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Aria
Aria stepped out of the shower, steam curling around her ankles, towel wrapped tight against the lingering humidity. Singapore had left her skin sticky even after the scalding water — the kind of heat that seeped into your bones and refused to leave. She wiped the mirror with her forearm, caught her reflection: eyes still a little red-rimmed, but concealer would fix that. Foundation, mascara, a swipe of nude lip. Armour.
Her phone pinged on the vanity.
She picked it up, expecting a flight update from Lena or a manager note about the Austin promo schedule.
Min-Jae.
Really Aria? Manipulative even from you.
Her stomach dropped like a stone.
What?she typed back, heart already racing, fingers trembling just enough to make the letters stutter.
Trying to make me jealous.
I don’t know what you mean?
Whatever. It’s not working.
She stared at the messages, confusion twisting into something sharper, hotter.
She opened X.
The photo was everywhere.
Her and Jax on the rooftop — shoulder-to-shoulder, both smiling, city lights glittering behind them. She looked small next to him, eyes bright in the flash, a small laugh caught mid-breath. He looked tall, imposing, arm almost brushing hers. They looked… cozy. Happy. Like they were sharing something private.
Hot new couple alert? Has Aria found a new man after Min-Jae split? Jax Callaghan and Aria Moon — sparks flying at Marina Bay Sands? The height difference is EVERYTHING(fire emoji)
Comments scrolled fast.
OMG have her and Min-Jae broken up? I’m devastated (crying emoji). I prefer her with Jax — they are a smoking hot couple Look at them! Perfect match. She looks so happy with him. Finally someone who matches her energy. Min-Jae who? This is the upgrade we needed
She stared at the photo.
They did look close. She looked like she was genuinely enjoying his company — unguarded, softer than she’d felt in weeks.
Min-Jae was jealous.
That meant he was watching.
That meant he still cared enough to react.
The realization settled in her chest — sharp, hopeful, dangerous.
She set the phone down, towel slipping as she reached for her robe. The silk slid cool against her damp skin.
If Min-Jae wanted to play games…
She could play louder.
She could give him something to really stew over.
A soft knock at the door.
