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When you came home it was already dark outside. A little sigh left your lips and you closed your eyes. You were tired because our workday was just exhausting.
The apartment was already dark so you guessed your husband went to bed.
Lately everything was different. You came home later than usual the past few weeks because your group had a big promotion to do.
And your husband started to act even more cold towards you. You were not sure whether you just imagined it because he acted kinda cold towards you ever since you two had a forced marriage. You two have been promised to each other since you were little. Your parents have been friends for decades still you two never really interacted with each other.
As quiet as possible you walked into your kitchen to drink something. As you turn on the light, you nearly let out a scream because you didn't expect to see Minho sitting at the table, in front of him dinner he made probably all by himself.
“You surprised me. Why are you sitting in the dark like this?”, you asked softly, walking up to him.
“You didn't text me that you would come home late again”, he muttered, not looking at you at all nor answering your question.
“I'm sorry. My phone died and I couldn't remember your number”, you explained. Slowly he nodded and then stood up. “Where are you going?”
“I'm tired. I'm going to bed.” He waited all this time for you to just go to bed, you asked yourself.
“But…”, you tried to stop him but he already walked out of the kitchen, leaving you all alone. You let out a small sigh.
For a long moment you just stared at the dinner he made for you two. Suddenly you felt very bad. He waited all this time for you and even made one of your favourite dishes. But why did he even do that? Normally he wouldn't care whether you ate at work. So why did he do it today?
Shaking your head, you put the food away so you could eat it the next day.
For a moment you hesitated, not knowing whether you should follow Minho into your bedroom or stay in the living room.
Slowly you walked towards your shared bedroom. It was not like you couldn't afford a bigger apartment with two bedrooms. Both you and Minho had well paid jobs but it was difficult to find apartments at the moment that would both suit you and him.
The first few weeks were quite strange to sleep next to someone you didn't know very well and who acted so cold and distant towards you.
In the year you two slept next to each other it happened quite often that you woke up in his arms. To be honest, you liked it. It made you feel safe but everytime Minho acted even colder towards you for a few days.
As you opened the door, all you could see was darkness. To your surprise the curtains were closed too. This was unusual because you never slept with them closed. You needed the light that came in.
“Why did you close the curtains?”, you asked and walked up to them so you could open them. Minho didn't give you an answer.
When you turned around again, you now faced Minho. For a second you two exchanged a glance, then he turned around. His back now towards you. Still this one second was enough for you to see the tears in his eyes. Concerned you walked up to him.
“Minho, why are you crying?” All you could hear was a mocking laugh.
“I'm not crying. Crying is for the weak.” Even though he tried to sound strong, you could hear how his voice was shaking and it hurt you.
Slowly you sat down on his side of the bed and after a moment of hesitation you touched his back lightly.
“Don't touch me!” You were shocked about his sudden outburst but you didn't back away. "Didn't you hear me? Go away!" When you still did not back away he sat up energetically. "Go!", he shouted but you just stared at him. Stared into his watery eyes that looked so hurt.
You just had to hug him. One hand found their way towards the back of his head and the other pulled him closer to you.
"Leave me alone!", he tried one last time but then a loud sob left his mouth and he clung on to you like you were the last thing that saved him from drowning. You have never seen him like this. He never cried in front of you.
For a few moments you two just stayed in this position while Minho cried in your arms.
Slowly you laid down taking him with you.
"Do you want to tell me why you are crying?", you whispered carefully, going through his hair.
"No", he tried to sound cold but he was failing. You stayed silent, waiting for him to open up to you. He tried to breathe in deeply to get some air and to calm down a bit.
"Do you have another one?"
"What?" You didn't even notice how loud you said it until Minho flinched in your arms. "I'm sorry." You just didn't get what he meant.
"Do you have another lover?" For a second your mind went blank. How could he even think that? You pressed your lips together, softly shaking your head because you just couldn't believe what your husband just asked.
"Why would you think that?" And why would you even care?, you asked but the second question was just in your head.
