61.Warmth and Consideration

After finishing her training at Black Cloud Hall, Han So-Yeon felt unusually heavy. She could sense that that time of the month was approaching. Normally, she didn't experience severe cramps, but this time, the dull ache in her lower abdomen was stronger than usual. Perhaps it was because she had been stressing too much over Lee Do-Hyun. The more she thought about him, the more she wanted to avoid him. She didn't want him to see her in a vulnerable state.

That evening, Han So-Yeon curled up in her room, trying to endure the pain. She tried her best to maintain a composed expression, but the cramps were becoming unbearable.

Just then, she heard the door creak open. Lifting her gaze, she saw Lee Do-Hyun entering the room, holding something in his arms.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly, concern evident in his eyes.

Han So-Yeon forced a smile and turned away. "I'm fine. Just a little tired." She tried to downplay her discomfort, but Do-Hyun had already seen through her.

Without a word, he sat beside her and handed her what he had been carrying—a warm water bottle and a small pouch of medicinal herbs. "I heard that keeping warm helps. This might be useful when you're feeling tired."

Han So-Yeon's eyes widened slightly as she looked at him. He knew exactly what was wrong but chose to act as if he didn't. The gentle thoughtfulness behind his gesture warmed her heart.

"Do-Hyun… thank you," she whispered, hugging the warm bottle to her stomach. Somehow, his kindness seemed to ease the pain more than anything else.

Do-Hyun simply smiled. "Everyone has days when they don't feel their best. Don't push yourself too hard. Get some rest."

Hearing those words, Han So-Yeon felt a lump form in her throat. She had always tried to be strong and independent, but at this moment, she realized it was okay to let someone take care of her.

After Do-Hyun left, she lay down, holding the water bottle close. Maybe… it's okay to lean on someone once in a while. She thought to herself, reflecting on how she had always tried to be perfect.

Just then, the door opened again. This time, it was Baek Wol-Hee. She stepped inside with her usual playful grin.

"Oh? Can I come in too?" she asked, tilting her head mischievously.

Han So-Yeon sighed but smiled. "I already know you're going to tease me, but go ahead."

Baek Wol-Hee walked over, glancing around as if checking for someone. Seeing that Do-Hyun had left, she smirked. "Do-Hyun is such a thoughtful man, isn't he?" she mused as she plopped down next to Han So-Yeon.

Han So-Yeon sighed again, hugging the warm bottle closer. "Yeah… he is."

Baek Wol-Hee rested her chin on her hand, looking amused. "But, So-Yeon, don't you think you're being a little too cautious? I mean, I'm just a bit more direct with my feelings, that's all. Do-Hyun is really special, you know."

Han So-Yeon turned to look at her, a knowing smile forming on her lips. "You and I are different. I have my own way of showing my feelings. This is just how I am."

Baek Wol-Hee chuckled. "Fair enough. As long as we don't end up fighting over him too much." Though she was joking, there was sincerity in her voice.

Han So-Yeon smiled back. "Agreed."

That night, as she held the warm bottle close, she felt lighter. Do-Hyun's thoughtful gesture and Baek Wol-Hee's playful presence had eased both her pain and her heart. For the first time in a long while, she felt at peace.

*****

Growing Closer

The next evening, the dining hall at Black Cloud Hall was filled with the lively chatter of warriors relaxing after training. The long tables were lined with delicious food, and everyone was unwinding from the day's fatigue.

Lee Do-Hyun sat among them, enjoying the warm atmosphere. Just then, Han So-Yeon approached and sat next to him, something she hadn't done in a while. She looked much more at ease than the day before.

"Mind if I sit here?" she asked.

Do-Hyun gave her a warm smile. "Of course. Have a seat, So-Yeon."

As she sat, she began filling her plate, and for the first time in a while, she met his gaze without hesitation. She realized she didn't have to hide her feelings or struggle to maintain a distance. Being near him felt… natural.

Across the table, Baek Wol-Hee smirked as she observed them. With a teasing glint in her eye, she spoke up. "So-Yeon, you seem to be in a really good mood today. Something good happen?"

Han So-Yeon chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Something good? Not really. Just… it's been a peaceful day." She glanced at Do-Hyun briefly, a small smile playing on her lips.

Baek Wol-Hee raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Huh. You're not glaring at me today. That's unusual. Did something happen to soften you up?" She winked playfully.

Han So-Yeon sighed but smiled. "No, I just don't feel like arguing today."

Then, her gaze landed on Baek Wol-Hee's outfit—a light, form-fitting robe that hugged her curves. Han So-Yeon smirked slightly. "Though… your outfit is a little distracting. Isn't it a bit too thin?"

Baek Wol-Hee looked down at herself, then burst into laughter. "Oh my, So-Yeon, I never thought you'd be paying so much attention to my clothing. Should I take that as a compliment?"

Do-Hyun chuckled as he listened to their banter. There was something refreshing about how Han So-Yeon was interacting with Baek Wol-Hee. Unlike before, she wasn't being overly defensive or aggressive. She was just… being herself.

He smiled at the two women. "I appreciate you both getting along so well for my sake." His voice carried a lighthearted tease.

Han So-Yeon blushed slightly and looked away. "Who said this is for you?" she muttered, but the warmth in her tone was unmistakable.

Baek Wol-Hee leaned in slightly, smirking. "You might not say it out loud, but I can tell~."

Han So-Yeon shook her head, but there was no frustration in her expression this time. Instead, she felt something shift—her emotions no longer felt like a battlefield. She had come to understand them better.

As dinner came to an end, Do-Hyun stood and stretched. "Thanks for keeping me company tonight. It was a good meal." His words were genuine.

Han So-Yeon and Baek Wol-Hee both smiled at him. Though their smiles were different, their thoughts were the same.

As Do-Hyun walked away, Han So-Yeon watched his retreating figure, a quiet determination forming in her heart. We're getting closer. So, from now on… I'll keep taking small steps forward. In my own way.

Beside her, Baek Wol-Hee turned to her with a knowing look. "You're a bit more relaxed now, So-Yeon. But just so you know… I haven't given up yet. I still plan on getting closer to him."

Han So-Yeon met her gaze, this time without hostility, and nodded. "Fine. We don't have to compete… but we can both try in our own ways."

At that, Baek Wol-Hee grinned. "Now that's the spirit."

And so, their relationship evolved—not as rivals, but as women who understood each other's feelings and accepted their own.