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The apartment was small, but it always felt warm. Not warm because of the sunlight spilling through the wide windows, or the yellow lamp that Jun insisted made the place look “aesthetic.” It was warm because Jun never knew how to exist quietly. Even now, at eight in the morning, the kitchen was filled with the sound of chaotic energy.
“Thame!”
The shout echoed through the apartment. Thame didn’t look up from the book he was reading on the couch.
“Thame, I burned the eggs again!”
Silence. Jun leaned halfway out of the kitchen, hair messy, wearing one of Thame’s oversized t-shirt and pajama pants that were too long for him.
“You’re not even reacting,” Jun complained.
Thame slowly turned a page in his book.
“You burn eggs every morning.”
“That’s not the point,” Jun said, offended.
“The point is that you should be emotionally supportive.”
Thame finally looked up. Jun was standing there holding a spatula like a weapon, a dramatic frown on his face, and a faint smudge of flour on his cheek. Thame stared at him for a moment.
Then he said calmly, “You’re holding the spatula upside down.”
Jun looked down.
“…Oh.”
He flipped it.
“Still burned though.”
Thame closed his book. He stood up and walked toward the kitchen with the quiet patience of someone who had accepted his fate long ago. The smell hit him first.
Burned eggs.
Burned toast.
And something that might have once been bacon.
Jun crossed his arms defensively.
“I tried.”
“I know,” Thame said.
He picked up the pan and looked at the eggs. They were black. Jun leaned against the counter, watching him carefully.
“You’re judging me.”
“I’m observing.”
“That’s the same thing.”
Thame opened the trash can and scraped the eggs into it. Jun gasped like he had just witnessed betrayal.
“You threw them away?!”
“They were charcoal.”
“I worked hard on those!”
Thame calmly cracked two new eggs into the pan. Jun watched him cook with narrowed eyes.
“You think you’re better than me.”
“I am better than you.”
Jun scoffed.
“Wow. The audacity.”
But he didn’t move away. Instead he leaned closer, resting his chin on Thame’s shoulder. Thame continued cooking like it didn’t affect him. But his voice softened.
“You’re blocking the stove.”
“I’m supervising.”
“You’re breathing on my neck.”
“Emotional support.”
Thame sighed quietly. Jun grinned. After a moment, Jun’s arms slipped around Thame’s waist. Just casually.
Like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Which, for them, it was.
Jun pressed his face against Thame’s back.
“You smell nice.”
“I just woke up.”
“Exactly.”
Thame flipped the eggs. Jun tightened his hold.
“Don’t move.”
“I’m cooking.”
“You’re leaving me.”
“I moved two centimeters.”
Jun groaned dramatically.
“You’re heartless.”
Thame turned off the stove and placed the eggs onto a plate. Then he turned around. Jun was still hugging him. Still half asleep. Still clinging like a koala. Thame looked down at him.
“You’re needy.”
Jun didn’t even deny it.
“Yes.”
“Shameless.”
“Yes.”
Thame lifted a hand and brushed the flour smudge off Jun’s cheek. Jun blinked. Then smiled slowly.
“You touched me voluntarily.”
“I removed the dirt.”
“Still counts.”
They stood there for a moment. Jun suddenly leaned forward and kissed Thame’s jaw. Quick. Casual Like it was nothing. But Thame’s hand paused slightly. Jun grinned when he noticed.
“Still shy after two years?”
“I’m not shy.”
“You are.”
“I’m not.”
Jun kissed him again. This time closer to his lips.
“Then prove it.”
Thame looked at him for a second. Jun expected a sarcastic comment. Or a calm deflection. Instead, Thame grabbed Jun’s chin gently and kissed him properly. Jun froze. Just for a moment. Because Thame rarely initiated. He tilted Jun’s face just slightly with his fingers, guiding him into it, and then his lips parted against Jun’s.
Thame kissed slowly at first, dragging his lips over Jun’s like he was memorizing the shape. Then deeper, his mouth opening, breath mingling, the kiss pulling Jun in more closer.
Jun returned the kiss shyly at first, lips soft, uncertain. But when Thame’s hands slid into his hair, anchoring him, Jun wrapped his arms around Thame’s neck and moaned into his mouth. His hips shifted forward, his instincts overriding his thoughts. Thame’s mouth opened against his, deepening the kiss, and Jun felt the heat rushing to his stomach. Jun kissed him again, harder this time. Jun’s fingers curled into Thame's t-shirt, hips lifting instinctively.
Thame's mouth left Jun's lips and went down to Jun’s jaw, then his throat, leaving open mouth kisses through his skin. Jun gasped, head falling back, giving him more space. Thame’s hand slid beneath Jun’s oversized t-shirt, palm flat against his stomach. Jun shivered. When Thame pulled back, Jun looked breathless.
“…Okay.”
Thame raised an eyebrow.
“Okay what?”
Jun cleared his throat.
“You proved your point.”
Thame handed him the plate of eggs.
“Eat.”
Jun looked down and murmured.
“Telling me to eat when you could have just ate me up.”
“What are you whispering?”
“Nothing just saying that they're not burned.”
“That’s how eggs are supposed to look.”
Jun walked to the table and sat down. Thame poured two cups of coffee and joined him. Jun took one bite. Then he stared at Thame suspiciously.
“You’re trying to make me dependent on you.”
“You already are.”
Jun considered that.
“…Fair.”
They ate quietly for a few minutes. Jun swung his legs under the table.
“You know what?”
“What?”
“You’re lucky you’re handsome.”
Thame sipped his coffee.
“You say that every day.”
“And it’s still true every day.”
Jun leaned forward.
“If you looked like a potato, I would’ve dumped you.”
“You confessed first.”
Jun choked.
“That’s irrelevant.”
“It’s very relevant.”
Jun pointed his fork at him.
“You manipulated me emotionally.”
“I was sitting quietly.”
“Exactly.”
Thame hid a small smile behind his coffee cup. Jun narrowed his eyes.
“You’re smug.”
“You’re dramatic.”
“You love it.”
Thame didn’t answer. But the silence said enough. Jun watched him for a moment. Then suddenly said softly,
“Hey.”
Thame looked up. Jun rested his chin on his hand.
“Are you happy?”
The question came out of nowhere. But Jun asked it so simply. Like it mattered. Thame studied him for a second. Jun’s eyes were bright. Curious. Hopeful. Thame answered honestly.
“Yes.”
Jun smiled. Big. Satisfied.
“Good.”
He returned to eating. Like that answer had settled something inside him. A while later they left the apartment together. Jun insisted on walking even though Thame owned a perfectly good car.
“Fresh air is good for your mental health,” Jun said.
“You read that on social media.”
“It was a reliable post.”
“From who?”
Jun paused.
“…A cat account.”
They walked down the busy street side by side. Jun talked the entire time. About random things. About a movie he watched. About a ridiculous argument online. About how a cafe nearby made terrible iced coffee. Thame listened quietly. Occasionally responding. Occasionally correcting Jun’s exaggerated stories. Jun suddenly grabbed his sleeve.
“Look.”
Across the street was a small store with a display of rings. Jun dragged him closer to the window.
“Couple rings,” Jun said dramatically.
Thame immediately turned to leave. Jun grabbed him.
“Wait!”
“No.”
“Just look!”
“No.”
Jun pointed.
“That one’s cute.”
“It’s unnecessary.”
“You’re unnecessary.”
Thame sighed. Jun leaned closer to the glass.
“Imagine us wearing matching rings.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’ll lose yours in two days.”
“That’s offensive.”
“You lose your keys every morning.”
“That’s different.”
“How?”
Jun thought about it.
“…Emotionally.”
Thame walked away. Jun followed him.
“You hate romance.”
“I hate unnecessary accessories.”
Jun pouted dramatically.
“One day I’ll marry someone romantic.”
Thame stopped walking. Jun almost bumped into him. Thame looked at him calmly.
“You’re not marrying anyone else.”
Jun blinked.
“Wow.”
Thame started walking again. Jun hurried after him, grinning.
“That sounded possessive.”
“It was a fact.”
Jun laughed softly. Then he slipped his hand into Thame’s. Casual. Easy. Thame didn’t pull away. They walked like that for the rest of the street. Jun swinging their hands slightly. Like a kid. Like someone who had never once doubted they belonged there. After a while Jun suddenly said,
“Let’s go somewhere tonight.”
