The courtroom was silent, the kind of silence that pressed down on every chest like stone.
Both families sat in separate rows
the Hans on one side, the Kangs on the other.
The clerk called the case:
Han Jihyun vs Kang Taewon Petition for Divorce.
The judge's voice was calm but firm as he confirmed identities and read through the agreement.
As for signature. The clerk passed the documents forward, and with trembling hands, Jihyun signed first. His pen left a shaky trace,
Then Taewon signed. His fingers tightened around the pen, veins standing out, but his handwriting remained steady, disciplined as if this was the only thing he could control.
The judge nodded.
"Divorce is hereby granted. Both parties are legally dissolved of marital ties.
Custodial and financial agreements have been submitted and approved.
Court is adjourned."
The sound of the gavel cracked through the hall, sharp, final.
Jihyun stood, ready to walk out with Mr. Han and Minjoon. His eyes avoided Taewon's. But before he could leave, Taewon suddenly stepped in front of him.
Everyone froze.
Even Mrs. Kang, who stood just behind him with Taehyun, looked stunned
when Taewon lowered his head deeply a respectful bow in front of Jihyun.
His voice trembled but carried clearly through the courtroom.
"Thank you," he said,
"for coming into my life for making me strong enough to fight for myself, for my family, and even against my own father.
This is the end, Jihyun. I hope we will never meet again.
May you find the love and comfort you never found with me the love you always wished for."
The courtroom was still. Jihyun's lips quivered, his eyes filling with tears he tried so hard to suppress.
it wasn't just divorce he felt it was like losing a part of himself he never admitted belonged to Taewon.
Taewon turned and walked away, shoulders rigid, leaving Jihyun standing broken in his silence.
Mrs. Kang rushed forward, embracing Jihyun tightly, her own tears staining his shoulder.
"Thank you, dear for coming into our family, for being part of us. You're still my child,
if not my son-in-law.
Thank you, Mr. Han, for entrusting us with your precious son. And I'm sorry for everything he suffered because of us."
Mr. Han gave a polite bow, his hand protectively on Jihyun's shoulder as they stepped out.
He whispered,
"It's okay, Jihyun. You did the best for yourself. I hope this path leads you to the love, the support, the life you always wished for."
Meanwhile,
outside the courthouse,
Taewon got into his car. His eyes were burning, his hands gripping the wheel too tight.
"Taewon " Taehyun called, walking toward him.
Taewon forced a faint smile.
"Take Mom home. Yumi is alone. I'll come later."
Taehyun studied him, worried, but nodded. "Drive safe. Call me."
Taewon only nodded again then drove off like lightning, the car vanishing into traffic as if he were running from himself.
(On the ride home)
Mrs. Kang cried the entire way, her shoulders shaking.
Taehyun held her hand.
"Auntie, it's okay. It's better this way. They were never together in their hearts.
Even if they lived as partners, they only followed rules neither of them truly accepted their feelings. Especially Jihyun."
Mrs. Kang wept harder.
"Then I've failed as a mother, as a wife, as a woman. I couldn't do anything for anyone"
(Evening Taewon condo)
When Taewon finally came home, his family was waiting. Taesung stepped forward first, pulling him into a tight embrace.
Taemi stood silently beside Mrs. Kang, her own eyes glistening.
"Taewon-ah" Taesung's voice cracked.
"Are you okay?"
Taewon barely nodded. He took a few weak steps, his body swaying. Then suddenly, he stopped.
"Taewon!" Taesung shouted as his younger brother collapsed, crashing onto the floor.
Mrs. Kang screamed, rushing toward him. Taemi held her back, panicked.
Taehyun ran from the hall.
"Call the ambulance!"
he shouted, kneeling beside Taewon.
Yumi's cries echoed in the house as chaos erupted.
But in Taewon's fading consciousness, only one thought remained.
Jihyun never realized my feelings. He never gave me a chance. Even though I was a victim too even though I tried everything to protect him all I ended up with was an abandoned heart.
Darkness swallowed him whole.