Chapter 27: Caught in the Act

Evelyn wasn't stupid. She noticed things.

Like how Ji-Ah had been acting weird lately.

It wasn't the usual angry outbursts or sarcastic remarks. No, this was different. Ji-Ah was watching her—stealing glances when she thought Evelyn wasn't looking, shifting uncomfortably whenever they got too close, and, most importantly, avoiding eye contact when Evelyn smirked at her.

And Evelyn? Oh, she lived for it.

One morning, Evelyn caught Ji-Ah staring again.

She was sipping her coffee, scrolling through her tablet, when she felt Ji-Ah's eyes on her. Evelyn smirked but didn't look up immediately. Instead, she took her time, deliberately slow, before meeting Ji-Ah's gaze.

Ji-Ah immediately looked away, pretending to focus on her food.

Evelyn set down her coffee. "Are you admiring me, Ji-Ah?"

Ji-Ah choked on her rice. "What? No!"

Evelyn leaned her chin on her palm. "Are you sure? Because I swear you've been staring a lot lately."

Ji-Ah grabbed her water, gulping it down like her life depended on it. "You're imagining things."

Evelyn hummed, pretending to think. "Am I? Or is it that you're finally realizing how charming I am?"

Ji-Ah shot her a glare. "In your dreams."

Evelyn grinned. "Oh, darling, you have no idea."

Ji-Ah's face turned red, and Evelyn decided she loved that look on her.

After that, Evelyn made it her mission to push Ji-Ah.

Brushing past her just a little too closely. Leaning in when they talked. Holding eye contact longer than necessary.

Every time, Ji-Ah's reaction was priceless—stiff posture, flustered expression, and quick attempts to change the subject.

One evening, as Ji-Ah was watching TV, Evelyn plopped down beside her, intentionally sitting closer than usual.

Ji-Ah glanced at her warily. "What are you doing?"

Evelyn shrugged. "Just getting comfortable."

Ji-Ah scooted a little. Evelyn followed.

Ji-Ah frowned. "Seriously?"

Evelyn smirked. "What? Am I distracting you?"

Ji-Ah huffed and focused on the screen, pretending Evelyn wasn't there.

Evelyn leaned in, her lips close to Ji-Ah's ear. "You're tense, Ji-Ah. Relax."

Ji-Ah jumped up from the couch. "I—need water."

She practically ran to the kitchen.

Evelyn leaned back, watching her go with a satisfied smirk.

Oh, this was fun.

But what she hadn't expected…

Was how much she liked seeing Ji-Ah like this.

Maybe, just maybe… this wasn't just a game anymore.