Chapter 4
I sat on the living room floor with my back against the sofa, flipping through the last few chapters of a book I borrowed from the university library. It wasn't for class. Just something I picked up out of habit. Economic theory, global finance… most people would probably fall asleep after three pages. But for some reason, I found it relaxing.
I laughed a little to myself.
"Who even reads this stuff for fun?" I muttered, scratching my head. "No wonder I have no social life."
The apartment was quiet. Too quiet, maybe. Just the faint sound of the air conditioner and the occasional car outside.
By the time I finished the chapter, it was past 11 p.m.
I closed the book, placed it neatly on the coffee table, and stretched. My whole body ached—not from anything physical, but from everything that had happened earlier.
I didn't want to go into the bedroom tonight.
I couldn't.
I pulled one of the throw pillows off the sofa, lowered myself down, and slowly turned on my side. The cushions were stiff, but it was better than facing Yuna right now. I just needed space. One night. Just one quiet night.
I sighed, reaching to adjust the blanket—
But then I saw her feet.
I froze.
Seo Yuna was standing right in front of me. Silent. Her arms were crossed, and her eyes were locked on mine like she'd been standing there for a while.
I sat up quickly. "Oh—uh, I thought you were sleeping."
She didn't blink.
"What are you doing out here?" she asked flatly.
"I was just… going to sleep."
"On the couch?"
I nodded slowly.
She took a step closer. Her expression didn't change, but something cold entered her voice.
"I waited for you," she said. "I've been lying in that bed for hours. Waiting."
I stayed quiet.
She tilted her head. "Do you think I sleep well without you beside me?"
"I didn't want to disturb you," I lied.
She narrowed her eyes. "Don't lie to me, Haemin. You didn't want to be near me. That's the truth, isn't it?"
I looked away. "Today was… a lot. I just need some space tonight."
Her voice dropped lower. "You're my husband. And your wife is in the bedroom, waiting for you. But instead of coming to me, you lay down here."
I felt my chest tighten.
"I didn't mean it like that," I said quietly.
My fingers clenched the edge of the cushion.
"You don't get to ignore me," she whispered.
Then, suddenly, she grabbed my wrist and pulled me a step closer.
"I waited for you," she repeated, her voice shaking now—but not from sadness. "And I'm not letting you sleep out here like a stranger. If you hate me, say it to my face. But don't avoid me."
My voice cracked. "I don't hate you, Yuna."
"Then come inside."
I didn't move.
She took a breath, lowered her voice again. "Don't make me drag you in there."
It wasn't a joke.
I looked at her, my heart beating too fast, my thoughts all tangled. I didn't know if I wanted to cry, yell, or give in just to make it stop.
Without a choice, I followed her to the bedroom.
The air felt heavy the moment I stepped inside. I didn't say anything. Neither did she.
We both lay down on the bed, backs turned, silence between us stretching thin. I kept to my side, staring at the edge of the mattress. I didn't dare close my eyes. Not yet.
A few minutes passed.
Then I felt the blanket shift.
Her hand slid across the bed and grabbed my wrist. With a firm tug, she pulled me toward her—turning me over so that I was now facing her. Our bodies were close. Too close.
My chest pressed lightly against hers. Her breath warmed my skin. I didn't know where to look.
I stiffened, but I didn't resist.
Then without warning she sat up, straddling my hips. It wasn't soft or romantic. Her gaze pinned me down harder than her weight ever could.
"Yuna, tonight… I can't. " I said.
She didn't move. Her fingers hovered by my face, brushing my skin with a gentleness that didn't match the sharpness in her eyes.
Then—
Slap.
My head turned with the force of it. It wasn't brutal, but it burned.
"You don't get to pick and choose when I matter."
She leaned closer.
"You're mine," she whispered.
I wanted to push her away, but her intensity overwhelmed me.
As the night dragged on, I stared at the ceiling, the shadows shifting with the passing hours. There was no escape. Yuna's grip on me—both physical and emotional—was unyielding.
And yet… even after all she's done, even after the way she spoke to me and treated me tonight, I still couldn't bring myself to hate her.