Chapter 76: The Most Awkward Night

Evelyn had been waiting for this day forever. Or at least, it felt that way. Ji-Ah had finally agreed, and there was no way Evelyn was going to let her forget.

But work had other plans.

Evelyn sighed, rubbing her temples as she looked at the endless reports on her desk. It was getting late, and she still had meetings left.

With a frustrated groan, she picked up her phone and FaceTimed Ji-Ah.

When Ji-Ah answered, Evelyn pouted. "Have dinner, but don't you dare sleep."

Ji-Ah rolled her eyes. "I know, I know. You won't let me anyway."

Evelyn smirked. "Damn right."

But then she noticed something. Ji-Ah's video was off.

"Turn on the camera," Evelyn demanded.

Ji-Ah hesitated. "I just took a shower and I'm changing."

Evelyn's eyes lit up. "Perfect. Turn it on now."

Ji-Ah gasped. "Are you insane?! Someone might see—I'm on a call!"

Evelyn chuckled, standing up from her chair. "No one can see me. I'm in my private office." To prove her point, she walked to the door and locked it. "See? Now turn it on."

Ji-Ah let out an exasperated sigh but eventually turned on the camera.

Evelyn's breath hitched the moment Ji-Ah appeared on screen.

She was barely covered, wearing black lingerie underneath her robe, her hair still damp from the shower. Slowly, Ji-Ah got dressed, fixing her nightwear—black sleeveless shorts and a matching top.

Evelyn swallowed hard. "Damn it, Ji-Ah… I cannot control myself right now."

Ji-Ah smirked, amused by Evelyn's suffering. "Too bad you're still at work."

Evelyn groaned. "I'm coming home soon, so you better not sleep."

Ji-Ah laughed. "Okay, okay. Now finish your work."

She ended the call, leaving Evelyn staring at her phone, completely wrecked.

Meanwhile…

Ji-Ah was about to settle in when the doorbell rang.

When she opened it, she froze.

Her mother, Choi Mi-Young, and her two childhood friends barged in, unannounced.

Her friends grinned at her outfit. "Ohhh, getting ready for the night, huh?"

Ji-Ah's face burned. "Shut up."

Her mother sighed. "You two, behave."

The teasing died down (a little), and they all sat down for dinner.

Halfway through the meal, Ji-Ah's mom casually mentioned, "Your dad had to leave for a business trip, so I thought I'd stay with you tonight."

Ji-Ah nearly dropped her chopsticks. "What?"

She hadn't planned for this.

Still, she nodded, forcing a smile. "Of course, Mom."

After dinner, they all got caught up in a K-drama, chatting and laughing—completely unaware of the storm about to hit.

Evelyn's Grand Entrance

Evelyn had one thought in her mind as she stepped into the apartment:

Ji-Ah. Now.

She was so focused on her mission that she didn't even notice the guests.

With all the confidence in the world, she shouted—

"Ji-Ah, you are freaking hot today! Fuuuck, I was so damn busy, but I'm home now—and I am not wasting time. I swear, I am going to fuck you so hard tonight—"

Silence.

Evelyn blinked.

Slowly, her eyes moved across the room.

Ji-Ah's mother. Ji-Ah's friends.

All. Staring. At. Her.

Ji-Ah, meanwhile, looked like she was about to die.

Evelyn cleared her throat, instantly switching gears. "Oh. Oh. Hello, Mrs. Choi." She awkwardly bowed. "I… uh… I did not know you were here."

Ji-Ah covered her face in pure mortification.

Her friends were choking on their laughter.

And Ji-Ah's mother?

She sighed deeply and shook her head. "Evelyn, you should really learn to check first before speaking."

"I completely agree," Ji-Ah muttered, glaring at Evelyn. "I'm so sorry, Mom."

Her mother just waved a hand, tiredly standing up. "I'm sleeping in the guest room. Good night."

Ji-Ah's friends, still barely holding back their laughter, quickly excused themselves.

Now, it was just Ji-Ah and Evelyn.

Ji-Ah shot her a look—a very dangerous one. Without a word, she turned off the lights and went to bed.

Evelyn stood there, guilt washing over her. "…I can fix this."

No response.

She sighed and went to shower, hoping the warm water would wash away her regret. When she came out, dressed in just a robe, she quietly slipped into bed beside Ji-Ah.

The second she wrapped her arms around Ji-Ah, she knew she messed up big time.

Ji-Ah didn't even flinch.

"…Baby?" Evelyn whispered.

No answer.

"…Do I at least get a hug?"

Still nothing.

Evelyn groaned, burying her face into Ji-Ah's back. "Fine. I'll accept my punishment… but I will make it up to you tomorrow."

Ji-Ah was completely still, her back facing her.

"…Baby?" Evelyn whispered hesitantly.

No answer.

Evelyn sighed and tried again, hugging her tighter. "Come on, don't be mad—"

But before she could finish, Ji-Ah suddenly pushed her away.

Her voice was cold. "Go sleep on the couch."

Evelyn blinked, taken aback. "…Wait, what?"

Ji-Ah didn't repeat herself. She just pulled the blanket over her and turned away.

Evelyn groaned, rubbing her face. "Babe, you seriously want me to sleep on that tiny couch?"

Silence.

She sighed in defeat, grabbed a pillow, and dragged herself to the couch. Plopping down, she muttered, "At least let me get a blanket…"

Still, Ji-Ah ignored her.

Evelyn lay there, staring at the ceiling, regretting every single word she had shouted earlier.

This was going to be a long night.