—Kai
The drive back from Namsan Tower was suffocatingly quiet. The city lights streaked by outside, but Hana hadn't said a word. She just pressed her forehead against the window, lips in a tight line.
By the time they reached the Jung mansion, she was already slipping past the maids' greetings, climbing the stairs with her shoulders tense. Kai watched her retreating figure, unease pressing into his chest.
Later, he leaned against the doorway of his room as the sound of water ran from the bathroom. When Hana emerged, she wore his oversized pajamas, the fabric hanging loose, drowning her frame. She slipped into bed without a glance his way.
Kai sat carefully on the edge. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine," Hana whispered, but her voice cracked against the lie.
Kai studied her, then gave a small hum. "Remember that puppy we used to feed after school?"
Her brows drew together. "Yeah…"
His lips curved faintly. "We never fed a puppy, Hana. I just wanted to see if you were actually okay."
Her breath hitched. Silence. Then finally—"I guess… I'm not."
Kai shifted closer, his voice softer. "Does being married to me bother you that much?"
Her head shot up. "No! It's not the marriage. It's… the separation. Knowing that after the contract ends, that'll be it."
His chest tightened. Slowly, he set his phone aside, his tone turning firm. "Then let's not get divorced."
Her eyes widened. "What?"
"If getting separated hurts you this much, then we won't. We'll stay married—even after the contract ends," Kai said, gaze steady on hers.
Hana blinked, lips parting, but words failed her.
"We'll only separate if you want to," he added gently.
Her heart eased, warmth melting the fear she'd been holding onto. A small smile broke across her lips. "Alright… let's stay married."
Relief softened his expression, a matching smile curving his mouth. The heaviness in the room dissolved.
"Good," Kai murmured, brushing his shoulder against hers. "Now… before you sleep, let me see the photos on your camera."
Hana laughed quietly. "You just want proof I wasn't taking pictures of you."
"Mm. Maybe," he said, already reaching for the camera.