So Good || Hyunho {FxF}

Jinnie perched on the edge of her bed, her expression torn between frustration and longing. Her silk robe slipped from one shoulder, revealing the smooth, creamy expanse of her skin, and her perfectly round, full breasts strained against the fabric, rising and falling with each deep sigh. Her chest was nothing short of breathtaking, the kind of curve that could stop someone in their tracks. Her long, slender legs were crossed delicately, their flawless curves shimmering in the dim bedroom light. She absently twisted a lock of her honey-blonde hair around her finger, her glossy lips pursed in thought. No matter how perfect she looked on the outside, a storm of dissatisfaction brewed within.

Han Jisung, her husband, was sweet and attentive—at least outside the bedroom. But lately, intimacy with him had become mechanical, dull, even frustrating. He had grown distant, and Jinnie's nights were now filled with forced smiles and faked orgasms. It wasn't that she didn't love him; she did. But the fire between them had dwindled to a flicker, leaving her aching for something she couldn't name.

Jinnie sighed, running a manicured hand through her hair. She had to talk to someone, and only one name came to mind: Minhee. Her best friend, someone who always seemed to have her life together. Minhee exuded confidence, carrying herself with a swagger that felt effortlessly natural. She was blunt, practical, and refreshingly unapologetic—a complete contrast to Jinnie's softer, more delicate demeanor. If anyone could help her, it was Minhee.

When Jinnie arrived at Minhee's house, she felt her heart race. Minhee opened the door wearing a fitted black tank top and loose gray sweatpants, her dark hair tied up in a messy bun. She leaned casually against the doorframe, her piercing gaze sweeping over Jinnie in a way that made her feel both exposed and comforted.

"Jinnie," Minhee said, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "What's up? You look like you're about to confess a crime."

Jinnie laughed nervously, brushing past Minhee to step inside. Her perfume lingered in the air, a sweet, floral scent that made Minhee's chest tighten. As always, Jinnie looked stunning, her robe clinging to her curves in a way that made it impossible to look away. The fabric barely held back the generous swell of her chest, and Minhee's eyes flickered there for half a second before she shoved her hands into her pockets, willing herself to act normal.

"It's... it's nothing like that," Jinnie said, settling onto the couch. The robe slipped higher on her thighs, and Minhee had to force herself to sit down without staring. "I just need to talk to someone."

Minhee raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"

Jinnie hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her robe. She bit her lip, and Minhee couldn't help but notice how plump and soft they looked. Her thoughts strayed unwillingly, imagining what it would feel like to catch that lip between her teeth, to taste the sweetness of her skin. Her gaze drifted lower again, to the way Jinnie's robe hugged her chest, her soft, rounded breasts just barely contained by the silky fabric. Minhee shifted in her seat, crossing one leg over the other in an attempt to ground herself.

"It's about Jisung," Jinnie finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Minhee's stomach churned, but she kept her expression neutral. She knew exactly where this was going, and it made her feel like a piece of shit. She leaned back, resting one arm over the back of the couch. "What about him?"

Jinnie sighed, her cheeks turning pink. "He... he's not satisfying me anymore," she confessed, her voice trembling. "I... I have to fake it. Almost every time."

Minhee's jaw tightened. She had suspected this for a while, but hearing Jinnie say it aloud hit differently. Her mind flashed to the nights she spent with Jisung—nights that were anything but unsatisfying. Nights where Jinnie's name had slipped from his lips, only for Minhee to push it out of her mind with the heat of their stolen moments. She felt a pang of guilt but quickly shoved it aside. This wasn't about her.

"Have you talked to him about it?" Minhee asked, keeping her tone even.

Jinnie shook her head, her blonde waves bouncing with the movement. "No. I can't. You know how sensitive he is. If I told him I wasn't happy, it would destroy him."

Minhee let out a low whistle, her fingers tapping against her knee. "Well, pretending everything's fine isn't gonna fix anything, Jinnie. You've gotta either talk to him or figure out another way to deal with it."

Jinnie's eyes widened, and for a moment, Minhee swore she saw tears glistening in them. But Jinnie quickly masked it with a soft, almost childlike smile. "That's why I came to you," she said, her voice sweet and trusting. "You always know what to do."

Minhee's chest tightened again, guilt gnawing at her. She hated this. Hated how Jinnie trusted her so completely, hated how much she wanted Jinnie despite knowing she didn't deserve her. Her gaze drifted, unbidden, to the curve of Jinnie's thigh, the way her robe rode up just enough to reveal the delicate skin beneath. She swallowed hard, clearing her throat as if to push the thought away.

Her imagination wasn't as cooperative. She pictured her fingers tracing those smooth thighs, pushing the robe further up, her lips pressing against every inch of Jinnie's body until she was trembling under her touch. Her mind wandered further, imagining the weight of Jinnie's breasts in her hands, the way her soft curves would feel against her own body. The thought alone made Minhee's breath hitch, and she dug her nails into her palms to keep herself grounded.

"Look," Minhee said, her tone gruffer than she intended. "I'll be honest with you. Sometimes, guys just get lazy. Maybe he's distracted or stressed or... I don't know, taking you for granted. But if you're not satisfied, that's not your fault. Don't let yourself feel guilty about it."

Jinnie's shoulders relaxed slightly, and she leaned against Minhee, her head resting on her friend's shoulder. Minhee froze, her pulse hammering in her ears. Jinnie's scent, her warmth, her impossibly soft skin—it was too much. Her thoughts spiraled, imagining what it would be like to pull Jinnie closer, to feel her skin against hers, to—

"Thank you," Jinnie whispered, her voice so quiet it made Minhee's heart ache. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Minhee."

Minhee's lips twitched into a smirk, though her insides were a mess. "You'd probably find someone better to vent to," she said, her tone teasing. "Maybe someone who doesn't just give you half-assed advice."

Jinnie giggled, sitting up slightly but staying close. "Stop it. You're amazing, and you know it."

Minhee groaned dramatically, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Flatter me all you want, but I'm not a miracle worker, Jinnie. If you want real help, you're gonna have to be honest with your husband."

"I'll try," Jinnie said, though her voice was hesitant. Her fingers played with the hem of her robe again, and Minhee couldn't help but watch the way her nails traced the smooth fabric. The motion was hypnotic, her bare skin just inches away.

"Or," Minhee added, her voice dropping into a low, teasing drawl, "you could just divorce his ass and let someone else... take care of you."

Jinnie's eyes widened, her cheeks flushing even redder. "Minhee!" she gasped, swatting her friend's arm playfully. "You're terrible!"

Minhee chuckled, leaning in closer, her gaze locked on Jinnie's. "I'm just saying," she murmured, her voice taking on a husky edge. "You deserve someone who actually knows how to make you feel good. Someone who'd be begging to touch you, not the other way around."

Jinnie's breath hitched, and for a moment, the air between them felt electric. She looked away quickly, her lashes fluttering as she tried to compose herself. "I... I don't know what you mean," she stammered, though her voice betrayed her nervousness.

Minhee smirked, leaning back slightly to give her space. "Sure you don't," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "But hey, whenever you figure it out, let me know. I'll be here."

Jinnie stood abruptly, smoothing her robe and avoiding Minhee's gaze. "Thank you for listening," she said softly, her voice steady but her movements hurried. "I should get going. Jisung will wonder where I am."

Minhee stayed seated, watching her with a faint smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Anytime, Jinnie. You know where to find me."

As the door closed behind Jinnie, Minhee let out a long breath, running a hand through her hair. The scent of Jinnie's perfume lingered in the air, making her stomach twist. She wanted her so badly it hurt, but she knew better than to let herself hope. This was her punishment, and she'd endure it—because she had no other choice.

That night, Minhee sat in bed with Seungmin, her arms crossed as she stared at the ceiling. Her husband glanced at her, his calm brown eyes taking in her unusually tense posture.

"Something on your mind?" Seungmin asked, his voice as steady and measured as ever.

Minhee let out a sharp breath, sitting up. "Yeah. Something big," she admitted, running a hand through her hair. "It's about Jinnie. And Jisung."

Seungmin didn't react, simply waiting for her to continue.

"She's not happy with him," Minhee said bluntly. "He's not... satisfying her anymore. And the reason he's not is because he's been fucking me."

Seungmin's expression didn't change, though his lips pressed into a thin line. After a long moment, he sighed. "I've always known, Minhee," he said evenly. "I told you I was fine with it. And I still am."

"Yeah, but she's not," Minhee snapped, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "She's my best friend, Seungmin. And she's coming to me for advice about why her husband isn't paying attention to her anymore, and all I can think is... it's my fault."

Seungmin reached out, his hand resting on her shoulder. "You're not responsible for their marriage," he said firmly. "That's between them. You and I agreed to this arrangement, and it's not like you forced Jisung to do anything."

Minhee exhaled sharply, running a hand over her face. "I just feel like shit, Seungmin. I don't know how to fix this."

Seungmin studied her for a long moment. "It's not your fault, but there's more to this, isn't there?" he asked. "What else is going on?"

Minhee's lips twitched into a bitter smile. "I want her," she admitted, her voice raw. "I want Jinnie so fucking bad I can't stand it. Every time she's near me, it drives me insane. Her smell, her voice, the way she looks at me like I'm her savior... it's torture. I can't stop thinking about her. About what it would be like to..." She trailed off, shaking her head as if to dispel the thought.

Seungmin's expression remained calm, though his hand on her shoulder tightened slightly. "And you feel like a monster because of it," he said softly.

"I do," Minhee confessed. "I see the way she trusts me, and all I can think about is how much I want to ruin it. To pin her against the wall and make her scream my name until she forgets about him entirely. And then I hate myself for thinking that, because she deserves so much better."

Seungmin sighed, pulling her into his arms. "You're not a monster, Minhee. You're human. And you're in a situation that would drive anyone crazy. But you need to figure out what you want—for yourself and for her. Because this can't keep eating you alive."

Minhee rested her forehead against his chest, her voice muffled. "I don't know if I can fix this, Seungmin. But I know I can't keep pretending I don't feel this way."

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, holding her close. "Then don't pretend. But don't let it destroy you either. You'll figure it out... we'll figure it out. Together."

Minhee closed her eyes, letting his steady breathing calm her frayed nerves. For the first time that night, she felt a sliver of hope.

‧ ─・─・୨୧・─・─ ‧

A dinner gathering between the two married couples: Jinnie and Jisung, Minhee and Seungmin. The air buzzed with an undercurrent of expectation as the four sat around a table set with flickering candles, hearty dishes, and the faint sound of holiday music playing softly in the background.

