I lay on the couch, my body feeling like lead, every muscle screaming in exhaustion. The pregnancy was taking its toll on me, and while Jun and Seong usually enveloped me in their warmth, today I felt entirely alone. The silence of the apartment was suffocating; each tick of the clock amplified my anxiety, a reminder of my solitary confinement in this state of uncertainty.
The day had started well enough. I had decided to treat myself and take a break from the suffocating atmosphere that seemed to cling to me like a heavy fog. I'd ventured out shopping, determined to find something that would make me feel like myself again. The sun had shone brightly, and for a moment, I could almost convince myself that everything was normal.
Walking through the boutique, I could hear the gentle murmur of conversations around me, the sound of heels clicking against the marble floor, and the soft rustle of fabric as customers sifted through racks. I felt momentarily at ease, lost in the colors and textures of the clothes that surrounded me. I smiled at a dress that caught my eye—a beautiful shade of azure that would complement my complexion perfectly.
After picking out a few items, I headed to the register, only to find myself being approached by a striking woman in her thirties. She had a confident aura about her, dressed impeccably in designer clothing, her hair cascading in soft waves down her back. Her eyes sparkled with intrigue as she smiled at me.
"Excuse me," she said, her voice smooth and inviting. "I couldn't help but notice your taste in fashion. You have a real eye for style."
I felt a rush of warmth at the compliment, a small thrill running through me. "Thank you! I just enjoy shopping, I guess."
She chuckled softly. "Well, you certainly have an eye for what looks good. I'm Elise, by the way." She extended her hand, and I shook it, feeling her firm grip. "And you are?"
"Censia," I replied, a little shyly.
"Lovely to meet you, Censia. I hope you don't mind me saying this, but you look a little young to be here alone. Is everything okay?"
Her concern surprised me, and I hesitated for a moment. "I'm just taking some time for myself. It's been a bit of a rollercoaster lately," I admitted, my voice softening.
Elise studied me for a moment, her expression shifting to one of empathy. "I understand. Life can throw us some unexpected challenges. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'd be more than happy to be a friend."
I blinked, taken aback by her offer. A friend? "Thank you, but I'm okay."
Her smile widened. "I know it's a lot to take in, but sometimes having someone outside your immediate circle can help. I've been through my fair share of ups and downs, and I'd love to be a supportive presence for you. No strings attached, just friendship."
I felt a spark of curiosity. Something about her was genuinely refreshing, and the prospect of having someone to confide in, even if just casually, was appealing. "That sounds nice, actually. I could use a friend."
"Great! Let's exchange numbers, and maybe we can grab a coffee sometime." She handed me her phone, and I input my number, a nervous excitement bubbling within me.
"Perfect," she said, beaming. "You never know where life will take you, but having someone to share it with makes the journey more enjoyable."
After saying goodbye, I left the store with a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I had just met someone new—someone who seemed genuinely interested in my well-being. As I walked back to the apartment, I tried to shake off the weight of loneliness that had settled on my shoulders, thinking maybe I could cultivate this new friendship.
Once home, however, the atmosphere quickly changed. My initial high from the day dissipated as I stepped inside the apartment. It felt stifling, too quiet, and too empty without Jun and Seong. I sank onto the couch, exhaustion flooding my body as I tried to shake off the shadows looming over me.
I closed my eyes, longing for the sound of their voices, for the comfort of their presence. As if my thoughts summoned them, I heard the front door creak open, and in an instant, my heart raced with anticipation. Jun and Seong entered, their laughter filling the space like sunshine breaking through clouds.
"Censia! You won't believe the crazy day we had!" Jun exclaimed, plopping down beside me, his energy infectious.
"What happened?" I asked, my heart lifting at the sight of him.
Seong joined us, settling on the other side of me, his expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. "You wouldn't believe the deal we landed at work today. Jun almost scared off the client with his 'enthusiasm.'"
"Hey! I was just trying to be passionate about the project!" Jun defended, playfully shoving Seong.
The warmth of their banter washed over me, and for a moment, I forgot the earlier tension of the day. I listened to them share stories about work, their voices blending together like a comforting melody.
But then, like a dark cloud rolling in, my thoughts turned back to Hyun Su. The memories of our last encounter sent a shiver down my spine. I glanced at Jun and Seong, their presence a fortress of strength that made me feel safe, yet I couldn't shake the unease lingering in the back of my mind.
Later that evening, after dinner and light-hearted laughter, I found myself alone in the living room, the noise of their playful bickering fading into the background. I wrapped my arms around my knees, feeling a wave of vulnerability wash over me.
Suddenly, I heard the front door creak open again, and my heart sank as I saw him—Hyun Su, standing in the doorway with a smirk plastered across his face.
"Hey, Censia. Miss me?" His tone dripped with arrogance.
I froze, my pulse quickening. "What do you want, Hyun Su?"
He stepped inside, dismissing my question with a wave of his hand. "Just thought I'd drop by. Heard you were alone."
"Jun and Seong are here, too," I reminded him, my voice steady despite the panic rising within me.
"Ah, they won't mind. I just want to talk." He advanced toward me, and I instinctively leaned back, a chill running down my spine. "Come on, Censia. We need to clear the air."
Before I could respond, Jun appeared from the kitchen, his expression shifting from surprise to anger. "What are you doing here, Hyun Su? You're not welcome."
Hyun Su's gaze flicked to Jun, a mock smile on his lips. "I'm just here for a friendly chat. Right, Censia?"
I opened my mouth to respond, but the words caught in my throat. I felt trapped, as if the walls were closing in on me. "I don't think you should be here," I finally managed to say.
Jun stepped forward, protective as always. "You need to leave. Now."
"Why? Because you're scared I might steal your little girlfriend away?" Hyun Su shot back, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Censia isn't some prize to be won, you jerk," Seong chimed in, his voice low and steady, filled with tension.
I felt my heart racing as Hyun Su leaned in closer, his presence suffocating. "You can't keep me away forever, Censia. You know that."
"Get out!" Jun shouted, stepping between us.
Suddenly, the situation escalated, the tension snapping like a taut string. "You don't own her, Jun," Hyun Su spat, anger lacing his words.
I felt a surge of fear for the impending confrontation. "Stop! Please!" I cried out, but the world around me felt like it was spinning out of control.
Before I could process what happened next, Jun lunged forward, and in a flash, they were entangled in a heated argument, their voices clashing like thunder. I felt my heart drop, knowing I needed to do something. "Please, just stop!"
But it was too late. The anger had erupted into a physical altercation, and I felt frozen in place, anxiety gripping me as I watched.
"Censia, get back!" Jun yelled as he shoved Hyun Su away, who stumbled back with a snarl.
In that moment of chaos, my body responded instinctively. I rushed forward, desperate to intervene. "Stop it! Both of you!"
But Hyun Su's fury burned bright. "You think you can keep her away from me? She'll always be mine!"
"No!" I shouted, my voice breaking with desperation. "I don't want anything to do with you!"
Just then, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over me, and the room began to spin. I pressed my hand to my forehead, the exhaustion from the pregnancy overwhelming me. The last thing I saw before everything faded to black was Jun's concerned face, reaching out for me.
When I came to, I was lying on the couch, and Jun's worried face hovered above me, his brows furrowed with concern. "Censia! Thank God you're awake," he breathed, relief washing over him.
"What happened?" I croaked