Hearts in chaos: Hearts Entwined book 4

23

Moments later, Jin appeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame. “Can we talk?”

She hesitated, knowing this conversation could lead them into dangerous territory. “About what?”

“About everything. About us,” he said, his voice steady but filled with uncertainty.

Mia felt her heart race again. “Jin, we just agreed—”

“I know, but it doesn’t change how I feel. I think we’re both trying to avoid something that’s already there,” he pressed, stepping further into the room.

“Jin, please. I’m not ready to talk about this,” she said, shaking her head.

“Then what do you want?” he asked, frustration creeping into his voice. “I can’t keep pretending like I don’t want you. I can’t pretend I don’t care about you.”

Mia’s heart raced at his words, the raw honesty sending her mind into a whirlwind. “You care about me as a friend, as Jiwoon’s nanny.”

“No, it’s more than that,” he insisted, stepping closer. “I see how you are with him, and it makes me realize how much you mean to me. You’re incredible, Mia. You make me want to be better.”

Her breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, she was lost in his gaze. She could feel the pull between them, the connection that was undeniable. But fear gripped her heart, reminding her of the risks involved.

“Jin,” she whispered, trying to regain her composure. “This isn’t fair to either of us.”

“Why not? We can make this work if we’re honest about our feelings,” he replied, his tone earnest.

“Because you’re still hurt, and I’m scared of getting involved in your life when it’s so messy right now,” she said, shaking her head again. “You need time to heal.”

“And maybe I need you to help me heal,” he countered, his voice softening. “I don’t want to rush anything, but I can’t ignore what I feel for you.”

She felt her resolve wavering again, his words tugging at her heart. “I care about you too, but I can’t be a distraction or a rebound. You need to figure things out with Mina first.”

“Maybe I don’t want to figure things out with Mina. Maybe I want to figure things out with you,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

For a moment, silence hung between them, the air thick with tension. Mia felt her heart race as she contemplated his words. Could she really let herself fall into something with Jin, knowing the risks?

“Jin...” she began, but he stepped closer, reaching out to cup her face gently.

“Mia, I need you to understand how much you mean to me. You’re not just a distraction. You’re someone I want to be with, and I don’t want to lose that,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Mia’s breath caught in her throat, and for a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to lean into his touch, feeling the warmth radiate from his hand. “I don’t know if I’m ready for this,” she admitted, her heart racing.

“Just give me a chance,” he urged, his eyes searching hers. “Let me show you that this can be something real.”

With her heart pounding in her chest, she closed her eyes, torn between the desire to surrender to her feelings and the fear of what it could mean. “Jin...”

But before she could finish her thought, he leaned in, capturing her lips with his own in a gentle but insistent kiss. The world around them melted away, leaving only the taste of him on her lips and the warmth of his body close to hers.