Jinnie had outdone herself, wearing a red velvet dress that hugged her curves perfectly, the plunging V-line revealing just enough to hint at the fullness of her soft, rounded breasts. Her golden hair cascaded in soft waves down her back, and her smile, though genuine, had a tinge of nervousness to it—a fact Minhee couldn't ignore. The moment Jinnie walked in, Minhee's gaze had involuntarily traveled from the delicate lines of her collarbone to the way the dress accentuated her chest, and lower still to where the fabric cinched at her waist. She tore her eyes away quickly, forcing herself to focus on the holiday centerpiece.

"So," Seungmin said, breaking the silence as he helped pour wine into everyone's glasses, "what's the plan for Christmas night?"

Jinnie's smile brightened. "We were thinking of hosting! Maybe something cozy, with a tree and hot chocolate. Something simple but special."

"Simple works for us," Jisung said with a grin, sliding an arm around Jinnie's waist. The gesture seemed affectionate, but Minhee caught the slight stiffness in Jinnie's posture. She'd seen it enough times to recognize it—Jinnie was trying too hard.

"What do you think, Minhee?" Jinnie asked, turning her wide, sparkling eyes to her friend.

Minhee cleared her throat, setting her wine glass down. "Sounds great," she said casually. "But I'm not hanging Christmas lights. That's on Seungmin. I'm not climbing up ladders again just to watch him laugh when I'm about to fall."

Seungmin smirked. "What? It builds character."

"It builds broken bones," Minhee shot back, earning a laugh from the group.

The conversation shifted naturally, laughter and stories flowing as the night continued. After dinner, Jisung and Seungmin excused themselves to the kitchen to prepare dessert, leaving the women alone at the table.

For a moment, silence settled between Jinnie and Minhee. The air felt heavier without the men around, the tension they both tried to suppress all evening bubbling to the surface. Minhee's eyes wandered back to Jinnie, who was nervously smoothing the fabric of her dress, her fingers brushing over the V-line that dipped dangerously low. The movement drew Minhee's attention again, and she couldn't stop her mind from straying.

"You seemed quiet tonight," Jinnie said softly, glancing at Minhee. "Everything okay?"

Minhee let out a short laugh, leaning back in her chair. "You're asking me that? You've been sitting here like you're afraid the ceiling might cave in. Spill it."

Jinnie hesitated, her nails tapping lightly against her glass. "I don't know what you mean," she said, her tone light but her expression betraying her unease.

"Bullshit," Minhee shot back, her voice low. Her eyes locked onto Jinnie's, sharp and unyielding. "You've been fidgeting all night. What's going on?"

Jinnie sighed, her shoulders slumping. "It's nothing. Just holiday stress, you know?"

"Holiday stress doesn't make you avoid eye contact like you've got something to hide," Minhee said, her voice softening slightly. "Come on, Jinnie. Talk to me."

Jinnie's eyes flicked up to meet Minhee's, and for a moment, she looked as though she might burst into tears. But instead, she laughed nervously, shaking her head. "You're too observant for your own good," she murmured.

"Occupational hazard," Minhee said with a smirk, though her gaze remained steady. "So? What is it? Is it Jisung?"

Jinnie's lips parted, but no words came out. She looked away, her hands twisting in her lap. Minhee's chest tightened at the sight, a pang of guilt and longing flooding her. She leaned forward, lowering her voice.

"You're not happy," Minhee said gently. It wasn't a question. "You don't have to say it. I already know."

Jinnie's shoulders trembled slightly, and she drew in a shaky breath. "It's not that simple," she whispered. "I love him. I do. But..."

"But you're suffocating," Minhee finished for her, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jinnie's eyes snapped to Minhee's, wide and startled. For a moment, the room seemed to shrink around them, the weight of their shared silence pressing down like a tangible force.

"How did you..." Jinnie began, her voice faltering.

Minhee's lips quirked into a sad smile. "Because I've been watching you. You're so good at pretending, Jinnie, but I can see through it. You're exhausted. You're trying so hard to hold everything together that it's breaking you."

Jinnie blinked rapidly, her fingers tightening around her glass. "I don't know how to fix it," she admitted, her voice cracking. "I don't even know where to start."

Minhee reached out, hesitating only for a moment before placing her hand over Jinnie's. The warmth of her touch sent a jolt through both of them, and Minhee felt her pulse quicken.

"You don't have to fix it alone," Minhee said, her voice firm but gentle. "I'm here. Whatever you need, Jinnie. You just have to let me in."

Jinnie's gaze dropped to their hands, her breath hitching. "I don't even know what I need," she murmured.

"Start with this," Minhee said, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Start with being honest—with yourself, with me, with him. That's all you can do."

Before Jinnie could respond, the sound of laughter and clinking dishes drifted from the kitchen. The spell between them broke, and Jinnie pulled her hand back, her cheeks flushing as she sat up straighter.

"Thanks," she said quietly, her voice steadying. "I needed to hear that."

Minhee leaned back in her chair, forcing a casual smile despite the ache in her chest. "Anytime," she said lightly, though her thoughts remained heavy.

When Jisung and Seungmin returned moments later, Seungmin carried a tray of desserts, his eyes lighting up as he set them down. "Alright, who's ready for a sugar overload?"

Jinnie laughed, visibly pulling herself together. "Count me in," she said, though her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

The evening had stretched into night, and the air inside Minhee and Seungmin's house was thick with warmth from the shared dinner and low hum of conversation. The soft, golden glow of the living room lamps cast long shadows across the walls, creating an intimate cocoon for the two couples. Plates had been cleared, and now the group found themselves lounging on the couch, wine glasses refilled as the sound of a classic holiday movie played in the background.

Jinnie had been leaning more heavily against Minhee's side, her head tilting closer with each passing minute. The red velvet dress she wore, with its plunging V-line and delicate folds, had captivated Minhee all evening. Her gaze lingered longer than it should have on the smooth, bare skin of Jinnie's chest, on the rise and fall of her breath that pulled against the fabric of her dress. Minhee shifted slightly, her mind warring with the sharp pang of guilt and the persistent ache of longing.

The wine had flowed generously, and Jinnie had been the most indulgent. Her cheeks were flushed a deeper red than the dress she wore, her movements languid as her inhibitions slipped further away. "This movie's... so boring," she murmured, her words slurring slightly. She let out a soft giggle, her head tipping to rest fully against Minhee's shoulder.

Minhee stiffened at first, feeling the warm weight of Jinnie's body press into her side. She could smell the faint sweetness of her perfume mingling with the wine, a scent that made her throat tighten. "Well," Minhee said dryly, glancing at the screen, "it's a classic. You're just too drunk to appreciate it."

Jinnie let out a breathy laugh, tilting her face up toward Minhee's. "I'm not that drunk," she protested, her words contradicting the way her eyes fluttered sleepily.

Seungmin stood from his spot on the other side of the couch, stretching his arms over his head. "I think that's our cue to grab the some snacks," he said to Jisung, who nodded and followed him into the kitchen. The moment the men left, the room seemed to shrink. The distant clatter of dishes felt like it came from another world as Minhee was left alone with Jinnie, her soft breaths audible against the backdrop of the movie.

"You're too nice to me," Jinnie said suddenly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her fingers idly traced the rim of her wine glass, her gaze unfocused. "Why are you always so nice to me?"

Minhee's chest tightened. She glanced down at Jinnie, whose head still rested on her shoulder, her golden hair spilling across them both like a halo. "Someone has to be," Minhee replied, trying to keep her tone light. "You deserve it."

Jinnie tilted her head, her eyes searching Minhee's face. "Do I?" she asked softly, her voice cracking at the edges. "I don't feel like I do. Not lately."

Minhee swallowed hard, resisting the urge to reach out and touch her. "Jinnie," she said carefully, "you're incredible. If you can't see that, it's not your fault. Maybe the people around you just aren't reminding you enough."

Jinnie let out a shaky laugh, but tears brimmed in her eyes. "Jisung doesn't look at me like you do," she whispered. "I don't think he... I don't think he wants me anymore."

The vulnerability in her voice made Minhee's heart ache. She turned slightly, her shoulder shifting Jinnie's head. "Hey," Minhee said softly, her hand brushing against Jinnie's arm. "Don't talk like that. You're beautiful, Jinnie. Anyone who can't see that is a fucking idiot."

Jinnie blinked up at her, the faint sheen of tears making her wide eyes shimmer. Her lips parted as if to speak, but she closed them again, her expression wavering. Before either of them could say anything more, the sound of the men returning broke the moment just like at dinner. Minhee quickly turned her attention back to the movie, her heart hammering in her chest.

By the time the evening wound down, Jinnie had drunk enough to make her steps unsteady. She had fully leaned into Minhee now, her voice slurring more heavily as she muttered something about being tired. Jisung stood, motioning to help her. "I'll take her home," he said, stepping toward her.

"No," Minhee said quickly, standing and carefully maneuvering Jinnie to her feet. Her arms slipped under Jinnie's legs and back, lifting her with ease. Jinnie stirred, her head falling against Minhee's chest as she mumbled incoherently.

Seungmin raised an eyebrow, watching them with mild amusement. "Where are you planning to put her?" he asked. "She's taking my side of the bed, isn't she?"

"You're sleeping on lixies bed," Minhee shot back, already heading toward the hallway. "Goodnight."

Seungmin sighed dramatically but didn't argue. Jisung hesitated, watching them go, but Seungmin clapped a hand on his shoulder. "She's got it. Trust me," Seungmin said, steering him back toward the kitchen.

Inside the bedroom, Minhee carefully laid Jinnie down on the bed, her movements gentle as she adjusted the blanket around her. She brushed a strand of hair away from Jinnie's face, her fingers lingering for a moment too long.

Jinnie's eyes fluttered open, bleary and unfocused. "Minhee?" she murmured, her voice soft and slurred.

"Yeah, it's me," Minhee said, crouching so she was at eye level. "Go back to sleep. You're fine."

Jinnie's hand reached out, her fingers brushing against Minhee's. "Don't go," she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. "Let me kiss you. I can be good, I promise. I can be enough."

The desperation in her voice hit Minhee like a blow. She froze, her throat tightening as Jinnie's words echoed in the quiet room.

"You already are enough, babygirl," Minhee said softly, her voice trembling. "I don't need to have sex with you to know that."

Jinnie's lip quivered, and her voice dropped to a whisper. "Then why doesn't Jisung see me as enough?"

Minhee's heart squeezed painfully, but before she could respond, Jinnie's breathing evened out, and she slipped back into unconsciousness. Minhee sat there for a long moment, her hand still lightly gripping Jinnie's, before she finally stood and walked quietly out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar behind her.

