I Hate My Ex

The air between Arin and Pin was still heavy with tension, but it wasn't as sharp as before. Ever since Arin returned to Nam, she had been proving herself little by little—not just in words but through actions. Pin noticed, though she wasn't ready to admit it.

The evening was quiet as they sat together for dinner. Poly had prepared something simple, and the three of them ate in silence at first. Pin kept glancing at Arin, noticing how she had changed over the years. She was still the same stubborn woman who never backed down from a challenge, but there was something different now—something steadier, something more patient.

Arin caught Pin looking and smirked. "Miss staring at me?"

Pin scoffed. "You wish."

Poly, ever the observer, cleared her throat. "So, how was the site visit today?"

Arin leaned back, stretching her arms. "Pretty smooth. I handled the supplier negotiations, and they agreed to adjust the delivery schedule. No extra charges either."

Pin paused, her chopsticks hovering over her plate. That was impressive. The supplier had been a problem for weeks, refusing to budge on their terms.

"How did you manage that?" Pin asked, trying to sound casual.

Arin shrugged. "Just some good old-fashioned negotiation. I convinced them it was in their best interest to keep us happy as long-term clients."

Poly grinned. "You mean you sweet-talked them?"

Arin winked. "Works every time."

Pin rolled her eyes, but a part of her was genuinely impressed. She had spent weeks trying to get the supplier to cooperate, yet Arin had fixed it in a day.

Still, she wasn't going to give her too much credit.

"Don't think this means I trust you," Pin said flatly.

Arin smirked but didn't push. "I know."

After dinner, Pin went to the kitchen to wash the dishes. Arin followed, standing beside her as she grabbed a towel to dry them.

"You don't have to help," Pin muttered.

"I want to," Arin replied simply.

Pin didn't argue, but she kept her focus on the dishes, not wanting to look at Arin. The close proximity was making her uneasy, not because she was uncomfortable but because she was too comfortable.

Arin suddenly spoke, her voice softer. "You're letting me stay this time."

Pin stilled for a moment before resuming her task. "Don't get the wrong idea. I'm just watching."

Arin chuckled. "That's fine. Watch all you want. I'll prove myself."

Pin hated how confident she sounded, but a small part of her wondered—what if she really means it this time?

Later That Night

Pin sat on the couch, flipping through TV channels without really watching. Poly had gone to bed, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

Arin walked in, wearing casual clothes, her hair damp from a shower. Pin tried not to stare, but it was hard. The familiarity of seeing Arin like this, so relaxed, reminded her too much of the past.

"Still awake?" Arin asked, plopping down beside her.

Pin grunted. "Can't sleep."

Arin leaned back. "Want me to bore you with business talk? That should do the trick."

Pin let out a small laugh before she could stop herself. Arin grinned, clearly satisfied with the reaction.

"You're annoying," Pin muttered.

"And you like it," Arin teased.

Pin turned to glare at her, but she was met with Arin's warm gaze. It wasn't teasing anymore—it was just soft. It made her heart stutter for a second.

Pin looked away quickly. "Stop looking at me like that."

"Like what?"

"Like you think this is easy," Pin snapped. "Like you think you can just come back and everything will go back to the way it was."

Arin sobered. "I don't think that. I know I have a lot to prove."

Pin let out a slow breath, rubbing her temple. "Then don't push. Just… be here."

Arin nodded. "I can do that."

The night stretched on in silence. Arin didn't push any further, and Pin didn't leave. It was a fragile truce, but for now, it was enough