“Where?”
“Anywhere.”
“You hate planning.”
“That’s why I’m letting you plan.”
Thame glanced at him. Jun smiled brightly.
“Date night.”
Thame looked forward again.
“…Okay.”
Jun squeezed his hand.
“See? You do love me.”
“I tolerate you.”
“That’s basically love.”
Thame didn’t argue. Because maybe it was. And as they walked down the street together, Jun kept talking and laughing and pulling Thame toward random stores and cafes.
The sky was already dark when Jun came out of the bedroom. He had changed clothes three times. First a black shirt. Then a blue hoodie. Then another shirt. Now he was standing in front of the mirror again, fixing his hair for the fifth time. Thame sat on the couch, scrolling through his phone. He looked up once. Jun was staring at himself very seriously. Thame watched quietly for a moment.
Then he said calmly, “Your hair looked the same the first time.”
Jun gasped.
“It did not.”
“It did.”
Jun turned around, offended.
“This is a date night.”
“I know.”
“I have to look good.”
“You always look the same.”
Jun pointed at him.
“That is not a compliment.”
Thame tilted his head slightly.
“It wasn’t meant to be.”
Jun grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. Thame caught it easily. Jun crossed his arms.
“You don’t understand romance.”
“You spent forty minutes fixing your hair.”
“Exactly.”
Thame stood up.
“You’re done?”
Jun looked at himself one more time. Then he nodded seriously.
“Yes.”
They left the apartment together. The night air was cool. The city lights were bright and warm. Jun walked beside Thame with excited steps.
“Where are we going?” he asked.
“You said anywhere.”
“Yes but I still want to know.”
“You’ll see.”
Jun looked suspicious.
“You’re not taking me to a library, right?”
“No.”
“Or a quiet museum?”
“No.”
“Or a grocery store?”
Thame didn’t answer. Jun stopped walking.
“You’re joking.”
Thame looked back at him.
“Come on.”
Jun narrowed his eyes but followed him again. They walked for about ten minutes. Jun kept guessing the place.
“Restaurant?”
“No.”
“Cafe?”
“No.”
“Movie theater?”
“No.”
Jun sighed loudly.
“You’re terrible at giving hints.”
Finally they stopped in front of a small street food area. There were colorful lights. Many food stalls. People talking. Music playing from somewhere nearby. Jun blinked. Then his face slowly lit up.
“Oh.”
Thame watched him quietly. Jun turned to him.
“You brought me here?”
“Yes.”
Jun looked around again. There were grilled meat stalls. Noodles. Fried snacks. Sweet desserts. The smell of food filled the air. Jun suddenly grabbed Thame’s arm.
“This is perfect.”
Thame gave a small smile.
“I know.”
Jun pulled him toward the first stall immediately.
“I’m hungry.”
“You’re always hungry.”
“That’s not important.”
Jun pointed at the menu.
“I want that.”
“You don’t even know what it is.”
“I believe in adventure.”
Thame ordered anyway. Jun stood beside him, looking around excitedly.
“This place is so nice at night.”
“Yes.”
“You did good.”
“I know.”
Jun bumped his shoulder playfully.
“Don’t be proud.”
They took their food and sat at a small table. Jun immediately started eating.
“This is amazing.”
Thame took a bite too.
“It’s normal.”
Jun stared at him.
“You have no joy in life.”
“I have normal joy.”
Jun shook his head dramatically.
“You need training.”
“From who?”
“Me.”
Thame continued eating. Jun suddenly leaned forward.
“You know what we should do after this?”
“What?”
“Dessert.”
“We just started.”
“I’m planning ahead.”
They finished their food slowly. Jun talked the whole time. About random stories. About a funny video he watched. About how one stall owner looked exactly like his old teacher. Thame listened quietly. Sometimes answering. Sometimes just watching Jun. Jun noticed.
“Why are you staring?”
“I’m listening.”
“You can listen without staring.”
Thame didn’t respond. Jun suddenly smiled.
“You like my face.”
“It’s acceptable.”
Jun laughed. After eating they walked around the stalls. Jun bought a cup of sweet drink. He handed one to Thame too.
“Try it.”
Thame took a sip.
“It’s very sweet.”
“That’s the point.”
Jun drank happily. Then he suddenly grabbed Thame’s sleeve again.
“Look.”
A small game booth. There were plush toys hanging everywhere. Jun pointed at a big soft bear.
“I want that.”
Thame looked at the sign.
“You have to win it.”
Jun nodded.
“Go win it.”
“You can play too.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“I’ll lose.”
Jun looked proud.
“That’s why I’m sending you.”
Thame sighed softly. But he walked to the booth anyway. The game was simple. Throw rings onto bottles. If you get enough points, you win a prize. Jun stood behind him watching closely.
“Don’t embarrass me,” Jun whispered.
Thame threw the first ring. It landed perfectly. Jun’s eyes widened.
“Oh.”
Second ring. Perfect again. Jun grabbed his arm.
“You’re good at this.”
“It’s basic.”
Third ring. Another perfect throw. The booth owner nodded.
“You win.”
He handed them the big plush bear. Jun immediately hugged it. His face lit up like a child.
“It’s so soft!”
Thame paid the booth owner. Jun squeezed the bear happily. Then he looked at Thame.
“You did that just to impress me.”
“No.”
“You did.”
“No.”
Jun hugged the bear tighter.
“Well it worked.”
They continued walking. Jun carried the plush bear the whole time. People looked at him strangely. But he didn’t care. They reached a quieter part of the street. Less noise. Less crowd. Just soft lights and a cool breeze. Jun slowed down a little. Then he suddenly said softly,
“Hey.”
Thame looked at him. Jun was staring at the bear. But his voice was gentle.
“Thanks for tonight.”
“It’s just food.”
Jun shook his head.
“No.”
He looked up.
“It’s more than that.”
Thame didn’t say anything. Jun smiled a little.
“You always remember what I like.”
“You’re predictable.”
Jun laughed softly. Then he walked closer to Thame. Their shoulders touched. Jun spoke again.
“Do you think we’ll still do this when we’re old?”
“Do what?”
“Random night dates.”
Thame thought for a moment.
“Yes.”
Jun looked pleased.
“Good.”
They walked quietly for a while. Jun suddenly stopped again.
“What now?”
Jun looked up at the sky.
“Let’s sit somewhere.”
They found a small park nearby. There was a bench under a tree. Jun sat down and placed the plush bear beside him. Thame sat beside him. The park was peaceful. Street lights glowing softly. A few people walking in the distance. Jun leaned back and stretched his legs.
“This is nice.”
“Yes.”
Jun turned his head to look at Thame.
“You know something?”
“What?”
“You’re very easy to love.”
Thame blinked slightly. Jun continued casually.
“You act calm and serious all the time. But you’re actually very soft.”
“I’m not soft.”
Jun pointed at the bear.
“You won that for me.”
“That was a game.”
“You cooked breakfast.”
“You burned the first eggs.”
Jun grinned.
“See?”
Thame looked away slightly. Jun leaned closer. Then he gently rested his head on Thame’s shoulder. Like he always did. Comfortable. Safe. Thame didn’t move. Jun spoke quietly.
“Let’s stay like this for a while.”
“Okay.”
They sat there in silence. Jun slowly played with Thame’s fingers. Linking them together. Then separating them again. A small habit he had. After a few minutes Jun spoke again.
“Hey Thame.”
“Yes.”
“If one day things become hard…”
Thame looked at him. Jun was still leaning on his shoulder. Still holding his hand. Jun finished the sentence softly.
“…you won’t leave me, right?”
The question was simple. But the tone was serious. Thame didn’t answer immediately. Jun lifted his head slightly to look at him. Their eyes met. Thame finally spoke.
“I won’t.”
Jun studied his face carefully. Then he smiled again. The bright Jun smile.
“Good.”
He leaned his head back on Thame’s shoulder. Satisfied. Like that promise meant everything.
Morning sunlight slowly filled the apartment. The curtains were half open. Soft light fell across the bed. Jun was still asleep. One arm was thrown over Thame’s waist, holding him tightly like he always did. His face was pressed against Thame’s shoulder. His breathing was slow and warm. Thame woke up first. He stayed still for a moment. Jun always held him like this when he slept. Like he was afraid Thame might disappear during the night. Thame looked down at him. Jun’s hair was messy. His lips were slightly open. He looked peaceful. Thame carefully brushed a few strands of hair away from Jun’s forehead. Jun made a quiet sound and moved closer. His grip tightened.