‧ ─・─・୨୧・─・─ ‧

The soft light of dawn stretched across the room, painting the walls in shades of gold and amber, as though the sun itself was lingering a moment longer, reluctant to leave. Jinnie stirred, her body curling deeper into the warmth of the blankets, the delicate arch of her back pressing gently against Minhee's side. Her bare shoulder peeked out from under the covers, bathed in the golden light, the soft skin glowing, inviting the touch of someone who knew it too well.

Minhee, still awake, lay on her side, propped up on one elbow, her dark eyes tracing the gentle rise and fall of Jinnie's chest. She watched the way Jinnie's breathing slowed, the tender curve of her body beneath the blankets, the way her hair spilled across the pillow in tangled, soft waves. Each inch of Jinnie's skin seemed to pull at Minhee, beckoning her closer, the warmth of her proximity a magnetic force Minhee couldn't resist.

Jinnie's eyes fluttered open slowly, her voice thick with sleep, as she shifted closer to Minhee, lips curling into a lazy smile. "What are you looking at?" she murmured, her voice low and husky, still heavy with dreams.

Minhee's gaze never faltered, the edges of her lips twitching upward. "You," she whispered, her tone thick with a quiet intensity that matched the weight of the moment.

Jinnie snorted softly, her body shifting under the blankets, pulling them tighter around her. "Creep," she muttered, her voice muffled, but there was no real bite in her words.

Minhee smirked, her fingers tracing the edge of the blanket, almost absentmindedly. "You're the one talking in your sleep," she teased, the hint of playfulness in her voice.

"I don't talk in my sleep," Jinnie protested, though her voice was soft and drowsy, the defense weak and unconvincing. She shifted again, trying to pull the blankets higher, though it was clear she wasn't really trying to hide from Minhee.

"You do," Minhee insisted with a soft chuckle. "Something about being 'enough.'" She lowered her voice, adding a gentle curiosity to the words, even though it wasn't something she meant to pry into.

Jinnie's body tensed for a moment, the memory of the words from the night before causing a ripple of unease. She avoided Minhee's gaze, her fingers curling into the fabric of the blankets as if she could bury herself deeper into the moment.

"Forget it," she murmured quietly, a wave of vulnerability washing over her as she pulled the blanket up over her chest, shielding herself.

Minhee didn't push further, but her hand moved, almost without thought, beneath the covers. Her fingers brushed lightly across the curve of Jinnie's hip, tracing the soft line of her waist in delicate circles. Jinnie stiffened for the briefest moment before relaxing into the touch, her body responding to Minhee's quiet presence, as if drawn to her warmth.

"What are you doing?" Jinnie's voice was barely audible, her breath hitching slightly as Minhee's fingers brushed against the thin fabric of her sleep shorts. Her words were soft, almost hesitant, as though she was afraid of what the touch might mean.

Minhee met her eyes, her expression unreadable, but the intensity in her gaze spoke volumes. Her fingers lingered, gently tracing the curve of Jinnie's hip before moving lower, her palm pressing gently against the soft curve of Jinnie's thigh. "Nothing you don't want me to," Minhee murmured, her voice low and rich, the words hanging in the air between them.

Jinnie didn't respond immediately, her lips parting in silent hesitation. But slowly, she nodded, a faint flutter of breath escaping her. She closed her eyes for a moment, her body instinctively drawing closer to Minhee's touch, seeking the warmth, the closeness. The air between them shifted, a tension building with every soft movement.

Minhee's touch grew bolder then, her fingers slipping beneath the waistband of Jinnie's shorts, finding the smooth, heated skin just beneath. The contact was slow, deliberate, the warmth of her hand seeping into Jinnie's flesh. Minhee's palm cupped the curve of Jinnie's hip, her thumb brushing across the delicate line of her waist, and Jinnie couldn't help the shiver that ran through her body.

"You're so warm," Minhee whispered, her breath warm against Jinnie's ear, the words like a sigh as her hand moved further, exploring, following the soft curve of Jinnie's body.

Jinnie's breath caught in her throat. "You're just cold," she replied, her voice trembling slightly, trying to hide the way her body was responding to Minhee's touch.

Minhee chuckled softly, the sound vibrating through her chest as she pressed closer. Her fingers trailed down to the inside of Jinnie's thigh, her movements slow and deliberate, almost like a dance. Jinnie's chest rose and fell beneath the covers, each breath a little shallower, a little faster, as she turned her face toward Minhee's shoulder, seeking something to hold on to.

"You're quiet this morning," Minhee remarked, her voice steady, yet laced with the intensity that was building between them.

"Maybe you're distracting me," Jinnie shot back, her voice light but edged with the tension of what was happening, of what was about to happen.

Minhee smiled, but it wasn't a playful smile—it was something deeper, something more intense. "You don't seem to mind," she murmured, her hand sliding higher, her touch sliding under the waistband of Jinnie's shorts, the sensation of skin on skin making Jinnie's heart race.

Jinnie let out a shaky laugh, her fingers clutching the fabric of the blanket tightly, the movement instinctive, almost desperate. "You're insufferable," she whispered, but the words were soft, her body arching subtly into Minhee's touch. She couldn't help it—everything about Minhee was magnetic, drawing her in, pushing her to the edge.

Minhee's lips curved into a smile, though the expression was softer now, more sincere. "And you're beautiful," she whispered, her voice low and filled with something almost reverent. Her hand slid higher, moving across Jinnie's skin, sending a bolt of electricity through her as she gently cupped the curve of her neck, her thumb grazing the soft column of Jinnie's throat.

Jinnie's body responded before she could stop it, arching into Minhee's touch, her pulse quickening as she felt the heat of Minhee's breath against her ear. Minhee's lips hovered near the delicate skin of Jinnie's neck, her mouth brushing over the smooth surface with a soft, lingering kiss, the sensation both tender and electrifying. Jinnie's eyes fluttered closed, her breath hitching as the kiss trailed across her throat, her skin burning beneath Minhee's mouth.

Minhee kissed her neck again, this time with more intensity, pressing her lips against the soft flesh of Jinnie's skin, leaving a trail of heat behind. Jinnie's breath caught in her chest, the sensation of Minhee's lips on her neck both comforting and devastating, pushing her to the brink.

The air was thick with tension as Minhee's lips pressed against Jinnie's neck, the soft touch sending shivers down Jinnie's spine. Minhee's fingers slipped under the hem of Jinnie's shirt, tracing the curve of her waist with a slow, deliberate caress. Jinnie's body responded instinctively, her breath quickening as she arched slightly toward Minhee, allowing her to explore with growing confidence.

But just as the heat between them reached its peak, a sharp knock at the door broke the spell.

"Breakfast is ready," Seungmin's voice rang out from the other side, casual and light.

Jinnie's blood ran cold. Seungmin.

The reality of the situation hit her like a bucket of ice water. Minhee was married. And so was she. Jinnie's heart slammed against her ribcage, guilt immediately clawing at her insides. What was she doing? Her thoughts spun wildly as she realized the betrayal she was teetering on, the line she was about to cross.

Minhee's hands froze as she felt the sudden shift in Jinnie's body, the tension in her back like a coiled spring. She pulled away, frowning slightly, her gaze searching Jinnie's face for some sign of what was happening.

Jinnie could feel her chest tightening, the overwhelming weight of the situation crashing down on her. She had a husband—Jisung—who wasn't here, who trusted her. And Minhee, her best friend, the woman she had always been close to, was married to Seungmin.

She opened her mouth, but words wouldn't come. Guilt roared inside her, choking her, and all she could do was scramble to find her clothes, desperately trying to cover the mess she had gotten herself into. Her hands shook as she grabbed for her red dress, her body stiff and clumsy, her mind racing for an excuse, any excuse to justify the mess she was in.

"I... I need to go," she whispered, her voice unsteady as she pulled herself up from the bed. Her eyes didn't meet Minhee's—couldn't meet them, because if they did, the guilt would be too much.

Minhee didn't stop her, didn't try to make her stay. She just watched quietly, her gaze soft but tinged with something Jinnie couldn't quite place—hurt, perhaps. It wasn't anger, but there was a sadness there, a knowing.

"I'm sorry, Minhee," Jinnie said quickly, her words rushed. "I shouldn't have... I shouldn't have let it get this far."

Minhee didn't speak for a long moment, then she simply nodded. "Don't worry about it." The words were quiet, but they were final.

Jinnie couldn't bear it. She grabbed her bag and rushed out of the room, not even looking back. Her heart was beating too fast, her head too full of guilt. As she stepped out of the house, her mind spiraled, and she could feel the weight of the secret she was carrying—this wasn't just about the mistake she'd almost made with Minhee. It was about the lie she'd been living, the betrayal she had almost acted on.

Seungmin would be downstairs, making breakfast, unaware of everything. Unaware of her mistake. Unaware of the line she'd just crossed.

Jinnie stepped into the cool morning air, breathing in deeply, but it did nothing to clear the fog in her mind. She hadn't done anything yet, but she had almost thrown it all away—her marriage, her friendship. Minhee's marriage.

Her footsteps faltered as she walked away from the house, the guilt tightening in her chest, making it hard to breathe. She wanted to run, to hide, but she couldn't escape the truth of what almost happened.

‧ ─・─・୨୧・─・─ ‧

The house was bathed in the soft glow of the living room lamp, casting warm shadows across the walls. The familiar hum of the television filled the air, but the laughter of her sons, Changbin and Chan, echoed louder, their innocent joy a sharp contrast to the turmoil swirling within her. Jinnie stood by the doorway, arms crossed tightly over her chest, her fingers gripping the fabric of her sweater like a lifeline.

Her mind was miles away, replaying the events of the morning. Minhee's lips against her neck. Her hands, warm and sure, pulling her closer. Jinnie's stomach churned with guilt, the memory flashing like a warning sign she couldn't ignore. Seungmin's voice cutting through the haze had been a lifeline, dragging her back from the brink of a mistake she couldn't take back. Now, standing in her home, the weight of that near betrayal hung heavy on her shoulders. Her eyes lingered on her two boys—Changbin and Chan—seated cross-legged on the floor, their faces illuminated by the faint glow of the television. Their laughter, light and carefree, momentarily eased the knot in her chest.

"Changbin," she called softly, her voice carrying an unspoken urgency.

Her ten-year-old son turned his head, his dark eyes curious, though his expression faltered slightly at the undercurrent in her tone.

"Yeah, Mom?"

Lowering herself to his level, Jinnie rested her hands on his small, sturdy shoulders, the weight of her palms gentle but grounding. She mustered a faint smile, brushing a stray lock of his hair back as if the act could shield him from the heaviness swirling inside her.

"It's getting late. Can you take Chan to bed for me?" she asked, her voice soft but firm, the tension in her frame betraying the calm she struggled to maintain.

Changbin's brows furrowed in mild protest. "But we're almost done with the episode!"

