Chapter 54: Something Real

Ji-Ah woke up again—this time for real. The warmth of Evelyn's presence was still there, her arm draped loosely around Ji-Ah's waist. The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting soft golden hues over the room. For a brief moment, Ji-Ah let herself enjoy it—the quiet, the warmth, the way Evelyn's breathing was steady against her shoulder.

Then reality started creeping in.

This wasn't a dream. Last night had happened. The kisses, the confessions, the unspoken promises. Ji-Ah had spent so long pretending she didn't care, dodging every attempt Evelyn made to break through her walls. But now?

There was no running.

She shifted slightly, trying not to wake Evelyn, but the movement caused Evelyn to stir. A sleepy hum vibrated against Ji-Ah's shoulder before Evelyn tightened her grip, pulling Ji-Ah closer.

"You're thinking too much," Evelyn murmured, her voice still husky from sleep.

Ji-Ah tensed. "I'm not."

Evelyn chuckled softly, her fingers brushing lazily against Ji-Ah's side. "Liar."

Ji-Ah sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing. Evelyn had a way of seeing right through her, of reading the things she tried so hard to hide.

After a beat of silence, Evelyn shifted, propping herself up on one elbow so she could look at Ji-Ah properly. "Are you regretting last night?" Her voice was careful, guarded. Ji-Ah hated hearing that hesitation.

"No," Ji-Ah said immediately, turning her head to meet Evelyn's gaze. "Not even for a second."

Evelyn studied her for a moment, searching for any sign of doubt, but Ji-Ah held her ground. Whatever this was—whatever they were becoming—it was real.

Evelyn's lips curved into a slow smile, a flicker of relief crossing her face. "Good," she murmured, leaning down to press a soft kiss against Ji-Ah's temple.

Ji-Ah's heart clenched at the tenderness of it. This was new. Different. It wasn't just teasing anymore, wasn't just a game of push and pull. It was real.

And that was terrifying.

"I don't know how to do this," Ji-Ah admitted quietly, staring up at the ceiling.

Evelyn exhaled, resting her chin on Ji-Ah's shoulder. "Then don't overthink it. We'll take it as it comes."

It was such a simple answer, but it settled something deep in Ji-Ah's chest. She turned her head slightly, enough to brush her nose against Evelyn's. "Okay," she whispered.

Evelyn smiled, pressing one last kiss to Ji-Ah's lips before pulling away, stretching lazily. "As much as I'd love to stay in bed all day, we should probably get up before Min-Hye and Seo-Jun start making assumptions."

Ji-Ah groaned. "They're already making assumptions."

Evelyn smirked. "True. But now they'll be right."

Ji-Ah rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. She wasn't used to this—to waking up next to someone and feeling safe. Feeling wanted.

But maybe, just maybe, she could learn.

And Evelyn?

Evelyn was worth learning for.