Chapter 43: No Turning Back

Ji-Ah wasn't sure what was more unsettling—the way Evelyn held her hand so naturally or the fact that she wasn't pulling away.

It should have been awkward. It should have felt like a mistake.

But it didn't.

Evelyn squeezed her fingers lightly, her expression unreadable. "So… what now?"

Ji-Ah exhaled slowly, staring at their joined hands. "I don't know."

That was the truth.

She had spent so much time building walls, convincing herself that this—whatever this was—couldn't happen. But one touch, one simple gesture, and suddenly, she wasn't so sure.

Evelyn hummed as if considering something. Then, without warning, she lifted Ji-Ah's hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it—soft, teasing, but with a weight that sent heat rushing to Ji-Ah's face.

Ji-Ah yanked her hand back. "You—"

Evelyn grinned. "I what?"

Ji-Ah scowled. "Don't do that."

"Why not?" Evelyn leaned in slightly, her voice low. "You didn't seem to mind a second ago."

Ji-Ah opened her mouth to argue but realized she had nothing to say.

Because Evelyn was right.

And that terrified her.

Before she could respond, Min-Hye's voice rang out from the hallway.

"Ji-Ah, you in here—"

She stopped mid-step, eyes flicking between them. Then, a slow smirk spread across her face.

"Oh, this is interesting."

Ji-Ah groaned, burying her face in her hands.

Evelyn just laughed.