"You can finish it tomorrow," she replied, her tone gentle but unyielding. "Right now, it's bedtime. Okay?"

With a reluctant sigh, he nodded and stood, reaching for his younger brother's hand. Chan let out a sleepy whine, rubbing his eyes but following obediently as Changbin led him down the dimly lit hallway to their shared bedroom.

Jinnie remained crouched until their silhouettes disappeared into the darkness. When the faint click of their door sounded, she exhaled shakily, her hands falling limply to her sides as if the weight of her thoughts had drained the strength from her body.

The stillness of the house at night was almost suffocating, broken only by the soft hum of the refrigerator and the faint creak of the walls settling. Jinnie sat on the couch, knees drawn up to her chest, her hands gripping her ankles tightly. The glow of the muted television cast shifting shadows across the room, but she barely noticed. Her mind was elsewhere, turning over Minhee's words from earlier that day.

"You need to talk to him, Jinnie."

Minhee had looked at her with that trademark no-nonsense stare, the kind that brooked no argument. Jinnie had nodded at the time, her lips pressed into a thin line, but she hadn't truly believed she could do it. Now, sitting in the quiet darkness, the weight of her friend's advice felt heavier. Her heart ached with the burden of unspoken words.

From her spot, she could see Jisung sprawled on the couch in the adjacent room, his long legs hanging off the armrest, one foot lazily bouncing to an unseen rhythm. The soft blue light of his phone reflected on his face, accentuating the sharpness of his jaw and the faint shadow of stubble he hadn't bothered to shave. His focus was fixed on the screen, his thumb scrolling endlessly.

Jinnie inhaled deeply, her chest tight, and stood. Her bare feet padded softly across the floor, her heart pounding louder with each step. She paused in the doorway, her hands gripping the frame for support, before summoning the courage to speak.

"Jisung," she called softly.

His thumb froze mid-scroll, and he tilted his head toward her, frowning slightly. "Hmh?" he asked, his tone flat and indifferent.

She hesitated, but the knot in her chest tightened, forcing the words out. "I need to talk to you."

Jisung's frown deepened, but after a long pause, he swung his legs off the couch and sat up. He gestured to the spot opposite him, his movements slow, almost reluctant. Jinnie moved toward the couch, lowering herself into the seat with deliberate care. The coffee table between them felt like an insurmountable distance, a canyon carved by years of miscommunication and mounting tension.

She clasped her hands together, her knuckles white as she pressed her fingers tightly. Her gaze flickered up to meet his, and her voice wavered. "About us," she began, forcing the words to steady. "And how things have been lately."

Jisung leaned back, his arms crossing defensively over his chest. His brow furrowed deeper, the lines on his forehead shadowed by the dim light. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.

Jinnie shifted uncomfortably, her hands tightening. Her throat felt dry, and she struggled to find the right words. She thought again of Minhee's insistence. "Just say it, Jinnie. Say what's been eating at you, or you'll never fix it."

"I feel like we're not connecting anymore," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. She paused, exhaling shakily before continuing, "Especially... in bed."

The words landed like a thunderclap in the room, reverberating between them. Jisung blinked, his expression stiffening as he shifted in his seat. His arms fell to his sides, his hands gripping his knees. "What are you trying to say?"

Her cheeks burned with embarrassment, but she pushed forward, her voice tinged with desperation. "I feel like you're not satisfying me. And it's not just... physically," she clarified quickly, her words stumbling over one another. "I feel like we're not emotionally connected either. Like I'm reaching out, but you're somewhere else."

The tension in Jisung's shoulders was palpable, and his jaw tightened. His gaze turned sharp, his eyes narrowing. "So now I'm not good enough?" His tone cut through her like a blade, cold and biting.

"That's not what I said," she countered, her voice trembling. "I'm trying to have an honest conversation with you because I want us to work through this."

Jisung let out a bitter laugh, leaning forward with an almost predatory intensity. "And what am I supposed to say to that, Jinnie? That I'll magically fix everything? Do you even realize how much I'm doing? Taking care of the kids, working?"

Her frustration flared, bubbling to the surface. "I'm doing all of that too, Jisung," she said, her tone rising slightly. "But I'm also trying to hold onto us. I don't want us to keep drifting apart like this."

"Drifting apart?" he repeated mockingly, his voice tinged with disbelief. He pushed himself to his feet, pacing the room in sharp, agitated steps. "You've got a funny way of showing it, pretending like everything's fine around the kids, and then blindsiding me with this."

"Because I didn't want to fight in front of them!" she shot back, her voice cracking under the strain. "I've been trying to hold it together for them, for us. But I can't keep pretending everything's okay when it's not."

He stopped pacing and turned to face her, his fists clenched at his sides. His next words fell like a hammer. "You know what, Jinnie? Maybe I wouldn't feel like this if I wasn't constantly being told I'm failing you."

Her breath hitched, her chest tightening as though all the air had been sucked from the room. "That's not what I'm saying," she whispered, tears brimming in her eyes. "I'm not blaming you. I just want us to be honest with each other."

"Fine," he snapped, his voice laced with venom. "You want honesty? Maybe I'm not enough for you. But maybe you're not enough for me either."

Jinnie flinched, the sharpness of his words cutting straight through her. Jinnie's breath caught, tears threatening to spill as she stared up at him. "That's not fair," she whispered. "You know that's not fair."

He grabbed his phone from the coffee table, his expression hard and closed off. "I'm going out," he muttered.

Her eyes widened, panic creeping into her voice. "It's the middle of the night. Where are you even going?"

He paused at the doorway, his back to her. His hand gripped the frame tightly, his knuckles pale. Without turning, he spoke, his voice devoid of warmth. "Anywhere but here."

The door slammed shut, the sound reverberating through the empty house. The silence that followed was deafening, and Jinnie sat frozen, staring at the space where he'd been.

A soft voice startled her, breaking through the stillness. "Mom? Are you okay?"

Jinnie turned to see Changbin standing in the hallway, his small frame silhouetted against the dim light of his bedroom. His wide, worried eyes pierced her heart.

She wiped her tears quickly, forcing a weak, trembling smile. "I'm fine, sweetheart," she said, her voice soft but steady. "Go back to bed, okay?"

Changbin lingered for a moment, his concern evident, but he eventually nodded and retreated into his room.

When the door clicked shut, Jinnie slumped against the couch, her body trembling with quiet sobs. Minhee's advice had been right—she needed to speak her truth. But now, all she could feel was the weight of Jisung's absence and the unbearable silence he'd left behind.

‧ ─・─・୨୧・─・─ ‧

The soft hum of the air conditioning enveloped the room, a constant presence that barely registered in Jinnie's mind as she sat by the window. Her hands cradled a mug of tea that had long since gone cold, the liquid now a forgotten memory. The early morning light filtered through the blinds, casting delicate, slanted lines across her face, but she barely noticed. Her thoughts were consumed with the events of the night before, replaying them over and over like a broken record.

The sudden knock at the door startled her, snapping her out of her reverie. For a moment, she sat frozen, unsure of what to do. Her bare feet brushed against the cool floor as she stood, walking to the door with hesitant steps. She pulled it open slowly, and there stood Minhee, her figure leaning casually against the doorframe. Her expression was unreadable, her eyes soft but carrying a quiet intensity.

"Hey," Minhee greeted her softly, her voice a gentle contrast to the tension that filled the room. She was dressed simply but elegantly—her black turtleneck clung to her figure, and a long coat draped effortlessly over her shoulders. "Thought I'd check on you."

Jinnie blinked, taken aback by the unexpected visit. "I—uh, come in," she stammered, stepping aside to allow Minhee entry. She wasn't sure how to feel about her presence. Was it pity? Concern? Or something else?

Minhee stepped inside with a quiet grace, her boots clicking softly against the floor as she took in the room. Her gaze flicked over the untouched breakfast tray on the table, and then back to Jinnie.

"You didn't eat," Minhee observed, her voice laced with concern but still gentle.

Jinnie shrugged, her arms folding across her chest defensively. "Wasn't hungry," she muttered, trying to mask the exhaustion she felt—physically and emotionally.

Minhee walked towards the window, her eyes briefly capturing the city skyline outside. "Rough night?" she asked, her tone laced with an understanding that made Jinnie uncomfortable.

Jinnie chewed on her lip, caught between admitting the truth and pretending everything was fine. "You could say that," she replied finally, her voice quieter than she intended.

A pause hung in the air, thick with unspoken words. Minhee turned back to face her, the sunlight catching in her dark eyes, making them appear almost molten. "Want to talk about it?"

Jinnie hesitated, her mind a mess of conflicting emotions. She wanted to confide in Minhee, to share the burden that had settled on her chest, but guilt and fear held her back. "I... had a fight with Jisung," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Minhee's expression softened, and she moved closer, kneeling in front of Jinnie with a quiet concern in her gaze. "What happened?"

Jinnie let out a long, exhausted sigh as she sank back into the armchair by the window, her hands gripping the armrests as though they could anchor her to the ground. "He thinks I don't trust him," she said, her voice thick with frustration. "That I'm not enough. He says I shut him out."

Minhee's eyes narrowed slightly as she processed this, and she slowly crouched, her hands resting on the arm of the chair. "And is he wrong?"

Jinnie flinched at the question, the sting of truth behind it. "I don't know," she admitted, her voice faltering. "Maybe he's not."

Minhee's gaze softened, her voice lowering to a soothing tone. "You don't have to carry everything on your own, Jinnie."

The words hit Jinnie harder than she expected. A tightness bloomed in her chest, and her throat constricted. "It's not that simple," she whispered, the vulnerability creeping into her voice.

"Isn't it?" Minhee pressed, her gaze steady and warm. "He loves you. He's not your enemy."

Jinnie tore her gaze away, her fingers digging into the armrests, desperate to hold herself together. "And what about you?" she asked abruptly, her voice sharpening with a mix of frustration and curiosity. "You and Seungmin... do you tell him everything? Are you open with him?"

Minhee's eyes flashed, her body stiffening as the question caught her off guard. "That's not the same, and you know it," she responded, her voice losing its softness.

"Isn't it?" Jinnie countered, her words tinged with bitterness. "Aren't we all just keeping secrets?"

Minhee let out a breath, running a hand through her hair in exasperation. "This isn't about me, Jinnie. Don't deflect."

The air between them grew heavy, thick with the tension of unspoken thoughts. Minhee took a moment, then, with an unexpected gentleness, reached out and brushed her fingers over Jinnie's knee. The simple touch seemed to soften the sharp edges of the conversation.

"I'm not here to judge you," she said quietly. "I just want you to be okay."

The sincerity in her words broke through Jinnie's defenses, and for the first time that morning, her guard faltered. She felt tears well up in her eyes, her chest aching with a mixture of grief and relief. "I don't know if I am," she admitted, her voice shaking.

