Kim So-Min stumbled into the house, his eyes bleary from the drinks he had consumed that night. He made his way to the kitchen, where he found Kanak eating a quiet dinner.
As soon as she saw him, Kanak's eyes widened in concern. "So-Min, what's wrong?" she asked, setting down her chopsticks.
But So-Min just shook his head, his eyes fixed on hers. He walked over to the table and sat down in front of her, his eyes boring into hers.
Kanak felt a shiver run down her spine as So-Min's gaze held hers. He was wearing a torn black sweater, and his eyes looked tired and haunted.
"So-Min, what's going on?" Kanak asked again, her voice soft with concern.
But So-Min just shook his head again, his eyes never leaving hers. He looked... vulnerable, Kanak thought, her heart skipping a beat.
Without saying a word, So-Min leaned forward and put his head on Kanak's lap. Kanak felt a jolt of electricity run through her body, and she looked up at So-Min in surprise.
"I'm very tired," So-Min said finally, his voice muffled by Kanak's lap.
Kanak's heart melted at the sight of So-Min's tired eyes. She gently stroked his hair, feeling a sense of tenderness wash over her.
As they sat there, So-Min's breathing slowed, and he began to drift off to sleep. Kanak helped him to his feet, leading him to his bedroom.
As they reached the bedroom door, So-Min looked up at Kanak with pleading eyes. "For tonight... can I sleep while holding your hand?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Kanak's heart skipped a beat at the request. She looked into So-Min's eyes and saw the vulnerability there, the need for human connection.
Without saying a word, Kanak nodded and lay down beside him, letting him wrap his arms around her. As they drifted off to sleep, Kanak felt a sense of peace wash over her.
For the first time, she felt like she was seeing the real So-Min, the man behind the mask. And as she fell asleep, she knew that she would never forget this moment, this glimpse into So-Min's vulnerable heart.
So-Min suddenly sat up, his eyes wide with emotion. Kanak, startled, sat up beside him.
"I want someone to love me," So-Min said, his voice cracking with desperation. "This is all I've ever wanted, but I'm so happy with you."
Kanak's heart went out to him as she saw the tears welling up in his eyes.
"Don't go, don't go," So-Min begged, his voice breaking. He buried his face in his hands and sobbed, his body shaking with emotion.
Kanak's eyes filled with tears as she watched So-Min's heartbreaking confession. She felt a surge of compassion and empathy for this man, who had been so strong and stoic until now.
Without thinking, Kanak wrapped her arms around So-Min, holding him close as he cried. She hid her own tears, not wanting to add to his distress.
As they sat there, So-Min's sobs slowly subsided, and he looked up at Kanak with red-rimmed eyes.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I didn't mean to break down like that."
Kanak smiled softly and stroked his hair. "You don't have to apologize," she said. "I'm here for you, So-Min."
So-Min's eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the only sound the quiet beating of their hearts.
In that moment, Kanak felt a deep connection to So-Min, a sense of understanding and empathy that went beyond words. And as they sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, Kanak knew that she would never forget this moment, this glimpse into So-Min's vulnerable heart.
So-Min slowly opened his eyes, groggily taking in his surroundings. As his gaze fell on the figure beside him, his heart skipped a beat. Kanak was sleeping peacefully, her chest rising and falling with each gentle breath.
So-Min's eyes roamed over Kanak's face, taking in the soft curves of her cheeks, the gentle slope of her nose, and the fullness of her lips. He couldn't help but admire her beauty, even in sleep.
As he gazed at her, Kanak suddenly stirred, her eyes flying open. She sat up with a start, her face pale with panic.
"Oh my god, I'm late for university!" she exclaimed, throwing off the covers and scrambling out of bed.
So-Min chuckled, watching as Kanak rushed to her room, her hair disheveled and her clothes rumpled. He couldn't help but smile at the sight of her frantic morning routine.
As he lay back in bed, So-Min felt a sense of contentment wash over him. He had never felt this way about anyone before, but there was something about Kanak that made him feel... happy.
He smiled to himself, feeling a sense of anticipation for the day ahead. What would it bring? Would Kanak finally start to open up to him?
So-Min's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Kanak's door slamming shut. He chuckled, shaking his head. It seemed like Kanak was going to be a handful today.
As the days went by, Kanak and So-Min's interactions became more frequent and intimate. They would often find themselves lost in conversation, sharing stories and laughter. But beneath the surface, both of them were struggling with their own emotions.
Kanak couldn't shake off the feeling that she was developing feelings for So-Min. She would catch herself stealing glances at him, admiring the way he smiled or the way his eyes crinkled at the corners. But every time she thought she might be falling for him, she would push the feeling away, reminding herself that she was only married to him out of convenience.
So-Min, on the other hand, was worried that he was doing too much. He would find himself going out of his way to make Kanak happy, to see her smile or hear her laugh. But every time he thought he was making progress, he would catch her looking at him with a mixture of confusion and wariness.
As they sat down to dinner one evening, So-Min couldn't help but notice the way Kanak's eyes darted away from his. He felt a pang of uncertainty, wondering if he was pushing her too hard.
"Kanak, can I ask you something?" So-Min said, his voice low and hesitant.
Kanak looked up at him, her eyes guarded. "What is it?"
So-Min took a deep breath. "Do you feel... uncomfortable around me? Like I'm pushing you too hard or something?"
Kanak's eyes dropped to her plate, and So-Min's heart sank. He had been worried that he was overstepping, and now he felt like he was right.
But then Kanak looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. "I don't know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I feel... confused, I guess. I don't know what's going on between us, or what you want from me."
So-Min's heart skipped a beat as he looked into Kanak's eyes. He saw the confusion there, the uncertainty, and he knew that he had to tread carefully. He didn't want to scare her off, but he couldn't help the way he felt.
"I want to make you happy, Kanak," So-Min said, his voice low and sincere. "I want to be here for you, to support you and care for you. But I also want to be honest with you... I have feelings for you, Kanak. Feelings that go beyond just being your husband."
Kanak's eyes widened, and So-Min's heart sank. He had said too much, he knew it. But as he looked into Kanak's eyes, he saw something there that gave him hope. Something that made him think that maybe, just maybe, Kanak felt the same way.