Mia's POV:
Mia picked up her phone, the screen's glare harsh in the dark. She opened his official Kakao account, the one she meticulously curated. The notifications were a waterfall. Hundreds of new followers. Dozens of messages. She scrolled, her thumb a numb metronome of taps.
Her eyes scanned the comments under the post-match interview clip she'd uploaded.
"Jae-il Oppa is the future! ㅠㅠ So handsome!"
"That final goal was insane! Marry me, Jae-il! LOL"
"Can't believe he's only 15… he's built different."
Then she saw it. A comment from @sunny.eonni, the same girl who'd been spamming his DMs. That bitch! Again!
"You were incredible today, Oppa! You made my heart stop. Let me know when you're free to celebrate properly "
A hot, sour wave of anger washed over Mia. Without a second thought, her finger hovered over the comment, then pressed down. Delete. Gone. A small, ugly flicker of satisfaction ignited in her chest, a sour victory that tasted like ash.
She knew she shouldn't. She was his social media manager, not his moral gatekeeper.
It was her job to build his brand, to engage with his fans, not to play bodyguard to his DMs. But she couldn't help it. The thought of these girls, these women, looking at him the way they did—like he was a prize, a commodity—made her skin crawl.
Perhaps she should relinquish the social media job to Su Ah. The youngest knew her way around the internet, anyway.
With a frustrated sigh, Mia tossed her phone onto her nightstand, plunging the room into a thick, oppressive silence. She rolled onto her back and stared up at the ceiling, the blue-white light of her phone screen a muted glow in her periphery.
Mia tossed the sheets aside, it was too damn hot. A thin sheen of sweat clung to her forehead and the nape of her neck, making the air feel thicker, harder to breathe in. She couldn't sleep.
Then again, it'd always been like this lately, especially the last month.
Ever since Jae-il's success became apparent. Because the more the world noticed him, the more unreachable he became. And the more unreachable he was, the worse the feeling got. Like craving a fruit that hung just a little too high—one you weren't supposed to want in the first place.
Her eyes were still wide open. Wide, awake. Restless.
All she could see was the ceiling. That was all. There was nothing to look at, and she was so damn bored and restless... so she did what she had to do to ease her mind: her hands moved on their own.
To find that place between her legs. Her fingertips traced the edges of her heat. Warmth bloomed across her face.
Mia was aching. Aching with a desire she didn't fully comprehend, an itch that was relentless and maddening.
She sucked in a sharp breath, the sound magnified by the hush. Her hips jerked towards the touch as she bit down on the corner of her pillow.
Slowly, her index finger circled her entrance, spreading her wetness, the slick sensation echoing in her ears.
"Unnngh."
Her body jerked as her finger breached her warmth. It was a tight fit, she could tell. But the feeling—ah, the damn feeling...
It made her shudder, her back arched from the soft mattress, her eyes rolling back as her toes curled from pleasure. Her breath quickened as her finger moved. In and out. She could hear everything, from every inch of her slick walls and every twitch of muscle, to the wet squelching of her insides, to every heavy pant that escaped her lips.
"J-Jae-il—" His name left her mouth, unbidden, before she bit down on her pillow again, almost as if punishing herself for whispering the devil's name.
Her heart throbbed and ached in a way that left her breathless. A knot twisted and untwisted deep within her gut, sending pulses of heat that left her gasping. She knew she'd feel guilt and shame once she was done—once the euphoria wore off, but right now… right now... she just didn't fucking care.
Mia's eyes squeezed shut, and she let her imagination take flight. She imagined Jae-il over her, his larger, muscular body pressing against hers.
His hands were where hers were now, touching her with a gentleness and roughness in equal measure. "Mia Noona..." The voice in her mind called. A velvety baritone that dripped into her ears like honey. "You're so tight... so, so naughty..."
Purple eyes. A devilish smile.
A moan threatened to spill out from her throat. She tightened the pillow, sinking her teeth even harder to suppress the groans. She tried to mute her gasps and cries, her body writhing and arching as her thoughts consumed her.
He was there. With her. His hands were all over her.
Everywhere, anywhere, inside and outside.
"Ah... ahhh... mm...!"
Her thighs began to tremble. Her back arched again. The bed shook slightly, creaking in rhythm with her motions. The room felt suffocating, as though it was trying to squeeze every sound from her lungs. "Yes..." She whispered.
'Please. Touch me more.' The knot within her stomach began to tighten, constricting her muscles until her breathing came in shallow, labored pants.
"Uuugngh, uugh...!"
She was so close. So close to bliss. Just another touch. Another stroke.
The fire licked across her nerves. Mia's head was light. Dizzy. Hot.
She imagined his eyes. Those mesmerizing, beautiful amethyst eyes watching her, taking in her naked and sweating form.
Then she heard it, a soft whisper that sounded so loud within the deafening silence.
"You're mine. Always and forever. Always, my lovely Noona."
Mia's mind shattered. A loud, shaky scream built in her throat, and it was all she could manage to bury her face into her pillow to muffle the cries. Her whole body convulsed, the knot in her core exploding as pleasure ripped through her.
It was all she could do to stay quiet, to not wake up the rest of her sleeping family, even as she bit harder into her pillow, her body spasming, contracting, releasing. Wave after wave of pleasure washed over her.
The moon shone through her window, bathing the room in an otherworldly light as her orgasm crested and subsided. The only sound in the room was Mia's heavy, labored breath.
When she finally came back to herself, when her breathing had settled and the tingling aftershocks had died away, reality began to sink in.
Ah, but she was a little used to it now. It wasn't the first time she had imagined this. And she knew it wouldn't be the last.
She slowly eased herself into a sitting position. "Fuck..." Mia whispered. It was all she managed to mutter.
With her feet on the ground and her face buried in her hands, a different sensation began to seep through the remnants of her self-pleasure: a bone-deep sense of longing, a void so palpable she could feel its ache. 'Why am I like this?' She questioned the dark. 'What the fuck is wrong with me?'
'I'm sick.'
She wiped her hand on a damp tissue, crumpling it with disgust.
'I'm fucked. I'm a total pervert.'
What if Jae-il knew? She'd... she'd die.
Her mind ran wild, imagining how horrified he'd be, how disgusted. No, how disgusted her entire family would be. But for him...
It was like... no, no, it couldn't be anyone else.
She only ever wanted him to touch her.
Only him.
The thought was comforting and horrifying all the same.
...
Once she cleaned herself up and changed her panties, she crept out of her bedroom. A desperate thirst clawed at her throat. Water. She needed water. She descended the stairs, each step a muffled echo, and tiptoed towards the kitchen.
She filled a glass and drank deeply, the cold liquid soothing the rawness of her voice. But even as the discomfort ebbed, her heart kept its furious pace, an endless reminder of her transgression.
