Dive // Jaeyi x Seulgi

Chapter 9

The warm water washed over Seulgi's hands, cleaning off the clay. She hadn't realized how much time had gone by, running her fingers over the dampness on her skin. The pottery studio was quieter than expected—a soft song playing, some distant chatter, and Jaeyi's touch still on her.

Seulgi blinked down at her hands, flexing them. Jaeyi held her hand differently today—not with urgency, not like she was trying to say something without words. No—today, it was careful, deliberate. Almost like Jaeyi was trying to memorize the shape of her fingers, how they fit together with hers.

Beside her, Jaeyi turned off the faucet and shook off the excess water before reaching for a towel. "The cups we made today," she said softly, "they'll need a few days to dry before they're fired in the kiln."

Seulgi took the towel Jaeyi handed her, glancing at their cups. "And after that?"

"Maybe another week or so, depending on how long they take to fire and cool."

That long? Seulgi frowned slightly. It was weird leaving something half-done, just sitting there until it was finally finished.

Jaeyi must have noticed her expression because she let out a quiet chuckle. "Good things take time."

Seulgi looked at her, searching. Do you mean the pottery, or... us?

But Jaeyi was already pulling on her coat, her posture easy, unbothered—like this was just another night, another moment that wouldn't leave a mark on her.

Seulgi swallowed down the strange tightness in her throat.

The stroll back to Jaeyi's place was relaxed, the evening air fresh yet gentle. Their arms would brush now and then, but neither made any move to create distance.

Jaeyi didn't speak much. Not because she was avoiding anything—at least, that's what Seulgi told herself—but because that was just Jaeyi. She never filled silence with unnecessary words.

When they got home, Jaeyi unlocked the door and went in first, kicking off her shoes. "I've got some work to do tonight," she said as Seulgi trailed behind her. "You can sleep first if you want."

Seulgi frowned. "It's late. Don't overwork yourself."

Jaeyi's lips twitched in something close to amusement. "I'll be fine."

Seulgi wanted to argue, but the words didn't come. Because Jaeyi did look fine—calm, composed. But was that real?

She sighed and nodded. "Okay. Don't stay up too late."

Jaeyi only hummed in response, already making her way toward her desk.

Seulgi watched her for a second longer before stepping into the bedroom.

-

Seulgi woke up thirsty in the middle of the night.

Rubbing her eyes, she rose and went to the kitchen, the apartment unusually quiet. She opened the fridge and reached for a water bottle, but paused. Her gaze settled on a lunchbox on one of the shelves. A small, handwritten note was attached to its lid.

"Eat well, Jaeyi. Don't just drink coffee. - Ahjumma"

Seulgi's fingers hovered over the note, something twisting in her chest.

Ahjumma. Someone else had been looking after Jaeyi in her absence.

She returned the note to its place, then closed the fridge. As she pivoted, she caught sight of the soft light escaping from under a door down the hall.

Jaeyi's office.

Her brow furrowed. Hadn't Jaeyi said she wouldn't stay up late?

Seulgi hesitated for a moment before stepping closer.