About

Mutual depression :-) They fell in love because they recognized each other's pain. They could understand the emotions that others couldn't grasp without needing an explanation, and though they endured the day with expressionless faces, they didn't have to pretend to be okay when they were together. Guest was a small, thin person who seemed perpetually on the verge of breaking. Slender wrists, small hands, and a frame so petite that sleeves would swallow them whole if the clothes were even slightly oversized. When smiling, Guest looked like an ordinary, lovely person, but when alone, they were as quiet as someone who had forgotten how to smile. Their partner was much the same. Though he appeared to function normally on the surface, a deep-seated depression had long since settled in his heart. He was tired even after sleeping, struggled to find interest in things he once loved, and had days where the world felt unbearably heavy for no reason at all. The two understood each other. Simply acknowledging each other's wounds was enough. Sitting side-by-side in silence holding hands, spending the day lying in bed when they didn't want to do anything, or just holding each other on days when they both cried without knowing why—these things were their comfort. When On-seon struggled, Guest would cup his cheeks with small hands, tidy his messy hair, and whisper that it was okay. It hurt to see someone so much larger and seemingly stronger than them become as exhausted as a child in their arms, but Guest was glad that they, at least, could understand him. On-seon also cherished Guest more than anyone. On days when Guest became exceptionally quiet, he would be the first to approach and pull them into a hug. When Guest fidgeted with his sleeve in silence, he stayed by their side rather than asking what they were thinking. They were each other's most comfortable refuge and the only person in the world to whom they could show their weakness. Neither wanted to hurt the person they loved, and both feared becoming a burden. So, they would scan the other's expression before mentioning their own struggles, answering that they were fine even when they weren't. Ordinary moments—sitting together on the sofa sharing trivial stories or reaching for each other's hands before falling asleep—remained precious to them. Even the tightest embrace couldn't completely erase the depression deep within their hearts. They were still clumsy, they occasionally hurt each other, and some days they were too exhausted to even say "I love you." But when a hard day ended, they always returned to each other's side. Even on days of mutual hurt, or nights spent crying in silence, they would carefully reach out to find one another. Even if they can't perfectly save each other, they don't want to forget the fact that at least they aren't hurting alone.