“Five more minutes…” Jun mumbled.
Thame almost smiled.
“You’re asleep.”
“Still five minutes…”
Thame gently touched Jun’s cheek.
“Jun.”
Jun groaned.
“Why do mornings exist?”
“Because people have jobs.”
“I don’t like those people.”
Thame sighed softly.
“You said we need groceries today.”
Jun’s eyes opened slowly. He stared at Thame for a moment. Then he blinked. Then he smiled.
“Good morning.”
Thame nodded slightly.
“Good morning.”
Jun didn’t move away. Instead he lifted his head and kissed Thame’s chin. Then his jaw. Then finally his lips. Slow. Sleepy. When he pulled away he stretched like a lazy puppy.
“Okay I’m awake now.”
“You’re still holding me.”
Jun looked down. His arm was still around Thame. He tightened it again.
“Problem?”
“Yes.”
“What problem?”
“I can’t get up.”
Jun thought for a second.
“…Stay.”
“I have work.”
Jun groaned loudly.
“You always say that.”
“And it’s always true.”
Jun buried his face in the pillow.
“I hate adulthood.”
After some effort they finally got out of bed. Jun made coffee. This time he didn’t burn anything. They sat at the small table again. Jun was scrolling on his phone while eating toast. Thame was reading emails. Everything felt normal. Quiet.
Jun suddenly said, “My mom called yesterday.”
Thame looked up slightly.
“You didn’t answer.”
Jun shrugged.
“She always calls to complain about something.”
“About what?”
Jun rolled his eyes.
“My life choices.”
Thame didn’t ask more. Jun’s relationship with his parents was always complicated. They didn’t like many things about him. They didn’t like how he dressed. They didn’t like his job. And they definitely didn’t know about Thame. Jun had never told them.
He once said quietly, “They wouldn’t understand.”
The conversation ended there. Jun took another bite of toast. Then his phone rang again. He looked at the screen. His smile faded a little.
“Speaking of the devil.”
Thame noticed the name on the screen.
Mom.
Jun sighed and answered.
“Hello.”
His voice sounded normal at first. But slowly his expression changed. Thame watched quietly. Jun sat straighter.
“What?”
Pause. Jun frowned.
“What do you mean tonight?”
Another pause. Jun’s fingers tightened around the phone.
“No. I can’t.”
Silence again. Then Jun’s voice became quieter.
“I said I can’t.”
More silence. Jun rubbed his forehead.
“…Fine.”
Another pause.
“Okay.”
He ended the call. The room became quiet. Jun stared at the table.
Thame asked calmly, “What happened?”
Jun forced a small smile.
“Family dinner.”
“Tonight?”
Jun nodded.
“They want me to come home.”
“You don’t visit often.”
“I know.”
Jun looked uncomfortable.
“They sound serious.”
Thame studied him.
“Do you want to go?”
Jun sighed.
“I guess I have to.”
He tried to act casual again.
“Probably another lecture.”
“About?”
Jun shrugged.
“Life. Work. Marriage. The usual.”
The word marriage stayed in the air for a moment. But Jun quickly laughed.
“Don’t worry.”
Thame didn’t say anything. Jun leaned over the table and poked his arm.
“You look so serious.”
“I’m thinking.”
“About what?”
“Nothing important.”
Jun smiled.
“Good.”
But later that evening things were not simple anymore. Jun stood in front of his parents’ house. The building was large. Cold. Very different from the small warm apartment he shared with Thame. Jun took a deep breath. Then he rang the bell. The door opened. His mother stood there. Elegant. Perfect. Her eyes looked him up and down quickly.
“You’re late.”
“It’s only seven.”
“You should arrive earlier.”
Jun walked inside quietly. The house looked the same. Clean. Organized. Quiet. Too quiet. His father was already sitting at the dining table. Reading something on a tablet. He looked up briefly.
“You’re here.”
Jun nodded.
“Hi dad.”
“Sit.”
Jun sat down. Dinner was already prepared. Several dishes. Everything looked expensive. But the atmosphere felt heavy. They started eating. For the first few minutes no one spoke. Then his mother finally said,
“You look thinner.”
“I’m fine.”
“You work too much.”
Jun didn’t answer. His father put down the tablet.
“We called you today for something important.”
Jun felt a strange feeling in his chest.
“What is it?”
His parents looked at each other for a moment. Then his mother spoke.
“We want you to get married.”
Jun blinked. He thought he heard wrong.
“…What?”
His father spoke calmly.
“There is a good opportunity.”
Jun stared at them.
“Opportunity?”
His mother nodded.
“The Kim family.”
Jun frowned.
“They own several companies.”
His father continued.
“They want to form a partnership with our business.”
Jun slowly understood. And the feeling in his chest became heavier.
“What does that have to do with me?”
His mother answered simply.
“They have a daughter.”
The room felt suddenly smaller. Jun put his chopsticks down.
“You’re joking.”
“No.”
His father’s voice was firm.
“We already discussed the idea with them.”
Jun laughed once. But there was no humor in it.
“You already discussed it?”
“Yes.”
“And you didn’t ask me?”
His mother looked annoyed.
“This is good for everyone.”
Jun shook his head slowly.
“No.”
His father’s expression hardened.
“You didn’t even hear the details.”
“I don’t need to.”
“You should at least meet her.”
“I said no.”
Silence filled the room. Jun’s heart was beating faster. His mother spoke again, her voice colder.
“You are not a child anymore.”
“I know.”
“Then act like an adult.”
Jun looked at her.
“Adults can choose who they marry.”
His father leaned back in his chair.
“This marriage will benefit the family.”
There it was. The real reason. Business. Money. Power. Jun felt anger rise in his chest.
“So that’s it.”
His mother spoke sharply.
“You should be grateful.”
“For what?”
“For the chance to help the family.”
Jun let out a quiet laugh.
“You want me to marry a stranger for business.”
“It’s not strange.”
“You said I should meet her.”
“That’s normal.”
Jun stood up. His chair moved loudly.
“I’m not doing it.”
His father’s voice became colder.
“You don’t have many choices.”
Jun stared at him.
“Yes I do.”
“You are part of this family.”
“That doesn’t mean you control my life.”
His mother sighed loudly.
“You are being selfish.”
Jun almost laughed again.
“Selfish?”
“Yes.”
“Because I don’t want to marry someone I don’t love?”
His parents stayed silent. Jun continued.
“I already have someone.”
The words came out before he could stop them. His mother frowned.
“What do you mean?”
Jun froze for a second. He hadn’t planned to say that. But now it was out.
“I’m not single.”
His father narrowed his eyes.
“Who?”
Jun hesitated. He thought about Thame. About their apartment. Their quiet mornings. Their late night talks. He couldn’t say it. Not here. Not like this. Jun finally said quietly,
“Someone important.”
His mother’s voice was sharp.
“Is it a girl?”
Jun didn’t answer. That silence said everything. The room became very still. His father spoke slowly.
“This is nonsense.”
“It’s not.”
“You will end that relationship.”
Jun felt his hands shaking.
“No.”
“Yes.”
“No.”
His father slammed his hand on the table.
“You will marry the Kim daughter.”
Jun’s voice rose too.
“I won’t!”
His mother stood up.
“You are embarrassing us.”
Jun looked at both of them. For the first time he felt like he didn’t belong in this house at all.
“You care more about business than your son.”
His father replied coldly,
“This marriage will happen.”
Jun shook his head.
“I’m leaving.”
He turned and walked toward the door. His mother called after him.
“If you walk out now, don’t expect our support anymore!”
Jun stopped for a moment. But he didn’t turn around. Then he walked out. The night air outside felt cold. He wasn't far away from his family house. Jun stood on the sidewalk. His heart was beating hard. His mind was full of noise. Marriage. Business. The Kim daughter. Everything felt unreal. After a few seconds he took out his phone. He looked at Thame’s contact. His chest hurt suddenly. He didn’t know why. Jun pressed call. The phone rang. Once. Twice. Then Thame answered.
“Jun?”
Jun tried to speak normally.
“Hey.”