Mia put the glass down, leaning heavily against the countertop, eyes screwed shut, willing her heartbeat to slow down. She managed it, somehow. Good. 'It's fine. As long as I don't do anything, I can... I can...'
"You okay?"
She froze.
Oh, damn.
Like a rusty machine, she turned around. Of course it had to be him! Jae-il. Did he know of her inner conflict and decided to torment her for it?
He was there, standing in the doorway of the living room; he had been outside, a towel clinging to his shoulders. Shit. Had she been so out of it that she didn't even hear him?
His hair was damp and messy, a sign of his late-night dip in the backyard pool. Their father recently bought it to encourage Jae-il to relax after practice. She hadn't even considered he'd use it this late at night!
"You okay?" Jae-il repeated, a frown crinkling his forehead.
She could see the lines on his brow.
"Yeah." Mia croaked out, quickly trying to clear her throat. "I'm fine. Couldn't sleep. My room's... too hot."
He stepped closer, the faint scent of chlorine mingling with the fabric conditioner, and stopped a couple of feet from her.
Her eyes traced his form. He was shirtless, the waistband of his briefs peeking over.
Mia forced her eyes away from his abs to stare at the clock behind him, her mind conjuring the image of those strong, capable fingers caressing her—
She shook herself inwardly. 'No, stop!' She told herself.
Mia turned away from him to grab a second glass of water, the cold from the refrigerator washing over her as she reached in. The icy chill of the water helped ground her.
He settled himself beside her, sighing. "Yeah, it's been warmer lately. The pool helped."
"That's great." She answered, her voice a thin veneer of calm. She handed him a glass.
His fingers grazed hers.
She quickly pulled back. "How... how's practice?" She asked quickly. Desperately changing the subject to distract her traitorous mind from wandering places she couldn't allow it to go. 'Focus on the conversation.'
"It's been intense, as always." Jae-il took the water gratefully, draining half the glass in a single pull.
"I can tell." Mia remarked, her gaze lingering on the muscles flexing in his throat. "But you seem happy doing it."
He finished off his drink and nodded slowly. "I am." The answer was short and sincere, and a small smile tugged at his lips as he turned away, placing his glass on the countertop next to her empty one. "It's what I've always wanted, so of course I enjoy doing it."
"Hmmm..." Mia hummed, absent-mindedly.
Spacing out helped, a little.
"Anyway... how's my Kakao page going?" He asked.
Her cheeks burned. Her hands fumbled.
"Oh! It's... great. You have, uh, so many more fans now." She responded. "Like a celebrity. Your last video went viral and people have been leaving so many... umm... nice comments about how talented you are." She hid one of her eyes behind a curtain of butter-yellow hair.
"Really? That's good. I don't really care about social media presence and all of that stuff, but I'm glad you're taking good care of my page." He smiled gently. The moonlight caught the curve of his mouth, casting a soft glow. "Thank you, Noona."
"Ah! Of course!" Mia responded, the compliment feeling heavier than it should have, her heart skipping a beat. "Of course! I told ya I'd be doing a good job, didn't I?" She grinned widely.
Jae-il nodded. A moment passed before he leaned back.
"Hmm, say, since tomorrow is our day off, why don't you join me in the pool? You look sweaty, red, and kind out of it." He offered, the words rolling from his lips without thought.
The offer itself was innocent enough. Yet Mia couldn't help but feel as though something heavy had dropped in her stomach.
'No. Absolutely not.'
"Sure, why not."
She blinked.
Fuck.
...
A/N: With this, we're totally caught up. For anyone interested, I have over 30 advanced chapters on Patreon. That being said, I'll try to keep up with my schedule of one chapter a day. Like ReplyReport Reactions:SquirtleTurtle, PassingBy, MrLusty and 164 othersNneeilSep 12, 2025NewAdd bookmarkView discussionThreadmarks Chapter 32: Midnight Swim New View contentNneeilKnow what you're doing yet?Sep 12, 2025Add bookmark#80Chapter 32: Midnight Swim
Mia's POV:
The second she agreed, her brain short-circuited. 'Why did I say that?' Like, seriously.
Her mouth moved faster than her common sense could scream.
Jae-il gave her a small smile. "Cool. I'll wait for you out there."
And just like that, he turned and padded back toward the yard, leaving damp footprints on the tile.
Mia stood there frozen, clutching the edge of the counter. Did she really throw herself into a situation where her self-control would hang by a thread?
"Great idea, genius." She muttered, pushing herself off the counter.
Her legs moved before her brain could conjure a thousand more reasons why it'd be a bad idea.
She jogged quietly up the stairs.
Back in her room, she pulled open the top drawer of her dresser, rifling through clothes until her fingers closed around soft, stretchy fabric—her black swimsuit. Simple. Modest. She hesitated, then tossed it aside and grabbed a sleeker one. Deep navy. Low back. Slight plunge.
More dangerous, perhaps.
But for once, her desire for his gaze on her outweighed the guilt. If he would look at her, then...
Then... it might have been worth it.
Slipping it on, she caught her reflection in her full-length mirror. 'I'm too damn sexy, no way would he resist.' She grinned at the thought, a little guiltily, a little eagerly.
No way that bitch sunny.eonni could possibly compare.
Mia stepped outside, her hair fluttered behind her in a long buttery wave.
She slipped past the sliding doors and onto the pool deck. Jae-il was already in the pool, arms stretched across the edge, watching her with a curious expression. Confusion too, maybe. She didn't blame him.
She'd been acting strange.
She had been strange.
Walking on eggshells. Avoiding his gaze, dodging conversations, holding her breath around him like proximity was some kind of trigger. There were times where she snapped for no reason.
Mia adjusted the towel wrapped around her form as she stopped at the edge of the pool. The water sparkled from the in-built lighting.
Her gaze caught his and refused to let go. Look at him, at those damn, cursed amethyst shards of his. At how water slid over his sculpted form, catching the light at just the right angle to make him look like some kind of water deity. She gulped. Fifteen years old? Hard to believe.
Mia had to remind herself of that number more often than she liked.
But numbers didn't explain symmetry, or the way he moved, or how effortlessly he held attention. He simply was… Jae-il. Her lovely little brother.
She exhaled, steeling herself.
She wondered. Could beauty really transcend everything and overpower all logic?
Was it that easy, or her that superficial? Because clearly, if that was all it took to ensare her, then—
"Noona?"
His brows knit slightly, clearly having noticed her strange behaviour.
She couldn't help but burst out laughing, a little. "Damn you, Jae-il..." It was a huff, a mix between a groan and a curse. A whine. A statement of loss. The ultimate evidence, maybe, that she didn't stand a chance.
In all of this, her younger brother merely blinked in surprise and confusion.
Well...
Whatever.
Like, what could she do? If she were normal, or healthy, or at least functioning correctly...
If she were more of a mature sister, or less starstruck, or even remotely reasonable, perhaps she'd take a seat beside the water and talk like a normal person. But she was none of those.
