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Having nearly finished their drinks, Andrew took out his wallet, extracted some bills, and settled the tab.

Exiting the bar, it was already dark outside. As they had both been drinking, they couldn't drive, so Andrew called for a ride.

The car stopped steadily in front of the apartment building, and the two of them stepped out. Isabella, having had a bit too much to drink, felt a bit dizzy. She clung to Andrew's arm, allowing him to guide her to the elevator.

They stopped in front of the elevator, only to see a yellow maintenance sign on the floor.

The elevator was under maintenance, so they had to take the stairs.

Midway through climbing, she started to pant, whereas Andrew, beside her, showed no signs of fatigue, walking effortlessly.

"Tired? Should I carry you?" his deep, gentle voice murmured.

She readily agreed, jumping onto his back.

With her on his back, he proceeded steadily up the stairs.

The first ten or so floors had motion sensor lights, but the last two floors' l