Chapter 30: Why do you care???

Evelyn didn't like this.

She didn't like the way Ji-Ah was smiling at that guy. She didn't like how he was looking at Ji-Ah like he had a chance. Most of all, she didn't like the way Ji-Ah was letting it happen.

She could hear them laughing, see the way Ji-Ah leaned in slightly, playing along. And it was playing—Evelyn knew her well enough to tell when something wasn't real. But that didn't make it any less frustrating.

Why was she even doing this?

Evelyn stood there for another moment before scoffing under her breath and turning away. This was ridiculous. She wasn't going to stand here and watch whatever this was.

She didn't care.

At least, that's what she told herself.

But as she walked toward her room, she couldn't stop herself from throwing one last glance over her shoulder.

And that was when it happened.

Sun-Woo leaned in closer, his voice dropping just slightly, as if whispering something to Ji-Ah. It was subtle, casual even, but Evelyn felt something in her snap.

Before she could stop herself, she was walking back toward them.

"Alright," she said, voice sharp. "Time's up. It's late."

Ji-Ah blinked, clearly not expecting that. "What?"

Evelyn crossed her arms. "Your little gathering. It's over. He can leave."

Sun-Woo looked at her, confused. "Uh—"

"She's right," Min-Hye cut in quickly, trying not to smirk. "It's getting late, Sun-Woo. You should go."

Sun-Woo looked between them, clearly unsure what was happening, but eventually nodded. "Right. It was nice meeting you all."

He turned to Ji-Ah with a small smile. "We should hang out again sometime."

Evelyn's grip on her arms tightened.

Ji-Ah smiled back. "Maybe."

Evelyn barely waited for the door to close before turning on Ji-Ah. "What the hell was that?"

Ji-Ah raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Evelyn stepped closer, frustration bubbling up. "Bringing some guy over. Acting like that. What were you trying to do?"

Ji-Ah tilted her head, expression unreadable. "Why do you care?"

Evelyn opened her mouth—then stopped.

Ji-Ah took a step forward, closing the space between them. "You don't have feelings for me, right?" Her voice was softer now, almost teasing. "So why does it bother you?"

Evelyn didn't answer. She couldn't.

Ji-Ah's gaze lingered for a moment longer before she let out a quiet chuckle and turned away. "Thought so."

Evelyn watched her walk off, jaw clenched, heart pounding.

Damn it.