What was the point, really? She was tired of being so fidgety and… immature, around him.
A deep breath, eyes shut.
Then, without an ounce of hesitation, without waiting for a word or an invitation, she undid the knot on her white, beach-styled robe. She dropped it. Let it fall on her feet.
And she stared at him, expressionlessly.
"..."
He held her eyes—though the slight widening, the flickering pupil, meant that his concentration was shot. But he didn't look away, not in the slightest. This bastard really had incredible self-control. He had no right looking so damn calm, in control, even when faced with the sight of his mostly-naked big sis standing in front of him.
Shameful and liberating at the same time.
Still, Mia climbed down the ladder into the pool with more confidence than she had a right to. Once she grew accustomed to the temperature, she swam closer to him.
Closer.
"What's going on in that handsome, genius head of yours?" She questioned him in a hushed tone.
He arched an eyebrow in surprise. "Handsome, really?"
"Isn't that what they're calling you now, superstar?"
He chuckled. "Tell me something I don't know."
"Hey!" She splashed the water at him. He dodged, easily. "Your head's gotten big too quickly!"
"Is that bad? I mean, no one gets to be a prodigy without a huge head, right?"
She rolled her eyes. "Everyone's worshipping the damn ground you walk on, must be nice."
"And just a minute ago, you called me handsome."
There was a bit of a sly, smug twinkle in those purple irises.
How typical. His nose had become more and more upturned, so to speak.
"...And modest too, a winning combination." She retorted, sarcastically.
He smiled. His eyes softened as he leaned back on the pool's edge, sighed, and looked up. "I kind of missed it."
"Missed what?"
He was hesitant, which was unusual. Mia didn't know he was capable of those thoughts. He'd always been so determined. So driven.
"The way we spoke before... all the teasing and the banter... the last months, well, it was a little strange with you. I mean, I get it. You're in college. I'm busy juggling high school and football." He finished, his tone light, thoughtful. "Maybe it's normal that we drift a little. Still… it felt like you were keeping me at arm's length."
Mia's fingers drifted lazily through the water, eyes fixed on the ripples instead of him.
"Maybe I was."
"Why?"
The question was direct, not accusing—just curious. But it still made her throat tighten.
She almost laughed it off. Almost.
"Because…" Her voice faltered. "Because I'm an idiot, maybe."
He tilted his head, watching her closely. "You don't sound like you're joking."
"I'm not." She finally met his eyes. "Sometimes I think… if I just stay away, I can stop thinking stupid things."
"..."
Jae-il stared at her.
She looked away.
"Like what?" He asked, his voice softer now.
Now he wanted to know a little too much.
"Forget it." She pushed away from him, floating back a little. "It's not important."
He frowned. "Noona, is it really okay for you to run from your problems?"
Mia laughed a little. But the laugh was weak, insincere. This particular problem? Yes, it was better for him if she actually ran from it.
"Can't we just enjoy this instead?"
Jae-il didn't respond immediately. Instead, he floated next to her, with Mia facing the pool ledge. "We can, Noona. I'm sure you're mature enough to deal with whatever's on your mind. I just don't want you to give me the cold shoulder next time we cross each other—like you've been doing for months, now. Seriously. One day I'll start thinking it's because of me. Then I'll be hurt and sad, and I might just go live on an isolated island with nobody else for company. I think that would be pretty embarrassing, wouldn't it?" He finished in an exaggerated voice.
She shook her head.
"What if I don't care?" She challenged.
He chuckled a little, with a hint of resignation. "Well, I wouldn't force you. I'm not like that. Live and let live, or whatever the expression is. Just... Noona." He said a little more forcefully. "You know that I might not stay here for too long, right?"
That caught her off guard.
Mia blinked. "Not stay here…? What do you mean?"
Jae-il rested his arms on the pool edge, water dripping lazily from his fingers. "Actually, I wanted to break the news sometime later tomorrow, but... I got the call from the KFA. They want me for the U-17 World Cup roster. The training camp starts in a month or so."
Her lips parted, but he kept going.
"And that's not all. A few scouts from Europe have been watching me since last year. Spain, Germany, even England. If things go well, I might have trials lined up after the tournament. Could be weeks, could be months abroad. Could turn into years. Who knows?"
She felt the words settle, heavy but strangely distant, like they hadn't fully reached her yet. "Years?"
He gave a small shrug. "That's the life. Pros train six days a week, travel almost every other week. Even when you're home, you're not really 'home.' It's gym, training ground, video sessions, rehab, media, matches… then repeat. Holidays? Maybe a couple weeks in the off-season."
Her heart felt like a lump of stone. "Years?" She repeated, hollowly.
"Years." He repeated. "At the very least."
"So what—you're saying I won't even see you around much?"
He smiled faintly, but there was a sliver of seriousness in his eyes. "That's exactly what I'm saying. I'm not leaving tomorrow, but once things start rolling… it'll be quick. You'll blink and I'll be on the other side of the world."Last edited: Sep 12, 2025 Like ReplyReport Reactions:SquirtleTurtle, PassingBy, MrLusty and 157 othersNneeilSep 12, 2025NewAdd bookmarkView discussionThreadmarks Chapter 33: On the Offensive New View contentNneeilKnow what you're doing yet?Sep 13, 2025Add bookmark#88Chapter 33: On the Offensive
Mia's POV:
"I won't blink!" She cried, childishly.
Jae-il raised an eyebrow.
She frowned, turning away and pouting a little. She wasn't being childish. She just... didn't expect to hear that. More like, she did expect that, but hearing it so bluntly made it hard to accept.
Made it hard to wrap her around that Jae-il could be away for a long, long time.
And, damn, he was talking so calmly too, as if this was all normal for him. It wasn't normal. Not at all! She didn't even want to consider him leaving her...
Her brother glanced at her face, reading her too easily.
"You don't like the idea." He said.
"No one likes the idea of people leaving." She replied, eyes fixed on the water. "Even if they know it's coming."
Mia could feel him watching her, feel him thinking. She wondered, with a sinking sense of dread, if he could hear her heart thumping.
If he could sense how badly it hurt her to even think about his leaving.
After a moment, his gaze turned back to the sky.
"Yeah... it's tough, right? I feel it too."
His words caught her attention, but she stayed silent.
"When I think of it, my heart hurts a little bit."
Mia held her breath.
"It hurts because I like being here, in this country, with my family and the people I grew up with. But I like football. I love it. And it's like I've never been this alive." Jae-il chuckled, smiling like a kid on Christmas Eve. "Maybe I'm crazy, I don't know, but when I think about that feeling I get when I step onto the pitch, the high from the goals... I want it more and more."
There was a moment of silence as his words echoed in the night air.
"That's why I have to do it. To leave. To take every chance to grow, and learn, and be the best." Jae-il stared at her, a soft smile on his lips. "That's why... you have to blink, Noona. Don't stop living just because I'm going to be away."
