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Chapter 7: Sunday

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Pairing: non-idol yunho x fem!reader Brief mention of other characters: Dr. Lee Other characters will appear: Seonghwa, Dr. Park, Seonghwa's Mother, Yunho's Mom, Iseul Genre: +18, eventually smut, suggestive, angst, romance, love story, slow-burn, tangled emotions, linger feelings, married couple AU, slice of life, melancholic romance, hurt-comfort, One-Week-Left Trope, Lovers-to-Strangers, secret and lies, quiet grief & lingering love, themes of quiet heartbreak non-idol Ateez, Third person POV Summary: The fragile calm between Yunho and Y/n begins to resemble the warmth of their past, but beneath the surface both are drowning in conflicting emotions. Yunho clings to hope, convinced that this return home can be a fresh start, a chance to prove his love and undo the mistakes that nearly destroyed them. Yet every smile from Y/N is laced with quiet farewell, her heart already bracing for the inevitable separation she knows she must face. At the stroke of midnight, love and regret collided. One heart fights to hold on while the other breaks in silence, choosing to let go. Between desperate pleas and painful lies, Yunho and Y/N are left shattered by the cruel twist of fate: one clinging to a future together, the other preparing for an ending only she fully understands. Content & Trigger Warnings: 18+, purely fanfiction, hospital, patient, mention of medication, distress, manipulation, obsession, crying, cheating, divorce, lies, mental health, angst. WC: 9,000+ Marks: Yunho, Y/N, Other Characters, 'silent thought' A/N: Hi guys! ♡ I’m back with another chapter, and I just want to say thank you so much for continuing to follow this story. Reading your comments honestly makes me so happy. It means the world to know how invested some of you are, and I truly appreciate the time you take to read, feel, and absorb every part of it. As we move forward, I think this story will only have about 5–6 more chapters left. But don’t worry, I’m planning to release a prequel later on. It will dive into Yunho and Iseul’s backstory, giving more context about why Iseul is so obsessed with him, and why Yunho allowed himself to fall into temptation in the first place. I think it will help you understand their choices and the weight of what’s happening now even more. Thank you again for being here with me through all the heartbreak and the healing ♡ Stay with me until the end! I promise it’s going to be worth it ૮₍ • ˕ - ₎ა♡

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The night air was heavy, the last traces of the storm clinging to the roads as Seonghwa steered his car toward the hill where his grandparents’ mansion loomed. The windshield wipers dragged across the glass in steady rhythm, though the drizzle had mostly faded. He tightened his grip on the wheel, jaw clenched, already dreading what awaited him.

The Park family dinner. A tradition that came every month without fail, whether he wanted it or not.

Seonghwa never liked going. It wasn’t the food or the tradition, it was the eyes. The way his uncles would glance at him with thinly veiled judgment, the way his aunts whispered behind their wine glasses. To them, he was the black sheep. The grandson who turned his back on the family’s legacy of doctors and lawyers, the one who had chosen his own path instead of following theirs.

And yet, despite their disapproval, his seat at the table was never empty. Not because they wanted him there, but because he had become something they couldn’t deny: successful. Too successful. One of the richest men in the family. It wasn’t pride that kept him in their circle, but power. And still, Seonghwa knew without his wealth, without the empire he had built with his own hands they would’ve cast him out long ago.

He would have skipped tonight if it weren’t for his mother. She never asked much of him, but attending these suffocating dinners was her unspoken plea. If he didn’t show, it wouldn’t be him who suffered the family’s ridicule. It would be her. She would bear the weight of their mockery, accused of raising a son who “disrespected his elders.” And that, Seonghwa could never allow.

So he went. For her mother. Always for her.

His headlights swept across the long driveway, illuminating the grand facade of the mansion as he pulled in. Already, he could see the other cars parked neatly in a row. Expensive, polished, flaunting their family’s prestige like trophies. Seonghwa shut off the engine, exhaling slowly, bracing himself.

The only comfort waiting for him inside was his favorite cousin. Dr. Park. Unlike the rest, she never judged him for his choices. In fact, she was the only one who spoke to him as though he were simply Seonghwa, not a disappointment, not a burden, not a cautionary tale whispered among relatives.

She was also one of the reasons these dinners weren’t unbearable.

Straightening his blazer, he stepped out of the car, the cool night air brushing against his skin. He cast one last look at the sprawling mansion, its windows glowing warmly against the darkness, then began walking toward the door.

Another night of rehearsed smiles and cutting words waited inside.

Seonghwa pushed open the heavy oak doors, greeted instantly by the warm glow of chandeliers and the low hum of chatter echoing through the vast foyer. The scent of polished wood and expensive wine lingered in the air, familiar yet suffocating.

“Seonghwa,” one of his uncles called from the staircase, his smile polite but his eyes carrying that same old weight of expectation. “You made it.” as if he really glad to see him.

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Seonghwa replied smoothly, though the edge in his voice betrayed him. He bowed slightly in respect before moving past, unwilling to linger.

Before he could take another step, a softer, warmer voice called out.

“Son”

Seonghwa turned instantly, his expression softening as his mother approached him from the hallway. She was dressed simply compared to the rest of the family, but her elegance came naturally, the kind that needed no display.

“Mom” he said warmly, leaning down so she could pull him into a brief embrace. For a moment, the weight of the room lifted.

“I’m glad you came,” she said quietly, her hand lingering on his arm. “You know it means a lot.”

Seonghwa’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “I know. That’s why I’m here.”

Her eyes softened with gratitude, and she patted his hand before urging him toward the dining hall. “Go on. They’ve been waiting.”

The dining hall was already filling up. Laughter, the clink of glasses, and subtle glances circled the room like a performance they had all rehearsed too many times before.

And then he saw her.

Dr. Park sat near the end of the long table, her posture impeccable as always, but when her eyes flicked up and caught his, a grin spread across her face. Unlike the others, her smile wasn’t calculated. It was real.

“Cousin,” she greeted warmly as he took the seat beside her. “You look like you’d rather be anywhere but here.” she whispered

Seonghwa let out a low chuckle, leaning closer so only she could hear. “You know me too well. I had to pep-talk myself all the way up the driveway just to come inside.”

