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୨⎯ jia ⎯୧

''jia?'' i hear the cough before i see him.

my father.

my stomach drops. without thinking, i quickly turn to in-ho and shove him toward the space behind the door. he doesn't argue, doesn't make a sound. he just moves.

i turn back just as my father steps into the kitchen, his expression tired, his shoulders heavy.

''what's wrong?'' i ask immediately, my voice softer now.

he rubs his temple. ''headache,'' he mutters. ''this damn disease.''

concern flickers through me, and for a moment, i forget about everything else. ''you okay?''

he exhales, nodding slightly. ''yeah... just tired.'' then, his gaze lifts to mine. ''i can't deal with this much longer.''

my throat tightens, but i force myself to keep steady. ''you will get through this,'' i say firmly.

he studies me for a moment, then exhales, shaking his head. ''you'll make a damn good successor.''

the words settle deep in my chest. i know he means it as a compliment, but it feels like a weight being pressed onto me, something inevitable, something i can't escape.

and i know in-ho is hearing every word. i feel vulnerable.

''but you'll need someone who will stand by your side when i'm gone.'' he says.

i blink, my body tensing. ''i have bora.''

''don't act stupid.'' his voice is strong, serious. ''you know what i mean.''

i don't respond - i can't.

''you'll need a man who loves you,'' he says, voice quiet but certain. ''someone who-''

i feel in-ho behind me. watching. listening.

''someone who will protect you, stand by you,'' my father continues. ''someone who understands the world you live in.''

i swallow hard, gripping the counter behind me to ground myself.

''dad,'' i exhale, forcing a small laugh. ''i think you should rest. you're getting too dramatic-''

''no,'' he cuts me off, his gaze sharp. ''i'm serious.''

i press my lips together, avoiding his stare. i know in-ho is still behind the door, hearing everything.

''i don't need anyone,'' i say finally. ''i can handle myself.''

''you can,'' my father agrees. ''but you shouldn't have to - not alone.''

''love isn't a weakness,'' he says, softer this time. ''choosing the right person - someone who challenges you, who makes you better - that's strength.''

i hate how his words settle in my chest. how they make me think about the man currently hiding behind the door, the one who does challenge me and who makes me burn with frustration.

''it's late,'' i say, changing the subject completely. ''go back to bed, dad. please.''

he watches me for a long moment, then sighs, rubbing his temple. ''fine.''

i step forward, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. ''goodnight.''

he mutters something about me being stubborn, then finally turns and disappears down the hall.
the second he's gone, i exhale sharply, running a hand through my hair.

''interesting conversation,'' in-ho murmurs from behind me.

i spin around, glaring. ''shut up.''

''so,'' he muses, tilting his head slightly, far too pleased with himself. ''i challenge you. i make you better?''