Chapter 57: Playfulness…

The morning sun filtered through the blinds, casting soft golden patterns on the floor. Ji-Ah sat in her sleek, minimalist-designed apartment, sipping on her coffee as she skimmed through the reports on her tablet. Being the Founder and CEO of Infinity Dynamics, one of South Korea's top AI security and tech firms, meant her mornings were often consumed by data analytics, project updates, and investor meetings.

Across from her, lounging comfortably as if she owned the place, Evelyn—CEO of NovaCore, America's leading AI company—watched her with amusement.

"You're always working," Evelyn mused, sipping her own coffee. "Is this really how a CEO spends her mornings? No luxury breakfast, no meditation? Just straight to business?"

Ji-Ah didn't look up. "When you run a company at this level, you don't get the luxury of slow mornings."

Evelyn scoffed playfully. "Sounds like an excuse." She reached over, snatching Ji-Ah's tablet from her hands and locking the screen before setting it aside.

Ji-Ah raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

"You're excused," Evelyn said with a teasing grin. "And while we're on the topic of avoiding things—let's talk about something important." She leaned forward, eyes glinting. "Introducing me to your parents. Properly. As your girlfriend."

Ji-Ah sighed. "You just want to see how they'd react, don't you?"

"Maybe." Evelyn shrugged. "But also, we're already engaged—forced or not. If your parents find out we're actually dating, they'd be happy, don't you think?"

Ji-Ah narrowed her eyes. "I don't trust that smile of yours."

Evelyn leaned in, her voice dropping into a soft murmur. "What smile?"

Ji-Ah pulled back slightly, shaking her head.

"And Min Hye-Jin already knows about us," Evelyn added. "She's been waiting for an official 'Ji-Ah finally admits she likes Evelyn' moment."

Ji-Ah groaned. "Great. So my friends are in on this too?"

"Oh, absolutely. Min Hye-Jin and Kang Seo-Jun love to tease you. And let's be honest, you kind of make it easy."

Ji-Ah crossed her arms, glaring at Evelyn. "You love testing me, don't you?"

Evelyn feigned innocence. "Testing? No, no. I'm just helping you face reality. We're engaged, and my parents are probably already planning our wedding. Might as well make your parents happy too."

Ji-Ah stared at her for a moment before exhaling in defeat. "You're really pushing for this, huh?"

Evelyn shifted, her expression softening just a little. "Come on, Ji. We built AI security systems for the Pentagon, worked on classified projects together, ran two of the biggest AI companies in the world… and yet, you're scared of introducing me as your girlfriend?"

Ji-Ah sighed, closing her eyes for a brief moment. Evelyn was right—they had handled government-level cybersecurity threats together, created AI defense frameworks for the most powerful military in the world, and pushed the boundaries of technology. And yet, this—this simple, personal moment—felt like uncharted territory.

Evelyn leaned in closer, her voice teasing but sincere. "Let's just make it real. No more half-truths. You and me, dating, openly. What's the worst that could happen?"

Ji-Ah let out a slow breath, then, finally, a small smirk tugged at her lips. "You really won't let this go, will you?"

Evelyn grinned. "Nope."

Ji-Ah shook her head but didn't pull away when Evelyn reached for her hand.

"Fine," Ji-Ah said, squeezing Evelyn's fingers lightly. "But if my parents overreact, it's on you."

Evelyn laughed. "Oh, don't worry. I have a feeling they'll be thrilled. I mean, we're practically already married, aren't we?"

Ji-Ah rolled her eyes. "Don't push your luck."

Evelyn just smirked. "Too late."

And just like that, the deal was sealed—personal and professional worlds colliding once again, but this time, on Ji-Ah's terms.