Her eyes sparkled with amusement. “Here we go again with this little family theater.”

He smirked, raising his glass slightly. “A shit show, more like.”

Dr. Park stifled a laugh, covering her mouth with her hand before her mother shot her a sharp look. “Careful. If anyone hears you, you’ll get us both disowned.”

“Then I’d finally be free,” Seonghwa quipped, sipping his wine. “Not sure about you, though.”

She rolled her eyes fondly. “Please. I’m the family doctor. They’ll chain me to this table forever.”

Their quiet laughter carried them through the first course, each sidelong glance a shared escape from the endless stream of forced compliments and thinly veiled insults that flew across the table.

But just as the main dish was being served, Dr. Park’s phone buzzed against the table. She glanced at it, her smile fading into sharp focus. Her fingers moved quickly, answering the call before excusing herself from the table.

When she returned a moment later, her expression was composed but urgent. She leaned toward her grandfather. “I’m so sorry, Harabeoji. There’s been an emergency patient transfer at the hospital. I need to leave immediately.”

A murmur rippled through the table, some relatives sighing dramatically as though she had committed a crime by leaving dinner. Seonghwa, however, leaned back in his chair with a smirk.

“Convenient,” he teased quietly as she gathered her things. “You’re just escaping this circus, aren’t you?”

Dr. Park shot him a look, but her lips curved into a faint smile. “Trust me, cousin, I wish it was that simple. But this patient… she's really important to me.”

Something in her tone silenced him. It wasn’t her usual playful deflection. She meant it.

Seonghwa raised a brow but didn’t push. Instead, he gave her a small nod. “Go, then. Save the world. I’ll suffer through the rest of this disaster on my own.”

“Try not to start a fight while I’m gone,” she muttered, half-smiling as she brushed past him, her heels clicking against the polished floor.

Seonghwa watched her go, curiosity tugging at the back of his mind. For the first time all evening, his thoughts weren’t on himself or his family. They lingered on her words.

This patient is really important to me.

𓂃 ࣪˖.☘︎.˖ ࣪𓂃 The wail of the ambulance sirens pierced the night as it skidded into the emergency bay of the hospital. The back doors swung open, and paramedics carefully eased your stretcher down.

“Vitals stable upon arrival,” one of them reported quickly. “Patient is just sleeping, but she’s responsive.”

Dr. Park was already there, waiting with her team. Her white coat swayed as she stepped forward, eyes locking on you with immediate recognition. Though you seemed stable, her tone was sharp, decisive. “ICU. Prepare a room. I know her case, we’re not taking chances.”

The staff moved instantly at her command, rushing your stretcher down the bright corridor.

Yunho followed close behind, his strides hurried but composed. He had changed out of his soaked clothes into something clean, yet his face betrayed him. Drawn, pale, and tight with fear. His eyes never left you, tracking every turn of the stretcher as though you might vanish if he blinked.

He caught sight of Dr. Park, and without thinking, he rushed toward her. “Doctor!” His voice cracked, raw with desperation. “I’m her husband—Jeong Yunho.”

She inclined her head in acknowledgment. “I’m Dr. Park. I’m the one handling her case, together with the other specialists on duty tonight. We’ll be overseeing her condition closely.”

Yunho swallowed hard, his throat raw, his voice almost breaking under the weight of his worry. “Doctor, I’m asking you—please check her thoroughly. What happened earlier at the beach… it wasn’t normal. She was terrified, disoriented, and had a temporary memory loss. It—it scared me. I’ve never seen her like that.” He shook his head, his words tumbling out faster. “I can’t just accept that this was nothing.”

Dr. Park’s gaze softened for a moment, though her tone remained steady. “Dr. Lee already explained to me what happened before she was brought here. I understand your fear, Mr. Jeong, and I can assure you—we’ll run all the necessary tests tonight. To make sure her condition is stable.”

For a moment, Yunho’s shoulders sagged in relief. But as she began to move away, his hand shot out, gently catching her sleeve. His grip wasn’t harsh, but it carried all the desperation he could no longer hide.

“Doctor Park,” he said, his voice low but insistent. “I know about the waiver she signed.”

Dr. Park froze, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly. Yunho pressed on, his tone urgent yet respectful, every word laced with anguish.

“She doesn’t want anyone to know. I get that. But I’m her husband, and I can’t—” His voice faltered before he steadied it again. “I can’t stay in the dark any longer. Not when I see her like this. I need to know what’s really happening to her. Whatever the tests show, whatever you already suspect—please. Be honest with me. Don’t leave me blind.”

There was a heavy pause. For the first time that night, Dr. Park’s composure wavered, if only for a second. She looked at Yunho, at the raw plea in his eyes, and something in her chest tightened.

Finally, she gave a small nod, her voice quiet but firm. “Mr. Jeong… I hear you. Let us run the tests tonight. I can’t break confidentiality, but I promise you—I’ll try to convince her to make sure you’re not left in the dark.”

Yunho’s grip loosened, his hand falling back to his side. His head bowed, a tear slipping free despite his effort to hold it back. “That’s all I ask,” he whispered.

With that, Dr. Park turned briskly, following the stretcher toward the ICU, though her thoughts lingered on the man’s words. The weight of his desperation pressed against her chest as she silently prayed she could keep both her patient’s wishes and her husband’s broken heart from shattering completely.

The sterile hum of the hospital waiting area pressed against Yunho’s ears, louder than it had any right to be. Every tick of the clock felt like a weight sinking deeper into his chest, making it harder to breathe. He sat hunched forward, elbows on his knees, hands clasped so tightly his knuckles ached, his thumbs rubbing together in a restless, useless attempt to steady himself.

His phone buzzed in his pocket. Again. The seventh time that night.

'Iseul'

Yunho’s jaw tightened as he pulled the phone out, her name glowing on the screen like a curse. For a long moment, he stared at it, as though if he looked hard enough, the right words might come. But there were no words. Not for her. Not for this. His thumb hit decline, and he dropped the phone face down on the empty chair beside him.

