Chapter 52: Can I kiss you..

That evening, Ji-Ah found herself pacing in her apartment. She wasn't sure why she was hesitating. Evelyn had already asked her out—seriously, directly. And Ji-Ah? She hadn't given a real answer yet.

It wasn't because she didn't know how she felt. She did. And maybe that was the problem.

Sighing, she grabbed her phone and stared at Evelyn's name on the screen. Calling felt too formal. Texting felt too distant.

She shoved her phone into her pocket and stepped out of her apartment.

The hallway was quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the city outside. Ji-Ah barely hesitated before knocking on Evelyn's door.

It opened almost immediately, like Evelyn had been expecting her.

Ji-Ah's heart did that stupid, annoying skip again when she saw her—relaxed, wearing an oversized hoodie and shorts, her hair slightly damp like she had just showered.

Evelyn leaned against the doorframe. "Couldn't stay away?"

Ji-Ah rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched. "Shut up and let me in."

Evelyn stepped aside, letting her in without another word.

Ji-Ah walked in and turned to face her, crossing her arms. "I've been thinking."

Evelyn smirked. "Dangerous."

Ji-Ah ignored the comment. "About what you said. About us."

Evelyn's expression softened slightly. She said nothing, just waited.

Ji-Ah took a deep breath. "I don't want to overthink it anymore. I don't want to keep pretending this is just… nothing."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

Ji-Ah held her gaze, steady this time. "I'm saying I like you. And I want this. You. Us."

For the first time, Evelyn looked surprised—only for a moment before she grinned, slow and knowing.

"Finally," she said, stepping closer. "I was starting to think you'd never get there."

Ji-Ah rolled her eyes, but she didn't move away when Evelyn reached for her, fingers brushing lightly against her wrist.

Evelyn tilted her head. "So, does this mean I can kiss you now, or…?"

Ji-Ah didn't answer with words. She just grabbed Evelyn's hoodie, pulled her in, and kissed her first.

It wasn't hesitant this time.

It wasn't something they'd dismiss in the morning.

This time, neither of them was running.