Click... Click... Click... Reiji opened the door to his house after a long day at the office.
So tired from work today... He stepped inside and noticed a pair of shoes—men's shoes, it seemed.
Did someone come to my house today?
Reiji had been married for 5 years and was blessed with a 5-year-old son.
He walked into the house, dropped his bag on the sofa, and sat down, exhausted. He wanted to close his eyes for just a moment, but suddenly—a sound from the bedroom... like a woman moaning.
Don't tell me...
He slowly walked toward the room. The closer he got, the louder the sounds became. He gently opened the door—and what he saw was his wife and another man having s*x from behind.
They were shocked when the door suddenly opened, and Reiji stood there, staring at them. They quickly stopped, scrambling to put their clothes back on.
Reiji quietly closed the door and returned to the sofa, sitting back down.
It's time, isn't it... for me to let her go.
Reiji pulled something out from the drawer under the TV rack—a piece of paper. It was a divorce letter he had kept hidden for a long time.
Not long after, his wife, Kira, and the other man—his old friend from school, Max—stepped out of the bedroom.
They looked frightened seeing Reiji sitting there. They sat on the sofa across from him, completely silent, unable to say a word.
Reiji just watched and waited for them to speak, but not a single word came out.
Don't be scared... I don't bite. He sighed. Also, here, Kira... the divorce papers. I've kept them for a while, so don't worry. Then he turned to Max. And you, Max... Seems like you've got some guts now. I've been waiting for this moment for so long. Why didn't you just talk to me instead of doing... this? Reiji spoke calmly, his voice steady.
I'm sorry, Reiji... I still love her. She was my first love... and she loves me too, Max said, guilt weighing on him.
Reiji laughed , shaking his head. Hahaha... Max, you should've told me. His smile faded slightly. The real bad guy here is me—because I took her from you. I'm the one who forced her to choose me. I got her pregnant... and back then, you disappeared on her.
Kira suddenly spoke up, her voice trembling, I... I still feel guilty, Reiji. As your wife, I should have respected you more...
Reiji gently held her hand. If you truly feel guilty... then let me take care of our son. You two need a fresh start. If Reiki stays with me, he'll have a better life. And... it's my responsibility.He sighed. I failed as a husband for 5 years. I never even dared to touch you—we slept in separate rooms. And I'm not the same reckless playboy I used to be. I'll do my best to raise him right.
Kira's heart ached—this was her son too—but she had to accept the truth: Reiji was more stable than Max. Reluctantly, she nodded in agreement.
Clap! Reiji slapped his hands together once—deal settled. Kira quietly went to the room to pack her things, leaving Max and Reiji alone in the living room.
The atmosphere shifted. Reiji's previously calm voice now carried a dangerous edge. Hey, Max... You better take care of her, right? His eyes darkened. Don't make her cry like you did before... or you know what I'll do, yeah? Even a human scum like me treated her better. You better do the same.
Max could only nod silently, sweat forming on his brow.
Without another word, Reiji stood up and walked away—heading to the bathroom, leaving Max alone with his thoughts.
Reiji unbuttoned his shirt and stepped out of his pants, entering the shower. The water rushed over his body—was it just water, or were there tears mixed in? His eyes were red, maybe from the sting of the shower... or maybe from something else.
This was the first time in a long time he had stood under the water for so long, as if trying to wash away more than just the day's exhaustion.
Eventually, he stepped out, dried himself off, and walked straight to his son's room. The boy was fast asleep, peaceful and unaware of the storm that had just shattered his family.
Reiji sat beside him, gently stroking his hair. His voice was a whisper, thick with regret.
I'm sorry, son... Because of me, you'll have to grow up without your mother. Forgive my selfishness... I just didn't want to be alone.
Knock... knock...
A soft rap at the door.
Come in, Reiji said quietly.
The door opened—it was Kira.
She stepped inside, her eyes swollen from crying. This was her last chance to see her son before leaving. Reiji stood up, giving her space.
Kira leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to their son's forehead. Her voice trembled as she whispered:
I'm sorry, my love... Mom had to choose her heart, but I promise... I'll visit whenever I can.
They both stepped out into the living room together. Kira's belongings were already packed and waiting by the door.
Reiji disappeared into his room for a moment—there was something he had kept hidden for 5 years.
When he returned, he held a small, thin bankbook and a photo of Kira and Reiki. He handed them to her, his voice steady but heavy.
Here... Take this. The bankbook, and the photo of you and Reiki. There's enough money in there to last you a year—while you two build your happy life together.
Kira's hands trembled as she took them. This was only the second time she had ever cried like this—the first was when she was forced to marry Reiji all those years ago.
With her head lowered, she bowed deeply to him, her tears dripping onto the floor. Thank you... for everything.
Reiji couldn't bring himself to look at her.
Outside, Max called for Kira—he was waiting by the car.
As she turned to leave, Reiji's voice finally broke through, quiet but firm.
Please... be happy. And... I'm sorry. For everything.
He bowed back, deeper than she had.
Kira smiled through her tears as she walked out the door—their five years of memories together burning away in that single moment.
The house fell silent.