He dragged his hands down his face, exhaling sharply. What could he possibly say to Iseul now? That he didn’t want the divorce anymore? That he realized too late he had been a fool, letting her back into his life just to rip it apart again? The thought alone made his chest burn with disgust, disgust at himself.

For the first time in a long time, he finally saw the truth.

Iseul had him at his best, when he was shining, when success came easily, when he believed life was better with her by his side. But you, you had him at his worst. When the dream was fragile, slipping through his fingers. When he was nothing but broken pieces, drowning under failure and his past. When he was lost, hollow, chasing his hope too big for his hands. You never walked away. You stayed. You carried him when he couldn’t carry himself. You built him back up, piece by piece, until he became the man he is now.

It had always been you.

And yet, he’d been stupid enough to forget. Stupid enough to let Iseul back into his orbit, to throw everything you gave him into chaos. He nearly chose her again. The thought alone made him sick. Because Iseul was his past, but you, you are his present. His only future.

Shame prickled hot under his skin, heavy and unrelenting. He thought of losing the one person who stood by him when he thought no one else could, and it gutted him. It was you who made him, who gave him the strength to fight for the life he had now. And what had he given you in return? Betrayal. Divorce papers. Pain.

His hands balled into fists, pressing hard against his forehead as though he could bury the self-loathing there. Waves of shame crashed through him, but beneath them, a sharp clarity burned brighter than ever. He didn’t want the divorce. Not anymore. Not ever. He couldn’t let you go, even though it sounds so selfish. Not after everything, not when every fiber of his being screamed that you were his home.

It was shameless, maybe even unforgivable, to think of asking you to stay after what he had done. But he wasn’t going to lose you. Not this time. Not when he had finally realized the truth: you weren’t just part of his life, you were the reason he had one.

Even if you pushed him away. Even if he had to beg on his knees until he had no pride left. Even if the entire world told him it was too late. Yunho will never stop asking you to take him back.

He wanted a life with you. Only you.

The phone buzzed again, ignored. He didn’t even look this time. His eyes stayed fixed on the ICU doors, chest rising and falling with the weight of the vow etched into his bones.

He wasn’t going to lose you. Not to Iseul. Not to anything.

Not even to fate.

𓂃 ࣪˖.☘︎.˖ ࣪𓂃

The faint beeping of the monitors was steady now, a fragile reassurance in the sterile silence. You were propped against the pillows, hands clasped tightly over the blanket. The white walls felt like they were caving in, as if they knew your secret and were waiting to suffocate you with it.

Dr. Park set your chart down and pulled up a chair. Her face was composed, but her eyes gave away. Something heavy was pressing against her professionalism.

“Y/N,” she began softly, her tone careful. “How are you feeling now?" she ask, "Other than feeling a bit dizzy, I'm feeling alright now" you answer honestly "The tests are back. You’re stable for now, but…” She hesitated. “Your health is declining faster than I’d like.”

Your throat tightened. You already knew. Every headache, every wave of exhaustion, every breath that felt heavier than the last had whispered it to you. Still, hearing it out loud left you hollow.

“I can feel it,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. “It’s worse.”

Dr. Park leaned forward, her eyes serious. “Which is why I need to ask you something important. Please Y/n. You need to tell your husband. He has the right to know.”

Your chest clenched so tight you thought it might burst. The thought of Yunho’s face crumbling, of his heart breaking under the truth. It was unbearable.

“No,” you said quickly, shaking your head, panic rising in your chest. “Please, Dr. Park. I can’t do that to him.”

Her brow furrowed, her voice sharpening. “He deserves to understand what’s happening, Y/N. He deserves the truth.”

Truth. The word itself felt cruel. Truth wasn’t freedom; it was a blade. And if you gave it to Yunho, it would be you pressing it into his chest until he bled out.

“And what good would that do?” you whispered, your voice breaking. “To watch him suffer? To carry the weight of knowing I’m slipping away? I agreed to the divorce because… because at least that way, someone else will be there for him. Someone who can stay when I can’t.”

Dr. Park exhaled, running a hand over her face. Her heart ached at the sight of you, so fragile and still trying to be selfless. 'Why do the kindest ones always choose to bleed quietly?'

“But hiding this from him…” she said slowly, her voice trembling with both frustration and pity, “you’re breaking his heart in a different way. He’ll lose you without ever knowing why. Is that really what you want for him?”

Tears burned your eyes, your lips trembling. “I know. I know it’s cruel. But I’m scared, Dr. Park... I'm more scared to leave him alone and lonely than my condition... I’m helpless. How can I protect him from pain if I am the very reason he might be drowning in it? This is the only way I know how. If he has someone, at least he’ll move on faster. At least he’ll be free... and one day he will forget about me."

'Even if it means dying alone. Even if it means my last breath will taste of silence instead of his love.'

Dr. Park’s chest tightened painfully. She wanted to tell you how wrong you were, how Yunho’s love for you wouldn’t vanish just because you tried to push him away. He saw in his eyes. But she bit her tongue. 'Damn it, I’m her doctor, but I can't do anything to save her. I can’t even make a choice for her. Confidentiality isn’t just protocol, it’s a wall I can’t cross.'

Finally, she let out a slow, tired breath. “As your doctor, I can’t go against your wishes. Privacy is part of my oath. But Y/N…” She reached over and rested her hand lightly over yours. “Just know this...By pushing him away, you might be hurting him more than the truth ever could.”

Your heart thudded painfully at her words. You wanted to scream that you knew. That every second of this choice was tearing you apart. But instead, you simply nodded, because admitting it aloud would break you completely.

𓂃 ࣪˖.☘︎.˖ ࣪𓂃

Dr. Park’s office felt colder than the rest of the hospital, though the thermostat hummed quietly in the corner. Yunho sat across from her desk, his posture too stiff, his hands restless as they twisted against each other. His eyes, dark, sunken from exhaustion, were locked on her with a desperation that made her chest ache.

She folded her hands together, buying herself a moment. 'God, why does this feel harder than delivering the actual diagnosis?' Years of practice had honed her composure, but sitting across from him, watching a man who looked ready to give his life for you, made her stomach twist. She hated lying, but she had to.