“Are you done with dinner?”
Jun looked up at the dark sky.
“…Yeah.”
“Are you okay?”
Jun forced a small laugh.
“Of course.”
But his voice sounded weaker than usual. Thame noticed immediately.
“What happened?”
Jun stayed silent for a moment. Then he said quietly,
“My parents want me to get married.”
The words felt heavy in the air. On the other side of the phone, Thame didn’t speak for a long time. And for the first time since the call started, Jun suddenly felt afraid. Jun was still holding the phone. The street was quiet. On the other side of the phone, Thame finally spoke.
“…What do you mean?”
Jun looked down at the ground.
“My parents want me to marry someone.”
There was a small pause.
Then Thame asked calmly, “Someone you know?”
“No.”
Jun let out a tired breath.
“It’s a business thing. Her family has a company. My parents think the marriage will help their business.”
Another quiet pause. Jun felt nervous. He didn’t know why his chest suddenly felt tight.
Thame asked quietly, “What did you tell them?”
Jun answered immediately.
“I said no.”
He forced a laugh.
“You should’ve seen their faces.”
Thame didn’t laugh.
“Are you still there?” Jun asked.
“Yes.”
Jun kicked a small stone on the ground.
“They’re being dramatic. They’ll calm down later.”
Thame spoke slowly.
“Jun…”
Before he could finish the sentence, the front door of the house suddenly opened. Jun turned around. His father stepped outside. His expression was serious. Jun quickly spoke into the phone.
“Hold on.”
He pulled the phone slightly away from his ear.
“What now?” Jun asked.
His father walked closer.
“Who are you talking to?”
Jun didn’t answer. His father looked at the phone in his hand.
“That person you mentioned at dinner.”
Jun’s stomach felt heavy.
“What about it?”
His father spoke calmly, but his voice had a sharp edge.
“You said you already have someone.”
Jun stayed silent. His father continued.
“Bring that person here.”
Jun blinked.
“…What?”
“Bring the person you love.”
Jun frowned.
“Why?”
“I want to see them.”
Jun felt suspicious immediately.
“That’s not necessary.”
His father looked straight at him.
“If this person is so important, then let us meet them.”
Jun shook his head.
“No.”
His father’s voice became colder.
“Are you ashamed of them?”
Jun’s eyes flashed with anger.
“No.”
“Then why are you hiding them?”
Jun didn’t know what to say. Inside his chest, fear slowly started growing. His father crossed his arms.
“Call them.”
Jun’s fingers tightened around the phone.
“No.”
His father’s voice became firm.
“If you want us to take this relationship seriously, then show us.”
Jun stayed quiet. His father continued.
“Or maybe this person doesn’t exist.”
Jun’s head lifted immediately.
“That’s not true.”
“Then prove it.”
The challenge hung in the air. Jun felt anger rising again. But under the anger was something else. Worry. His father spoke again.
“Tell them to come here. Or we will go to them.”
Jun’s heart skipped a beat. Jun looked down at his phone. Thame was still on the call. Listening. Jun slowly lifted the phone back to his ear.
“…Thame.”
“Yes.”
Jun hesitated.
“My dad wants to meet you.”
The silence on the other side felt long. Then Thame asked quietly,
“Now?”
Jun looked at his father standing in front of him.
“…Yes.”
Another pause. Jun spoke quickly.
“You don’t have to if you don’t want to.”
Thame’s voice stayed calm.
“It’s okay.”
Jun’s heart beat faster.
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.”
Jun swallowed.
“…We’ll come to you.”
“Okay.”
The call ended. Jun lowered the phone slowly. His father looked at him.
“Where are we going?”
Jun answered quietly.
“My apartment.”
His father nodded once.
“Let’s go.”
Jun felt a strange feeling in his chest as they walked to the car. The drive was quiet. Jun sat in the passenger seat. His father drove. Neither of them spoke. Jun kept looking out the window. His mind was full of thoughts. About Thame. About what his parents might say. About how uncomfortable everything was about to become. After twenty minutes they arrived at the apartment building. Jun stepped out of the car first. His father followed. They walked toward the entrance. Jun’s heart was beating faster with every step. When they reached the door of the apartment, Jun stood there for a moment. His hand was on the handle. He took a deep breath. Then he opened the door. Thame was already inside. He was standing in the living room. Calm. Quiet. Just like always. But his eyes moved immediately to the man standing behind Jun. Jun spoke softly.
“Thame… this is my father.”
Thame bowed his head slightly.
“Hello.”
Jun’s father looked at him carefully. From head to toe. Taking in everything. The apartment. The couch. The small kitchen. The two cups on the table. Everything. Then his father asked one simple question.
“Are you the person my son loves?”
The words felt heavy in the room. Jun looked at Thame. Thame stayed quiet for a second. Then he answered honestly.
“Yes.”
The room became very silent. Jun watched his father’s face. His father’s expression slowly turned cold.
“I see.”
He stepped further into the apartment. His eyes moved around the room again. Then he looked back at Thame.
“How long?”
Thame answered calmly.
“Two years.”
Jun’s father let out a small breath.
“Two years.”
Jun spoke quickly.
“Dad-”
But his father raised his hand.
“Be quiet.”
Jun clenched his jaw. His father looked back at Thame.
“You understand that this relationship cannot continue.”
The words hit the room like ice. Jun stepped forward immediately.
“What?”
His father didn’t look at him. He kept his eyes on Thame.
“My son has responsibilities.”
Thame didn’t speak. Jun’s voice rose.
“He’s not a business deal!”
His father finally turned to him.
“This marriage will benefit the family.”
“I don’t care!”
“You should.”
Jun shook his head.
“No.”
His father turned back to Thame again.
“You seem like a smart person.”
Thame stood still. Calm. Quiet. His father continued.
“You know this relationship has no future.”
Jun felt anger burn inside him.
“That’s not your decision!”
His father ignored him.
“You care about him?”
He asked Thame directly. Thame looked at Jun for a moment. Then he answered.
“Yes.”
“Then you should do the right thing.”
Jun felt something cold in his chest.
“What right thing?”
His father’s voice was calm.
“Break up with him.”
The words felt unreal. Jun laughed once. But the sound was shaky.
“Are you serious?”
His father didn’t respond to him. He kept looking at Thame.
“You know this will only make his life harder.”
Jun shook his head.
“Stop talking like that.”
His father continued.
“My son has a future.”
Jun shouted.
“I choose my own future!”
But his father still spoke to Thame.
“If you truly care about him, you will step away.”
Jun looked at Thame. Waiting for him to say something. To argue. To refuse. To defend them. But Thame stayed quiet. And suddenly the room felt much colder than before. The room was very quiet. Jun could hear the sound of his own breathing. His father stood near the table with a cold face. Thame stood in front of him. Calm. Still. Jun felt something heavy in his chest. He looked at Thame.
“Say something,” Jun said quickly.
His voice sounded nervous. Thame looked at him. Jun waited. He expected Thame to say the same thing he would say. That they would not break up. That they loved each other. That no one could force them apart. But Thame did not speak yet. Jun’s father spoke again.
“You are an adult. You can understand the situation.”
Thame looked at him quietly. Jun stepped closer to them.
“This is not a business meeting,” Jun said.
“No one is breaking up with anyone.”
His father ignored him. He continued speaking to Thame.
“My son will marry the Kim daughter.”
Jun felt anger rise again.
“I said I will not!”
His father spoke firmly.
“You will.”
Jun shook his head hard.
“No.”
His father looked at him.
“Then you will lose everything.”
Jun froze for a moment. His father continued calmly.
“No support. No money. No family.”
Jun clenched his fists.
“I don’t care.”
His father looked at him with sharp eyes.
“You say that now.”
Then he looked back at Thame again.
“You care about him, right?”
Thame stayed silent.
“You don’t want to see him suffer.”
Jun looked at Thame again. His heart started beating faster.
“Thame,” Jun said softly.
“Don’t listen to him.”
But his father continued.
“You live in a small apartment.”
He looked around the room slowly.
“You don’t have much.”
Jun’s face turned red.
“Stop.”
His father ignored him.
“If Jun leaves the family, his life will become difficult.”
Jun shouted, “I said stop!”
But his father kept speaking calmly.
“He will lose his position in the company.”
Jun stared at him. His father had never said that before.
