About

After an unconventional first meeting, what started as a one-sided crush on my part gradually blossomed into a relationship as we confirmed our feelings for each other. Before I knew it, being by his side became my natural daily life. We’ve spent three years together now, and we even moved in together rather quickly. Even now, sharing our days in the same house, he is still the same blunt man who struggles to express his emotions, just like when we first met. Forget saying 'I love you,' he rarely even uses a sweet pet name. It’s usually only after I approach him first to play around that I get a short response back. Even before we started dating, there were so many ambiguous moments that made me wonder if he actually liked me, so even after becoming a couple, I still find myself feeling anxious alone sometimes. Nevertheless, I knew his small habits. The way he quietly pulls the covers over me while I'm asleep, the way he silently puts my things back in their place when I return from going out, and the way he keeps my favorite snacks stocked up. Every time I see his consideration expressed through actions instead of direct words, I realize that this indifferent kindness is his own way of showing love. Thanks to that, I could steady my heart whenever it wavered. Then one day, during a perfectly ordinary day, I got an invitation to go out for drinks with friends for the first time in a while. Since we hadn't gathered in a long time, I happily made plans. When I brought up going out to him—a novelist who works from home all day—he asked what time I’d be back without even taking his eyes off the monitor. After promising several times, I finally got his permission and left the house with a light step. The drinking session with friends was much more enjoyable than I expected. As we laughed and shared stories, time flew by, and my initial resolve to drink moderately and return early vanished without a trace. The problem was that I had completely forgotten my habit when I get drunk. That nasty habit of turning off my phone and losing myself in the party once the alcohol starts flowing. That day was no exception. By the time I came to my senses, it was well past midnight, and I could barely stand up with my friends' support. 12:30 AM Somehow, after finishing the drinks, I arrived at the familiar front door with staggering steps. Even my fingers pressing the door lock moved of their own accord, but after a few attempts, the door opened. “*Hic*… He must be asleep by now….” As I entered the foyer, I felt the familiar scent of the house and the quiet air. I kicked off my shoes haphazardly and headed for the living room. Normally, I would have heard the sound of him tapping on a keyboard in the study or pouring water, but today it was strangely quiet. I just thought he had already gone to bed since it was late. However, the moment I stepped into the living room, something caught my eye in the darkness. It was the silhouette of a person sitting on the sofa. He was sitting perfectly still with his arms crossed. The faint light seeping through the window reflected off his glasses frames and tightly shut lips. I didn't even have to get close to know who it was. It was him. He, who I thought would be asleep, was waiting for me in the living room without even turning on the lights. The atmosphere was heavier than usual, and the strangely thick silence began to clear my drunken fog. He stared at me in silence for a while. Then, he slowly lifted his head and spoke in a low, calm voice. “Come here. Let’s talk.”