“Mr. Jeong,” she began carefully, “the results from Y/N’s tests are in.”

Yunho’s breath hitched. He leaned forward as though every word might slip past him if he didn’t hold himself close enough. 'Please. Please don’t say something I can’t survive.'

“She’s stable for now,” Dr. Park continued, her tone level rehearsed. “But what happened earlier wasn’t just fatigue. Your wife experienced a severe panic attack, compounded by heightened anxiety. The stress placed her body under significant strain, enough to cause a temporary collapse.” It wasn't a lie, you really experienced a panic attack.

Her voice carried the cadence of professionalism, but inside, her stomach twisted. 'Forgive me, Y/N. I’m already lying for you, but I hope you understand this one.'

Yunho blinked at her, disbelief flickering in his eyes. “Panic attack? Anxiety?” He shook his head slowly, jaw clenching. “No. That’s not it. You don’t understand! What I saw...what happened at the beach, that wasn’t just stress. It was more than that.”

Dr. Park steadied her expression, though her insides recoiled. “I assure you, I know what I’m saying. The test results support this. She’s under immense psychological strain, and her body is responding to it. That’s why she fainted. That’s why her memory faltered temporarily. It’s consistent with a severe breakdown.”

'Don’t push me, Yunho. Please. I can’t tell you. Not me. Not like this.'

Yunho’s hands balled into fists against his knees, his voice rising despite the tremor in it. “Doctor… please. Tell me the truth.” His throat bobbed with the weight of unspoken fear. “I’m her husband. Don’t give me textbook answers, don’t brush me off. I can see it in her eyes for the past few days...She’s hiding something from me. And now you are too.” His voice cracked. “Please. I can’t… I can’t stay in the dark anymore.”

The words struck her hard, leaving an ache behind her ribs. She forced herself to stay still, though her nails dug into her palms beneath the desk. 'He deserves the truth. God, he deserves it. But I can’t betray her trust. Patient confidentiality isn’t just a rule, it’s a right of my patient. And if I break it, I have to face the consequences.'

Her lips pressed together before she spoke again, her tone firmer. “Mr. Jeong. I am her doctor. I am giving you the truth I know. Panic disorder and severe anxiety can be dangerous if left unchecked. Y/N’s body is vulnerable right now. If this happens again, she risks collapsing into what we call a psychogenic coma—functional, non-organic, but dangerous all the same. In simple terms… her body would shut down while her mind is overwhelmed. She could remain unresponsive for days, weeks, or even longer. Like falling into a coma”

Yunho’s breath stuttered, horror etched across his face. 'A coma. God, no. Please, not her. Not when I’ve only just realized how much I need her.'

Dr. Park continued, softer now. “That’s why rest is critical. Medication on time. No heavy stressors. No more pushing to her limits. If she’s forced into another episode like tonight…things might be more dangerous” Her words trailed off, heavy and final.

Yunho dragged a shaky hand through his hair, eyes glassy with unshed tears. Every syllable cut him open, but still, he couldn’t shake the gnawing in his chest. 'She’s lying. She has to be lying. But why? Why won’t anyone just tell me what’s happening to her?'

Dr. Park hesitated, then added, her voice lower, almost hesitant. “And whatever the situation between you and your wife...the divorce, it isn’t helping. Stress is the last thing she needs. You must think carefully about how you move forward, because right now… the wrong decision could cost more than you’re ready to lose.”

The words sank into him like stones, dragging him under. Divorce. The very word left a bitter taste in his mouth now. He wanted to tell her he already knew, that he’d tear those papers apart if it meant keeping you with him. But instead, his voice broke, raw and small. “I don’t know what to do anymore.”

For a long moment, Dr. Park only watched him. His shoulders were trembling, his eyes hollow with fear. A man unraveling in silence. And she hated herself for being the one to deepen the cracks.

'I’m sorry, Yunho. I’m sorry you have to beg for the truth while I bury it under protocol. I’m sorry that loving her means you’re the one kept in the dark.'

Finally, she stood, her voice gentle but clipped. “Take some time. Think about what I said. And above all, stay by her side.”

She silent wishing that Yunho will understand what she truly want for both of them and without waiting for his reply, she turned and left the office, her footsteps brisk though her chest felt unbearably heavy.

The silence in the office swallowed Yunho whole once Dr. Park was gone. Yunho pressed his palms into his eyes, trembling as the truth or the lack of it suffocated him.

Finally, with unsteady fingers, he pulled out his phone. One number. The only person he could think of.

It rang twice before his mother’s voice answered, rushed and full of worry. “Mom” he choked out when she answered, his voice already breaking.

“Yunho-yah? Did something happen? How is she? How is Y/N?”

He shut his eyes at her voice, raw and pleading. For a moment, he could hardly breathe. “She’s… stable now Mom. They said it was a mental breakdown from stress. She collapsed because she’s been carrying too much. But she’s awake.”

He gripped the phone tighter, teeth sinking into his lip until he tasted iron. 'And it's all because of me.'

A sharp exhale came through the receiver. “Oh, thank God… I can’t—” She broke off, her voice trembling. “I can’t imagine if it’s worse than that. My heart nearly stopped when we saw her at the beach.”

“Mom, don’t worry. I will take care of her well…” His voice faltered, tears finally spilling.

Silence lingered on the other end before his mother spoke again, her voice low, filled with something deeper. An instinct, a mother’s knowing. “Son… there’s more, isn’t there? Tell me.”

Yunho’s chest heaved as guilt clawed at his throat. His grip on the phone tightened until his knuckles ached. And then, the words broke free, ragged and shaking.

“Mom” he whispered, his voice catching.

Silence stretched. He could almost feel her bracing herself on the other end. “What is it, son?”

The words clawed at his throat, but the shame pressing down on him demanded release. His voice cracked. “I cheated on her.”

The world went still.

He could hear the faintest sound of her breath, hitched, sharp like glass breaking.

“…What?” Her voice was quiet, disbelieving. Not angry yet, just wounded.

