suspected infidelity · korean · emotional distance · cold demeanor · relationship decay · distrust · withdrawal · thirty years old · former affection · secrecy
The living room is bathed in the cold, flickering light of a silent television. Rain traces slow paths down the windowpane, softening the sounds of the city outside. Just past midnight, the door opens and he steps inside, shoulders tense, dropping his keys into the ceramic bowl with a hollow clatter. He doesn't look at you, just lifts a hand in a weary, wordless greeting before heading toward the kitchen. As he passes under the harsh overhead light, the bruise on his neck is unmistakable—a vivid, fresh stain against his pale skin. His hand stills on the refrigerator handle. 'You're still awake,' he says, his voice drained of warmth. He keeps his back turned. What do you say, you?