Please, Confess to Me

Chapter 37 : Why Can't We Sleep Together?

A rush of happiness surged through Minji, and she couldn't help but replay her earlier conversation with Hanni over and over, getting lost in a blissful daze. She was still giggling to herself when a sudden ringtone pulled her back to reality. Answering the call, she heard Haerin's familiar, warm voice.

"You're still at the company, right? Let's go out for some drinks."

"No time. I'm heading home," Minji replied, brushing off the invitation.

"Hanni's not home, so what's the rush?" Haerin teased.

"How do you know that?" Minji asked, surprised.

"Because if she were, you'd already be there, wouldn't you?" Haerin laughed. "Come on, just one drink! It won't take long."

Realizing it had been a while since she'd seen Haerin, Minji glanced at her watch and eventually agreed.

They went to a high-end, quiet bar with a clean, sophisticated atmosphere. Knowing Minji's tolerance wasn't the best, Haerin ordered six bottles of beer, handing one to her friend and keeping the rest for herself.

"Here, this one's yours. I'll take care of the rest," Haerin chuckled.

Though Minji had a sensitive stomach, she figured one bottle wouldn't hurt. She clinked her bottle against Haerin's and took a sip.

"I heard you and your stepmother argued again today?" Haerin asked casually.

Minji's face hardened. "I have nothing to say to that woman."

"Okay, okay, my mistake." Haerin held up her hands in a mock surrender. "But remember, now isn't the time to have a fallout."

"I know." Minji sighed, frustration creeping in. If it weren't for the precarious state of her family's business, she'd have cut ties long ago. The thought made her restless, and she loosened her tie, just as a warm, soft weight landed on her shoulder. A splash of wine soaked her shirt.

"I'm so sorry! I tripped..." A stunning woman with bright red lips apologized, her small, pale hands attempting to dab at Minji's shirt.

"Get off." Minji shook the woman's hands away, her tone cold. Ignoring the woman's embarrassed look, she stood up and made her way to the bathroom without a second glance.

Haerin leaned over with a smirk. "Hey, beauty, just so you know, she's married. But I'm single."

The woman's expression immediately cooled. She gave Haerin a disdainful glance, "She walks in wearing a tailored suit and driving a Mercedes. Meanwhile, you show up in a cowboy T-shirt, drinking the cheapest beer."

Haerin blinked, holding up her keys. "Hey, I drive a BMW!"

The woman raised an eyebrow. "They sell those online for 3,000 won." With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Haerin speechless.

"Damn!" Haerin muttered to herself, feeling uncharacteristically outmatched.

By the time Minji returned from the bathroom, still feeling damp and uncomfortable, she picked up her coat and turned to Haerin. "I'm heading out."

Minji had decided it was time to take the initiative with Hanni. That last call had left her with the impression that maybe her wife was waiting for her to make the first move.

Arriving home, Minji's heart lifted as she spotted Hanni's car parked outside. Was she back? Her eyes brightened as she quickly parked, entered the house, and, without pausing to change, hurried upstairs.

"Hanni." Minji stood outside her wife's bedroom door, knocking softly.

No response. Minji knocked again, but still nothing. After a moment's hesitation, she tried the handle, and the door opened easily.