Hana's thoughts burned as she walked, Kai's words looping in her mind like an annoying song she couldn't turn off. Older brother? Really? She scoffed under her breath—though the sound was aimed more at her own flustered reaction than his ridiculous teasing.
Guided by a maid's directions, she finally found the TV room. The door stood wide open, laughter spilling faintly into the hall. Still, she raised her knuckles and knocked softly on the frame.
All eyes turned toward her at once.
"Come in, Hana," A-ri said warmly, patting the seat beside her. "I've been expecting you."
Hana stepped inside carefully, bowing politely to everyone—everyone except Kang, whose attention was glued to the game on his phone. She slipped into the space beside her mother-in-law, her posture graceful but tight.
"We were just reviewing wedding gowns." A-ri handed her a tablet with a gentle smile. "Pick whichever you like. A wedding is once in a lifetime, so don't hold back."
Hana forced a faint smile. "Okay, Mom." But her heart whispered something heavier. Once in a lifetime? I really hope so…
The door opened. Kai strolled in casually, his gaze finding Hana like it was instinct. And when it did, he smiled—effortless, unhesitating, as if it belonged only to her.
A-ri noticed. She didn't miss Hana's small frown either. Ah, her eyes narrowed with amusement. They must have quarreled.
"Kai," A-ri said sweetly, her tone deceptively light, "why don't you sit beside Hana? I'll head to the study with the wedding planners."
"Mom, can I come with you?" Hana asked too quickly, her eagerness spilling through.
A-ri shook her head. "No. You still need to choose a dress. Do it with your husband." She rose smoothly, then turned to Kang. "Get up. You're coming with me."
Kang finally tore his gaze from his phone, groaning. "Can't I just stay here?"
"No," she said firmly, already striding out.
With a dramatic sigh, Kang dragged himself to his feet and followed. The door shut softly behind them, leaving Hana and Kai alone.
The air shifted instantly.
Kai crossed the room, his movements slow, deliberate. When he sat beside her, close enough for his cologne to mingle with her breath, Hana stiffened and edged a fraction away. Her eyes clung to the tablet like it was a shield.
"I can pick the dress on my own," she murmured.
Kai tilted his head, studying her with a faint smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I remember a time you were mad at me before. You were younger then. Want to know how I made you forgive me?"
Suspicion flickered in her gaze. "Don't say bamboos, because I obviously—"
Her words collapsed.
Because his lips brushed her cheek.
Warm. Fleeting. Impossible to ignore.
Hana froze, her breath caught in her throat. The warmth lingered—searing, stubborn—as though his lips had branded her skin with something she couldn't erase.