Chapter 45: A Losing Battle

Ji-Ah hated this.

She hated how Evelyn could throw out one simple statement and completely derail her thoughts.

Min-Hye leaned in, her grin wide. "Well? We're waiting."

Ji-Ah shot her a glare before turning back to Evelyn, who was watching her with that infuriatingly calm expression. "You can't just decide you want to date me out of nowhere."

Evelyn took a slow sip of her coffee, unfazed. "It's not out of nowhere."

Ji-Ah crossed her arms. "Oh, really? You literally said the kiss meant nothing—"

"I lied."

Silence.

Ji-Ah blinked. "What?"

Evelyn set her cup down. "I lied," she repeated smoothly. "I was drunk, yes. But that didn't mean it didn't matter."

Ji-Ah's brain short-circuited. "Then why the hell did you act like it didn't?"

Evelyn exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "Because I wasn't ready to deal with it. But after watching you pretend like nothing happened, I realized something."

Min-Hye was watching the scene like it was the best drama she'd ever seen.

Ji-Ah swallowed. "Realized what?"

Evelyn stepped closer. Ji-Ah instinctively stepped back—only to hit the wall.

Damn it.

Evelyn's voice was softer now. "That I don't want you with anyone else."

Ji-Ah felt her breath hitch.

Min-Hye nearly squealed. "Oh my god."

Ji-Ah shot her a murderous glare before focusing back on Evelyn. "You don't do relationships," she reminded her again, voice quieter this time.

Evelyn's eyes never wavered. "I do now."

Ji-Ah hated how her heart reacted to those words.

Hated how much she wanted to believe them.

Evelyn leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "So what's stopping you?"

Ji-Ah had no answer.