INK AND SHADOWS [???]

The vacation was over, and life slowly returned to normal.

Hara threw herself back into her passion, spending long hours at the tattoo studio, working on new designs, and taking in clients.

The hum of the tattoo machine, the scent of ink, and the satisfaction of seeing her work come to life on skin made her feel at peace.

Meanwhile, Jungkook was still struggling to move past that night.

His guilt was eating him alive, making it nearly impossible for him to face Rara properly.

Every time he saw her, his brain would go into panic mode, replaying that morning when he woke up next to her.

However, Rara didn't seem bothered at all. If anything, she acted as if nothing had happened.

"Jungkook," she sighed, rolling her eyes when she caught him avoiding her gaze for the millionth time.

"Why do you look like you committed a crime?"

Jungkook scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

"I—uh..."

"Listen." She crossed her arms, looking at him with an amused expression.

"If you're still worried about that night, don't be. Nothing serious happened, okay?"

Jungkook blinked in confusion. "But... we..."

"I took the plan B pill," she said casually.

"So don't worry. I'm not pregnant."

Jungkook let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "Oh, thank God."

Hara, who had just entered the room, overheard their conversation. Her body tensed as memories of her past surfaced.

She had been in their position once. That same fear, that same panic.

She had also thought about taking the pill, but by the time she considered it, it was already too late. Maybe.

She could still remember how scared she was, how her hands trembled as she went to the clinic all alone...

She sighed, shaking off the memory before it could consume her.

Jungkook looked at her hesitantly. "Hara, are you... mad?"

She snapped out of her thoughts and waved him off.

"Why would I be? It's your life. Just... don't stress about it too much, okay?"

Jungkook nodded, but her words didn't ease his nerves completely.

Hara turned her gaze toward Heeseung, who was lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone absentmindedly.

He looked deep in thought, almost distant.

"You good?" she asked, taking a seat next to him.

Heeseung glanced at her and sighed. "I don't know."

Hara frowned. "Is it because of Rara?"

Heeseung leaned back against the couch, running a hand through his hair.

"Yeah... I mean, I know I love her. But..."

He hesitated before continuing, "Why do I still feel something for... uhh, nothing"

Hara's breath hitched slightly, but she masked it with a small smile.

"Feelings are complicated, Heeseung. But if you love Rara, you should focus on that."

Heeseung nodded slowly, but his expression remained troubled.

Hara didn't push further. Some emotions weren't meant to be rushed.