Chapter 34: This was dangerous

The air between them was thick, charged with something neither was willing to acknowledge yet. Ji-Ah held Evelyn's gaze, trying to figure out what exactly was going on in her head.

Evelyn was the first to break the silence, pushing off the wall and walking toward her with that same infuriating smirk. "You're really easy to tease, you know that?"

Ji-Ah rolled her eyes, forcing herself to scoff. "I'm not the one who suddenly got all possessive."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Possessive?" She let out a soft chuckle. "Please. I was just playing along."

Something in Ji-Ah's chest tightened, but she shoved it down, refusing to show any reaction. "Good," she said coolly. "Because I was too."

Evelyn stilled for just a second—so quick that if Ji-Ah hadn't been watching closely, she would've missed it. Then, Evelyn's smirk returned. "Then we're on the same page."

Ji-Ah nodded, not trusting herself to say anything else.

She turned toward her room, needing to get away before she let any real emotions slip. But just as she reached the door, Evelyn spoke again.

"By the way," her voice was softer now, almost… hesitant.

Ji-Ah paused, glancing back. "What?"

Evelyn shrugged, looking at her with an unreadable expression. "Nothing. Sleep well."

Ji-Ah narrowed her eyes slightly, but she didn't push. She just nodded and disappeared into her room, shutting the door behind her.

She exhaled, leaning against it, her heart pounding annoyingly fast.

This was dangerous.

She had been so sure Evelyn was just messing with her, but now… now she wasn't sure of anything.

And the worst part?

A small, stupid part of her wanted Evelyn to be lying. Wanted Evelyn to actually care.

But if that wasn't the case…

Then Ji-Ah was the only fool catching feelings in this situation.