Minhee moved to sit on the edge of the coffee table, her gaze unwavering as she watched Jinnie. "Then let's figure it out," she said simply, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their conversation settling between them like a heavy fog. Minhee glanced at the breakfast tray again, then back at Jinnie, before making a decision.

"You need to eat," she said firmly, standing and crossing to the kitchen. "Come on."

Jinnie shook her head, a tired smile on her face. "I can't. Not right now."

Minhee didn't argue, instead rummaging through the cabinets in search of something light. "Do you have any snacks? Something small?"

Jinnie watched her with a soft smile despite herself. "Since when did you become my personal chef?"

"Since you decided to starve yourself," Minhee shot back with a playful tone, though her concern was palpable. She returned with a box of crackers and placed them on the table. "Here. Start with this."

Jinnie took one reluctantly, nibbling on it as Minhee sat back down, crossing her legs in a more casual posture.

"So," Minhee began, her voice lighter, "want to talk about anything else? Or should we sit here and stew in silence?"

Jinnie couldn't help but laugh softly, the tension easing just a little. "You're impossible."

"And you're stubborn," Minhee countered with a teasing grin, her voice warm.

The conversation shifted then, falling into an easier rhythm. They shared lighter stories—recollections of their shared past, memories of their families, and playful jabs at Seungmin's abysmal cooking skills.

At one point, Jinnie mentioned Lixie, and Minhee's expression softened, a flicker of affection passing over her features. "How is she?"

Minhee's face lit up at the mention of her daughter. "She's good. Growing too fast, though. She loves playing with her cousins—sometimes I think she likes them more than me."

Jinnie chuckled, the sound light and warm. "That's how kids are. But she adores you, Minhee. Anyone can see that."

Minhee smiled, a softness in her eyes that eased some of the tension still lingering between them.

As the morning stretched on, Minhee glanced at her watch, the reluctant reminder that she had other places to be. "I should get going," she said, though her voice carried a hint of reluctance.

Jinnie nodded, standing as well. "Thanks for coming."

Minhee hesitated, then stepped forward, pulling Jinnie into a tight hug. The embrace was simple but grounding, and Jinnie felt a sense of comfort she hadn't realized she needed. "Take care of yourself, okay?" Minhee murmured against her ear.

Jinnie held on tightly, the words a quiet promise as she replied, "I will. Promise."

When Minhee left, Jinnie felt a lightness settle over her, though the guilt from earlier remained, faint but persistent. She watched from the window as Minhee walked away, her figure gradually disappearing into the distance.

With a deep breath, Jinnie turned back to the room. She had a lot to think about, a lot to sort through—and, most importantly, a lot to make right.

‧ ─・─・୨୧・─・─ ‧

The snow fell thickly outside, wrapping the world in a hushed, crystalline stillness. Inside the apartment, the warmth from the fireplace licked at the walls, but it did little to dissolve the frost that lingered between Han Jisung and Jinnie. The air between them crackled with an unspoken hostility, their barbs carefully concealed beneath a veneer of politeness that was as fragile as the snowflakes outside.

Jinnie stood in the kitchen, carefully transferring mulled wine into a carafe, her movements deliberate. Her sweater, a soft cream knit that hugged her frame, belied the tension in her shoulders as she glanced at the clock.

"They're late," Jinnie said, her tone clipped.

Han Jisung leaned against the counter, sipping his wine with an air of casual indifference that set her teeth on edge. He had dressed up just enough to make it seem like he hadn't tried—dark jeans, a fitted black turtleneck, and a single silver chain glinting against his skin.

"Minhee's probably making sure her lipstick matches her mood," Jisung replied, a smirk curling at his lips. "Wouldn't want her to show up without the perfect shade of 'irresistible.'"

Jinnie's grip on the carafe tightened. "Maybe she's just being thoughtful. Something you could learn from."

Jisung arched a brow, his smirk sharpening. "Oh, I'm plenty thoughtful. Like right now, I'm thoughtfully wondering why you've set the table like we're hosting royalty instead of two people who'll probably spend the night bickering over wine pairings."

Before Jinnie could retort, there was a knock at the door. Her heart skipped—not because of the sound, but because she knew who was behind it.

"I'll get it," she said quickly, brushing past Jisung without waiting for his response.

When she opened the door, Minhee stood there, radiant against the snowy backdrop. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, and her dark hair spilled over the collar of her forest-green coat. In one hand, she held a tray of desserts wrapped in festive cellophane, and in the other, a bottle of sparkling wine.

"Merry Christmas!" Minhee's voice was warm, her smile brighter than the string lights framing the doorway.

"Merry Christmas," Jinnie replied, her own smile softening under Minhee's gaze. She stepped aside to let her in, her pulse quickening as Minhee brushed past her.

Seungmin followed, his usual calm demeanor a steady counterpoint to Minhee's energy. He carried a bag of food in one hand and a bottle of whiskey in the other, his lips quirking in a faint smile. "Hope you're ready for this," he said, holding up the whiskey like a peace offering.

Jinnie laughed, though the sound was tight. "We'll survive."

As they shed their coats and stepped inside, the air seemed to shift. Minhee's presence was magnetic, drawing Jinnie's attention like a moth to a flame, while Jisung's sharp gaze tracked every interaction with a precision that felt surgical.

The four of them settled around the table, their plates filling with food and their glasses with wine. The initial conversation was light—holiday plans, work anecdotes, and the usual polite chatter—but beneath the surface, tensions simmered.

"So, Jinnie," Minhee began, her voice lilting as she leaned forward, her chin resting on her hand. "How have you been keeping things... festive around here?"

Jinnie hesitated, caught off guard by the question—and the way Minhee's eyes lingered on hers. "Just the usual," she said, her tone careful. "Decorations, good food, trying to keep the peace."

Jisung snorted, the sound soft but pointed. "Peace? That's an ambitious goal for you."

Minhee's gaze darted to him, her expression unreadable. "I think she's done a great job," she said, her voice measured.

Jinnie's cheeks warmed, and she reached for her glass, taking a long sip to mask her discomfort.

"Sure," Jisung drawled, leaning back in his chair. "If you're into the whole 'overachiever meets control freak' aesthetic."

The words hit their mark, and Jinnie's grip on her glass tightened. "And what's your aesthetic, Jisung?" she shot back, her voice deceptively sweet. "Passive-aggressive with a side of self-righteousness?"

Seungmin cleared his throat, his eyes darting between them. "Maybe we should focus on the food. It's getting cold."

"Good idea," Minhee said quickly, her smile strained. She reached across the table to refill Jinnie's glass, her fingers brushing against hers in a way that felt deliberate.

The touch sent a jolt through Jinnie, and she looked up, her eyes meeting Minhee's. For a moment, the rest of the room faded, the tension between them shifting into something electric.

"So," Jisung said, breaking the moment with a sharp edge to his voice. "What's the plan after dinner? Are we all pretending to get along, or is that just a Christmas Eve special?"

Minhee shot him a look, but Jisung ignored it, his gaze fixed on Jinnie.

"I don't need to pretend," Jinnie said evenly, though her heart pounded in her chest. "Unlike some people, I'm actually capable of handling a little holiday cheer."

Jisung's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Good for you. Maybe you should bottle that and sell it. Could make a fortune off all the people who find your 'cheer' exhausting."

"Okay, that's enough," Minhee said firmly, her voice cutting through the tension. She turned to Jinnie, her expression softening. "Let's not let him ruin the evening."

Jinnie nodded, but her mind was already spiraling, the sharpness of Jisung's words cutting deeper than she wanted to admit.

After dinner, the dishes clinked softly as Minhee carried them into the kitchen, her insistence on clearing the table finally winning over Jinnie's protests. "You cooked," she'd said with a bright smile, "so it's only fair I clean."

Jinnie had reluctantly agreed, though her gaze lingered on Minhee for a moment longer than necessary before turning back to Seungmin, who was pouring another glass of whiskey. Jisung, however, had been uncharacteristically quiet, his sharp eyes tracking Minhee as she moved.

When she disappeared into the kitchen, he stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the hardwood floor. Jinnie shot him a questioning glance, but he ignored it, his focus singular as he followed Minhee.

The kitchen was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from the under-cabinet lights that cast a soft glow on the counter. Minhee stood at the sink, her sleeves rolled up to her elbows, the faint hum of water running as she carefully scrubbed the plates. Her movements were precise, almost methodical, as if the task was a welcome distraction from the simmering tension that had followed them into the house.

Jisung lingered in the doorway for a moment, his gaze fixed on the curve of her back, the way her hair fell messily over her shoulder. She hadn't noticed him yet, and something about her stillness pulled at him. He stepped into the room silently, the faint creak of the floorboards swallowed by the running water.

"Let me help," he offered, his voice low and just a little too casual.

Minhee didn't turn around, but he saw the way her shoulders tensed. "I've got it," she replied, her tone brisk, almost dismissive.

But Jisung wasn't easily deterred. He moved closer, his hands finding their way to her hips before she could stop him. He leaned in, his breath warm against the shell of her ear as his lips brushed the delicate skin of her neck.

Minhee froze, her grip tightening on the plate she was holding. "Don't," she said firmly, her voice steady despite the tension in her frame.

Jisung didn't pull back. "Why not?" he murmured, his lips moving against her skin. "It's not like this is the first time."

That did it. Minhee twisted out of his grasp, turning to face him with fire in her eyes. The soft warmth that usually lit her features was gone, replaced by a hard-edged resolve. "That's exactly why," she said, her voice sharp. "This has to stop, Jisung. It's already gone too far."

Jisung frowned, his expression a mixture of confusion and irritation. "Too far?" he echoed. "What does that even mean? You didn't think it was too far before."

"Because I was an idiot," Minhee shot back, her words cutting through the air like a blade. She stepped closer to him, her anger making her voice tremble. "Every single time this happened, it was a mistake. You know that as well as I do."

Jisung's brows furrowed, his frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. "A mistake," he repeated bitterly, the word rolling off his tongue like poison. "Is that what you're calling it now?"

"Yes," Minhee said without hesitation, her voice unwavering. "It was a mistake. Every time. And you know why? Because we're both married, Jisung. We're supposed to be better than this."

His jaw tightened, his hands curling into fists at his sides. "Don't act like you're above this," he snapped, his tone growing harsher. "You weren't saying any of this when—"

"Don't," Minhee interrupted, her voice colder than he'd ever heard it. "Don't you dare try to twist this around. I know what I've done, and I hate myself for it. But at least I can admit it's wrong. At least I'm trying to stop."

Jisung's anger flared, his frustration boiling over. "Stop pretending this is just about guilt," he said, his voice rising. "You don't regret it because it's wrong. You regret it because you're scared."