"Because you came home late the past few weeks and always made the same lame excuses."
“Like I told you, my team is working on a big promotion and we have to do extra work.” You backed away a bit and you saw that Minh had stopped crying.
“But why do you even care so suddenly?” He let out a low laugh but he sounded hurt.
“Do you forget that I’m your husband after all?”
“No I don’t Minho. This ring”, you held up your hand “remembers me of it every day.” For a second his eyes were fixed on your wedding ring but then he looked down again. “You didn’t answer my question."
"What am I to you?" Confused, you raised one eyebrow.
"You are strange today. Are you getting ill?" A small smile appeared on his lips.
"Please answer my question."
"You are my arranged husband", you now said after a little sigh. You could have said so much more but the words were stuck in your throat and in the end it was Minho that didn't want to be more than your arranged partner.
"Is that all I am to you?" You were quite surprised by his question and looked right into his eyes. He looked at you in a way you didn’t understand. Was he nervous? Anxious? But why?
“Why are you asking?”, you whispered, staring him right into the eyes. For a second he returned your glance but then he looked down.
He stayed silent for a while and you already think he will not say anything anymore but then he opens his mouth again.
"Because everyday I wish you would see more in me than just a person you were forced to marry." His voice was all shaky. "Deep down I knew it for a long time but I tried to ignore it. I didn't want it to be true but… ever since you work longer and spend less time around me I noticed how much I really need you. How much I really… I really love you." The last words were just whispered and he didn't even dare to look at you.
"You love me?"
"I… I think so. I've never been in love. You know I was always bad at those kinds of things." You started to giggle and grabbed his hand shyly.
"I noticed that." Now he let out a small laugh.
“But you were the one that said from the beginning we should keep it distant and that we are nothing more than an arranged couple”, you said, getting more serious again. Immediately the smile he had on his face washed away and he looked at you guilty.
“I know what I said and I hate myself a bit for that because it was the most stupid thing I ever said. I'm sorry for that.”
“I think I can forgive that. I can tell that you really regret saying it”, you whispered, sofly patting his hand that was still in yours. Slowly he nodded, looking quite relieved.
He looked at you for a while and then he bit his lips.
“Can I give you a hug?”, he asked quietly and all shy. This side of him was new to you but you actually liked it. You smiled at him widely and opened your arms. You two fell back onto the matrace and he let out a small sigh.
“You still didn't answer my question. Why did you cry?” He tied his grab around you.
“Looking back, it´s kinda stupid”, he whispered. “To be honest I was quite anxious that you would leave because you came home later than usual and spent even less time with me. I made dinner because I decided to try and change my behaviour… I don't know. I just don't want to lose you.” He sounded like he was close to crying again so you stroked over his back softly. For a moment he stayed silent but then he continued.
“So I made dinner for us because you didnt text me, you will come home late today but you came late and I suddenly felt so anxious.”
“Minho, please never ever say your fellings would be stupid again. They are valid. And again, I'm so sorry that I didn't text you. I definitely need to write down your number and put it into my wallet.” You looked him into his eyes and when he started to smile, you returned his smile.
“I'm sorry that I didn't talk to you earlier about it.”
“Well it's better than never”, you giggled, pricking his cheek. He rolled his eyes and tried to look annoyed but because his eyes were still a little red, he just looked cute.
You gave him a little kiss one the forehead, which surprised both Minho and you.
“So you like me too?” You started to laugh, shaking your head.
“Do you really think after everything I said, everything I did just right now I don't like you? Yes our relationship was not easy till now and you hurt me more than once but I also saw the other side from time to time and I hope I will see more from this side in the future.”
“Like I said, I'm bad at those things but I will try my best.” His hug got tighter.
“It's alright. We will get to know everything together, what do you think?” You asked, softly smiling at him.
“Sounds good to me. Thank you for giving me this chance.” Instead of an answer you just gave him another small kiss on his forehead.
“Everyone deserves a second chance, Minho.”