Yunho’s chest caved in. He sank against the wall, his knees drawing up, the phone shaking against his ear. “I cheated, Mom. With Iseul. I let her back in, I let her… I don’t even know why I did it. I make myself believe that Y/N didn’t want the same things as I did, that she didn’t want children, that she was shutting me out, that she just waiting for me to end us. I convinced myself it meant she didn’t love me anymore. And I—” His voice cracked, spilling into a sob. “I’m so stupid.. I was so, so wrong.”

His mother’s voice came low, broken. “Yunho… how could you?”

The words gutted him. He buried his face in his free hand, his sobs muffled.

“She gave you everything. Y/n stood by you when you were trying to start a new life after Iseul, when you were at your lowest point in your life. She was there when you were struggling, when you thought your dreams were impossible. Do you even realize what you’ve done to her?”

“I know!” Yunho cried, his voice tearing out of him. “I know what I did! And it’s killing me, Mom. She’s in that hospital bed because of me. I betrayed the one person who never turned her back on me. And now she—” His voice choked into silence. “She deserves so much better than me.”

There was silence again, heavy and suffocating. Yunho could hear her soft, uneven breaths, as though she was trying not to cry. When she spoke, her words trembled with both anger and love.

“You’re right,” she whispered. “She does deserve better. But she also deserves for you to be the man you promised you’d be for her. Do you understand me? You don’t get to run away from this. You don’t get to wallow in guilt while she suffers. You put her in this pain, Yunho, and now you have to fight twice as hard to take it away.”

Yunho pressed his forehead against his knee, tears streaming freely. “I don’t deserve her forgiveness.”

“No,” she agreed softly, “you don’t. Not yet. But if you truly love her, then you’ll spend every breath you have proving you can be worthy of her again.”

Her mother's words pierced through the haze of shame, anchoring him. He bit down hard, letting her voice steady the storm inside him.

“You regret it, don’t you?” she asked suddenly, her tone breaking.

“With everything I am,” he whispered hoarsely. “Mom, I swear… if I could rip the past out of me, I would. I’ll never forgive myself for what I did. But I can’t lose her. I can’t.”

Her voice softened, though the hurt lingered. “Then don’t. Don’t you dare lose her, Yunho-yah. Not when she needs you most. This is your chance, your last chance to prove to her that she’s still your world. Don’t waste it.”

Yunho squeezed his eyes shut, the ache in his chest sharp, almost unbearable. “I’ll fix this, I'll fix us” he swore, voice shaking but certain. “No matter what it takes, I’ll make it right. I’ll fight for her, even if I have to crawl on my knees to earn her forgiveness. I’ll never let her go again. I love her so much.”

His mother’s reply was thick with tears. “Then start now, Son. Stay by her side. Hold her hand. Show her you choose her… always her.”

The call ended, but Yunho stayed crouched in the quiet room, clutching the phone like a lifeline. His tears wouldn’t stop, but his vow burned through the shame, steady and unyielding.

'I will fight for her. Even if it’s the last thing I do, I will fight for her.'

𓂃 ࣪˖.☘︎.˖ ࣪𓂃

The morning bled into night, and the hospital carried its usual rhythm of distant footsteps, muted announcements, and the sterile hum of machines. Yunho had not slept. His eyes were raw, rimmed red, but he remained rooted in the waiting chair outside your room, watching each nurse who entered and left.

When Dr. Park finally approached, her expression calm but unreadable, Yunho stood instantly. His chest tightened as if bracing for a blow. “Mr. Jeong,” she said with professional warmth, “I’ve completed the necessary evaluations. Y/N’s vitals are stable now, and she’s responding well to rest. We are also moving her to a private room where you can stay and be with her. Also, I will be preparing her discharge papers. She can go home tomorrow afternoon.”

Yunho blinked, his heart stumbling. “So soon? are you sure?” Dr. Park nodded. “Her body needs the comfort of home as much as treatment. But it’s important that she follows her medication schedule, avoids stress triggers, and rests properly. What happened could happen again if she doesn’t.”

Her words carved deep into him, each one another reminder of the fragility he had caused. He swallowed hard, forcing himself to nod. “I’ll make sure of it, and I’ll stay with her.”

A jagged thought cut into him. 'I promised her once before, and I broke it. This time, I can’t fail. Not again. Not when my life is depending on her.'

Dr. Park’s gaze lingered on him for a moment, thoughtful, as if she could see straight through the mask of his promise into the ocean of guilt beneath. Then she placed a file against her chest, her tone clipped but not unkind. “That’s all for now. She’ll be monitored closely until release.”

And just like that, she walked away, leaving Yunho alone with the weight of both his vow and his punishment.

Tomorrow, you would be coming home. And Yunho swore to himself, trembling fists clenched at his sides, that this time he would not fail you.

He turned the handle quietly and stepped into your private room. The soft lamplight spilled across the bed, catching on the pale curve of your face. Yunho froze at the sight of you, unsure whether he should smile or weep. He wanted to rush forward, to hold you, to say something light and comforting, but the words stuck.

Before he could decide, your eyes fluttered open. Weak, but unmistakably warm, your lips curved upward. “Yunho,” you whispered, his name soft like a prayer.

The sound undid him. Relief struck so sharp he almost buckled where he stood. He crossed the room slowly, forcing himself not to break into the desperate pace his body begged for. “You’re awake,” he murmured, his voice husky, trembling. “Thank God… I can finally see you”

You studied his face, noticing the shadows beneath his eyes, the way his shoulders sagged under invisible weight. Despite the IV in your hand and the ache lingering in your body, you smiled again, trying to chase away the storm cloud in his expression. “Don’t worry too much. I’m fine now. I’ll rest properly, I promise.”

He sat on the chair beside your bed, leaning close as if afraid you would vanish if he blinked. His hand hovered before finally resting gently over yours. “You scared me more than I’ve ever been in my life. Don’t tell me not to worry… I can’t help it. Not when it’s you.”

