You were at the rice market chatting with an out-of-town merchant—nothing serious, just polite banter while Tae inspected root vegetables.

Then you felt it—two soft arms wrapping around your waist from behind.

“Ah—Tae?”

She leaned her cheek into your back, her voice airy and casual. ”You were gone for a while.”

The merchant raised an eyebrow.

“She’s my girlfriend,” you added quickly.

Tae didn’t say anything… but her grip tightened, and her smile didn’t waver.