When Jungwon’s dad and Hyeji’s mom got married, everyone said it was perfect. Two single parents, two kids around the same age, one big happy family.
Perfect.
Except no one warned Jungwon how strange it would feel sharing a hallway with someone like Hyeji.
At first, they were polite. She’d knock on his door if dinner was ready; he’d offer to carry her school bag when her arms were full. Their parents thought it was cute how quickly they got along.
But cute turned into late-night study sessions in the living room. Cute turned into inside jokes they never explained to anyone else. Cute turned into Jungwon knowing exactly how Hyeji liked her tea — and Hyeji noticing the way Jungwon’s mood changed when exams were coming up.
It was harmless. Until it wasn’t.
One rainy night, their parents had gone on a weekend trip. The house felt too big, too quiet. Hyeji sat curled on the couch, blanket draped over her shoulders. Jungwon brought her a mug of hot chocolate, setting it carefully on the table.
“You always do that,” she teased.
“Do what?”
“Take care of me. Like…” she hesitated, “like I’m more than just your stepsister.”
The words hung in the air. Jungwon’s chest tightened. He knew it was wrong — or at least, it should be. But the way she looked at him, eyes searching, hopeful — it was the same way he’d been looking at her for months.
He sat down beside her, close enough that the blanket shifted between them. His hand brushed hers, just for a second.
“Hyeji…” His voice was low, careful. “What if you are?”
Her heart stuttered. “What if I am what?”
“What if you’re… more?”
For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The only sound was rain against the windows. Then, quietly, she let her hand stay against his. Not pulling away. Not pretending.
When their parents came home the next day, nothing looked different. Two step-siblings sharing breakfast, laughing about something silly.
But under the table, their hands intertwined and this time, neither of them moved.
They had a secret now. One they’d guard fiercely, hidden beneath the ordinary rhythm of family life.
Because loving each other wasn’t supposed to happen. But it did. And neither of them wanted to let go.
It was already 1 am and she was about to fall asleep when suddenly, her bedroom door opened, Jungwon walked in and climbed onto the bed next to her