"What floor?" Ethan asked.

He understood that couples found joy simply being together, even in quiet moments.

"The twenty-third."

Ethan pressed the button.

When the elevator arrived, Ethan supported Nathan across the hallway toward a large door.

Ethan intended to leave after getting Nathan to the doorway, but Nathan couldn't stand steadily and would collapse without support.

Gritting his teeth, Ethan pressed the doorbell.

The door opened almost immediately.

He found himself facing an alluring woman wearing a... form-fitting silk dress.

Her silhouette was visible through the delicate fabric, creating an enticing vision.

Elizabeth's delighted expression froze when she saw Ethan.

She'd encountered him twice already today, wondering if this was some twisted fate.

Ethan looked away and explained, "Nathan got himself drunk after plying Andrew with alcohol, just so he could come see you sooner. I helped bring him home."

Elizabeth remained silent.

"I'll help him inside. He's too intoxicated to walk alone," Ethan added calmly.

His voice remained steady and composed.

Elizabeth opened the door wider. "Thank you."

Her tone was distinctly distant.

As Ethan stepped into the entryway, he attempted to remove his shoes. But with both hands supporting Nathan, he could only use his feet.

"Don't bother. Just come in." Elizabeth noticed his struggle.

She knelt down and changed Nathan's shoes for him.

They were matching couple's fluffy slippers, identical to hers, looking incredibly cozy.

"Since you'll be leaving shortly anyway," Elizabeth added.

Ethan stopped trying to remove his shoes.

He also stopped looking at her.

The slip dress she wore revealed too much with every movement.

It had already been quite revealing when she knelt down moments before.

Ethan helped Nathan into the apartment before asking, "Which room does he sleep in?"

"My bedroom." Elizabeth pointed toward a doorway. "Over there."

Ethan seemed to swallow slightly, though he maintained his composure.

He carefully guided Nathan toward Elizabeth's bed. Just as he settled Nathan onto the mattress...

"Urp!"

Nathan couldn't control himself and vomited all over Ethan.

After vomiting repeatedly, Ethan's clothing was completely soiled.

Then Nathan rolled over and dozed off as if nothing had happened.

He even mumbled before falling asleep, "Wanted to see my girlfriend... Wanted to celebrate my birthday with her..."

The room fell into momentary silence.

Ethan watched as Elizabeth climbed onto the bed to attend to Nathan. He turned to leave. "I'll go now. Please take good care of Nathan."

But then...

"Would you like to shower?" Elizabeth's voice came from behind him.

Ethan clenched his fists tightly.

"I have some of Nathan's clothes here. You can shower and change into them."

She knew about Ethan's mysophobia, understanding he'd be tormented leaving in this state.

"Don't overthink it. It's just because Nathan ruined your clothes... Of course, you're free to refuse. Just close the door on your way out..."

"Alright, I'll take that shower. Thank you."

Ethan turned to face her, his manner equally polite.