She swallowed, and nodded. "Yeah. I guess I should do that, shouldn't I?"
Reasonably, that was what any normal, sound of mind person would do. Pat him on the back and wish him the best. Why keep this beautiful bird caged when it's meant for far greater skies?
His lips raised in an amused smirk. "Not sure you have much of a choice in the matter, since it's not your choice to make."
Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Oi!" She splashed his face. He choked out a surprised cough, splashing her back in the face. "You punk." Mia scowled.
"Hey now, we're all adults here." He chided. "No need for such childish—"
"Like you're one to talk, you spoiled, overgrown, conceited, and—"
"I was complimenting your maturity."
She huffed. "You definitely weren't!"
Jae-il chuckled, holding his hands up. "Okay, maybe I wasn't."
Mia rolled her eyes and dunked his head. He came up spluttering, his dark, wet hair sticking to his face.
"Okay, okay." He gasped, laughing. "I'm sorry, Noona."
Her glare softened into a grin. She ruffled his wet hair affectionately. "Good boy."
They floated there, letting the water lap gently against their bodies. After a few minutes, Mia broke the silence.
"Can I ask you something?" She began, looking away, feigning disinterest. "It's a stupid question, really."
He tilted his head in curiosity.
"Go on."
Mia pursed her lips, but decided to roll with it; it's been a while since she last asked him this question. "Are you seeing anyone at the moment?" It was really a stupid question. It wasn't even her business whether he was dating or not. She felt the need to justifify herself. "I mean, I know you're busy. With football, I mean. And I get it, I really do. But now that you're the nation's obsession, there's got to be a lot of hot chicks chasing after you? Maybe in school? Or are you still as cold as ever?"
Damn sunny.eonni simply wouldn't leave her mind. If she was that down bad, then she could only imagine what a more unhinged animal might do. For example, Mia herself...
Jae-il laughed, and Mia felt her cheeks color. "Cold as ever? Do you really see me like that, Noona?"
She shrugged. "I don't know, sometimes I feel like you're not human. You're handsome, but you don't even care. You're talented, but you're so humble. You're smart, and I'm sure you're the most desired person at school. But you... well, you're just you, aren't you? You don't seem like you'd ever care about dating or stuff like that."
"Ouch." He winced, but the corners of his lips were still curved upwards. "You do have a high opinion of me, don't you?"
"Shut up." She muttered, feeling a little embarrassed.
"Alright, alright. Well, to answer your question, no, I'm not seeing anyone. I'm not interested in dating right now. That doesn't mean I'm opposed or not attracted to girls."
Mia's eyes widened, and she quickly looked away.
She didn't want him to see the relief written all over her face.
"Oh, I see. So... why is that?"
"Mia Noona, I'm fifteen. I'm busy with school and football. I barely have time to breathe. I don't even want to imagine what dating might bring. I don't want to waste my time on something like that." He sounded almost wistful, like there was a part of him that really wanted to experience this type of unstalked romance. No flashing lights. No headlines. "Maybe when I'm older, and more established, I'll think about it."
"Oh... so... would you want to date someone who's older than you?"
A pause, in which he seemed to realize the questions hid some sort of ulterior, ugly motive. Ah, if only he knew. She felt sorry, really. Floating there, semi-naked, thoughts so impure they were pratically a war crime against morality and social convention. She marveled at the audacity of her own mind.
Jae-il didn't need to think too deeply about it. "Sure, why not. Maybe a Brazilian model, or an Italian artist, or an American actress. Or even a Korean idol." She raised an eyebrow at that last one; everyone wanted to date a beautiful idol. He chuckled. "But right now? Come on, Noona, you've seen the way some of them stare at me, right?" He rolled his eyes. "I don't want to be a trophy boyfriend. The problem with being so famous is that you never know if people like you for you, or because they see you as a status symbol. Maybe it's something I'll never really know."
"Are you fine with that?" Mia whispered.
"Fine?" He repeated. "I don't think 'fine' exists in situations like this. There's no neutrality in being watched, measured, dissected… in having every affection questioned for its authenticity. So no—I'm not fine. But that doesn't mean I'm powerless. It just means I understand the rules better than anyone else. Then again, it'd be a first for me too. So maybe one day you'll see a big ass scandal about me. And you'll probably read it in three different languages."
"Idiot." She giggled, throwing a water bullet straight at his face. She licked her lips, watching the amusement thickening on his lips. Those damn lips. "And I guess I understand that. And... well, I've never, and I'd never, see you like a status symbol. Just know that."
There was more to that statement than he could possibly know.
He smiled. "I do. That's why I love talking with you."
Her chest warmed, and she felt her cheeks heat up. She waved her hand. "Yeah, yeah. You're just saying that."
"No, I mean it." His voice was soft, genuine. "You've always been real with me."
Not always.
Still, she felt the warmth in her chest grow. She cleared her throat, looking away. "Thanks. I'm glad you think so."
He smiled again. "Of course. I don't say things I don't mean, you know that."
Mia did. Jae-il was honest to a fault. She'd never known him to lie, not even to spare someone's feelings. She sighed, relaxing. It was nice, talking like this. It had been a while since she'd been able to just relax and talk with him.
"So, umh, since tomorrow's our day off, do you have any plans?"
"Not really. I was going to go for a run, and then maybe visit that cafe down the street for breakfast."
"By yourself?"
"Being alone isn't a problem, you know." He said, shrugging lightly. "It gives me a chance to think and reflect."
"Ah, whatever. Let's go together. I'm bored and you're boring."
Mia bit her bottom lip, gauging his reaction. He didn't look upset or annoyed. In fact, he seemed surprised.
"Sure, I don't mind. It's been a while since we've spent time together."
"Right?" She said, smiling. "Then we could, I don't know, go eat something, and then go to the mall? I could help you choose some trendy clothes! Oh, oh! And a movie, of course. Let's watch a movie."
Jae-il raised an eyebrow. "What is this? A date?"
Mia clicked her tongue. "Tsk! Jae-il, since you'll be leaving for overseas in a year or two, we won't have much time to hang out like this anymore. I want to spend as much time with you as possible before you leave." She swam even closer to him, running a manicured finger along the gap between his bulging pecs. "You know what I'm saying?"
His eyes narrowed, but he didn't push her away. "I guess."
"You guess?" She pouted. "Don't you wanna hang out with me too, huh?"
He chuckled, and she felt the rumble in his chest. "Of course, Noona. I'd love to."
She smiled, leaning back. "Good. You'd better. Or I'll cry."
"You're such a drama queen."
"I'm serious." She huffed. "I would. And then you'd feel bad and you'd have to come and comfort me."
"Oh really?"
"Yes, really." She said, crossing her arms over her chest, pushing those swollen babies up. She saw Jae-il's eyes flicker downwards for a brief moment before snapping back up. She felt a little thrill of satisfaction at catching him looking.
