Ariana placed the kettle on the stove, watching the water begin to boil as she felt a twinge of curiosity bubbling within her. She had been meaning to ask Bella about her relationship with Jungkook, especially since the two had become inseparable since Ariana's return. It seemed only natural for her to get the inside scoop from her sister.

“Hey, Bella,” Ariana called out, glancing back to see her sister lounging comfortably on the bed, her toenails now a perfect pink. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course! What’s on your mind?” Bella replied, leaning back against the pillows, a curious expression crossing her face.

Ariana hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts. “What’s it like… you know, being with Jungkook?” She turned her back to the stove, leaning against the counter with a smirk. “How’s your relationship with him?”

Bella’s cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink, and for a moment, her playful demeanor shifted. She looked down at her hands, fiddling with the edge of her blanket. “Well, it’s been… really amazing,” she admitted, her voice soft yet filled with warmth.

Ariana's interest piqued. “Oh? Tell me more! I want all the details!” she urged, her tone teasing yet genuinely eager to hear about her sister's romantic life.

Bella chuckled softly, a glimmer of shyness in her eyes. “Okay, okay. Well, he’s just so… perfect. I mean, he’s sweet, caring, and attentive. He really knows how to make me feel special.”

Ariana watched as her sister’s expression transformed, the excitement shining through. “And he’s really great in bed,” Bella added, her voice dropping to a playful whisper, a knowing smile on her lips.

“Whoa, whoa, hold on a second!” Ariana exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise. “You can’t just drop that bombshell and not elaborate! What do you mean by ‘great in bed’?”

Bella laughed, a lightness in her tone as she waved her hand dismissively. “Okay, fine! It’s just… he has this way of knowing exactly what I want, even before I do. It’s like he can read my mind. He’s passionate and attentive, and he always makes sure I’m comfortable. It’s a perfect balance of fire and ice, really.”

“Fire and ice? That sounds intense!” Ariana said, raising an eyebrow. “I can’t believe you’re talking about him like this. It’s kind of… hot.”

Bella’s cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink as she leaned back against the pillows, her hands covering her face in embarrassment. “I know! It’s just… I never thought I’d feel this way about someone, especially after everything we’ve been through. But he’s different. He makes me feel alive.”

Ariana couldn’t help but smile at her sister’s infectious enthusiasm. “It sounds like you really like him. I’m happy for you, Bella. You deserve someone who makes you feel that way.”

“Thanks, Ari,” Bella said, her voice softening. “He really has this incredible ability to balance everything. One moment, he can be this playful guy who makes me laugh, and the next, he’s so serious and passionate. It’s like he brings out different sides of me, and I love it.”

Ariana tilted her head, genuinely intrigued. “So, you feel safe with him?”

“Absolutely,” Bella replied without hesitation. “He’s protective without being controlling, and that’s such a fine line to walk. He respects my independence, but he’s also there when I need him. It’s like I can be myself around him.”

“That’s amazing to hear,” Ariana said, her heart swelling with happiness for her sister. “And how are your dates going?”

Bella’s face lit up at the mention of their outings. “Oh, they’re wonderful! We go out for dinner, stroll through parks, and just spend time talking. Jungkook loves to surprise me with little things, like my favorite dessert or spontaneous day trips. It’s never boring, that’s for sure.”

“Sounds like a dream,” Ariana mused, her own thoughts drifting to her budding feelings for Tae. “Do you think he’s the one?”

Bella paused for a moment, her expression thoughtful. “I don’t know. It’s still early, and I want to take my time. But I feel something real with him. It’s not just physical; there’s this connection that I can’t explain. He makes me feel safe and cherished.”

Ariana felt a wave of understanding wash over her. “I get that. I’ve been feeling some things for Tae, but it’s all so new to me. I’m scared of rushing into something and messing it up.”

“I think it’s smart that you’re being cautious,” Bella encouraged, reaching over to squeeze Ariana’s hand. “Just be honest with him about how you’re feeling. Communication is so important, especially after everything we’ve both been through.”

“Yeah, I know,” Ariana replied, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty. “It’s just hard to shake off the fear of getting hurt again.”

Bella nodded, her expression serious. “I understand. But remember, you deserve to be happy, too. You’ve been through hell, and it’s time to embrace what life has to offer.”

“Thanks, Bella,” Ariana said, grateful for her sister’s wisdom. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

As they sat together in the soft glow of the room, the warmth of their sisterly bond enveloped them. Ariana felt a renewed sense of hope for her future, not just for herself but for Bella as well. They had both endured so much, but now it felt like they were finally finding their way back to each other.

“Okay, enough about me and Jungkook,” Bella said, changing the subject playfully. “Tell me more about your time with Tae! What’s he like? Is he as charming as he seems?”

Ariana couldn’t help but giggle, feeling the excitement bubbling up again. “He really is charming, Bella. He’s so attentive and thoughtful, and I feel like I can just be myself around him. He’s not like anyone I’ve ever met before.”

“See? That’s a good sign!” Bella said enthusiastically. “You should definitely explore that connection.”

“Yeah, I think I will,” Ariana replied, feeling more determined. “But for now, let’s focus on our tea and enjoy this time together.”

The two sisters shared laughter and stories, their hearts lightening with each passing moment. In that cozy room filled with warmth and love, Ariana realized that no matter how challenging the road ahead might be, she was ready to embrace it, one step at a time.