Chapter 12: Unspoken Feelings

The atmosphere between Arin and Pin remained charged after their little moment at work. Pin tried to act normal, but Arin noticed how she was avoiding eye contact more than usual. It made her want to tease her even more.

Later that evening, the team wrapped up their tasks for the day. Poly invited everyone out for dinner, but Pin declined, saying she was tired. Arin, of course, saw through her excuse. She wasn't tired—she was just trying to avoid her.

"Skipping dinner?" Arin asked as she followed Pin to the parking lot.

Pin sighed. "I just don't feel like going out."

Arin smirked. "Or maybe you don't want to face me after what happened earlier?"

Pin shot her a glare. "You're full of yourself."

Arin laughed. "Maybe. But you didn't push me away that fast today, did you?"

Pin turned away, trying to ignore the warmth creeping up her neck. She unlocked her car, but before she could get in, Arin stepped in front of her.

"Let's talk," Arin said, her voice softer this time. "You've been running away from me all day."

Pin hesitated but eventually let out a deep breath. "Fine. Get in."

They drove back to Pin's rental condo in Nam in silence. Once inside, Pin tossed her bag on the couch and turned to Arin. "What do you want to talk about?"

Arin leaned against the counter, watching her carefully. "Us."

"There is no 'us,'" Pin said quickly.

Arin crossed her arms. "Then why did you let me kiss you?"

Pin stiffened. She had no answer for that.

Arin took a step closer. "You can't deny that you still feel something. You were jealous today, Pin."

"I wasn't—"

"Don't lie," Arin interrupted, her voice firm but gentle. "I know you."

Pin swallowed hard, feeling trapped under Arin's intense gaze. "Even if I was… it doesn't change anything."

Arin's eyes darkened slightly. "Why? Because you're still mad at me?"

Pin let out a humorless laugh. "Of course, I'm still mad at you! You left me when I needed you the most, Arin. Do you know how hard it was to lose my parents and then lose you right after?"

Arin's expression softened with guilt. "I know I hurt you. And I know I can't undo the past. But… I don't want to lose you again."

Pin looked down, gripping the edge of the couch. "I don't know if I can trust you again."

Silence hung between them.

Arin took another step forward, reaching out to gently touch Pin's hand. "Then let me prove it to you."

Pin tensed but didn't pull away. Arin's warmth was familiar, and it scared her how much she still longed for it.

"You don't have to forgive me now," Arin continued. "But don't push me away when we both know there's still something between us."

Pin looked up at her, conflicted. "I'm scared, Arin."

"I am too," Arin admitted. "But this time, I'm not going anywhere."

For the first time in years, Pin felt the walls she had built around her heart start to crack—just a little.

But she wasn't going to make this easy for Arin.

Not yet.