"Well, I'll make sure to never make you cry then." He said, a little absent-mindedly.
Mia grinned, feeling a little giddy.
So giddy, that tentatively, she paddled forward until there was no more space between them, and gently wrapped her arms around his shoulders. It wasn't the first time, but it was the first time in a long, long time. She didn't feel like stopping, either.
"Hey." Mia whispered into his ear, pressing her body against his. Her cheeks were on fire, but who'd be able to stop her now? God, it felt so good being this close to him.
Jae-il stilled. Was it the sudden physical contact or the way her breasts fused with his chest? Whatever it was, he was frozen, his face a mask of surprise.
"Noona?"
"What. Can't a sister give her baby brother a hug every now and then?" She asked innocently, looking up at him from under her lashes.
"Right." He said slowly, not relaxing in the slightest. She could feel the tension. The coiling of his muscles. "Nothing wrong with that."
There was a weirded out glint in his eyes; something she had seen only when they were kids.
Mia's heart rate quickened as she held him tighter. Her fingers played with the hair on the nape of his neck.
"Mmm..." She hummed contentedly. "You're so warm... you know, you're like a space heater."
Jae-il shifted, his body still tense. "That's... nice to know."
"It is."
Was she going overboard?
Ah, who cares!
She deserved some reward for being a good girl, didn't she? 'Cause she was getting fucking tired of it. Tired of being a good sister.
Mia rested her head in the crook of his shoulder and sighed, her eyes closed. She could feel the way his breath hitched in his throat.
She was enjoying this. Enjoying being in his arms.
Her nails bit into his skin, a little too hard. Her amber eyes seemed to glow dangerously under the pool's lighting. Her lips parted. A breath was released right on his skin.
"Noona." Jae-il promptly pushed her off. He stared at her. He really stared, eyes searching her own. He opened his mouth to say something, then stopped, seemingly thinking twice about it. She merely blinked at him, clicking her tongue in mock disappointment.
"Ah, why'd you push me away?" Mia asked, feigning hurt.
"Sorry." He said. Didn't even mean it. "But I'm getting pruney, so I'm heading off. You should do the same."
Mia sighed, disappointed. "Alright, fine. Just remember, tomorrow we're going out. Okay?"
He nodded, though she wondered if the glint in his eyes was regret or involuntary arousal.
They both climbed out of the pool. She climbed out first, making sure to arch her back a little more, and give an extra wiggle of her hips. She didn't know if he gave her ass an eyeful or not, but this wasn't seduction at all!
She wasn't trying to lure her own younger brother, she was merely stretching a little.
Definitely.
"Goodnight, Noona." Jae-il said, a little hurriedly. He ran a hand through his hair as he sighed.
"Goodnight." Mia replied, smiling.
She watched him go, a little dejectedly. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. She really went on the offensive.
And, gosh, being able to hug him again after so long...
So fucking worth it.
She was still on cloud nine when she got to her room. She threw herself onto her bed and let out a long sigh.
Her heart was still racing, her body tingling. She could feel the wetness between her legs. She was a little excited. A little scared. A little confused. It was still a jumbled mess of thoughts and emotions she was battling with.
It wasn't fair.
Not to her, because she didn't ask to have the hots for her baby brother.
And to him, for having to deal with her disgusting obsession.
Mia simply couldn't stop herself. She had always been strong, stubborn, and independent.
Seriously—she didn't want to do anything 'bad'.
But there wasn't anything 'bad' in enjoying a little more time with him, right?
'Fuck.' She thought to herself.
She was really fucked.
Her fingers got to work once again. Like ReplyReport Reactions:SquirtleTurtle, PassingBy, MrLusty and 142 othersNneeilSep 13, 2025NewAdd bookmarkView discussionThreadmarks Chapter 34: This isn't a Date, Just Sisterly Affection New View contentNneeilKnow what you're doing yet?Sep 14, 2025Add bookmark#93Chapter 34: This isn't a Date, Just Sisterly Affection
I found myself in the same position I'd been in the night before—staring at the ceiling of my bedroom, wide awake.
The sun hadn't risen yet, the sky still cloaked in its darkest shade of blue. The room was quiet and still, save for the sound of my own breathing and the occasional rustle of bed sheets as I shifted and rolled in my bed. My eyes were wide open, unblinking, fixed on the blank expanse of the ceiling above me.
It wasn't that I couldn't sleep. It wasn't that I was tired, or that I was having trouble falling asleep.
It was that my mind was too active, too full of thoughts and questions and worries. And at the center of it all, was Mia. A stubborn, fiery woman. Twinkling, mischievous eyes. A rare type of beauty that was impossible to look away from. Butter-yellow hair; not dyed out of some desire to be unique or different, nor was it that rebellious spark to go against nature, but rather to fit a vague criteria of which woman I might take interest in.
It had been so long since then, yet she still regularly dyed it. Did she simply grow fond of the color? Was it a mere habit? Or was it a subconscious decision, a way of telling me she was interested?
I didn't want to look too deep into it, for fear of finding the answer I dreaded. It was an elusive thing, something I ignored when we were kids, because back then it hardly seemed important.
But now, in this perfect, sleepless moment of introspection, I couldn't help but wonder if I should have paid more attention to the little things. The glances, the smiles, the touches. I thought it was somewhat normal, even though my relationship with Su Ah was vastly different, but who was I to compare the dynamics of one to the other?
They were different people, and I was the only common denominator.
And yet…
I didn't know. I didn't know what to think, or how to react.
There were two possibilities. The first one was that I was reading too much into it, and that I was overreacting. It wasn't uncommon for siblings to be affectionate with one another, and it was possible that she was simply expressing her love for me in a way that was familiar and comfortable for her.
The second possibility was that I was right, and that she did have feelings for me that went beyond the bounds of familial love. But that, to me, would be the worst possible outcome. It would complicate things between us in ways I didn't even want to think about.
The thought of it made my chest tighten with dread.
I didn't want to think about it, but I couldn't stop. My mind was running in circles, trying to find a way to reconcile these two possibilities, and I couldn't come up with a clear answer.
Her smile. The slightest narrowing of her eyes. Her skin.
Her hugs. The way she touched me, held me.
The way her ass—
I felt my pulse quicken, and I quickly smoldered that thought.
I wasn't easily stressed out. I've pointed a gun to a man's head before, and I've had a gun pointed at mine. I've killed a man, and I've nearly been killed. But this was different.
This was Mia. This was my sister. This wasn't a game. This wasn't a battle. This wasn't a war.
I rubbed my throat as I swiftly got up from bed. Waiting for sleep was straight out pointless, right now. Besides, despite everything, I did promise Mia we'd go out today.
In fact, it'd be a good chance to see the way she'd act. If my suspicions were correct or not.
...
