RED STRING || 1

Chapter twelve.

NOW THAT THEY were engaged, Irene and Seulgi found themselves spending most of their time together, cuddling on the bed, enjoying the simple comfort of each other's company. Their connection had grown deeper, and with each passing day, their love for each other blossomed further.

Irene, having now committed herself to this relationship, began to consider what this new chapter would entail, especially in terms of their intimacy. She longed to share her first intimate experience with Seulgi in a special way, making it memorable for both of them. The thought of it filled her with excitement and anxiety, as she wasn’t sure if it would be Seulgi’s first time with Irene or if she had already experienced intimacy in the past.

However, Irene hesitated to ask Seulgi directly, afraid that it might make her seem overly eager or that Seulgi might find her inquiries inappropriate. Instead, Irene decided to drop hints here and there, trying to convey her feelings and intentions without being too obvious.

At random moments, she would casually say, “You know, I want to share my first with you,” hoping Seulgi would pick up on the significance of her words. Sometimes, she’d joke, “Ah, I’m getting older and drier. Care to help me out?”—and though Seulgi would simply chuckle in response, Irene felt as though the conversation never went where she wanted it to.

There were other times when she tried to be more direct, saying things like, “I’ve never tried it with a man, but how would it feel with a woman? What do you think?” But all Seulgi would do was give her a perplexed look before shaking her head, causing Irene to feel even more frustrated.

Irene often found herself grappling with the confusion of her own desires. She couldn't help but wonder whether Seulgi was simply oblivious to her hints or if she was purposefully avoiding the subject. Still, Irene didn't give up hope. "What Irene wants, Irene gets," she whispered to herself one evening, as she combed her hair in the bathroom, a towel wrapped around her body.

She convinced herself that the key to getting Seulgi to understand her desires was simply to be persistent and a little desperate. Each day that passed without Seulgi acknowledging her hints only intensified her yearning, and she couldn’t help but feel frustrated as she wondered whether Seulgi truly didn’t notice or just wasn’t interested.

~~

One evening, the two were lounging on the couch, watching a movie called Blue is the Warmest Color, which Seulgi had recommended. As they neared a particularly intimate scene, Irene’s discomfort became apparent, and she quickly paused the film.

“Kang Seulgi!” Irene’s brows furrowed, and she shot a playful yet stern look at Seulgi. Seulgi, caught off guard, raised her hands defensively, her expression one of mock innocence.

“What?” she asked innocently.

Irene didn’t respond with words but instead grabbed Seulgi’s hand and dragged her upstairs. Once inside, Irene closed the door behind them and shot Seulgi a pointed look.

“You can’t just watch... well, that in the living room,” Irene said, though there was a slight teasing lilt to her voice.

Seulgi, trying to defend herself, shrugged. “It wasn’t that! It was just a scene.”

“A scene, uh-huh. Okay. I believe you,” Irene retorted sarcastically, crossing her arms. Seulgi, knowing full well that the film had more than one intimate scene, couldn’t help but laugh at Irene’s reaction, although she was secretly enjoying teasing her.

Irene, on the other hand, felt a rush of emotions—her face flushed with heat, but she was reluctant to continue watching the movie. She could feel her desire building up, and she didn’t want to continue something that would only make her feel more aroused.