Minhee's eyes narrowed, her anger now matching his. "Scared?" she repeated, her voice icy. "I'm not scared, Jisung. I'm just not selfish enough to keep doing this when it's ruining everything. For everyone."

He flinched at her words, but the anger in his chest wouldn't let him back down. "You're just as guilty as I am."

"And I know that," Minhee snapped, her voice breaking slightly as her emotions surged. "But at least I'm willing to face it. At least I'm not pretending it's something it's not."

Jisung opened his mouth to respond, but whatever he was about to say got caught in his throat. The look in her eyes—a mixture of anger, sadness, and something he couldn't quite place—stopped him cold.

"You don't get it, do you?" Minhee said, her voice softer now but no less cutting. "This isn't about us. It's about them. About the fact that our spouses are sitting in the next room, completely oblivious to what we've done. To what we're still doing."

Her words hung heavy in the air, the weight of them pressing down on Jisung like a lead blanket. He opened his mouth again, but no words came out.

Finally, with a deep breath, Minhee stepped back, putting a deliberate distance between them. "This was a mistake," she said, her voice steady and final. "Every time. And it's over."

Jisung stared at her, his anger simmering beneath the surface, but for the first time, he had no idea what to say. Without another word, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the kitchen, leaving Minhee alone in the quiet, her chest heaving as she tried to calm the storm inside her.

She turned back to the sink, gripping the edge of the counter as she stared down at the soapy water. Her reflection in the window above the sink was blurred and distorted, but she couldn't bring herself to look away.

In the living room, laughter and conversation continued as if nothing had happened. But Minhee knew that the fragile balance they'd all been maintaining had just been irrevocably shattered.

As the wine flowed and the bottles of soju emptied, the tension that had settled over the group earlier began to soften. The room, warm from both the crackling fire and the alcohol spreading in their veins, grew quieter—not in awkwardness, but in the kind of shared exhaustion that only familiarity can bring.

Seungmin leaned back against the couch, cradling his beer bottle as though it were a lifeline. His normally composed demeanor was loosening, his smile more frequent and unguarded as he chuckled at one of Jinnie's dry remarks. Across from him, Jisung sat with his legs stretched out under the coffee table, rolling a shot glass between his fingers. He was speaking more now, his words less pointed and more reflective as the alcohol stripped away his usual defenses.

"You know," Jisung mused, his voice low and warm, "I still can't believe we're all here. A decade ago, none of us would've guessed this is where we'd end up."

"Speak for yourself," Seungmin retorted, though his tone lacked its usual bite. "I always knew I'd end up married to someone as perfect as Minhee." He shot his wife a grin, raising his beer in a lazy toast.

Minhee, sitting cross-legged on the floor with a bottle of soju in her hand, rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless. "Perfect? I seem to recall you forgetting to pick up the groceries three times this month."

"Selective memory," Seungmin shot back with a wink, his words slightly slurred.

Jinnie, perched in her usual corner of the couch with her wine glass balanced on her knee, smirked at the exchange. "Must be nice," she said, her tone lighter now as she glanced at Minhee. "At least he's trying. Jisung thinks 'romance' is remembering to rinse out his coffee cup."

Jisung raised his hands in mock surrender, a crooked smile playing on his lips. "Hey, I'm not perfect," he admitted, his voice tinged with humor. "But at least I'm honest about it."

"Honest? That's debatable," Jinnie replied, though the sting in her words was dulled by the way her lips curled into a faint smile.

Minhee watched the two of them carefully, her gaze flickering between Jinnie's sharp eyes and Jisung's faintly furrowed brow. She took a sip of her soju, deciding it was better not to intervene—for now.

Seungmin, blissfully oblivious to the undercurrent in the room, launched into a story from their early years of marriage, his words weaving a tapestry of humor and fondness that drew soft laughter from everyone. Even Jinnie leaned forward slightly, her guard lowering as she listened to Seungmin describe a particularly chaotic attempt at assembling furniture.

"And then," Seungmin said, pausing to laugh at the memory, "the whole shelf collapsed, and I just stood there, holding a single screw, like that was going to fix everything."

"You're hopeless," Minhee said, shaking her head but smiling despite herself.

"Hopelessly devoted to you," Seungmin replied, his voice sing-song as he leaned over to nudge her shoulder.

The group fell into a more comfortable rhythm, their laughter mingling with the soft clink of glasses and the occasional murmur of the Christmas music playing in the background.

As the night wore on, Seungmin's speech grew slower, his eyelids heavier. He slumped against the couch, his head tilting back as he let out a contented sigh.

"I'm good," he mumbled, though it wasn't clear who he was addressing.

"You're done," Minhee said, shaking her head fondly as she took the half-empty beer bottle from his hand.

Jisung, too, was beginning to fade. He shifted on the couch, his head lolling to one side as he muttered something incoherent. Jinnie watched him for a moment, her expression unreadable, before turning her attention back to her wine.

"Well," Minhee said, breaking the silence as she stretched her legs out in front of her. "Looks like it's just us now."

Jinnie glanced at her, the faintest hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Guess so," she said, raising her glass in a quiet toast.

The tension that had marked the beginning of the evening was still there, faint and lingering beneath the surface, but it had softened into something less hostile—something almost companionable. The room felt warmer, quieter, as the two women sat together, sharing the silence and the last dregs of their drinks

The warmth of the alcohol pulsed through Jinnie's veins, lowering her inhibitions to the point where she found herself laughing at one of Minhee's ridiculous comments, her body relaxed against the chair. The sharp tension of earlier had dissolved into a comfortable buzz, the kind that made everything feel just a little too close, a little too much. Minhee, on the other hand, had shed every ounce of restraint she ever wore, lounging in her chair with a wicked gleam in her eye.

"You're staring at me again," Minhee teased, her voice low and laced with playful intent. She leaned forward, resting her chin in her hand as she watched Jinnie flinch slightly, her lips parting as though to deny it. "Don't bother lying. I can feel it."

Jinnie felt her face flush—not just from the alcohol, but from the way Minhee's tongue darted out to wet her lips, slow and deliberate. "You're imagining things," she muttered, though the conviction in her voice was nowhere to be found.

"Am I?" Minhee tilted her head, her eyes dragging over Jinnie in a way that felt less like looking and more like consuming. She reached out, her fingers grazing the back of Jinnie's hand where it rested on the table. Her touch was electric, sending a shiver down Jinnie's spine. "God, Jin, you're so easy to fluster. It's adorable."

Jinnie pulled her hand back like she'd been burned, but her breath hitched. She hated how transparent she was, how easily Minhee could unravel her with just a glance or a casual touch. "You're drunk," Jinnie said, her voice unsteady, trying to grasp at a semblance of control.

Minhee chuckled, the sound low and sultry. "So are you," she countered, standing up with a feline grace that belied the amount of wine she'd consumed. She took a step closer, then another, until she was towering over Jinnie, her presence overwhelming in the small space between them. "But that's not stopping you from looking at me like that."

Jinnie opened her mouth to argue, but Minhee bent down, her face so close their noses nearly brushed. Her voice dropped, a seductive murmur that sent a jolt straight to Jinnie's core. "What is it you're thinking about, Jin? Go on. Say it."

Jinnie's tongue darted out to wet her lips, a nervous habit, but the way Minhee's eyes darkened made her regret it immediately. "You're being ridiculous," she said, her voice faltering.

"Ridiculous?" Minhee echoed, her lips curving into a smirk. She straightened, but instead of moving away, she grabbed Jinnie's chair and spun it slightly, forcing Jinnie to face her completely. "Ridiculous is how you try so hard to act like you're unaffected when I can see right through you."

Jinnie's heart was pounding now, her pulse thrumming loudly in her ears. Minhee stepped even closer, so close Jinnie could smell the faint sweetness of her perfume mingling with the wine on her breath. Minhee reached out again, this time trailing her fingers along Jinnie's jawline, her touch feather-light but deliberate. "You're so beautiful," Minhee whispered, her voice dripping with something between admiration and hunger. "Do you even realize what you do to me?"

Jinnie swallowed hard, her body betraying her as she leaned into Minhee's touch despite herself. "Minhee..." she began, but her words caught in her throat when Minhee's fingers slid lower, brushing the curve of her neck.

"What?" Minhee asked, her voice dangerously soft. She bent down again, this time pressing her lips to Jinnie's ear. "Tell me to stop, and I will."

Jinnie shuddered, her breath hitching audibly. She should say it—should push Minhee away and end whatever dangerous game they were playing. But the heat pooling in her stomach and the way her body betrayed her every logical thought made it impossible. Instead, she found herself whispering, "You're such a flirt."

Minhee laughed softly, the sound vibrating against Jinnie's skin. "Takes one to know one," she replied, her hands sliding down to rest on Jinnie's hips, tugging her forward slightly. The contact sent a jolt of electricity through Jinnie, and she gasped softly, her fingers curling into the fabric of Minhee's shirt.

"I hate you," Jinnie muttered, her voice breathless, though the words lacked any real venom.

"Liar," Minhee shot back, her lips ghosting over Jinnie's cheek now, agonizingly close but not quite touching. "You'd miss me if I wasn't here."

Jinnie's head tipped back slightly, her eyes fluttering shut as her hands moved of their own accord, gripping Minhee's waist. "You're insufferable."

"And yet..." Minhee trailed off, finally pressing her lips against the corner of Jinnie's mouth, teasingly close but still holding back just enough to drive her crazy. "You're still here, aren't you?"

Jinnie's restraint snapped. Her hands tightened on Minhee's waist as she pulled her down, their lips colliding in a kiss that was anything but gentle. It was messy, desperate, fueled by weeks of tension and the alcohol coursing through their veins. Minhee moaned softly against her lips, her fingers tangling in Jinnie's hair as she deepened the kiss, her body pressing firmly against Jinnie's.

Jinnie's hands roamed without thought, sliding up Minhee's sides, feeling the warmth of her skin through the thin fabric of her shirt. She didn't care about the consequences, didn't care that their husbands were passed out on the couch in the next room. All she cared about was the way Minhee's body felt against hers, the way her lips tasted like wine and something inherently Minhee.

When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathing heavily, their faces flushed and their eyes dark with want. Minhee smirked, her thumb brushing against Jinnie's swollen bottom lip. "See?" she murmured, her voice a seductive purr. "I told you you're impossible to resist."

The fading light spilled through the windows, painting the room in molten gold as Minhee's eyes locked onto Jinnie's—dark, hungry, and brimming with sinful intent. A slow smirk curved Minhee's lips as her fingers brushed along Jinnie's jaw before tracing the elegant line of their throat. Jinnie's breath hitched, her lashes fluttering as Minhee leaned in, her warm breath fanning against their ear.