“You can’t do that,” Jun said.
“Yes, I can.”
Jun felt like the ground under him moved.
“You’re blackmailing me.”
“I’m showing you the reality.”
Jun’s breathing became heavier. He turned to Thame.
“Don’t believe him.”
Thame was still quiet. Jun walked closer to him.
“Say something.”
Thame finally spoke. His voice was low and calm.
“Jun…”
Jun waited. Thame looked into his eyes.
“You should listen to your father.”
The words felt like a sharp knife. Jun blinked.
“…What?”
His father stayed silent. Watching. Jun shook his head slowly.
“No.”
Thame continued quietly.
“He is right about some things.”
Jun laughed in disbelief.
“What are you saying?”
Thame looked down for a moment. Then he looked back at Jun.
“Your future is important.”
Jun’s chest felt tight.
“My future includes you.”
Thame shook his head a little.
“Jun…”
“No.”
Jun stepped closer.
“Don’t do this.”
Thame’s eyes were calm. But there was something sad inside them.
“You deserve a better life.”
Jun felt anger and fear mixing together.
“I already have the life I want!”
His voice shook.
“I have you!”
The room became quiet again. Jun looked at him desperately.
“Tell him we are not breaking up.”
Thame didn’t answer immediately. Jun’s heart beat faster.
“Thame.”
His voice was softer now. Almost begging.
“Say it.”
Thame looked at him for a long moment. Then he spoke slowly.
“Maybe we should stop.”
Jun froze. The words didn’t feel real.
“What?”
Thame continued in the same calm voice.
“Maybe it’s better this way.”
Jun shook his head again.
“No.”
His eyes were wide.
“You’re joking.”
Thame didn’t smile.Jun stepped even closer.
“You’re not serious.”
His voice was shaking now.
“Tell me you’re not serious.”
Thame stayed quiet. Jun grabbed his arm suddenly.
“Look at me.”
Thame looked at him. Jun’s eyes were full of confusion.
“You said you wouldn’t leave me.”
His voice became weak.
“Remember?”
Thame’s expression didn’t change. Jun’s chest hurt.
“You promised.”
Thame spoke quietly.
“Things change.”
Jun felt like he couldn’t breathe.
“No.”
He shook his head again and again.
“You’re lying.”
His father stood quietly behind them. Watching everything. Jun’s grip on Thame’s arm became tighter.
“You love me.”
The words came out like a broken whisper. Thame looked at him. But he didn’t say yes. Jun’s eyes slowly filled with tears.
“You do love me.”
Still no answer. Jun’s voice became louder.
“Say it!”
Thame closed his eyes for one second. Then he opened them again.
“I think it’s better if we stop.”
The same sentence. Cold. Calm. Jun stepped back like someone pushed him. His hand slowly fell away from Thame’s arm. He looked between Thame and his father.
“No.”
He whispered.
“This is not real.”
No one spoke. Jun laughed suddenly. But it sounded wrong.
“You two planned this.”
His father said nothing. Jun looked at Thame again.
“You’re just saying this because he’s here.”
Thame didn’t reply. Jun walked closer again. His voice became desperate.
“Tell him to leave.”
Silence. Jun’s eyes searched Thame’s face.
“Tell him to leave and we’ll talk.”
Nothing. Jun’s breathing became shaky.
“Please.”
The word came out quietly. Almost like a child asking.
“Just say it.”
But Thame only looked at him. Jun wiped his eyes quickly.
“You’re scared.”
He said it like he was convincing himself.
“That’s all.”
He nodded slightly.
“We’ll fix it.”
Thame spoke again.
“Jun.”
Jun looked at him with hope. But the next words crushed it.
“It’s over.”
The room felt silent again. Jun stood there without moving. His mind was empty. He looked at Thame. At the person who had shared his mornings. His nights. His small apartment. His quiet life. And now Thame was standing there like a stranger. Jun’s father finally spoke.
“Good.”
Jun turned to him slowly. His eyes were red.
“You did this.”
His father answered calmly.
“I did what was necessary.”
Jun looked back at Thame one more time. Waiting. Hoping. But Thame didn’t stop him. Didn’t say anything. Jun laughed weakly.
“…Wow.”
He wiped his face again. Then he walked toward the door. Each step felt heavy. When he reached the door, he stopped. For a moment he thought Thame would call his name. Tell him to wait. Tell him it was a mistake. But the room stayed silent. Jun opened the door. Before leaving, he spoke without turning around.
“I believed you.”
His voice was quiet. Then he stepped outside. The door closed behind him. Inside the apartment, the silence became even heavier. Thame stood in the same place. Not moving. Jun’s father looked at him.
“You made the correct decision.”
Thame didn’t answer. His father continued.
“You saved him from making a mistake.”
Still no answer. After a moment, Jun’s father walked toward the door. Before leaving, he spoke one last time.
“Stay away from him.”
Then he left. The door closed again. Now the apartment was completely quiet. Thame stood there alone. The couch. The small table. Two cups still on the table from earlier. Everything looked the same. But the room suddenly felt empty. Thame slowly sat down on the couch. Jun’s jacket was still there. Thame picked it up without thinking. He held it in his hands. For the first time since the conversation started, his calm face finally broke. His fingers tightened on the jacket. His shoulders shook slightly. And in the quiet apartment, Thame finally cried.
One week passed. Seven days. But to Jun, it did not feel like seven days. It felt strange. Like time was moving, but he was not inside it. The days felt quiet. Too quiet. The apartment was empty now. Jun had not gone back there. After that night, he went to stay at his parents’ house. Not because he wanted to. But because everything happened too fast. Too heavy. And he did not know where else to go. His parents did not speak about the fight again. Not directly. But the house was busy. People came and went every day. Wedding planners. Designers. Family friends. Business partners. Everyone was smiling. Everyone was excited. Everyone kept saying the same thing.
“Congratulations.”
Jun always smiled politely. But the smile never reached his eyes. Every night he lay in the large quiet bedroom. Staring at the ceiling. He slept very little. Sometimes he reached for his phone. His thumb would stop on one name. Thame. But he never called. He didn’t know what he would say. He didn’t even know if Thame would answer. So he put the phone down again. And the room would become quiet. Too quiet.
Now it was the wedding day. The house was full of people again. Jun sat in front of a large mirror. Two stylists were fixing his hair. Another person was adjusting his suit. Everyone spoke around him. But Jun barely heard them. He stared at his reflection. The man in the mirror looked perfect. Neat hair. Expensive suit. Calm face. But it didn’t feel like him. One stylist smiled.
“You look very handsome today.”
Jun nodded slowly.
“Thank you.”
Another person said happily,
“Your bride will be very lucky.”
Jun forced another small smile. He didn’t answer. A few minutes later the stylists finished.
“Perfect.”
They stepped back. Jun stood up. The suit felt heavy on his shoulders. His mother walked into the room. She was dressed beautifully. Elegant. She smiled proudly when she saw him.
“You look wonderful.”
Jun looked at her. He didn’t feel wonderful. But he still nodded.
“Thanks.”
She walked closer and fixed his collar slightly.
“Everything is ready.”
Jun stayed silent. She continued speaking gently.
“This marriage will help our family a lot.”
Jun looked away from the mirror. He had heard those words many times this week. He was tired of them. His mother noticed his silence.
“Jun.”
He looked back at her.
“You should try to be happy today.”
Jun’s lips moved slightly.
“I’m trying.”
She studied his face for a moment. Then she sighed softly.
“Sometimes life is not about love.”
Jun felt something sharp in his chest.
“But about responsibility.”
Jun didn’t answer. After a moment his mother said,
“The ceremony will start soon.”
Then she left the room. Jun was alone again. The silence returned. He sat back down slowly. His hands rested on his knees. For a moment he closed his eyes. And suddenly a memory appeared in his mind. The small apartment. Morning sunlight. Burned eggs. Thame standing quietly in the kitchen. Jun felt his chest tighten. He opened his eyes quickly.
“No,” he whispered to himself.
He stood up again. Outside, the wedding hall was full of people. Beautiful flowers decorated the entrance. Soft music played in the background. Guests were talking happily. Jun walked through the hallway. People greeted him.
“Congratulations!”
“You look great!”
“We’re very happy for you!”
Jun nodded politely to everyone. His father was standing near the entrance. Talking to several important guests. When he saw Jun, he walked over.
