RED STRING || 1

✔️ Chapter eighteen.

It was a balmy evening, the clock striking six, casting a warm golden hue over the room. Seulgi leaned in closer to Irene, her expression a mixture of determination and uncertainty. “Right. Yeri doesn’t understand... B-but…” Irene stuttered, her voice barely above a whisper. The air was thick with tension as they exchanged glances, both women grappling with the weight of the moment. Irene’s heart raced, her mind swirling with anticipation and anxiety. She looked towards Yeri, who was innocently gazing back at her, blissfully unaware of the undercurrents swirling around them.

Seulgi, ever the confident one, winked playfully. “I’ll have her watched by my mom.” With that, she slipped out of the room, leaving Irene stunned, shocked, and utterly speechless. Irene pressed her fingertips to her lips, her mind racing. Internally, she screamed, “Oh my God! I’m really having it.” But amidst her excitement, a flicker of worry danced in her chest. “Is Seulgi ready though?”

Meanwhile, Seulgi was on the phone with her mother, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. “But where are you going?” her mother asked, curiosity piqued. Seulgi took a deep breath, steeling herself for the answer. “Irene and I just need to do something.” She hoped her mother understood the implications of her words, and she could almost hear the long, drawn-out “oh” on the other end of the line. “I’ll take Yeri from there,” Mama Kang replied, her tone warm and supportive.

“Thanks,” Seulgi said, grateful for her mother's willingness to help. She couldn’t reach out to her in-laws; they were currently in Italy, busy with their business ventures. They were always away, and that often left Irene feeling neglected. Seulgi knew firsthand that Irene’s frustration stemmed from a yearning for her parents’ attention, something they were unable to provide. Instead, they showered her with material gifts and an abundance of money, which only served to deepen Irene’s sense of loneliness.

The drive took a good fifteen minutes, a seemingly endless stretch of time filled with anticipation and nervous energy. As Mama Kang finally reached the mansion, Seulgi felt a rush of relief wash over her. She had been preparing the baby bag, checking and double-checking to ensure everything was in order. And as they were ready to leave, Seulgi bent down and kissed both Mama Kang and Yeri on their cheeks, her smile warm and reassuring. “Take care, both of you,” she said, before stepping out the door with baby Yeri in her arms. Seulgi watched as the car disappeared down the driveway, a mixture of excitement and trepidation flooding her senses.

With the coast clear, Seulgi rushed up the stairs, her heart pounding in her chest. But as she neared the bedroom, a wave of nervousness washed over her. “What if I mess this up?” she thought, pushing the door open only to find the room empty. She let out a heavy sigh and flopped onto the bed, her mind racing with thoughts of their first night together, their first night of passion.

Just then, the bathroom door creaked open, and Irene stepped out, adorned in the sexiest lingerie Seulgi had ever laid eyes on. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and a strange, exhilarating feeling bubbled in her stomach—something far more intense than she had felt during her pregnancy. Irene’s confidence radiated through the room, and Seulgi felt the weight of her own uncertainty. With deliberate movements, Irene locked the door, a playful glint in her eye.

“My, my, Kang. You still don’t know how to lock doors even at this moment. Anyone could come in on us,” Irene teased, her voice laced with playful admonition. Seulgi’s embarrassment was palpable, but it quickly dissipated as Irene climbed onto the bed, crawling towards her with an enticing grace. The space between them crackled with energy, and Seulgi could hear her own heavy breathing, each inhale filled with excitement.

“Excited much?” Irene leaned closer, her breath warm against Seulgi’s skin. Seulgi bit her lip and nodded, unable to form any coherent words. It was as if the world had faded away, leaving just the two of them in their intimate sanctuary. Without hesitation, Irene raised Seulgi’s chin with her index finger and pressed her lips against hers. At that moment, everything felt serene and wonderful, as if time itself had come to a standstill. Seulgi couldn’t help but imagine how different things might have been if their circumstances were altered—if Irene were a man, or if fate had gifted them a sibling for Yeri.