He opened his eyes, shifted his gaze towards Claudia.

Perplexed, he observed her actions, noticing that her left hand rested against the window as if reaching out to grasp something, though he couldn't discern what it was.

The traffic light flipped to green and the car jerked into motion. Claudia, unprepared, bumped her head against the window.

A sharp gasp escaped her as she rubbed her forehead.

Bennett watched her for a moment before reaching out.

“Let me see.” Through her haze, Claudia felt Bennett's warm breath against her face. Her forehead bore no mark, but her cheeks were aflame.

Bennett stole a glance at her, noticing her big, moist eyes filled with an expression of sadness and vulnerability.

For some inexplicable reason, he found himself reaching out to pinch her cheek.

“Have you had a bit too much to drink?"

Caught off guard, it took Claudia a moment to understand Bennett's words. "Yes, I... I'm slightly tipsy," she mumbled, her gaze fixed on Bennett. Through her blurry vision, she thought she saw him move and instinctively tried to stabilize herself by reaching for him.

As her fingertips brushed against his face, Bennett experienced a peculiar tickle. He captured her hand and inquired, “What are you trying to do?"

Bennett had seized Claudia's hand, causing her to feel a hint of irritation. A dose of alcohol had emboldened her.

“Can you stop moving around?"

Deepening her frown, she perceived Bennett's unsteady demeanor before her, intensifying her own sense of dizziness

Perceiving her state, Bennett realized that she was drunk.

He eased his grip, instructing, "Have a seat."

Pulling her hand back, Claudia complied. She placed her palms on her knees and sat upright, akin to a preschooler. She then cast him a look with her sparkling eyes, asserting, "I've seated myself."

She was yearning for his approval. Bennett gazed at her, his throat bobbing noticeably.

With effort, he held back and surveyed her through his deeply-set eyes.

“That's a good girl.”

He extended his hand and gently caressed her head, his typically cold voice softening, infused with a subtle and barely perceptible tenderness.

Unfortunately, Claudia was drunk now.

Unaware of her own condition, she continued to perceive Bennett as swaying, further influenced by her impaired senses.

After maintaining her seated posture for a few seconds, she nibbled her lip, raised her hands, and abruptly blocked Bennett's face.