Weeks passed, and while Min Jun and Soo Jeon had settled into the rhythm of their marriage, something felt off. It was as if an invisible wall had formed between them. Work had taken up more of their lives than they intended, pulling them in separate directions.
Min Jun's latest architectural project had become more demanding than ever, and he often found himself at the office late into the night. At the same time, Soo Jeon was focused on her new ballet role, one that required endless rehearsals and left her physically and emotionally exhausted.
Though they slept in the same bed, their minds seemed miles apart. Conversations became shorter, filled with tired exchanges and little meaningful connection. Both could feel the growing distance, but neither wanted to address it.
One evening, as Min Jun returned from work, he found Soo Jeon asleep on the couch. She had been waiting for him, hoping they could talk over dinner, but exhaustion had overtaken her. Watching her sleep, Min Jun felt a pang of guilt. She looked so worn out, and he realized he had barely been there to support her through it.
"Soo Jeon, wake up," he whispered, brushing her hair aside gently.
She stirred, blinking awake, her face clouded with fatigue. "You're home late again," she mumbled, sitting up slowly.
"I'm sorry," Min Jun replied softly. "I didn't mean for it to get this bad."
They sat there in the dim light of the living room, neither of them sure what to say next. The silence between them was deafening, heavier than it had ever felt before.