Chapter 42: Crossing the Line

Ji-Ah wasn't sure when she had let her guard down, but sitting here, next to Evelyn, she realized something dangerous—this wasn't just a game anymore.

Evelyn had a way of pulling her in without forcing anything. It was frustrating. It was terrifying.

Ji-Ah sighed, rubbing her temples. "You're really not going to let this go, huh?"

Evelyn smirked. "You already know the answer to that."

Ji-Ah groaned, leaning back against the couch. She should have expected this. Evelyn wasn't one to back down.

A moment of silence stretched between them, the kind that made Ji-Ah too aware of every little thing—the warmth of Evelyn's arm resting near hers, the way their knees almost touched.

Evelyn's voice softened. "Tell me to stop, and I will."

Ji-Ah swallowed. The air between them felt charged, like standing too close to a storm. One wrong move, and she'd be swept away.

But maybe… maybe she wanted to be.

She didn't move away when Evelyn reached out, fingers brushing against hers. A test. A question.

Ji-Ah could still walk away.

Instead, she intertwined their fingers, heart pounding.

Evelyn's grip tightened, a slow smile spreading across her lips. "Interesting choice."

Ji-Ah rolled her eyes. "Don't make it weird."

Evelyn only laughed. "Too late."

And for once, Ji-Ah didn't mind.