Chapter 28: Jealousy

It started subtly.

Evelyn didn't think much of it at first—Ji-Ah had always been a bit territorial, especially when it came to things she considered hers.

But when Ji-Ah started glaring at anyone who so much as talked to her, Evelyn knew something was up.

And, if she was being honest?

She loved it.

Ji-Ah's Problem

Ji-Ah hated this feeling.

She had never been the jealous type. At least, not until Evelyn.

It started when they attended a company dinner together. Evelyn had been chatting with a woman—tall, elegant, clearly flirting—and Ji-Ah had felt a sharp, unfamiliar annoyance rise in her chest.

She tried to ignore it.

Failed.

Especially when Evelyn smirked, completely enjoying the attention.

Ji-Ah slammed her glass down on the table a little too hard. Min-Hye, sitting beside her, raised an eyebrow. "Uh… you okay?"

Ji-Ah forced a smile. "I'm fine."

Seo-Jun snorted. "No, you're not. You look like you're about to murder someone."

Ji-Ah didn't respond. Her eyes were still locked on Evelyn.

When Evelyn laughed at something the woman said, Ji-Ah had had enough.

She stood up abruptly. "I'm going home."

Min-Hye exchanged a look with Seo-Jun before smirking. "Uh-huh. Totally not jealous."

Ji-Ah glared. "I'm not."

Min-Hye smirked harder. "Sure, babe."

Seo-Jun whistled. "She wants you, and you want her. Just admit it."

Ji-Ah turned on her heel and stormed out.

She definitely wasn't jealous.

…Right?

Evelyn's Turn

Ji-Ah wasn't the only one struggling.

Evelyn realized it when she felt annoyed for the first time.

It happened at Ji-Ah's workplace.

Evelyn had stopped by to drop off some documents when she spotted Ji-Ah laughing with one of her male colleagues.

A little too comfortably.

Evelyn didn't even think—she walked straight up and wrapped an arm around Ji-Ah's waist.

Ji-Ah stiffened. "What are you doing?"

Evelyn smiled sweetly at the man. "Hi, I'm Ji-Ah's fiancée."

The guy blinked. "Oh. Uh… nice to meet you."

Evelyn's grip tightened slightly. "Is it?"

Ji-Ah elbowed her. "Evelyn."

The guy coughed. "I should, um… get back to work."

As soon as he left, Ji-Ah turned to Evelyn. "What the hell was that?"

Evelyn shrugged. "Nothing. Just saying hi."

Ji-Ah narrowed her eyes. "You scared him off."

Evelyn smirked. "Did I?"

Ji-Ah groaned. "You're impossible."

But Evelyn saw it—the smallest hint of a blush.

She didn't know who was worse—Ji-Ah for being so obvious, or herself for enjoying it too much.

The Friends Notice

Min-Hye and Seo-Jun weren't blind.

Watching Ji-Ah and Evelyn dance around each other was the most entertaining thing they had ever seen.

One day, as Ji-Ah ranted about Evelyn's possessiveness, Min-Hye simply leaned back and sighed.

"This is getting ridiculous."

Seo-Jun grinned. "Agreed."

Ji-Ah frowned. "What?"

Min-Hye smirked. "You like her, babe."

Ji-Ah choked. "I—NO."

Seo-Jun snorted. "And Evelyn definitely likes you."

Ji-Ah opened her mouth to argue—but then she stopped.

Because deep down…

She knew they were right.

But Who Moves First?

That was the real problem.

Evelyn knew her feelings. Ji-Ah definitely had feelings.

But neither of them wanted to make the first move.

And their friends?

They were so done with this slow-burn disaster.