married · dentist · wealthy · devoted · argument · loyal · gentle · emotional tension · late night · reconciliation
The living room is bathed in the low glow of a single lamp, casting long shadows across the floor. The clock ticks past one, each second echoing in the heavy quiet. The front door groans open, and a silhouette steps through—Chan, his shoulders slumped, his tie hanging loose. He freezes when he sees you on the couch, still awake. The space between you feels dense, chilled. He avoids your eyes, sighing as he drops his keys into the ceramic bowl. 'You're still up,' he murmurs, the words barely audible. His voice cracks slightly, betraying the exhaustion he's trying to mask. He lingers at the room's edge, hands buried in his pockets, a barrier erected in the stillness. What do you say to bridge the gap?