“May I have a seat?” Jiyong’s smooth voice asked behind her.

Dara, who had been nipping hot herbal tea from a cup, turned halfway round to look at him. She was all bundled up and a scarf was snuggly wrapped around her neck and shoulders.

She wordlessly smiled and motioned him to take a seat next to her on the terrace, overlooking the snowy landscape.

“So…” he began. “I saw you listening to our conversation earlier.”

“Hm. Yes.” she agreed.

“You don’t seem surprised.”

“About what?” Dara mused, without looking at him, her eyes taking on a faraway look.

“About Tabi being in love with you.” Jiyong grounded out.

“What do you expect me to do? Or say, for that matter?” she asked him with a raised eyebrow.

“Dara…” he began.

“Jiyong.” she interrupted him. “Why does it matter to you if I knew it or not? Have I ever asked you about women falling for you left and right?”

“But...” he tried again.

“But what? Because it’s Tabi?” she asked him straightforwardly.

Jiyong was at a loss for words for a few seconds. She sounded so calm. So mature. So not bothered.

And then it clicked.

“You have talked about it with him.” Jiyong stated with wide eyes.

Dara nodded solemnly. “I did.”

“And?”

“And what?” she replied with a deep sigh.

“Don’t let me say it. I don’t want to sound like a jealous idiot.”

“You already do, Ji.