That same night, Eun Young couldn't sleep. She kept tossing and turning on the huge bed, desperate to find a comfortable position to rest in, yet she was still wide awake. She turned on her bedside lamp. The other side of the bed was still unoccupied. Min Jae wasn't home yet and for some reason, Eun Young felt uneasy.
She should've been used to it by now. He's a busy man after all and his profession requires most of his time outside. As the company's CEO, it was inevitable for him to go abroad for business trips, to attend socialite parties and to even sleep in the office if necessary. However, it pains her to know that those weren't always the cases.
Eun Young mindlessly stared at the ceiling as her thoughts began to wander. The night was already deep and she couldn't help but think about her husband's whereabouts. Is he with someone else right now? If he was, then... is he happy? Her heart tightened. Didn't I even cross his mind? How could he possibly not think of me when he's with someone else?
Eun Young's tears began to well up. For a moment, she thought about whether her decision to stay will be worth it. The idea only lingered for a second before she purposely dismissed it. If he could just show her any sign of warmth and affection, if he could just show her even the tiniest glimpse of concern... Without even realizing it, warm droplets came running down her cheeks, dampening the soft pillows.
Eun Young immediately wiped away her tears and took deep breaths. Crying wouldn't get her anywhere, not even to sleep. And so to calm herself, she went downstairs to fetch a glass of milk. Perhaps the liquid could also help her slumber. Right now, she just really wanted to rest. Eun Young went back to her room after preparing her ticket to sleep.
Meanwhile, Min Jae departed the party subsequent to his encounter with Bo Ra. However, he didn't return home directly. He drove around the city's empty streets with hopes of clearing his mind. From time to time, he would increase the speed of his car just to feel the adrenaline rushing through his veins. He wanted to forget. But just as he was about to, her image suddenly comes flashing back on his mind that he would abruptly step hard on the brakes.
The rubber tires screeched past the asphalt floor. He was driving very fast when he immediately pulled on the brakes again. This was already the fifth time tonight. The f****** fifth time that he thought about her.
After coming to a stop, Min Jae breathed heavily. His chest rose and sank as he caught his breath. F***! This is so messed up! His heart was rapidly racing. His mind was a total mess! Out of frustration, Min Jae smacked the steering wheel.
There were no words that could explain how Min Jae felt. He was utterly confused--confused of the emotions he was feeling. Almost everything was foreign to him and in fact, a part of him was afraid. He didn't want to admit it but he was terrified of his walls breaking. He was terrified of putting his guard down.
Since the beginning, he knew that he could never return Eun Young's feelings. It's not that she isn't admirable. It's just that he didn't know how to reciprocate her affection. Even if he did, it's better that he didn't. Because with all the sh** in his life, how could he possibly drag her into it? Eun Young didn't deserve to be with a bastard like him. Moreover, she didn't deserve to suffer with a man like him.
He went home that night. As usual, everyone was already asleep. The place was dark when he entered. Nevertheless, it carried a familiar sense of warmth. It was funny how he seldom comes home yet the house felt like a safe haven for him. All his worries and troubles seemed less bigger now. It was as if they were far away--far enough to reach him at least.
Min Jae sighed. Opening the door to the bedroom, he surprised to see that the room was dimly lit. A bedside lamp was turned on. And more than that, Eun Young was still awake. She was reading a book before he arrived. And as if caught in an illegal act, she immediately closed the book she was reading upon seeing him enter the spacious room.
Eun Young felt her heart beat quicken. She didn't expect him to actually come home tonight. Seeing him now, she suddenly felt nervous. Eun Young absentmindedly tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her ear as she diverted her gaze.
On the other hand, Min Jae was almost hesitant to even enter. He didn't realize that he was still staring at her until she finally turned away. Her nose and cheeks were slightly red in contrast to her white skin. And even from the distance, she looked radiant in front of the light emitted by the lamp.
Min Jae shook his head to dismiss the thoughts. He closed the door behind him before heading to the bathroom to take a quick shower. The warm water felt good and relaxing on his bare skin. He felt the tension and stress from the previous day disappear. Closing his eyes, he welcomed the comforting water.
Out of nowhere, Min Jae felt a jolt in his heart and his eyes flew open. The unfamiliar sensation took him by surprise. Clenching his fist, he took deep breaths as he forcefully dismissed it. Perhaps it was just caused by the relieving shower. Yeah, that's probably it.
He took a moment to dry his hair before heading to the main bedroom. Upon entering, he saw that Eun Young was still awake. She returned to reading the book she held earlier.
Eun Young felt that she was being watched. And so when she looked up, her eyes met his. Startled by the sudden contact, she blinked before diverting her gaze once more. She didn't know why but the atmosphere suddenly felt a bit awkward.
"I-Is there something wrong?" Eun Young softly asked. Her voice trembled during the process.
Min Jae didn't respond right away. Because of this, Eun Young thought that he might've felt uncomfortable too that he couldn't bring himself to say it. And so, she abruptly stood up.
"Do you feel uncomfortable? It's alright, I'll just sleep in the guest room if I make you feel bothered." She said while still not meeting his eyes.
Eun Young grabbed a pillow and was already preparing to leave. However, Min Jae's word caught her off guard.
"No." He said. He was still looking at her before he spoke again.
"It's okay. Just... stay."