Your gaze softened, though your chest tightened at the truth you could never tell him. 'If this is what he looks like now, if this is how broken he is just from worry, how could he survive the truth?' You swallowed back the thought, letting your smile stay gentle. “You need to rest, too. You look like you haven’t closed your eyes in days.”

He laughed weakly, though his eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “I couldn’t. Not until I knew you’d be okay.”

'He’s falling apart because of me already', you thought, watching the way his fingers trembled where they touched yours. 'This is why I can’t tell him. If he knew the truth, if he knew what’s really happening to me, it would destroy him. I’d rather carry it alone than see him crumble like this.'

Silence settled, heavy but not uncomfortable. You hesitated, then whispered, “Yunho… stay with me tonight. You can just… sleep beside me.”

His eyes widened, startled. “Here? In the bed?” He glanced at the narrow space beside you, then back to your tired but determined expression. “I… I don’t want to hurt you. What if—”

“Please,” you cut in gently. “We can sleep together.”

He hesitated only a moment longer before nodding. Carefully, almost reverently, he shifted onto the bed beside you. The mattress dipped under his weight, and you couldn’t help a small laugh as his impossibly long legs dangled awkwardly over the edge.

The sound of your soft laughter breaks through the heaviness. Yunho’s lips curved upward despite everything, a low chuckle escaping him. “Guess hospital beds aren’t made for people my size.”

“Clearly not,” you teased faintly, and for the briefest moment, it felt like the old days. Where laughter was easy, where love was enough.

He shifted closer until his arm wrapped around you carefully, like holding porcelain. Your body relaxed against him, your head finding its home on his chest. His heartbeat thudded beneath your ear, steady and grounding.

'This is it,' Yunho thought, tightening his hold, breathing you in. 'This is where it begins again. I’ll never let her go. I’ll fight for you..for us, no matter how long it takes, until you know you're safe with me again.'

But your eyes closed against his shirt, hiding the tears that pricked your lashes. 'This is it.. Just for tonight, I can feel his warmth, his comfort again. This is my home. But soon I’ll have to leave it. Soon, I’ll have to let him go. I only hope… he’ll find a life that doesn’t hurt like this... After me.'

The room quieted, breaths syncing as the night deepened. Wrapped in each other’s arms, you both surrendered to sleep. His vow burned like fire in his chest, while your secret goodbye whispered silently in your heart.

The night passed in fragments of shallow sleep, broken by the hum of machines and the muted shuffle of nurses beyond the door. But for Yunho, it was the first time in days he allowed his eyes to close, his arms wound tightly around you, anchoring himself to your warmth. Every time you shifted faintly against him, he stirred, adjusting his hold as if afraid you might slip away.

And when morning light finally bled through the blinds, it touched both of you, tangled in the narrow hospital bed. Yunho’s long frame dwarfed the space, his legs hanging uncomfortably over the edge, but he hadn’t moved all night. He hadn’t dared to.

You stirred first, your lashes fluttering before your eyes opened. The steady rise and fall of Yunho’s chest was the first thing you saw. For a moment, you allowed yourself to breathe it in, the safety, the warmth, the illusion that nothing was wrong. 'If only I could freeze time like this.'

Yunho blinked awake slowly, his gaze falling to you, and despite the rawness in his features, his lips lifted into a tired smile. “Good morning.” His voice was soft, still rough with sleep.

“Morning,” you whispered back. You reached up instinctively, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. “You need to sleep more.”

He caught your hand gently, pressing it against his cheek. “I’ll rest when I know you’re safe. That’s all that matters now.”

'Safe.' The word echoed in your chest like a cruel reminder. You forced a faint smile, tucking away the ache. “You worry too much, Yunho.”

“No,” he said firmly, shaking his head. “Not when it comes to you. Never when it comes to you.”

Before you could answer, a knock at the door drew both your gazes. Dr. Park entered, professional as always, though her eyes softened faintly when she saw the two of you side by side. “Good afternoon,” she greeted. “Y/N, good thing your vitals are keeping stable, and your body is responding well. I’ve already signed your discharge papers. You’ll be free to go home today.”

You nodded, a quiet relief passing over you. Yunho, however, straightened instantly. “Doctor, Are you sure she’s ready?”

Dr. Park gave him a reassuring glance. “Home is sometimes the best medicine. But remember, she must rest, keep to her medication schedule, and avoid heavy stress. I mean it, Mr. Jeong. What happened here could happen again if precautions aren’t followed.”

Her warning struck Yunho’s chest like another weight, but he nodded quickly. “I’ll make sure of it. I’ll take care of her.”

'How many times have I promised that?' he thought bitterly. 'This time, I can’t just say it. I have to live it. Every second, every breath, I’ll prove to you that you're safe with me.'

Then Dr. Park excused herself, leaving the two of you in the heavy quiet once again.

Yunho turned back to you, a nervous smile tugging at his lips. “Let’s go home.”

You lowered your gaze, hiding the tears that threatened. Home. For him, it means a new beginning. For you, it’s one last memory you will carry. But you forced your lips to curve upward, nodding softly. “Yes. Let’s go home.”

𓂃 ࣪˖.☘︎.˖ ࣪𓂃

The drive home was quiet, the kind of silence that pressed in on both of you. Yunho’s hands stayed tight around the steering wheel, his eyes fixed forward, while you leaned against the window, letting the hum of the road fill the air.

When the car rolled into the familiar street, Yunho’s gaze caught on a dark shape in front of the house. A car. Parked directly outside your driveway. He stiffened immediately, his jaw clenching.

'What the hell…? How did she even know this address?'

You blinked, sitting up straighter. “Whose car is that?” you asked softly, curiosity laced with unease. “Do you know them?”

Before Yunho could answer, the driver’s door opened, and a woman stepped out. Recognition struck you like a slap.

Your lips parted, disbelief twisting your chest. 'Oh..It's her' you thought

His blood ran cold. “Fuck!” he muttered under his breath, gripping the wheel harder. Then he turned to you, his expression grave. “Don’t get out, Y/N. Stay here. I'll be quick.”

The sternness in his voice made your heart stutter. He was already pushing his door open before you could protest.