"You've been such a good little tease all day," Minhee whispered, her voice thick with heat. "Now it's my turn to play."

A soft whimper escaped Jinnie's lips, and Minhee drank it in, savoring the sound as her fingers trailed lower, teasing over Jinnie's collarbone and grazing the edge of her shirt. Jinnie tilted her head, baring her neck as if offering herself up.

"Please..." Jinnie breathed, her voice trembling, eyes heavy with need. "I need you, Minhee. I can't take it anymore."

Her thumb pressed down lightly on Jinnie's tongue, and Jinnie's lips closed around it instinctively, eyes fluttering shut as a soft whimper escaped.

"Fuck," Minhee groaned, pulling her hand away and grabbing Jinnie's chin. "You don't even know what you do to me, do you?"

Jinnie shook her head, words failing her, and Minhee hummed in satisfaction, her smile turning wicked as she grabbed Jinnie's hand and pulled her down the dim hallway. The sway of her hips was hypnotic, and Jinnie stumbled slightly in her eagerness to follow. When Minhee pushed the blonde into her bedroom and shut the door with a soft click, Jinnie's knees nearly buckled.

"You're already falling apart for me," Minhee purred, backing Jinnie against the door and pinning her there with her body. Her lips hovered just out of reach, teasing, taunting, and Jinnie let out a desperate little whine, her fingers curling into Minhee's shirt.

"Please," Jinnie begged again, voice breathless and dripping with need. "I need you to touch me—need you to ruin me."

Minhee's lips crashed into hers, swallowing her moan as her hands slid down Jinnie's sides, nails raking lightly and sending shivers rippling through her body. She didn't bother with patience—fabrics fell away one by one, her touch burning as she exposed inch after inch of bare skin.

Jinnie trembled under her hands, cheeks flushed and lips swollen as Minhee's mouth trailed down their neck, leaving wet kisses and sharp bites that made them gasp.

"God, you're perfect," Minhee growled against Jinnie's skin, her voice thick with hunger. "So soft, so pretty... just for me."

"Only for you," Jinnie whispered, eyes fluttering shut as Minhee's hands slipped lower, teasing the curve of their hips.

"Good." Minhee's voice was a low, dangerous promise. She pushed Jinnie back onto the bed, pinning them beneath her, her thigh sliding between Jinnie's legs to press right where they needed it most. Jinnie cried out, arching into the touch, and Minhee smirked.

"That's it. Look at you," Minhee purrs, rolling her hips just enough to make Jinnie whimper again. "So eager. So desperate for me."

"M-Minh... please..." Jinnie's voice is barely audible, their fingers grasping at Minhee's shirt as their body arches up, desperate for more.

"Please what, baby?" Minhee teases, leaning down to trail her lips along Jinnie's jaw, then lower, biting at the soft skin of their neck. "You're going to have to use your words. Tell me exactly what you want."

Jinnie's cheeks burn, and they can't stop the way their hips shift beneath Minhee's body, desperate for any kind of friction. "I want... I want you to touch me. Please—please, I need it."

Minhee hums, her lips curling into a wicked smile as she drags her nails down Jinnie's sides, leaving goosebumps in their wake. "Need it, huh?" Her voice is rough now, filled with heat and hunger as she starts tugging Jinnie's shirt up and over her head. "You're so fucking desperate. Look at you—already falling apart, and I've barely touched you."

Jinnie whimpers, her head falling.

"God, look at you," Minhee groans, sitting back for just a moment to take in the sight of Jinnie spread out beneath her—flushed, panting, and trembling. "You're so fucking pretty like this. So perfect." She leans down again, her lips brushing over Jinnie's collarbone as her hand slides between the female's thighs, fingertips just barely grazing where Jinnie needed her most.

Jinnie lets out a broken moan, hips bucking up into Minhee's touch. "Please, Minhee—please, don't tease me. I can't—I can't take it."

"Oh, you can take it," Minhee purrs, sliding her fingers just a little lower but still not giving Jinnie what they need. "You're going to take everything I give you tonight, baby. Every single thing."

Jinnie whines, their hands fisting in the sheets as Minhee finally gives in, pressing her fingers exactly where Jinnie's been aching for her. "Fuck—fuck, yes!" Jinnie's voice is high and desperate, their body already shaking as Minhee sets a slow, torturous rhythm.

"So sensitive," Minhee murmurs, her lips dragging down Jinnie's chest, teeth grazing over a nipple before pulling it into her mouth. Jinnie cries out, their back arching sharply, and Minhee smirks against their skin. "You're so easy to break, baby. I love it."

"I—Minhee, please, I can't—"

"Shh." Minhee cuts them off, pulling away just enough to look down at them, her eyes dark and gleaming. "You're not coming yet. Not until I say so."

Jinnie sobs, their whole body trembling as Minhee slows her touch, dragging out every single sound from Jinnie's lips like it's a symphony she's conducting. "I'll let you come when you're crying for it," Minhee whispers, her teeth grazing Jinnie's ear. "And even then, you'll have to beg me for it."

Jinnie sobbed, her whole body trembling as Minhee slowed his touch, dragging out every single sound from Jinnie's lips like it was a symphony she was conducting. "I'll let you come when you're crying for it," Minhee whispered, her teeth grazing Jinnie's ear. "And even then, you'll have to beg me for it."

Minhee's lips lingered as they trailed down Jinnie's trembling flesh, leaving heat blooming in their wake. She moved slowly, savoring the way Jinnie's breath hitched with every brush of her mouth. The faint taste of wine still clung to Jinnie's skin, and Minhee hummed against it, letting the rich flavor roll over her tongue like she was tasting something forbidden.

Her hands, steady but unhurried, slid upward, palms pressing into the soft curves of Jinnie's breasts. She kneaded them deliberately, fingers spreading and squeezing as though testing their weight. Her thumbs brushed over the stiff peaks, earning a soft gasp that made her smirk.

"God," Minhee murmured, her voice thick and low, "how does he resist you?" She let the question hang in the air, punctuating it with a slow flick of her tongue over one hardened nipple. Jinnie whimpered, her back arching slightly, but Minhee held her in place, one strong hand splayed over her ribcage.

"He doesn't touch you like this, does he?" Minhee's lips closed around the sensitive bud, sucking just hard enough to make Jinnie gasp and clutch at her hair. Minhee pulled back, teeth scraping lightly before letting go with a soft pop. "No," she said, almost to herself, "I can feel it. He doesn't. Not the way you need."

Jinnie moaned, her head tilting back, exposing the pale line of her throat. Her skin was flushed, cheeks pinkened from the heat in the room—and the alcohol swimming lazily in her veins. The empty bottle sat forgotten on the nightstand, and Minhee knew Jinnie wouldn't even remember how much she'd poured into her glass, only that it had loosened her up, softened her edges until she fit perfectly into Minhee's hands.

Minhee's mouth moved lower, slow and purposeful, planting wet, open-mouthed kisses down the center of Jinnie's torso. Her lips lingered at the dip of her navel, and she swirled her tongue there, earning a sharp inhale that made her grin.

"Do you think about him when you're like this?" Minhee's voice was soft but edged with something darker as she hooked her fingers under the waistband of Jinnie's panties, tugging them down just an inch before stopping. Her breath ghosted over Jinnie's hipbone as she kissed there, slow and deliberate. "Or do you think about someone else? Someone who makes you ache like this?"

Jinnie didn't answer, just whimpered softly, her hands twisting in the sheets. Minhee smiled against her skin, dragging the panties lower, inch by inch, until they were finally gone.

Minhee sat back slightly, her gaze trailing over Jinnie's body, taking in every flushed curve and trembling muscle. She looked wrecked already, hair splayed out over the pillows, lips parted and swollen from earlier kisses. Her thighs pressed together instinctively, but Minhee's hands pushed them apart, gentle but firm.

"Look at you," she whispered, her voice dripping with admiration and something almost possessive. "So fucking beautiful. And so wet for me."

Jinnie's hips lifted off the bed as Minhee's fingers traced a featherlight path along the inside of her thigh, moving closer but never quite touching where Jinnie so desperately needed her.

"Does he look at you like this?" Minhee asked, leaning in to drag her tongue slowly up the length of Jinnie's inner thigh, pausing to bite just hard enough to make her flinch. "Does he take his time with you? Or does he just—" She broke off, slipping a single finger through the slick heat of Jinnie's folds, teasing but not pressing in. "—rush through it, not even caring if you come?"

Jinnie's answer was a broken moan, her hands clutching at Minhee's shoulders as her hips rocked forward, chasing the contact.

"Tell me." Minhee's voice sharpened, and she pulled her hand away completely, leaving Jinnie panting. "Does he make you beg?"

"No," Jinnie gasped, voice trembling. "He doesn't—he never—Minhee, please..."

"That's what I thought." Minhee's lips brushed over Jinnie's center, her breath hot against sensitive flesh. "I'll make you beg, baby," she whispered. "And then I'll make you scream."

She didn't wait for a response. Her mouth sealed over Jinnie's slick heat, tongue parting her folds and delving in deep, tasting her with a low groan that vibrated through Jinnie's body. Her hands gripped Jinnie's thighs, holding her steady as she set a slow, deliberate rhythm, each flick of her tongue purposeful and devastating.

Jinnie's cries filled the room, growing louder as Minhee pressed her deeper into the mattress, refusing to let her escape the pleasure building higher and higher. But suddenly, the brunette stopped earning a whine from Jinnie.

Minhee took her time, savoring every shiver and tremble that rolled through Jinnie's body. Her lips dragged slow, deliberate paths along the insides of Jinnie's thighs, leaving damp trails of heat in their wake. She lingered just out of reach, the barest brush of her breath against Jinnie's slick heat making her squirm. The room was thick with the heady scent of wine and need, and Minhee reveled in it, the hunger building low in her belly as she stared down at the flushed mess beneath her.

Jinnie's fingers twisted into the sheets, her breath ragged and uneven. Her skin gleamed faintly under the dim light, flushed and dewy, and her hair spilled wild across the pillows, the strands tangled from Minhee's earlier grip. She looked ruined already—and Minhee hadn't even truly touched her that much yet.

"God," Minhee murmured, her voice a low hum that sent heat prickling across Jinnie's skin. She ran her hands up Jinnie's thighs, spreading them wider. "Look at you." Her thumbs brushed against the sensitive skin at the crease of Jinnie's legs, just barely avoiding where she needed her most. "So fucking wet, baby. Are you always like this? Or is it just for me?"

Jinnie whimpered, her breath catching, and Minhee grinned.

"Tell me," she coaxed, her lips brushing just above Jinnie's mound. "Does he ever look at you like this? Touch you like this?" She pressed an open-mouthed kiss just below Jinnie's navel, letting her teeth scrape lightly. "Or does he leave you aching?"

