"Sure."
"Are you okay? Really okay?"
"I'm fine."
"Soorin."
"What?"
"You don't have to pretend with me."
She looked at him.
His green eyes were kind.
Patient.
Safe.
"I'm tired," she admitted. "Just really, really tired."
"Of?"
"Everything. The drama. The hiding. The—" She stopped. "Just everything."
"I get that."
"Do you?"
"More than you think."
They were quiet for a moment.
Then Minjae said, "In Vegas. I meant what I said."
"I know."
"And I know the timing is terrible. But I wanted you to know—I'm here. Whenever you're ready."
"Ready for what?"
"For whatever this could be."
Soorin's throat tightened.
"Minjae—"
"You don't have to say anything. I just wanted you to know."
He went back to his cat videos.
Giving her space.
Not pushing.
Just being there.
And part of her wanted to lean into it.
Into him.
Into the safety he offered.
But another part—
Another part still burned for the dragon.
★☆★☆★☆
The flight dragged.
