Ransomed Fiancée (Michaeng) ✔️

Summary (Part 29)

Chapter 50-51:

Mina stepped into Chaeyoung's small, old house for the first time. She'd only ever seen it from a distance. She saw it once when she dropped Chaeyoung off on that rainy night. The yard was scattered with a few old barrels, a rusted point burner and some scraps of leather. Chaeyoung opened the door and gestured for Mina to come in.

"Welcome," Chaeyoung said with a small smile.

Mina stepped inside, taking a slow look around. The space was tiny and a bit cramped but it was tidy. In one corner of the living room, there were futons stacked neatly alongside pillows and duvets. Mina frowned slightly as her eyes lingered there before turning to Chaeyoung.

"You share this house with someone else?" she asked.

Chaeyoung followed her gaze and let out a soft chuckle. "No. But sometimes my teammates crash here. Late nights at the workshop or just hanging out. They seem to like sleeping over for some reason." She moved toward the kitchen, grabbing two glasses.

Mina trailed behind her, "Teammates... does that include Yuqi?" She probed.

Chaeyoung paused briefly, pouring a hot chocolate into the glasses. "Hmm yes, why?" She replied casually.

Mina didn't answer for a moment. She leaned on the counter as she watched Chaeyoung place the glasses down. "No reason," she shrugged.

Chaeyoung handed Mina the glass, "You're not usually this curious about my teammates."

Mina's lips curved into a small smile which didn't reach her eyes. "It's just surprising, that's all. You don't, at least as far as I remember, like strangers invading your space."

Chaeyoung frowned slightly, "They're not strangers."

Mina lifted the glass to her lips. She took a small sip, her eyes drifting toward the futons again. "Right," she nodded, "But don't you think it's... a bit much? Doesn't it ever feel like an intrusion?"

Chaeyoung shook her head, her eyes curved into a smile, "Not really. I like having them around. It's nice to not feel so alone all the time."

Mina's gaze dropped to the floor at that. Her fingers brushing lightly along the edge of the counter. "That's....understandable," She paused then added carefully, "But I also think there should be boundaries. Letting someone like... her stay over. Don't you think it could be....dangerous?"

Chaeyoung arched her brows, not liking where the conversation was heading. "Someone like her? Dangerous? What do you mean by that?"

Mina sighed, "You know what I mean."

"I'm not sure I do."

Mina exhaled sharply. She set her glass down with a soft clink. "She's a bit... aggressive, isn't she?"

For a moment, Chaeyoung said nothing. She gnawed the inside of her cheek. Disappointment and hurt stirred in her chest but she forced it down. It wasn't entirely unexpected. After all, Yuqi's incident during the launch had left a mark and her reputation didn't help. Aggressive? Sure, Yuqi had her moments but never without reason. Chaeyoung knew that better than anyone.

"She's not what you think," Chaeyoung said.

"Maybe," Mina replied, "But that doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful."

Chaeyoung pressed her lips into a thin line, her fingers tightening slightly around her glass. "I am careful. I wouldn't let someone stay here if I didn't trust them." She halted, meeting Mina's gaze with a weak rueful smile. "You should trust me to know who belongs in my space."