"Really?" Calliope''s eyes lit up instantly.


    "Really."


    A broad smile spread across her face, and in a burst of joy, Calliope threw her arms around Ss and nted a spontaneous kiss on his cheek.


    After realizing what she had done, she pulled back, a little embarrassed.


    "You should go find your friends. Mine are waiting for me too!"


    After that, she dashed back to her room.


    Ss touched his cheek, a gentle smile ying on his lips.


    He watched the door swing shut behind her, not needing to say anything more. The gloom he''d felt all evening vanished with that unexpected kiss, lifting his spirits entirely. She always had this inexplicable ability to make him happy.


    With a smile still tugging at his lips, Ss returned to his own group.


    As he walked back into the room, his friends couldn''t help but tease him upon seeing his return.


    "Mr. Myers, you just stepped out for a moment and came back all sunshine and rainbows!"


    "First time seeing Ss in such a good mood!"


    "Ss, what''s the scoop?"


    "Nothing much," Ss replied, his handsome face settling back into a more neutral expression. "Mind your own business and just have fun!"


    "Alright."


    Meanwhile, back in her room, Calliope was met with Archie''s intense gaze.


    "Why are you so afraid of him? Does he treat you poorly?" Archie asked, concern etched in his features.


    "What? No, no!" Calliope hurried to exin. "He''s always been like an elder to everyone. Who wouldn''t be a little intimidated? It''s just how it is."


    "Really? If he ever hurts you, you have to tell me."


    Archie lowered his gaze, knowing he wasn''t strong enough yet. But one day, he promised himself, he''d be strong enough to protect her.


    "Okay, I will." Calliope smiled softly, her voice gentle.


    They spent the evening eating, drinking, and chatting until it was quitete. As they stepped out of the room, they bumped into Uriah and Ss.


    The two men, looking sharp in their suits, seemed to be waiting for them.


    "Come here," Ss gestured to Calliope. She jogged over to him.


    "Mavis, let me give you a ride home," Uriah said to Mavis.


    "Okay," Mavis nodded, bidding goodbye to Portia and the others before following Uriah.


    Ss nced briefly at Archie, then at Portia.


    "Archie, you take Portia home, alright? We''re heading out!" Calliope said, giving Archie a yful wink. "Sure," Archie agreed.


    With an arm around Calliope''s waist, Ss led her out.


    Archie watched Ss''s hand on Calliope for a long moment.


    But he just sighed, turning to Portia. "Let''s go, I''ll walk you home."


    Portia draped an arm around his neck,ughing. "No need, I''ve got my own rideing!"


    She yfully pinched Archie''s cheek. "Sweetie, you should really find yourself a partner. You''re the only single one left! Oh look, there''s my darling now. Bye-bye!"


    With a bit of a tipsy giggle, Portia ran over to a young guy waiting outside, clinging to him like a ko. Archie stood there for a moment, hands in his pockets, before he slowly sauntered out of the club. Outside, the night was deep, and as he stepped out, he caught sight of Gideon drunkenly making some antics.