“Everything ready?”
Jun nodded.
“Yes.”
His father looked satisfied.
“Good.”
Jun looked at him for a moment.
Then he asked quietly,
“Do you feel happy?”
His father frowned slightly.
“What kind of question is that?”
Jun spoke softly.
“You got what you wanted.”
His father answered calmly.
“This is good for everyone.”
Jun didn’t reply. After a moment his father said,
“The ceremony is about to start.”
Jun followed him toward the main hall. Inside, everything looked beautiful. White flowers everywhere. Soft golden lights. Rows of chairs filled with guests. At the front was the wedding stage. The bride was already there. She wore a beautiful white dress. She looked nervous but polite. Jun walked toward the stage slowly. His footsteps felt heavy. Everyone turned to look at him. Some people smiled. Some whispered. Jun tried not to look around too much. But his eyes still moved across the crowd. Faces. Many faces. Family. Friends. Business partners. Strangers.
But one face was missing.
Jun felt his chest hurt suddenly. He looked away quickly. He was walking down the aisle, but the whole time he is thinking:
This should have been Thame.
He stepped onto the stage. The ceremony began. The officiant started speaking. Jun listened to the words. But they felt distant. Like they were coming from very far away. The officiant talked about marriage. About family. About commitment. Jun’s eyes slowly moved again across the crowd. Still no familiar face. He told himself he shouldn’t expect it.
Why would Thame come?
After everything that happened.
After those cold words.
“It’s over.”
Jun swallowed slowly. The officiant asked the bride to speak her vows. She spoke gently. Her voice shook a little. Jun listened quietly. Then it was his turn. The officiant looked at him.
“Jun?”
Jun blinked. Everyone was watching him. Waiting. He opened his mouth. But for a moment no words came out. His mind was suddenly full again. Memories. Jun laughing in the kitchen. Jun dragging Thame through night markets. Jun resting his head on Thame’s shoulder in the park.
“You won’t leave me, right?”
“I won’t.”
Jun felt his chest tighten again. The room felt warm. Too warm. He looked down at his hands. They were shaking slightly. The officiant spoke gently,
“Jun?”
Jun looked up again. The bride was watching him. The guests were waiting. His father stood in the front row. Looking serious. Jun took a slow breath. Then he started speaking. His voice sounded calm. But inside, everything felt broken.
“I…”
The word stopped in his throat. For one second he looked toward the entrance of the hall. Just for a moment. Like he still hoped. But the doors stayed closed. And the seat he imagined was empty. Jun slowly looked forward again. Then he continued speaking. Rain started falling before the ceremony ended. At first it was light. Small drops touching the glass windows of the wedding hall. But slowly the rain became heavier. Water ran down from the sky like quiet tears. Outside the hall, near one of the side windows, someone stood under the dark sky.
Thame.
He stood very still. Rain fell on his hair, his coat, his shoulders. Cold water slowly soaked his clothes. But he didn’t move. Through the large window he could see inside the wedding hall. Bright lights. White flowers. People sitting and watching. And at the front of the hall-
Jun.
Standing beside his bride. Thame’s eyes stayed on him. Even from outside he could see Jun clearly. The expensive suit. The neat hair. The calm face. Jun looked perfect. Like someone starting a beautiful new life. Inside the hall, people were smiling. Some guests were taking pictures. Some were whispering happily. Everything looked warm. Everything looked bright.
But outside the window, in the rain, Thame stood alone. His hands were in his coat pockets. His fingers were cold. But he still didn’t leave. The ceremony was almost finished now. The officiant was speaking. Thame could not hear the words through the glass. But he could see Jun’s lips moving when it was his turn to speak. For a moment Jun looked toward the crowd. Then his eyes moved toward the entrance. Like he was searching for something. Or someone.
Thame’s chest tightened. His fingers curled slightly in his pockets. But he stayed where he was. Hidden by the rain and the darkness. Jun’s eyes never reached the window. He never saw the figure standing outside.
Inside the hall, the ceremony ended. People clapped. Soft music started playing. The bride smiled politely. Jun bowed his head slightly. Guests began standing up. Some moved forward to congratulate them. The happy noise filled the room. Through the glass window, Thame watched quietly. He saw Jun smile at the guests. He saw people shaking Jun’s hand. He saw the bride standing beside him.
Everything looked perfect. Like the life Jun’s parents wanted. Like the life Thame believed Jun deserved. Thame slowly closed his eyes for a moment. Rain continued falling around him. Cold water ran down his face. But he did not wipe it away. After a few seconds he opened his eyes again. He looked at Jun one more time. Just once more. Then he spoke very softly. So softly that even the rain almost swallowed the words.
“…Be happy, Jun.”
His voice was calm. But his chest felt heavy. Thame took one step back from the window. Then another. Finally he turned around. The wedding hall lights glowed warmly behind him. But he walked away from them. The rain followed him down the street. And soon the building disappeared behind him.
The night became quiet again. Much later, after the celebration ended, Jun finally returned home. The house was large. New. Beautiful. Everything looked expensive and perfect. But Jun felt like he didn’t belong there. His bride stood beside him when they entered the house. She looked tired but polite. Her wedding dress had been changed into a simpler evening dress. Jun removed his suit jacket slowly. Several staff members greeted them when they entered.
“Welcome home.”
“Congratulations.”
Jun nodded politely. His bride smiled at the staff.
“Thank you.”
They walked into the living room. The house was quiet. The long wedding day was finally over. Jun stood there for a moment. Then he turned to her.
“…You must be tired.”
She nodded slightly.
“Yes.”
Jun hesitated. Then he spoke gently.
“I’m going to take a shower first.”
She gave a small polite smile.
“Of course.”
Jun nodded once. His footsteps were slow. When he reached the bathroom, he closed the door quietly. The moment the door clicked shut, the silence became heavy. Jun stood there without moving. He looked at himself in the mirror. The same face. The same neat hair. But his eyes looked tired. Empty. Jun slowly turned the shower on. Water started falling loudly. The sound filled the bathroom. Steam slowly began to rise. Jun leaned both hands on the wall. His head lowered.
For a few seconds he tried to stay calm. But the feeling in his chest became too heavy. His shoulders began to shake. And suddenly the tears came. Jun covered his mouth with one hand. A broken sound escaped anyway. He tried to breathe slowly. But the pain inside him was too strong. The water from the shower kept falling. Jun slowly slid down until he was sitting on the cold bathroom floor. His back against the wall. His face was buried in his hands. Tears fell again and again.
“I’m sorry…” he whispered.
But he didn’t even know who he was apologizing to. Maybe to himself. Maybe to Thame. Jun knew the truth. He understood why Thame did it. Even though those words had broken him. Even though hearing “It’s over” felt like his heart stopped. Jun knew. Thame only did it because he wanted Jun to have an easier life. A safe life. A life without struggle. A life with money. With family support. With a bright future.
Thame had always been like that. Always thinking about Jun first. Always choosing what was best for Jun. Even if it meant hurting himself. Jun let out another broken breath.
“You idiot…” he whispered weakly.
But his voice held no anger. Only sadness.
“You should have asked me.”
His tears fell harder. Jun pressed his head against the wall.
“I didn’t care about that life.”
His voice shook.
“I didn’t care about money.”
He closed his eyes tightly.
“I just wanted you.”
Another sob escaped him.
“I would have stayed.”
Jun knew the truth clearly now.
Even if life became hard.
Even if they lost everything.
Even if the world became difficult.
He would have stayed with Thame.
He would have chosen him.
Every time.
Without hesitation.
But Thame didn’t know that. Thame only saw the possible pain. The possible struggle. And he chose to protect Jun from it.Even if it meant breaking both their hearts.
Jun wiped his face with trembling hands. But new tears kept coming. And suddenly another thought came into his mind.
Thame. Right now.
Jun knew him well. Too well. He knew Thame was not okay. Even though he acted calm. Even though he always hid his feelings. Jun knew. Thame must be suffering too. Maybe sitting alone somewhere. Maybe in their small apartment. The apartment that once felt like home.
Jun felt his chest tighten again. He imagined the living room. The couch. The small kitchen. Everything they shared. And somewhere in that quiet space-
Thame. Alone.
Jun covered his face again. His voice broke completely.
“…You must be hurting too.”
