The days at the villa passed peacefully, but Ji Hyo’s heart wasn’t at ease. Since her confession, Daryl had been his usual reserved self, and while he hadn’t pushed her away, he hadn’t exactly embraced the idea of a deeper connection either.

Unwilling to give up, Ji Hyo decided to take matters into her own hands. She started finding ways to spend more time with Daryl, hoping to show him how much she cared.

---

The Subtle Gestures

Ji Hyo started small. She prepared his favorite meals when it was her turn to cook, always making sure there was an extra helping for him. She volunteered to join him on supply runs, keeping him company even in silence.

“She’s really trying, isn’t she?” Maggie whispered to Glenn one evening as Ji Hyo handed Daryl a freshly repaired crossbow strap she’d been working on.

“Yeah,” Glenn replied with a chuckle. “But I’m not sure Daryl even notices.”

“Oh, he notices,” Tara said, smirking. “He’s just Daryl. He doesn’t know how to handle it.”

---

The Group Watches

It wasn’t long before everyone in the group was in on Ji Hyo’s efforts. Whether it was her bringing Daryl coffee in the morning or staying up late to help him with his nightly patrols, her feelings were impossible to miss.

“She’s persistent,” Rosita observed, leaning against the kitchen counter.

“Can’t blame her,” Abraham said with a shrug. “Daryl’s a hard nut to crack, but if anyone can do it, it’s her.”

Rick and Michonne exchanged a knowing glance. “Sometimes it takes a push,” Rick said.

“Or a shove,” Michonne added with a smirk.

---

The Breaking Point

One afternoon, Ji Hyo offered to help Daryl clean some weapons in the workshop. As she handed him a freshly oiled knife, she hesitated.

“Daryl,” she said softly, “do you ever think about what I said by the pool?”

He paused, his hands stilling as he looked at her. “Yeah, I think about it.”

“And?” she asked, her heart pounding.

Daryl sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I just… I don’t wanna hurt you, Ji Hyo. I ain’t good at this kinda thing.”

“You won’t hurt me,” she said, her voice firm. “You’re kind, brave, and loyal. That’s all I need.”

He didn’t respond, and Ji Hyo felt her chest tighten.

---

The Turning Point

Later that evening, the group gathered around the outdoor dining area. Ji Hyo sat quietly, her usual warmth dimmed by the conversation with Daryl.

“Hey, Daryl,” Tara said loudly, nudging him. “Don’t you think it’s about time you gave Ji Hyo a straight answer?”

“Tara,” Ji Hyo whispered, her cheeks flushing.

“What?” Tara said with a grin. “Everyone knows, Jihyo. You’re practically bending over backward for him.”

The group chuckled, but Daryl stood up abruptly, silencing them all.

He looked at Ji Hyo, his blue eyes intense. “C’mere,” he said gruffly, holding out his hand.

Confused but hopeful, Ji Hyo stood and walked toward him.

---

The Kiss

Without another word, Daryl cupped her face with his calloused hands and kissed her. It wasn’t hesitant or unsure—it was firm, warm, and full of everything he couldn’t put into words.

The group erupted into cheers and whistles, with Abraham shouting, “Finally!”

Ji Hyo’s heart raced as she leaned into the kiss, her hands resting on his chest. When they pulled apart, Daryl’s gaze softened.

“I ain’t good with words,” he said, his voice low, “but I care about you, Ji Hyo. A lot.”

She smiled, tears brimming in her eyes. “That’s all I needed to hear.”

---

The Group’s Approval

“About damn time!” Glenn said, clapping Daryl on the back as they sat back down.

“You two were driving us crazy,” Rosita added with a grin.

“Glad to see you’ve got some sense after all,” Rick teased, earning a chuckle from Daryl.

As the group continued to celebrate, Ji Hyo felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She had fought for Daryl’s love, and now, she knew it had been worth it.

For the first time in a long while, everything felt right. And as Daryl slipped his hand into hers under the table, she realized this was only the beginning of their story together.