I took a quick shower. Brushed my teeth. Dried my hair. Slipped into a casual outfit consisting of a black shirt and jeans.
Then, I went downstairs.
There, in the kitchen, I saw my mother. She was busying herself, filling the coffee pot with water and setting it to boil. She turned around at the sound of my footsteps, her face brightening with a warm smile as she saw me.
"Good morning, dear." Eun Ha said cheerfully. "You're up early. Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes. I hope you're hungry."
"I am, actually." I replied, taking a seat at the kitchen counter. "What's on the menu?"
"Your favorite: high protein pancakes." She said, turning back to the stove. "Oh, and I got this for you as well. Don't overdo it with these things, though~" As she said so, she placed a cold can of white monster on the counter in front of me. Zero sugar, zero calories. Perfect for a pre-workout boost. And she knew I loved it.
"Thanks." I said, popping it open.
She hummed happily as she worked, mixing the batter and pouring it into a hot pan. "So, what are your plans for the day? Do you have any practice sessions scheduled?"
"Nothing special." I said, taking a much needed sip. "Just gonna hang around town. I think I'm going to watch a movie later on today. Oh, and I'll be with Mia Noona."
"A movie? How fun! I haven't been to the cinema in ages. Your father and I used to go all the time when we were younger. We'd see all the latest releases, hold hands during the scary parts." She chuckled, flipping the pancakes with practiced ease. "I'm not sure how your sister roped you into spending time with her, but I'm glad you're not spending all of your time off training yourself to the bone like you usually do. You're still so young, you need to enjoy these moments. Have fun with it, alright? You deserve some relaxation."
I huffed, closing my eyes. "You're right. I'll be more mindful."
Eun Ha smiled brightly.
"You deserve some relaxation as well, mom." I said, off-handed. My conversation with Mia yesterday did make me think that I'd likely not be able to spend as much time with my family as I wanted to. "Perhaps I can convince you to come along next time, yeah?"
Her eyes widened at this, and she let out a soft chuckle. "That's sweet of you. I'd love to, dear."
The conversation tapered off as Eun Ha focused on cooking.
Within minutes, Mia came sauntering down, not in her usual casual wear, but in a tight-fitting dress and heels, a small purse dangling from her shoulder. She was always stylish, but this was a step beyond. Her butter-yellow hair was tied into a side-ponytail, her eyes sparkling as she saw me. "Ah, good, you're here." She said, her voice soft.
I nodded, a little taken aback by her outfit.
She glanced at my mother, who was too busy cooking to pay much attention to us. Then she slid onto the seat next to mine, placing her purse on the counter. "So... I was thinking that, after breakfast, we could head to the mall first. I know a great store that sells really nice clothes. I could help you pick out some stuff. What do you say?"
Mia leaned forward slightly, her eyes locked onto mine.
I took another sip of the monster; God only knew how much I needed it. "Yes, that sounds good."
"Great." She said, her smile widening. "We could also check out some of the new releases. I heard there's a horror movie coming out that looks pretty good. You like horror, right?"
I raised an eyebrow. "I'm surprised you'd want to watch something like that."
"Why?"
"I thought you didn't like scary movies."
She shrugged. "I like being scared. It's exciting. Plus, if it gets too much for me, I can just hold onto you, right?"
I stopped halfway through a sip. "Me?"
"Yeah." She said, a playful twinkle in her eye. "You're my baby brother. You'd protect your Noona, right? Hold me close, tell me it's going to be okay."
I froze for a second, then sighed. "Of course."
"You'd better." She grinned, poking me in the side. "Or else."
I rolled my eyes.
This was the type of thing I didn't know if I should take seriously, or brush off as a joke. In fact, it was hard to tell whether or not she was just messing with me or if she actually meant it.
It was a strange feeling, not knowing where I stood with her anymore.
Straight out confronting her about it wasn't an option either. That'd be the nuclear option, and I didn't want to risk blowing things up if I could help it. At least not until I had some more solid evidence that there was something going on, and not just me being paranoid.
Mia quietly nudged me with her elbow, looking at me with a playful, wild grin. One side of her face was partially hidden behind a curtain of buttery-yellow hair. "I'm looking forward to today." She said softly.
xXx
A/N: This is a slowburn, semi-realistic take on an incestous relationship and the problems that'd arise out of such an union. I know a lot of you want to get to the good parts; I do too. And we'll get to them. Mia, Su Ah, and Eun Ha each will have their own little arcs with Jae-il.
On a side note, for anyone interested, I've got over 30 advanced chapters on my Patreon. Thank you all for reading. Like ReplyReport Reactions:SquirtleTurtle, PassingBy, Lewdhandholding and 129 othersNneeilSep 14, 2025NewAdd bookmarkView discussionThreadmarks Chapter 35: This isn't a Date, Just Sisterly Affection II New View contentNneeilKnow what you're doing yet?Sep 15, 2025Add bookmark#99Chapter 35: This isn't a Date, Just Sisterly Affection II
I wasn't an idiot, and I wasn't a prude either.
But there were things I just didn't feel comfortable doing.
Like, say, shopping for clothes with a sister I was increasingly suspicious of.
I didn't want to think too much about it. Perhaps I should've simply turned my brain off, and accepted the possibility that I was just jumping to conclusions. That, at the end of the day, this was a perfectly innocent trip. But, well, I wasn't an idiot. I could read between the lines.
I knew what she was doing. What she was trying to do.
What I didn't understand, though, was why.
Why now?
Why at all?
Was it because I told her I'd inevitably go away once my career took off?
It didn't make sense, but at the same time, it did. It made too much sense. I didn't like that. I didn't like how easily I could come up with reasons, excuses, and justifications. It was a problem I'd have to solve sooner or later, I guess. But not now. Not right now, at least.
Now, I had to focus on the task at hand: getting through the day with my sanity intact.
"Hey, what about this?" Mia asked, picking up a shirt from the rack. She held it up against me, her eyes flickering back and forth between me and the fabric. "Hmm... nah, not your color."
She put it back and continued to browse through the selection.
We were in one of the many clothing stores at the mall, and it was my first time in one of these places in a long, long time. I wasn't as interested by the catalogue of articles in front of me as the young woman rifling through them all. She hummed, tilted her head, and frowned each time she picked up a random item that didn't fit my style or color scheme.
I stood by her, arms crossed, studying her face intently. There was something about the way her eyes sparkled and her lips twitched when she saw a piece she liked. It was cute. I couldn't deny that. But it was also disarming in a way that made me feel uneasy. Made me feel something I didn't want to feel. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.
"Hey, Noona." I began, trying to sound as casual as possible. "Why are we here again?"
She glanced at me, a little surprised. "Because you don't have a sense of fashion, dummy." She laughed, playfully punching me on the shoulder. "You only dress up on special occasions. It's not like we lack money, you can afford to dress up a little. No?"
I raised an eyebrow. "And you care about that... why?"
