Chapter 73: Not Again, Evelyn

The sound of the bathroom door opening barely registered in Ji-Ah's half-asleep mind. She was already drifting, comfortably wrapped in the warmth of the blankets, when she felt a sudden dip in the mattress.

Before she could process it, an all-too-familiar presence slid in beside her, a warm body pressing against her back. Ji-Ah instinctively shifted, seeking more comfort—until she felt it.

Her eyes snapped open.

"…Evelyn?"

A low hum. "Hmm?"

Ji-Ah frowned, her sleep-clouded mind slowly registering something was off. "Why do you feel… um, naked?"

Evelyn chuckled, her lips grazing Ji-Ah's shoulder as she tightened her embrace. "Because I am."

Ji-Ah tensed. "Evelyn."

"What?" Evelyn's voice was all innocence. "I just took a shower. Clothes felt unnecessary."

Ji-Ah groaned, rubbing her face. "Put something on."

Evelyn nuzzled into her neck instead. "Too much work."

Ji-Ah sighed, knowing exactly where this was going. "Evelyn, I'm tired."

Evelyn's fingers lazily traced circles on Ji-Ah's stomach, her touch featherlight. "I know. Just relax."

Ji-Ah exhaled, her body betraying her as she sank deeper into the warmth. Evelyn's hands roamed gently, slow and teasing, her lips trailing soft kisses against Ji-Ah's skin.

Ji-Ah mumbled sleepily, "You never get tired, do you?"

Evelyn smirked. "Not when it comes to you."

Ji-Ah sighed, feeling herself slipping further into exhaustion. She wanted to respond, maybe protest, but the warmth, the steady rhythm of Evelyn's breathing against her back, and the exhaustion from the day finally won over.

Within minutes, she was out.

Evelyn paused, waiting for a reaction, but the only thing she got was the sound of soft, even breaths.

"…Ji-Ah?" She nudged slightly. No response.

She frowned, slightly irritated. "Seriously?"

Evelyn let out a dramatic sigh before finally giving up. With a small huff, she wrapped her arms tightly around Ji-Ah, resting her chin against her shoulder.

"Lucky you're cute," she muttered, pressing a final kiss to Ji-Ah's temple.

With that, she closed her eyes, letting sleep finally take over.