Chapter 12: The Line Between Us

The glow of the screen illuminated Ji-Ah's face, her expression calm yet intensely focused.

Evelyn should've been celebrating. After all, they had just cracked the Pentagon's impossible security puzzle.

But instead, she found herself watching Ji-Ah.

She hated how effortless she made it look. Like it had never been a struggle. Like the past five days of hell hadn't left her drained.

Evelyn, on the other hand, was exhausted. She slumped back in her chair, letting out a long sigh. "Well, that was fun."

Ji-Ah didn't respond immediately. She was still running final checks, her fingers gliding across the keyboard with that infuriating precision.

Evelyn huffed. "Do you ever take a break?"

Ji-Ah barely glanced at her. "When the work is done."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Of course."

Ji-Ah finally leaned back, rubbing her temples. The smallest sign of fatigue.

Evelyn smirked. "Ah, so you do get tired. Good to know you're human."

Ji-Ah shot her a look. "Unlike you?"

Evelyn grinned. "No, I'm just built different."

A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at Ji-Ah's lips before she masked it.

But Evelyn had seen it.

And for some reason, that single flicker of amusement was the most satisfying thing about this whole project.

8:00 AM – Outside the Lab

They stepped outside for the first time in what felt like years.

The morning sun was blinding, and Evelyn winced, shielding her eyes.

Ji-Ah, of course, didn't react.

"Do you have sunglasses built into your skull or something?" Evelyn muttered.

Ji-Ah smirked slightly. "Adaptability."

Evelyn snorted. "You're impossible."

They stood there for a moment, letting the fresh air replace the stale lab atmosphere.

For the first time since this nightmare started, the silence between them wasn't tense.

Evelyn crossed her arms, side-eyeing Ji-Ah. "So, what now? We shake hands and pretend we didn't want to strangle each other for a week?"

Ji-Ah considered her. "I never wanted to strangle you."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Ji-Ah gave a slow nod. "That would be a waste of time."

Evelyn stared at her for a second before bursting into laughter.

Ji-Ah blinked, looking mildly confused. "What?"

Evelyn wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "God, you're funny without even trying."

Ji-Ah tilted her head slightly, as if she hadn't expected that reaction.

Evelyn leaned against the railing, still grinning. "Alright, genius. Since we've officially saved the Pentagon from itself, how about a reward?"

Ji-Ah glanced at her. "Like what?"

Evelyn smirked. "Breakfast. My treat."

Ji-Ah hesitated.

Evelyn held up a hand. "Before you reject it on some logical, efficiency-based principle, let me remind you—we haven't eaten real food in days."

Ji-Ah sighed, as if accepting defeat. "…Fine."

Evelyn fist-pumped. "Victory."

As they walked off together, Evelyn couldn't help but think…

This wasn't a friendship.

But it was something.

And for now, that was enough.