eighteen

                                    

                                          
It was a quiet afternoon until the front door opened with a sharp click. Yunhee looked up, her heart sinking when she heard Jay’s mother’s voice ring out cheerfully.
“Jay! Look who I brought!”
Yunhee stood from the couch, nerves crawling under her skin. She smoothed her clothes as the sound of heels echoed against the floor. Following closely behind Jay’s mother was Aeri, an elegant woman who exuded confidence with every step.
Aeri’s eyes swept across the room, briefly landing on Yunhee with a dismissive glance before she turned her full attention to Jay. A bright, calculated smile lit up her face.
“Jay! It’s been way too long,” Aeri greeted, stepping closer to him like she belonged by his side.
Jay straightened, his body language tense. “Mom, why didn’t you call before coming?”
His mother waved dismissively. “I thought I’d surprise you. Aeri has been wanting to catch up, and I figured, why not?”
Yunhee stood awkwardly by the wall, feeling as though she were an intruder in her own home.
Aeri made herself comfortable on the couch, her body leaning toward Jay, as if the distance between them had never existed. “Do you remember that trip to Jeju Island? We had so much fun back then.”
Jay’s expression remained neutral, but the muscles in his jaw tensed. “That was years ago.”
Aeri gave a light laugh, ignoring his discomfort. “Some memories are worth holding on to.”
Jay’s mother smiled approvingly. “I always thought the two of you made the perfect pair. Such chemistry.”
Yunhee’s chest tightened. The words felt like little daggers, each one reminding her of how out of place she seemed. She lowered her gaze, clenching her hands in her lap to keep from trembling.
Jay glanced toward her, his dark eyes catching the sadness in her expression. The sight of her retreating into herself only fueled his frustration.
“Mom, that’s enough,” Jay said, his voice sharper now.
But his mother ignored him, turning back to Aeri. “Jay’s changed so much after getting married. He used to be so cheerful, and now look at him distant, cold. I can’t help but think things would’ve been better if he married someone else.”
Aeri smiled, a glimmer of triumph in her eyes. “It’s not too late to find happiness.”
Jay clenched his fists. “I’m already married, Mom.”
Aeri shrugged, undeterred. “Marriage doesn’t mean much if the connection isn’t there. Right?”
Yunhee bit the inside of her cheek, struggling to keep her emotions in check. Maybe they were right. Maybe Jay would’ve been happier with someone else.
Jay stood abruptly, his irritation barely masked. “This conversation is over. Both of you need to leave.”
His mother frowned, clearly displeased. “Jay”
“No.” His tone was final, leaving no room for argument.
Aeri stood gracefully, casting a smug glance in Yunhee’s direction. “It was nice seeing you, Yunhee.” Her words dripped with condescension.
Jay’s mother sighed dramatically. “You know I only want what’s best for you, Jay. Just think about what I said.”
Without another word, Jay ushered them both out, the door closing behind them with a satisfying click.
As soon as the door shut, Jay turned toward Yunhee. She was sitting on the edge of the bed now, her hands folded tightly in her lap, her head bowed as if trying to make herself disappear.
“Yunhee,” Jay called softly, his voice filled with something unspoken.
She looked up, her eyes meeting his. There was sadness there deep and raw and it twisted something inside him.
Without thinking, Jay crossed the room in two quick strides. Before she could react, he cupped her face gently in his hands and kissed her.
It was sudden, filled with unspoken emotions frustration, guilt, and a need to reassure her. His lips moved against hers, firm yet tender, as if to erase every doubt she harbored.
Yunhee’s heart raced wildly, caught off guard by the intensity of the kiss. It was soft but overwhelming, making her knees weak.
When Jay finally pulled away, he rested his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling in the quiet room.
“I know I’m married,” he whispered, his voice low and steady. “And I’m loyal to my wife. To you.”
Her chest tightened at his words, and for the first time in a long while, warmth spread through her heart.
“You don’t have to doubt that,” he murmured. “Not for a second.”
Before she could respond, Jay kissed her again this time slower, softer, as if savoring the moment.
“I'm not gonna push you away,” he whispered against her lips, his gaze locking with hers, filled with something unmistakable.
Yunhee’s heart pounded uncontrollably, the weight of his words sinking in. Despite everything his distance, his silence, he was hers.
And in that moment, all the doubts that had plagued her melted away, leaving only the truth of what they shared.
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