'God, no. Not now. Not in front of her. What if this makes Y/N collapse again? I can’t let this happen.' Shame burned through him as much as fear.

Outside, the night air hit him sharp, but nothing compared to the storm standing a few feet away.

“Yunho!” Iseul’s voice was already high-pitched, restless, trembling with a manic edge. She looked disheveled, her eyes wild as she approached. “Why didn’t you answer my calls? Why did you ignore me?”

He caught her wrist, trying to turn her back toward her car. “Not here, Iseul. Get in your car. We’ll talk later.”

But she twisted free, her face contorted with frustration. “No! You don’t get to brush me off like this. You don’t understand! I’ve been going crazy. You can’t just disappear on me!”

'Damn it, Iseul. Not here. Not now.' Yunho glanced back at his own car, his chest tightening. Even though the windows were tinted, he felt your eyes on them. Watching. Seeing everything.

Iseul followed his gaze, and her expression darkened. She looked straight toward the passenger seat of Yunho’s car, and though she couldn’t see you clearly, it felt like her stare cut right through the glass.

You froze under it, your chest tightening. 'Why do I feel like she sees me? Why do I feel… caught?' You swallowed hard, the shame gnawing at you despite the truth. 'I shouldn’t feel this way. I’m still his wife. But why does it feel like I’m the one intruding?'

Then Iseul’s voice rose, loud enough to slice through the night. “You promised, Yunho! One week—then you’d come back to me. You said it! I’m the one you love, right? You told me!”

Your breath hitched. The words landed like shards, sharp and merciless.

Yunho’s face drained, his heart pounding as if the whole neighborhood could hear. “Are you crazy?! Stop this madness, Iseul!” His voice cracked with both anger and desperation. “Go home. We’ll talk later, not like this. Please...just stop!”

But her expression twisted, desperate and furious. “I won’t go home until you tell me you love me. Say it, Yunho! Say it!”

He froze, every muscle locking. His throat went dry. He wanted to scream to tell her she's wrong. But before he could open his mouth, another voice cut through.

“I’ll go inside.”

He whipped around. There you were, standing just behind him, your figure fragile under the porch light. His stomach dropped. “Y/N” His voice cracked, helpless.

You only nod, giving him assurance that you are fine, and slip past him into the house.

The sight snapped something in him. Yunho turned back to Iseul, fury blazing through the exhaustion etched in his features. “Listen to me, Iseul. If you don’t leave now, if you keep this up, you’ll never see me again. Do you understand?! Never!”

The threat hit her like a blow. Her face crumbled, her lips trembling as tears spilled. “No… don’t say that. Please, Yunho, don’t do that to me.” She clutched at his arms desperately, sobbing. “I’m sorry. I’ll stop. I’ll go home now. Just… don’t say I’ll never see you again.”

She collapsed against him in a hug, clinging with shameless desperation. He stood stiff, unmoving, waiting, praying that she would let go.

From the living room window, you saw it all. The way she held him. The way he didn’t push her away fast enough.

Your chest ached, twisting with a cruel mix of emotions. 'It hurts. God, it hurts to see it. But… maybe this is what love looks like, too. Maybe she really does love him. The desperation. The want. Maybe she can give him what I can’t anymore.'

Iseul finally stumbled back toward her car, wiping her face with trembling hands. She drove off into the night, leaving Yunho standing in the driveway, his shoulders slumped, his whole body sagging with defeat.

'I need to deal with her immediately. She needs to know the undeniable truth.'

He stepped inside the house moments later, his face pale and drawn. He didn’t know where to begin, what to say to you after all that.

'I swore I wouldn’t stress her. I swore I’d protect her. And yet… not even an hour home, and this happens. I can’t do anything right.'

You looked at him quietly, your gaze unreadable. The silence pressed between you until you spoke, your voice soft. “Yunho… will you stay for dinner?”

His head snapped up, eyes wide. “Of course.” The answer came too quickly, almost desperate.

“I’ll cook,” you murmured, already taking a step toward the kitchen.

Immediately, he shook his head, panic flickering in his eyes. “No. You should rest. I’ll handle it—”

But you cut him off gently, your voice steady. “Please. I want to. Just tonight.”

He hesitated, torn between protest and surrender, then finally nodded, though unease clung to his expression.

For a moment, silence lingered again before he spoke, his voice low, hesitant. “About what happe—”

“You don’t have to explain,” you interrupted softly, forcing a faint smile that didn’t quite reach your eyes. “I understand.”

His chest tightened at your words, and he shook his head quickly. “No, I want to explain. I need you to know—”

But you stopped him again, this time more firmly. “Can we… talk about this after dinner?” Your voice faltered slightly, but your gaze stayed steady.

Defeated, Yunho’s shoulders sagged, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Alright,” he whispered, nodding.

As you moved toward the kitchen, your thoughts whispered heavy in your chest. 'Let me cook this one last dinner. Today is Sunday. Our last day of this one-week promise. At least… let me give him this much before I let him go.'

The house smelled warm again. For the first time in what felt like forever, it smelled like home. The rich aroma of seared steak filled the kitchen, softened by the buttery scent of mashed potatoes and the sharp tang of kimchi. You plated everything carefully, humming under your breath, making sure it looked perfect. Tonight, you told yourself, has to feel normal. At least for a while.

When you set the dishes down, Yunho lingered at the table, tense and guarded, but the moment you looked at him with a bright, beautiful smile, something in his shoulders eased.

“Steak with kimchi,” you said lightly, sliding into your seat across from him. “Your favorite."

Yunho let out a soft, surprised laugh, the kind that felt like it belonged to another time. “I used to annoy you with that. Remember? Every time we went out, I’d order steak and ask for kimchi, but I ended up complaining because their kimchi wasn’t good enough.”

You chuckled softly, picking up your fork. “And I told you, if you wanted proper kimchi, you should just eat at home.”

He grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling in a way that tugged at your heart. For a moment, it was almost as if the chaos outside of these walls had never happened. Just the two of you, teasing each other like it was any ordinary Sunday night.

