Moon's Whisper, Heart's Echo

18.The Gesture

Ji-ah watched Tae-young's fingers drum against his thigh - once, twice, three times - before he caught himself and stilled them. The gesture reminded her of something...

"I believe Lady Nandi does that too," she said without thinking, then immediately wished she could catch the words back.

"Hmm?" His gaze remained carefully neutral.

"Nothing." She quickly waved her hands, a flicker of nervousness crossing her usually composed features. "I was just... that is..."

His eyes met hers, sharp but not unkind. "I must apologize for missing our previous meeting."

"You were helping someone who was unwell," Ji-ah said carefully, grateful for the shift in conversation. "That's admirable."

"Still, it was discourteous to keep you waiting." His voice carried that particular blend of charm and authority he wielded so well. "I hope you'll forgive the oversight."

"Of course." She arranged a persimmon on the plate between them, conscious of his steady gaze. "Though I admit, I'm curious about something."

"Oh?" His eyebrow arched slightly.

"You seem... distracted today." She spoke softly, watching his reaction. "I hope everything is well?"

A ghost of a smile touched his lips. "You're very observant," he said finally.

"My uncle says it's my worst quality." A hint of bitterness crept into her voice. "He prefers women who see only what they're told to see."

"Your uncle," Tae-young replied carefully, "has many preferences I find... questionable."

Their eyes met in perfect understanding.

"Is that why you agreed to this match?" she asked.

"Would you believe me if I said no?"

"I believe you're capable of having multiple reasons for your actions." She smiled slightly. "Another quality my uncle dislikes in women."

Tae-young studied her face. Here was someone else who understood the game of masks and careful moves. "You would make a suitable wife," he said honestly.

"But not a loved one?" There was no hurt in her voice, only pragmatism.

"Some arrangements," he said carefully, "can grow into something valuable when both parties understand each other's true nature."

"Like you understand Lady Nandi's nature?"

His silence was answer enough, but his expression remained composed. Whatever his feelings for Nandi, he wouldn't dishonor Ji-ah by denying or confirming them. Some truths were better left in the space between words.

Ji-ah lifted her tea cup once more, "Perhaps," she said softly, "that understanding itself could be valuable enough."

There was a momentary pause as thunder rumbled in the distance. Ji-ah gathered her courage. "May I speak freely?"

"Please do."

"When you missed our meeting..." She hesitated. "People talked. About where you were."

His expression remained carefully neutral, though something sharp flashed behind his eyes. "Ah. And what do you make of such talk?"

Ji-ah met his gaze directly. "I think... you have your reasons. The same way you have reasons for considering this match."

"Clever girl." He sat back, studying her with new interest. "Though I wonder - what reasons do you have for accepting it?"