She paused, her smile fading slightly. "Well, because I care about you." She said, her voice soft and sincere. "And I want you to look your best. Is there anything wrong with that?"
I blinked, caught off guard by her honesty.
"No, of course not." I shook my head, smiling lightly.
She chuckled, patting me on the shoulder. "Good. Now, let me see if this would look good on you." She pulled out a white shirt, a black shirt, and a grey blazer from a nearby rack. "Hmm... I think the black and white combo would work best with your coloring, yeah?" She said, her eyes roaming over my body. "I can tell you've been working out. Your arms and shoulders are bigger than before. It's sexy."
I froze again, my heart skipping a beat. Was that a compliment? Or a comment? Was she just being friendly, or was there something more to it? This made me feel like those guys from my old world that'd get anxious whenever they'd go out with a girl for the first time, trying to decipher if the girl was 'into them.'
"Thanks..." I muttered, clearing my throat. "But I don't think I'll ever get that buff, Noona. I need to stay relatively light on my feet."
"Oh, I know that." She replied, rolling her eyes. "But it's still hot. Anyways, try these on, okay? I'll be waiting out here." She handed me a pile of clothes. A few shirts, some pants, and a couple of jackets. I wasn't sure how she'd picked them out so quickly, but I trusted her judgment. Women are usually good at this kind of stuff, are they not?
I took the clothes from her without a word, my fingers brushing against hers for a fraction of a second.
Too long for it to be entirely accidental.
Too short for me to call her out on it without looking insane.
Walking toward the fitting room, I felt the weight of her gaze on my back. I didn't turn around, but I could imagine it, her head tilted slightly, her eyes fixed on me.
Inside the small booth, I hung the clothes up neatly, taking a moment to breathe.
A moment to think.
The problem wasn't that Mia was acting… different. People changed. Circumstances changed them faster. The problem was the pattern. The accumulation of subtle shifts in tone, in body language, in the things she let slip without realizing it.
It was the sort of behavioral drift I'd seen before, when someone had made a decision in their head but hadn't yet announced it to the world. And until they did, everything they said and did was… a rehearsal.
I tried on the first outfit. Black shirt, grey blazer, slim trousers. It fit well. Better than I expected, actually. She'd either guessed my size perfectly, or she'd been paying more attention to my body than I thought.
I stepped out to show her. She looked me over, and I caught it. The fractional dilation of her pupils, the slow rise and fall of her chest before she masked it with an approving nod.
"Damn." She murmured, more to herself than to me. Then louder, with a teasing grin. "Not bad, little brother. Not bad at all."
I managed a half-smile in return. "Thanks. You have a good eye."
"I do." She agreed, her gaze lingering a moment longer than it needed to. Then she clapped her hands together, breaking whatever spell had fallen over us. "Next!"
I retreated to the booth, feeling her eyes on my back again. The next outfit was a white shirt, jeans, and a leather jacket. Casual but classy. Again, it fit perfectly. Too perfectly. Had she studied me that closely? I stepped out, and again I saw the subtle signs of appreciation in her face before she covered it with a light-hearted quip.
"Looking sharp, Jae-il." She said, a soft smile playing on her lips. "You should wear this one today."
I looked down at myself, then back up at her. "Sure. If you think it looks good."
She grinned. "Trust me, it does." Then, more quietly. "You do."
I didn't give her the satisfaction of a visible response.
Just a faint smirk and a noncommittal nod, like I'd heard something flattering but inconsequential. I'd learned a long time ago that silence was often the best answer.
Back in the booth, I leaned against the wall for a moment, eyes unfocused.
The danger here wasn't her. Not entirely.
It was me. The more I dissected her actions, the more I noticed them. And the more I noticed them, the harder it was to ignore.
It's one thing to be aware of the fire.
It's another to stand too close to it and pretend you won't get burned.
I slipped into the final set. A dark button-up, fitted slacks. Not my usual style, but it projected a kind of understated sharpness. A look that said I'm not trying to impress you, but I will anyway.
When I stepped out, her reaction was the smallest yet, and the most telling.
No smirk. No teasing. Just a slight parting of her lips before she breathed in through her nose and looked away, as though pretending she was just checking the price tag of something on the nearest rack.
"Too much?" I asked, adjusting the cuff.
"Not enough." She said, her voice smooth but quieter than usual.
I let the words hang there, studying her through the mirror rather than facing her directly. Her reflection betrayed more than she probably intended.
The faint tension in her jaw, the way her fingers idly traced the hem of her skirt, the almost imperceptible lift of her shoulders when my eyes met hers in the glass.
"Then I'll take it." I said simply, turning back toward the booth before she could answer.
She made a soft sound, half amusement, half something else, but didn't stop me.
I turned towards her. "This should be enough, right?"
"Mm-mm. Sure." She narrowed her eyes, turning her nose up in that haughty, cute way of hers. Arms crossed and hip tilted. "But, Jae-il, now it's my turn to pick some stuff."
I blinked. "Your turn?"
"Yeah, my turn. I can't be the only one who gets to play dress up." She giggled, and there was something in her eyes. A mix of mischief and determination.
I studied her for a beat longer than necessary, weighing whether to push back or let her have her way. She was likely going to push that fire even closer towards me, but I kind of already expected it.
"Fine." I said, my voice even. "Lead the way."
A/N: In case you wish to read ahead, I've got over 30 advanced chapters Right here. Like ReplyReport Reactions:SquirtleTurtle, Ciolekovsky20, Demon_queen and 123 othersNneeilSep 15, 2025NewAdd bookmarkView discussionThreadmarks Chapter 36: This isn't a Date, Just Sisterly Affection III New View contentNneeilKnow what you're doing yet?Sep 18, 2025Add bookmark#102Chapter 36: This isn't a Date, Just Sisterly Affection III
I was sitting on a bench, waiting for her. I had no idea how long it'd been, maybe twenty minutes. It felt longer. The store wasn't busy, but it was far from empty. Couples, groups of friends, parents with their kids—all passing through, browsing, chatting, shopping.
I watched them from my corner, trying to distract myself from the clock ticking away in the corner of my mind.
Eventually, I heard the soft clacking of heels on the polished floor behind me. I didn't need to look to know it was her. I could feel the warmth of her gaze on my back, a warmth that had become both familiar and unsettling in recent days.
"Jae-il, what do you think?" Mia asked. Her tone was light, almost playful. I turned to face her, and the sight that greeted me was enough to make even someone like me swallow my words for a moment. She was wearing a tight, black, strapless dress that ended a little above her knees, and the sight of her was… distracting, to say the least.
The fabric hugged her curves perfectly, accentuating every line and curve of her body. The neckline dipped low, showing off just enough of her ample cleavage to draw the eye, but not enough to cross the line from tasteful to provocative. Her legs, slender, so pale and smooth, stretched out from beneath the hem, ending in a pair of black high heels that added a touch of elegance.
