Chapter 51: Yes!!!

Chapter 54: No More Running

Evelyn stood her ground, her gaze steady. She had already asked Ji-Ah out—she wasn't going to take it back. This time, she wouldn't let Ji-Ah slip away with an excuse.

Ji-Ah knew it too.

The room felt smaller, the air charged with something heavier than tension. Ji-Ah had spent so much time convincing herself that Evelyn was just playing around, that none of this was real. But here Evelyn was, waiting. Not teasing. Not smirking. Just waiting.

Ji-Ah swallowed, forcing herself to meet Evelyn's gaze. "You're serious."

Evelyn nodded. "I don't ask things I don't mean."

That was the problem, wasn't it? Ji-Ah had spent so long thinking Evelyn would never be serious about her. But now, faced with the truth, she didn't know what scared her more—saying yes or walking away.

She hesitated. "I don't want to be another one of your mistakes."

Evelyn's eyes darkened. "You're not."

Ji-Ah let out a shaky breath. "Then why me?"

Evelyn stepped closer. Not enough to touch, but close enough that Ji-Ah could feel the warmth of her presence.

"Because it's always been you."

Ji-Ah's heart clenched. She had no more excuses left. No more ways to deny what had been obvious for a long time.

There was no more running.

She took a deep breath and whispered, "Okay."

Evelyn's lips parted slightly, as if she hadn't expected Ji-Ah to actually say it.

Then, slowly, she smiled.

Ji-Ah hadn't expected relief to be the first thing she felt after saying yes.

For so long, she had convinced herself that this was a mistake waiting to happen. That Evelyn wasn't someone to trust with her heart. But standing here now, watching the way Evelyn's eyes softened—like she had been waiting for this moment longer than she'd ever admit—Ji-Ah felt something settle inside her.

Evelyn exhaled, her smile small but real. "You mean it?"

Ji-Ah rolled her eyes. "Would I say it if I didn't?"

Evelyn smirked. "Maybe."

Ji-Ah sighed. "Then let me make this clear. I meant it."

Something flickered in Evelyn's gaze—something close to satisfaction. But she didn't tease. Didn't push. Instead, she nodded, like she was accepting a promise.

"Good."

Ji-Ah hated how her heart reacted to that one word.

Evelyn didn't move closer, didn't demand anything more. Instead, she just looked at her for a long moment before heading toward her bedroom.

Ji-Ah blinked. "That's it?"

Evelyn glanced over her shoulder, amusement tugging at her lips. "Did you want something else?"

Ji-Ah hesitated for a second before shaking her head. "Just… good night."

Evelyn chuckled but didn't argue. She simply gave Ji-Ah one last lingering look before disappearing into her room.

Ji-Ah let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

There was no turning back now.