Yunho chewed thoughtfully, watching you across the table. He swallowed, then said quietly, “I love this…It felt like home again,” 'like just the two of us only exist'

You forced your smile wider, though your chest ached. “That’s the point of a Sunday dinner, isn’t it?”

His throat tightened. He wanted to reach across the table, to take your hand, to say he wanted this forever.

But while Yunho’s chest stirred with fragile hope because this feels right, this feels like the start of something again, while you tucked the ache of truth behind your smile. In your heart, you knew tonight wasn’t a beginning. It was the end.

𓂃 ࣪˖.☘︎.˖ ࣪𓂃

After dinner, the two of you carried mugs of hot tea to the couch, settling in the familiar quiet. The cushions dipped the same way they always had, his warmth beside you so achingly close, the clink of porcelain gentle in the silence. For a fleeting while, it was as though life had rewound. The weight of the world vanished, leaving only the simplicity of a routine you had once cherished.

But your eyes kept drifting to the clock. Each tick was a reminder. Each minute that passed pushed you closer to the moment you couldn’t delay.

Five minutes.. Three minutes… One minute..

Then you suddenly hug him and without hesitation he hugs you back. He was smiling while you bit your lips so they would stop trembling from the emotion you felt. You wanted to cry. You want to hug him forever. You want the time to stop but you know it impossible.

When the hands finally struck midnight, you break from the hug and you try to compose yourself. Slowly, deliberately, you reached for the drawer of the coffee table and pulled it open. The folder lay waiting. Heavy. Final.

You turned back to Yunho with a smile, radiant, steady, almost cruel in its gentleness. “Here,” you said softly, handing it to him as though it were something precious.

His brows furrowed as he took it. Confusion flickered first, then recognition. The sight of the familiar folder made his stomach plummet. 'No. No, not this.'

He opened it anyway, dread tightening in his chest. And there it was, the divorce papers he had once served you. Only now, your signature was written at the bottom together with his. Clear. Permanent.

It felt like ice water poured down his spine.

“No,” Yunho choked out, dropping the folder onto the table as if it burned. His hands shot forward, gripping yours desperately. His eyes, wide and wet, searched your face as panic rushed through him. “No, Y/N. We don’t have to do this. Please. I’m sorry. I was wrong.”

Your lips trembled, but you kept the smile, though it cracked at the edges. “Yunho…”

“Please,” he said again, his voice breaking. “I was blind, I was selfish. I hurt you. But I’ll spend the rest of my life making it right. Just… don’t do this. Don’t let me lose you.”

“Yunho—”

“I’ll change. I swear. I’ll never let go again. Just give me another chance. Please, Y/N.” His knees buckled beneath him, and before you could stop him, he knelt in front of you, his large hands trembling as they held yours. Tears streaked down his face, raw and shameless. “Forgive me. Please take me back. I can’t—”

“Get up,” you whispered, your own tears breaking free. “Please, Yunho, don’t do this.”

“I will beg every day if I have to,” he said, clutching your hands tighter. “I’ll sleep at your feet if it means that you keep me. I don’t care how pathetic and selfish I sound. Just… don’t sign us away.”

Your sob tore free, your chest heaving. “You don’t understand. I can’t… I can’t keep going like this.”

“Then let me make it different!” Yunho cried, desperation pouring out of him. “I’ll do better, I promise. I’ll never hurt you again. I’ll prove it every day if I have to. Just give me one more chance, Y/N. One more.”

The sight of him shattered something inside you. You bit down on your sob, but it slipped free anyway, tears spilling hot down your cheeks. “Yunho, stop… please...don't get confused.. you don't love me anymore”

“No,” he cried, shaking his head, his voice wrecked. “I love you. I love you more than I can breathe. Don’t leave me...please.. Y/n please..”

Your chest ached, splintering with every word. If only he knew the truth. If only he knew why you had to do this. But you couldn’t tell him, not like this. Not when his face already looked broken beyond repair.

So you said the only words that might make him let go. Even if it tore you apart. “I don’t love you anymore.”

The lie left your lips like poison, and the taste of it almost made you choke.

Yunho’s world caved in. His breath stopped, his hands loosening around yours as he stared up at you, disbelief etched across every line of his face. 'No. No, that can’t be true. It’s not true. She loves me. She always has.'

“That’s not true. Don't lie!" he rasped, his voice shaking. “Look me in the eye and say it again.”

You forced yourself to meet his gaze, even as your tears blurred him into nothing but a trembling outline. “I don’t love you anymore, Yunho.”

He broke. His sob tore through the room, raw and guttural, his forehead pressing against your knee as his shoulders shook.

His thoughts spiraled, frantic and desperate. The tables had turned. Once, he was the one begging to escape this marriage. Now, he was begging you to keep him. How pathetic, how selfish. And yet he didn’t care. He didn’t care about pride or shame or dignity. He only cared about not losing you.

Inside, your heart screamed. 'Liar. Liar.' You love him so much you can barely stand it. But this was the only way to set him free.

“No,” he whispered hoarsely, shaking his head over and over. “You don’t mean that. I know you don’t. Please, Y/N. Don’t do this to me. Don’t do this to us.” His sobs broke the quiet, his whole body trembling.

Your own sobs joined his, your hands clutching his desperately. “Yunho, listen. I want it. I want the divorce. I’ve already decided. We decided this from the start. I want to start a new life… without you. And I want you to start a new life without me.”

His tears fell harder, burning his skin. He couldn’t imagine it. He couldn’t imagine a single day, a single breath, without you in it.

“Don’t say that,” he pleaded, his voice strangled. “Don’t you dare say that. You are my life, Y/N. There is no life without you.”

You cupped his face, your smile trembling through your tears. “Yunho… in this life, maybe we were meant to just meet, but we weren’t fated to stay forever. This is our end. Let’s not make it harder for us.”

The words gutted him, left him gasping like a man drowning in his own grief. He opened his mouth to speak, to beg, to fight BUT

The doorbell rang.

The sharp sound cracked through the storm between you, both of you flinching. Yunho froze, his stomach twisting violently. His mind went immediately to one name, one face.

'Please, God. Not her again. Not now.'

⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖°⋆˚✿˖°

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