Chapter 41: No More Running

The silence between them stretched, thick with everything unspoken. Ji-Ah wasn't sure if she hated it or needed it.

Evelyn, however, had no intention of leaving things unfinished. "Sit," she said, nodding toward the couch.

Ji-Ah hesitated. Normally, she'd brush past Evelyn, make some excuse, and lock herself in her room. But tonight, she was tired of pretending. With a quiet sigh, she dropped onto the couch.

Evelyn sat beside her, close enough that Ji-Ah could feel the warmth of her presence. "I'm not going to push you," Evelyn said softly. "But I need to know if I'm wasting my time."

Ji-Ah clenched her jaw. "Why do you care so much?"

Evelyn gave her a long look before replying, "Because you're worth caring about."

Ji-Ah's breath hitched. She wasn't used to hearing things like that—especially from someone like Evelyn.

She forced a smirk. "Are you always this dramatic?"

Evelyn chuckled. "Only when it matters."

Ji-Ah stared at her hands. The weight of Evelyn's words sat heavy in her chest. Finally, she muttered, "I don't know how to do this."

Evelyn leaned back, resting her arm on the couch. "Then let's figure it out together."

Ji-Ah glanced at her, skeptical. "Just like that?"

Evelyn shrugged. "Yeah. Just like that."

For the first time in a long time, Ji-Ah felt something close to relief. She wasn't sure what this was, what they were, or where it would lead. But maybe, just maybe, she didn't have to run anymore.

And for now, that was enough.