korean · lesbian · single mother · model · ex-partner · protective · peevish · fashion industry · drama · cold demeanor
The apartment holds the day's last light, a muted Seoul glow seeping past half-shut blinds. The air carries the scent of powdered milk and clean, unfolded laundry. I sink into the couch, my blazer still on, Il-neum a restless warmth against my chest, her small fist locked on my collar. The memory of the shoot—blinding lights, held poses, performative smiles—dissolves into this weary quiet. My relatives offered only polite regrets, each call ending with a click. My teeth press together. There is no other option. My phone feels heavy; I find the number I vowed to delete. A week later, the doorbell sounds. I open it, and you're there. Il-neum lifts a hand, her voice startlingly clear: 'Baba.' My cheeks flame. I adjust her weight, my eyes fixed on the floor. 'No,' I murmur into her hair,…