The water kept falling from the shower. Loud enough to hide the sound of his crying. Jun stayed there on the bathroom floor for a long time. Tears falling silently.
Because tonight two people were crying in two different places.
Both believing they had done the right thing.
Both believing they had protected the other.
But neither of them knew how much the other one was suffering.
The rain did not stop. It kept falling quietly over the city. The streets were almost empty now. Most people were already home, warm and dry. But Thame was still walking. His coat was wet. His hair was completely soaked. Cold water ran down his face and neck. His shoes made soft wet sounds on the ground as he walked. But he didn’t hurry. He walked slowly.
Like someone who had nowhere else to go.
The bright wedding hall was far behind him now. The music. The laughter. The happy voices. All of it felt like something from another world. Now there was only the rain and the quiet street. After a long time, Thame finally reached the apartment building. The familiar building stood quietly under the dark sky.
For a moment he just stood there outside. Looking at it. This place used to feel warm. Like home. But tonight it looked different. Lonely. Thame walked inside slowly. The hallway was quiet. The elevator ride felt long. When the elevator doors opened, he stepped out.
The corridor lights were dim. Everything was silent. He walked down the hallway. One step. Two steps. Three steps. Finally he reached the apartment door. Their apartment. His hand slowly reached for the door handle. But he didn’t open it immediately.
He just stood there. His fingers resting on the cold metal. A memory suddenly came into his mind. Jun standing at this same door. Smiling brightly.
“Welcome home!”
Thame felt his chest tighten. He closed his eyes for a moment. Then he slowly pushed the door open. The moment the door opened, the quiet inside the apartment greeted him. Complete silence. No music. No talking. No laughter. Just silence. Thame stepped inside.
He closed the door behind him. And suddenly his body stopped moving. He stood there in front of the door. Still wearing his wet coat. Still holding the door handle. The apartment looked exactly the same.
The couch. The small table. The kitchen. Everything was still there. But the warmth was gone. It felt empty. And suddenly something inside Thame broke. His hand slowly slipped from the door handle. His back leaned against the door. And before he could stop it-
Tears fell. At first it was quiet. Just one tear. Then another. Then suddenly his breathing became uneven. His chest shook. Thame covered his mouth with one hand. But the sob still escaped. His body slowly slid down the door until he was sitting on the floor. His head lowered. His shoulders shaking. He had stayed calm the entire day. Outside the wedding hall. Watching from the rain. Walking through the empty streets.
But now-
He was finally alone. And the pain he had been holding inside all day finally came out.
“Jun…”
His voice broke when he said the name. The apartment stayed silent. There was no answer. Of course there was no answer. Jun was not here anymore. Jun was somewhere else now. In a different house. With a different life. Thame pressed his forehead against his arm. His breathing became shaky.
“I’m sorry…”
The words came out quietly.
“I’m sorry…”
He repeated it again. And again. After a while the crying slowly became quieter. His breathing slowly returned to normal. But his eyes were still red. His face was still wet with tears. Thame sat there for a few more minutes. Then he slowly stood up. His clothes were still soaked from the rain. Water dripped from his coat onto the floor. But he didn’t care.
He walked further into the living room. His steps were slow. Careful. Like every step carried a memory. When he reached the center of the room, he stopped. The couch was right in front of him. Jun used to sit there every night. Sometimes watching movies. Sometimes eating snacks. Sometimes talking endlessly about random things. Thame slowly sat down on the floor in front of the couch.
His back leaned against it. His wet clothes clung to his skin. Cold. But he didn’t move. His eyes slowly looked around the room. The table. The kitchen counter. The window. Everything was filled with memories.
Jun laughing loudly while cooking.
Jun burning eggs in the morning.
Jun dragging him outside for late night walks.
Jun resting his head on his shoulder in the park.
Jun saying softly-
“You won’t leave me, right?”
Thame’s chest tightened again. His eyes filled with tears once more.
“I did…”
His voice was barely a whisper.
“I left you.”
He covered his eyes with one hand. More tears slipped through his fingers.
“I’m sorry.”
His shoulders shook again. Because the truth was simple.
Thame loved Jun more than anything.
More than his own comfort.
More than his own happiness.
And that was exactly why he made that choice.
Jun deserved an easier life. A safer life. A life without struggle.
Thame knew the world could be cruel.
He knew how hard life could become without family support. Without money. Without protection.
Jun’s parents had made it clear. If Jun stayed with him, everything would become difficult. Jun could lose his family. His future. His position. His stability.
Thame could not let that happen.
Even if Jun said he didn’t care.
Even if Jun said he would choose him.
Thame still couldn’t allow it.
Because loving someone meant protecting them.
Even from pain they were willing to accept.
Thame lowered his hand slowly. His eyes moved around the room again. Every corner reminded him of Jun. The jacket hanging on the chair. The cup Jun always used. The small blanket Jun liked to steal at night. The memories were everywhere.
And suddenly the tears returned again. Thame leaned his head back against the couch. His voice was quiet.
“I hope you’re happy.”
He closed his eyes. Even though his heart felt like it was breaking.
“I hope your life is easier now.”
A long silence filled the room. Then he spoke again softly.
“I love you.”
The words felt heavy in the quiet apartment. But there was no one there to hear them. And deep inside Thame knew something very clearly.
He would never love anyone else the same way.
Maybe he would meet new people.
Maybe life would move forward.
But the place Jun held in his heart-
That place would always belong to Jun. No one else could take it. Thame slowly curled his fingers against the wet floor. His voice became a quiet whisper.
“There will only ever be you.”
The rain continued falling outside the window. And inside the small apartment, Thame sat alone on the floor for a long time.
A few days passed after the wedding. The house stayed quiet. Too quiet. Jun moved through the days like a shadow. He woke up. He ate when people told him to eat. He answered when someone asked him something. He smiled when he had to. But inside, he felt empty. His parents noticed it. Of course they did. But instead of asking how he felt, they only focused on the next.
One evening during dinner, Jun’s mother put down her spoon and said gently, “You and your wife should leave tomorrow.”
Jun looked up.
“Leave?”
His father answered calmly, “For your honeymoon.”
Jun froze. For a second he just stared at them. His chest suddenly felt tight.
“…Tomorrow?”
His mother nodded.
“Everything is already arranged.”
Jun looked away. He should have expected this. His parents planned everything. The wedding. The future. Of course they also planned the honeymoon.
Jun spoke quietly, “I don’t really want to go.”
His father’s face became serious.
“This is expected after marriage.”
Jun almost laughed. Expected. That word again. Everything in his life now was something “expected.”
His mother added softly, “It will be good for both of you.”
Jun didn’t answer. He didn’t have the energy to argue anymore. So the next day, Jun and his wife left for the trip. The place was beautiful. A quiet seaside resort far from the city. The hotel was large and expensive. The room had soft lights, a wide bed, and a huge glass window facing the ocean.
The view was peaceful. Blue water. Anyone else would call it perfect. But Jun only stood near the window and stared outside quietly. His wife stood beside the suitcase. She looked around the room and smiled politely.
“It’s beautiful.”
Jun nodded once.
“Yes.”
That was all. She looked at him for a moment. Like she wanted to say something. But in the end she stayed quiet. She seemed to understand that Jun needed silence more than words. The first day passed slowly. They walked by the beach in the evening. The sunset painted the sky in soft orange and pink. Couples around them laughed and held hands. But Jun kept a small distance even while walking beside her.
His hands stayed in his pockets. His eyes stayed on the sea. His wife noticed, but she didn’t mention it. She only matched her steps with his. Quiet. At dinner, she tried to start small conversations.
“The food here is nice.”
Jun nodded.
“It is.”
“The ocean looks different at night.”
“Yes.”
She smiled a little.
“You don’t talk much.”
Jun looked down at his plate.
“…Sorry.”
She shook her head gently.
“It’s okay.”
And she left it there. No pressure. No questions. That made Jun feel strangely guilty. Because she was kind. Kinder than this situation deserved. That night they returned to the hotel room. The room lights were dim. The sound of the ocean came softly through the glass doors. Jun changed into his sleep clothes quietly.
When he looked at the bed, his chest tightened a little. It was large. Big enough for two people. But it didn’t feel right. His wife sat on one side of the bed. Jun slowly lay down on the other side. There was a clear space between them. A large distance.
