“An interesting tidbit,” says Seokga, who is holding on to a floating Hwanin’s foot like a child might hold the string of a balloon. “I find that interesting tidbits like these are very good for blackmail. The next time she tries to send you away from me—”

“Good morning!” a voice trills, and in waltzes Somi, bearing a cardboard drink carrier filled with two boba drinks and two coffees. There’s also a book tucked under her arm. Kisa watches with a small smile as Hajun blushes upon being given one of the bobas, and helps herself to the flat white that must be hers. Seokga grudgingly takes the iced Americano, but sniffs it first, as if it might be poisoned.

“Here,” Somi says, handing her the book. Kisa glances down to the title. Banging the Vampire Billionaire is printed in sparkling red letters. The man on the cover is (as always) shirtless, a black cape billowing behind him. He’s sinking his teeth into a woman’s neck while she smiles up at him. “I figured you already finished the book I gave you yesterday.”

“I did,” Kisa admits, taking the book and running a finger down its small, cracked spine. Elsie and Finlay’s adventures had been quite…entertaining. The duo had found themselves in many perilous positions—treasure-hunting in the fifteenth century, facing English soldiers during the Jacobite Rising of 1745, roller-skating in the fluorescent eighties—and other sorts of positions, besides. Hajun is looking on curiously, and Seokga seems to be glaring at the vampire in a very competitive way.

“Did you like it?” Somi bounces on her feet. It’s disorienting, how quickly the gumiho switches from a deadly, sophisticated killer with no small amount of sass to an excited woman with bright eyes and blue-tinged cheeks.

“Very much,” Kisa admits, and Somi snickers.

“This is the one I read thirteen times.” She grins conspiratorially.

Hajun takes the book from Kisa and flips through it curiously while Kisa’s face flames. She watches as her friend’s eyes widen then hastily snatches it back.

“And here’s one for you, Hajun,” Somi half-purrs, drawing another small paperback out of her black purse. “If you were serious yesterday about wanting to join the book club, here’s your official invitation.”

Laughter bubbles up in Kisa’s throat as Hajun is bequeathed a copy of Kissed by the Mafia Cowboy.

“I’m honored,” Hajun says solemnly, “to join such a prestigious book club.”

“As you should be.” Somi winks. “Tell me what you think of chapter twenty.”

Kisa hugs Banging the Vampire Billionaire to her chest and turns to Seokga with a smile. Seokga is still glaring at the shirtless cover model. “Do you want a book, Seokga?” she asks, trying not to laugh—and trying not to recall her accidental recitation of smut in the spa.