"It looks... nice." I finally managed, keeping my tone neutral, my eyes carefully avoiding lingering on any one part of her for too long. "You look good."
She smiled, clearly pleased with the reaction she'd elicited. "Thanks. I knew you'd like it." She spun around slowly, letting me take in the full view, and I couldn't deny the way my pulse quickened as I watched her. Seriously, what the fuck. "This is one of my favorites. It's comfortable and stylish. Does it suit it me? Or would a different color be better? I couldn't quite decide between black and red."
"I don't think the color is a problem." I replied, choosing my words carefully. "Red is provocative. Black is mysterious. You look good regardless, Noona."
"Oh, you're too kind." She laughed, waving her hand dismissively. "Hmm, and tell me honestly, is it something I could wear on a date?"
The question caught me off guard. "A date?" I asked. "Are you seeing someone?"
She shrugged, her eyes never leaving mine. "Not at the moment. But a girl's got to be prepared, doesn't she?"
I chuckled. "Right." I tugged a little at the corner of my shirt, then replied. "But yes, it is something you could wear on a date. You're beautiful, Noona. Any guy would be crazy to turn you down." A little bit of flattery could help this whole thing end, but the words were too close to how I actually thought.
Her eyes flicked, soft and teasing, with the knowledge of that fact.
Mia's smile widened. "Damn right. I'm too hot." She said. Then, her voice softened. A shrug. "Maybe one day you'll get to see it firsthand.
"..."
See it firsthand? What does she—
She promptly turned around. "On to the next fit!"
I could feel the conversation turning, like a ship shifting course in a storm. And before I could blink, she was back in the fitting room.
"..."
God, was I becoming part of the problem as well? My beliefs, my own sense of morals, was it all being corroded by the little things? Was the fact I could even consider these things proof enough of that? I leaned back against the bench, staring blankly at the ceiling lights, their sterile glow prickling against my eyes. My chest felt tight. She tossed out words so casually that it was hard to give them meaning.
She'd spin the web in a clever way, always teasing and joking. Never letting her words settle long enough for them to become ambiguous before she'd turn the conversation around, or ran away... just like now.
And me? I laughed it off, like a good little brother should.
"Jae-il, I'm ready." She called out, her voice soft, almost hesitant. And I knew, right then, that something had changed. There was an unfamiliar note in her tone. "Come here, I can't exactly go out like this."
I stood up, quietly, and made my way over. The tent flap was parted slightly, invitingly. The space within dark. As I stepped inside, the scent of her, sweet and feminine, washed over me. The natural, clean scent of a woman would always be one of my favorite things about them. The fact that this errant thought came unbidden—with my sister as the recipient of it, no less—and remained defiant throughout was left unsaid.
After all, Mia was standing there, her back to the mirror, wearing a set of lingerie. Not the playful kind you see in store windows.
This was sharper, sleeker. Lace that clung like it had been poured onto her, thin straps framing her shoulders, the rest leaving far too little to the imagination. Her skin looked paler against the dark fabric, every line of her figure drawn in high contrast.
For a moment, the noise of the store seemed to fade.
And then I forced myself to breathe. I managed to snap out of it before it'd be too obvious. "Noona…" I began, staring at her in the eyes. "That's… not exactly something you wear out here."
I also didn't like the thought that she could very well be buying this for someone else. I was a walking contradiction; maybe, in my not-so-kind mind, I'd rather Mia never got together with anyone. Too afraid of her liking me. Too afraid she might like someone else. Then again, acknowledging the problem was only the first step, wasn't it? Naming the beast didn't make it vanish.
She tilted her head, lips quirking into a half-smile. "It's just fabric, Jae-il. Less than that dress, technically."
"Technically." I said, making sure the tent was firmly shut behind us. "But technicalities don't stop people from staring."
"Let them." She replied, as if the thought amused her. Her hands brushed over the lace absently, like she was still getting used to the feel of it. "Besides… you're the one I wanted to see it."
I held her gaze for a moment.
"Congratulations." I said finally, with a faint undertone of resentment. "You've succeeded in making this awkward."
She laughed, the sound slowly fading into an unbothered grin. "Oh, come on. We're adults, right? We're past that." Past what, exactly? Proper behavior? She turned around, her fingers tracing the line of her collarbone, the dip between her breasts, the gentle slope of her stomach. Her eyes never left mine. "Well, what do you think? I've always had a hard time finding stuff that fits right, you know?"
I took a slow breath.
"What do I think about what?" I asked, deliberately obtuse.
"About this." She said, gesturing at her body. "About me."
"You look..." I started, searching for the right word. "Different. But no matter what you wear, you're still my sister. And that won't change."
She rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips. "You're so boring, you know that? It's not that deep, dummy. Just say I look hot and we can move on." She turned to look at herself in the mirror, her hands resting on her hips, accentuating the curve of her waist, hips, and—
I leaned back against the wall, watching her. "If you're so confident about it, you shouldn't need me to tell you. You know you're attractive."
She chuckled, glancing at me over her shoulder. "But it's more fun hearing it from you."
I raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"Because you're honest." Mia replied, her voice dropping to a whisper as she stepped closer. "You wouldn't lie to me, would you?"
I held her gaze, feeling her closeness, the warmth of her skin, the faint scent of her shampoo. "Never."
She nodded, her expression softening. "Good. That's what I thought." She stepped back, turning to face the mirror again. "Okay, enough messing around. Help me get this thing off, yeah?"
She started to reach behind her, fumbling with the clasp of her bra, but she couldn't quite manage it. She let out a frustrated huff. "Come on, I can't do it myself. Don't be a jerk."
I stared at her for a moment as she squirmed with the bra clasp. "I'm out of here. Do it yourself."
"Asshole." She half-pouted, half-glared. "You're gonna leave me here like this?"
"Yes." I said flatly, turning to leave.
"Noona needs your help."
"Noona needs to learn to dress herself." I replied without looking back.
"Fine!"
"..."
The tent slid shut behind me. I heaved a deep breath. Why was this life so beautiful yet so frustrating? Damn Mia complicating things and making me feel things I didn't want to feel.
The rustle of clothing sounded out behind me, further confirming that she could, indeed, do it herself.
"I'm done, dummy."
I turned around, and she was dressed, her clothes disheveled and her hair slightly tousled, as if she'd thrown them on in a hurry.
There was a faint flush to her cheeks, and her eyes sparkled with something like amusement, like she knew she'd pushed me just a little too far.
"I'm gonna buy that, just so you know."
"I don't need to know."
She caught up to me, hands behind her back as she leaned slightly forward, blinking rapidly at me.
As we walked around one of the racks, we bumped into another couple, two young women—correction, two familiar young women.
"Huh? It's you?"
Go Bin, and, next to her, Dae Hee.
A/N: Over 30 chapters on my Patreon, for anyone interested.Last edite