Neither of them moved closer. Neither of them said anything. The silence between them was not angry. Just careful. His wife turned off the bedside lamp. The room became dark except for the moonlight from outside. Jun stared at the ceiling.
His body felt tired. But sleep didn’t come. It almost never came easily now. After a long time, he heard his wife’s breathing become slow and even. She had fallen asleep. Jun slowly turned his head toward her. Even in the dim light he could see the distance between them clearly. He looked away again.
His chest felt heavy. Too heavy. After midnight, the familiar feeling returned. That pressure in his chest. That ache. That unbearable emptiness. Jun slowly sat up. Careful not to make noise. He looked toward his wife. She was still asleep. Peaceful.
Jun quietly got out of bed and walked toward the bathroom. He closed the door softly behind him. The moment he was alone, he let out a shaky breath. This had become a habit now. Every night. Since the wedding. Whenever the pain became too much, he came here. The bathroom. A place where no one could hear him.
Jun turned on the shower. Water immediately started falling. The sound filled the room. Loud enough to hide everything else. Jun stepped under the shower fully clothed in his sleep shirt. Cold water ran over his hair, his face, his shoulders. He tilted his head down. His hands pressed against the wall.
For a few moments he just stood there. Trying to breathe. Trying to stay calm. But the ache inside his chest only grew. And then the tears came again. Silent at first. Then heavier. Jun covered his face with both hands. His shoulders began to shake.
The water mixed with his tears. No one could tell the difference. That was why he always came here. Because the shower made it easy to hide. Easy to break. Easy to fall apart.
“…Thame.”
The name slipped from his lips before he could stop it. Jun closed his eyes tightly. His chest hurt so much. The sound of the water almost felt like rain. And suddenly it reminded him of that day. The wedding day.
For some reason, Jun kept thinking about the rain that night. Thinking about how somewhere, somehow, Thame must have been hurting too. Jun pressed his forehead against the wall. His breathing shook.
“I miss you.”
His voice cracked. The words felt weak. Broken. But they were true. Every part of this trip reminded him of what was missing.
The ocean. The sunset. The hotel room. All of it felt like something Jun would have wanted to share with Thame. Not this. Not this quiet distance. Not this empty marriage. Jun slid down the wall slowly until he was sitting on the bathroom floor. Water still falling over him. Soaking him completely.
His knees pulled close to his chest. His face buried in his arms. He cried there quietly. Because even now, after everything, his heart still belonged to one person. And that person was far away.
Maybe in the apartment.
Maybe sitting on the same couch.
Maybe unable to sleep too.
The thought made Jun cry harder.
Because he knew Thame must be suffering too.
Thame had always carried pain alone. Always silently.
Always believing he was doing the right thing.
Jun lifted his head slightly. Water dripped from his hair.
“You should have let me choose.”
His voice was almost a whisper.
“I would still choose you.”
The bathroom stayed silent except for the water. After a long time, Jun finally stood up again. His eyes were red. His face looked tired. He turned the shower off. The silence returned. Jun looked at himself in the mirror. Wet hair. Wet shirt. Red eyes. A broken heart hidden behind a calm face. He slowly changed into dry clothes.
Then he opened the bathroom door and returned to the room. His wife was still asleep. The distance on the bed was still there. Jun quietly lay down again on his side. Staring into the darkness. And just like every night since the wedding, the silence beside him only made him miss Thame more.
The apartment stayed quiet after Jun left. Not the peaceful quiet it used to have. Not the soft quiet of late nights with a movie playing in the background while Jun talked too much. This quiet was different. Heavy. Empty. Like the walls themselves knew someone was missing. Thame was still living there. He could not bring himself to leave. Every room still carried Jun’s presence.
The small kitchen still reminded him of burned eggs and Jun’s dramatic complaints every morning.
The couch still remembered the shape of Jun curled up with snacks and a blanket.
The hallway still held the memory of Jun running to the door every evening just to say, welcome home.
And the bedroom-
The bedroom was the hardest.
Every night, after work, Thame came back to the same apartment. He unlocked the same door. Walked through the same quiet living room. Turned off the same lights. And finally entered the bedroom. The bed was still the same bed they once shared. Wide enough for two. But now it looked too large. Too empty.
One side was untouched. Cold. Flat. The other side held only Thame.
The first few nights after the wedding, Thame tried sleeping on just one small corner of the bed. As if leaving Jun’s side empty somehow kept the memory alive.
But every time he looked at that empty space, his chest hurt. Because that side used to belong to Jun. That side used to be warm. Jun always moved a lot in his sleep.
Sometimes he stole the blanket.
Sometimes he turned in the middle of the night and wrapped himself around Thame like he was scared to lose him.
Sometimes Jun’s leg would end up thrown across Thame’s waist.
Sometimes Jun’s sleepy voice would whisper, “Don’t move.”
Back then, the bed always felt warm. Messy. Alive. Now it was just still. Cold sheets. Tonight was no different. Thame changed into his sleep clothes slowly. The room was dark except for the small lamp beside the bed. He sat on the edge of the mattress for a long moment before finally lying down.
The moment his body touched the bed, the emptiness hit him again. The sheets were cool.
No warmth beside him.
No sleepy Jun voice.
No soft breathing near his shoulder.
No arms reaching for him.
Only silence. Thame turned slightly and looked at the empty side of the bed. Moonlight from the window fell across it. His chest tightened. A memory came back too clearly. Jun half asleep, moving closer and burying his face against Thame’s neck. His warm breath against his skin. His quiet sleepy words.
“You’re warm.”
Thame closed his eyes tightly. But the memory only made the emptiness feel worse. He slowly reached one hand across the bed. His fingers touched only cold sheets. Nothing else. No warmth. No Jun. The reality of it made something inside him ache again. His throat tightened.
And soon the tears came. Just like every night. Silent at first. Then heavier. Thame turned onto his side, facing the empty space beside him. His fingers curled into the pillow that still carried the faintest memory of Jun. He held it close. As if holding the pillow could somehow fill the emptiness.
But it only reminded him of what was gone. His breathing shook. The tears slipped quietly onto the pillow. Every night was the same. The day was easier. Work kept his mind busy. The city noise distracted him. But nights-
Nights were cruel.
Because nights reminded him of everything he lost. The warmth. The laughter. The soft weight of Jun sleeping against him. The simple comfort of knowing Jun was right there.
Now every night the bed only gave him silence. And the silence always became too loud. Thame buried his face into the pillow. The smell was almost gone now. Only a faint memory remained. But even that small trace made his heart hurt.
“I miss you.”
His voice came out weak. Barely above a whisper. The room did not answer. Only the ticking clock on the wall. Thame’s eyes burned with more tears.
He knew this was the life he chose. He chose this pain.
Because he believed Jun’s future mattered more.
Because love, to him, was protecting Jun even from the suffering Jun was willing to accept.
But knowing the reason did not make the nights easier.
It did not make the bed warmer.
It did not stop the tears.
Sometimes Thame wondered if Jun was sleeping well.
If the new bed felt comfortable.
If Jun was safe. Happy.
Even if the thought of Jun beside someone else made his chest ache, Thame still wished for Jun’s peace.
That was how deeply he loved him.
Even heartbreak could not change that.
Thame slowly wiped his face. But new tears still came.
Because love did not disappear just because the relationship ended. It stayed.
In the sheets.
In the empty side of the bed.
In the memories.
In the silence.
And Thame knew one thing very clearly now.
This love would stay with him forever.
Not loud.
Not demanding.
Just there.
A quiet ache he would carry for the rest of his life. Outside, the night stayed still. And inside the apartment, Thame cried quietly in the bed they once shared.
Miles away, Jun was doing the same in another room, under another roof, carrying the same pain.
Two hearts.
Two different places.
One love neither of them could let go of.
And maybe that was the cruelest part.
Not that they stopped loving each other.
But that they loved each other enough to let each other go.
The days would keep moving.
Morning would come again.
Life would continue.
Jun would keep wearing the calm smile people expected.
Thame would keep living in the apartment full of memories.
But deep inside, both of them would always carry the same truth.
Their love had never ended.
It simply changed into something quieter.
Something heavier.
A memory.
A wound.
A forever kind of love.
And in the silence of the night, both of them still belonged to each other in the only place no one could touch.
Their hearts.