roses decorated every table, filling the air with a delicate fragrance.
A long buffet displayed countless dishes—from grilled seafood and roasted steak to colorful desserts and fresh fruit.
Benny's emerald eyes widened.
"...Wow."
He had never seen so much food gathered in one place.
Daisy noticed where he was looking and smiled knowingly.
"You can eat as much as you want."
His ears almost perked up.
"Really?"
"Really."
A grin immediately spread across his face, revealing his tiny bunny teeth once again.
"I already like your sister."
"Happy birthday!"
Several voices echoed through the room as Daisy opened the door.
Standing near the large birthday cake was a beautiful young woman in an elegant silver dress.
Her chestnut hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her warm hazel eyes sparkled with kindness.
The moment she saw Daisy, she smiled brightly.
"You made it!"
She walked over and hugged her younger sister before noticing the shy boy standing behind her.
"So..."
She tilted her head curiously.
"This must be Benny."
Benny straightened immediately.
"H-Hello."
He bowed politely.
"Happy birthday, Miss."
The woman smiled warmly.
"No need to be so formal."
She extended her hand.
"I'm Clara."
"Benny Miller."
"So you're the famous Benny."
His cheeks turned pink.
"F-famous?"
Daisy smirked.
"I might have talked about you a little."
"A little?" Clara laughed.
"You've been hearing about this adorable boy for months."
Benny's face turned bright red.
"D-Daisy!"
"What?"
"You told your sister about me?"
"Maybe."
"You promised you wouldn't embarrass me."
"I never made that promise."
Everyone nearby laughed.
Within minutes, Benny found himself surrounded by Daisy's friends.
Unlike what he had expected, they welcomed him warmly.
Some asked about university.
Others asked about his part-time jobs.
One even complimented his golden hair.
"You look younger than your age," one guest remarked.
Benny scratched his cheek.
"I hear that a lot."
Another guest smiled.
"Your smile is cute."
Benny laughed awkwardly.
"Thank you."
His cheerful personality quickly eased everyone's tension.
Even those meeting him for the first time found themselves smiling.
There was something incredibly genuine about him.