Jinnie's voice came out shaky, almost too soft to hear. "Not like this..."

"Of course he doesn't." Minhee's tone dripped with satisfaction as her mouth moved lower, her tongue darting out to tease along Jinnie's folds before pulling back again. Jinnie's hips jerked, her breath stuttering, but Minhee only chuckled.

"You deserve better," she whispered, pressing kisses along the inside of Jinnie's thigh. "Someone who knows how to worship you properly." Her fingers dipped lower, spreading Jinnie open as she groaned softly at the sight.

Jinnie let out a broken moan, her body trembling. "Minhee, please..."

Minhee grinned against her skin, her voice soft but edged with something darker. "Please what?" She dragged her tongue in a slow, teasing circle, never quite where Jinnie needed her. "Say it. Tell me exactly what you want."

Jinnie's voice cracked. "I need you. Please, Minhee—I need your mouth."

"That's better." Minhee's breath ghosted over her as her fingers dug into Jinnie's thighs, holding her in place. "Such a good girl. So eager. So fucking desperate." Her tongue finally dipped between Jinnie's folds, pressing in deep, and Jinnie cried out, her hips rocking forward.

Minhee groaned, the sound reverberating through Jinnie's core as she licked deeper, slower, savoring the taste of her. "God, you're sweet," she murmured between strokes. "So fucking sweet. I could eat you for hours and never get tired of it."

Jinnie whimpered, her body trembling harder as Minhee's tongue moved in practiced circles, teasing her swollen clit before pulling away. "More," Jinnie gasped. "Minhee, please—"

"You're so greedy," Minhee said, her voice soft but sharp enough to make Jinnie's thighs clench around her head. "So desperate for my tongue—so desperate to be fucked." She slid two fingers through Jinnie's slick folds, pressing them just barely inside before pulling back out. "Is this what you think about when he's inside you?

Jinnie moaned, her hands tangling in Minhee's hair as if trying to pull her closer. "Yes," she gasped. "Yes, Minhee—I think about you. I think about this. Please..."

"That's what I thought." Minhee's tongue flicked faster now, her fingers pressing deeper, curling inside Jinnie until she cried out. "You're so fucking tight, baby. God, you're perfect." Her voice dropped, turning rougher. "Do you even know what you do to me?"

Jinnie's body arched as Minhee's lips closed around her clit, sucking hard enough to make her cry out. She couldn't answer—couldn't think—her mind too fogged with wine and heat and Minhee's relentless touch.

"Come for me," Minhee whispered, her voice thick with hunger. "Let me feel you fall apart, baby. Show me how much you need this." Her tongue moved faster, her fingers pressing deeper, harder, until Jinnie broke with a sob, her release crashing through her in waves that left her trembling.

Minhee didn't stop. She worked Jinnie through it, lapping up every drop of her release like she was starving for it, groaning against her as if it wasn't enough—could never be enough. Only when Jinnie finally slumped back against the sheets, breathless and boneless, did Minhee pull away, her lips wet and her eyes dark with hunger.

"You're not done," Minhee said softly, leaning over her, letting her thigh press between Jinnie's legs. Her fingers trailed along Jinnie's slick skin, teasing over oversensitive flesh until she gasped. "Not even close."

Jinnie lay sprawled across the rumpled sheets, her chest heaving as the aftershocks of her release pulsed through her. Sweat dampened her skin, and her flushed cheeks burned with the remnants of pleasure, but even as her limbs trembled, her lips curled into a slow, satisfied smile. Her lashes fluttered open, heavy-lidded and dark with something still simmering beneath the surface.

Minhee hovered above her, eyes trailing over Jinnie's wrecked form, but Jinnie stirred before she could speak—reaching up to trail a single finger down Minhee's chest. Her nails scraped lightly over soft skin, circling a nipple until it pebbled beneath her touch.

"Mmm..." Jinnie's voice was low and drowsy, but there was mischief laced in the sound. "You're so pretty like this... all worked up and waiting for me."

Minhee's breath hitched as Jinnie's hand wandered lower, dragging slowly across her stomach. "You think you're in charge now, baby?" Minhee teased, but her voice faltered when Jinnie shifted suddenly, rolling them over until Minhee was flat on her back.

Jinnie leaned in close, her lips grazing Minhee's ear as she whispered, "I think it's only fair I return the favor." Her voice was rough with the remnants of her own pleasure, but it carried heat—promising and dangerous. "Let me take care of you now."

Jinnie's thighs pressed tight around Minhee's hips, her slick heat already dragging against the soft fabric still clinging to Minhee's core. Her lips were swollen, her hair a wild halo around her flushed face, but there was something steady in the way she held Minhee's gaze—something hungry.

"You look wrecked," Jinnie murmured, her voice husky as her fingertips skimmed down Minhee's chest, nails scraping lightly over pebbled nipples. She leaned in close, her lips ghosting over Minhee's jaw as her hips shifted, grinding herself against Minhee's clothed center with slow, deliberate pressure. "Wasn't expecting you to fall apart so easily."

Minhee's breath hitched, but her lips curled into a smirk as her hands found Jinnie's hips, fingers digging in just enough to make her still. "And yet," Minhee murmured, her voice dark and low, "you're already soaked again. Could barely handle my mouth, and now you're begging for more?"

Jinnie shivered at the words, but she didn't falter. Instead, she leaned down, her breath hot against Minhee's ear. "I'm not begging," she said, her voice soft but steady. "I just know what I want."

Minhee's grip tightened, her nails biting into Jinnie's skin as she tilted her head, letting her lips graze along the curve of Jinnie's throat. "And what's that?" she murmured, her voice a velvet drag against Jinnie's skin.

Jinnie's breath stuttered, but she tipped her head back, baring her neck as she rocked against Minhee again. "I want to feel you," she whispered, her words breaking on a soft gasp. "I want to watch you come apart underneath me."

Minhee chuckled darkly, her teeth grazing Jinnie's throat just enough to make her shiver. "Big words for someone who's still trembling," she murmured. "You sure you can handle it?"

Jinnie pulled back just enough to meet Minhee's gaze, her eyes burning with something fierce despite the heat staining her cheeks.

She suddenly sat down, her wet cunt kissing Minhees, making both women shudder and gasp at the same time

Jinnie whimpered softly, but she didn't stop. Her rhythm stayed slow, deliberate, dragging out every slick glide as though she wanted Minhee to feel every inch of her. "You want it too," she whispered, her voice trembling but bold. "Don't pretend you don't."

Minhee's lips parted, her breath catching as Jinnie rolled her hips again, pressing harder this time. "And what are you going to do about it?" Minhee murmured, her voice breaking just enough to make Jinnie smile.

"This," Jinnie whispered, shifting to press their bare clits together with a deliberate slide that made both of them moan.

Minhee's hands flexed again, gripping Jinnie's hips and dragging her down harder as her own hips rolled up to meet her movements. "Fuck," she breathed, her voice breaking as the friction sparked heat low in her stomach. "God, you're—"

"Perfect?" Jinnie teased, her voice trembling as she ground down again, letting the slick heat between them build with each slow motion.

Minhee let out a breathless laugh, but her hold tightened, nails digging into Jinnie's skin just enough to leave faint crescents behind. "So cocky," she murmured, her lips brushing over Jinnie's throat. "You sure you can handle me like this?"

Jinnie's breath hitched, but she didn't falter. Instead, she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Maybe I want you to break me again," she murmured, her words daring despite the tremor in her voice. "Or maybe I want to make you beg this time."

Minhee's breath stuttered, her body arching as Jinnie dragged her folds over her with more pressure, more heat. "You think I'll beg for you?" Minhee rasped, her voice rougher now.

"I think you already are," Jinnie murmured, and before Minhee could answer, she kissed her—slow and deep, swallowing the moan that spilled from Minhee's lips as their hips moved together, slick and desperate.

Minhee groaned into Jinnie's mouth, her hands sliding up her back and tangling in her hair. Every roll of Jinnie's hips sent sharp bursts of pleasure flashing through her veins, the heat building unbearable between them.

"Fuck," Minhee gasped, her voice breaking as Jinnie pulled back just enough to meet her eyes.

"You like watching me like this, don't you?" Jinnie whispered, her voice trembling but steady enough to make Minhee shudder. "Like seeing me fall apart for you."

Minhee swallowed hard, her fingers tugging Jinnie closer by the hair as her hips rocked up to meet her. "I love it," she breathed, her voice unsteady. "But you're not as in control as you think, baby."

The deliberate grind made Minhee's breath catch. Her grip on Jinnie's hips tightened, and a sharp smack rang out as her palm landed against Jinnie's ass. The slap sent a ripple through Jinnie's body, and she gasped, her thighs clenching instinctively around Minhee.

Jinnie's rhythm faltered, and Minhee smirked, flipping the dynamic in an instant. Her hips pressed up sharply, grinding against Jinnie in a way that made them both cry out.

"Minhee—" Jinnie gasped, her voice high and broken as her thighs trembled around Minhee's hips.

"That's it," Minhee murmured, her voice dark and low. "Let me feel it, baby. Let me feel how much you need this."

Jinnie whimpered, her nails digging into Minhee's shoulders as her movements turned frantic, chasing the sharp edge of pleasure until she finally tipped over it with a shattered cry. Minhee held her through it, steady and unrelenting as Jinnie's body trembled and pulsed against her.

But Minhee wasn't done. She kept moving, dragging Jinnie down harder against her slick heat, and the pressure built again—faster this time, sharper.

"Jinnie," she gasped, her voice breaking as her hands gripped tighter. "Don't stop—fuck, don't stop—"

Jinnie's breath hitched, but she kept moving, her folds sliding with slick precision until Minhee shattered beneath her. A ragged cry tore from Minhee's throat, her body arching as the pleasure ripped through her, leaving her shaking and breathless as she clung to Jinnie like she might fall apart completely.

When the tremors finally eased, Jinnie collapsed against her, their bodies slick and tangled as their breathing slowed. Minhee pressed a lazy kiss to Jinnie's temple, her voice soft but still heavy with heat.

"Insatiable," she murmured, her lips brushing against Jinnie's damp hair.

Jinnie huffed a quiet laugh against her neck, her fingers trailing lazily down Minhee's arm. "You love it," she whispered, her voice tired but teasing.

Minhee smiled, her grip loosening as her hands skimmed down Jinnie's back. "I do."

Jinnie let out a soft, breathless laugh, her cheek resting against Minhee's shoulder as their tangled bodies slowly began to cool. Her fingers traced lazy patterns over Minhee's damp skin, and for a moment, neither of them spoke—just the sound of their ragged breaths filling the dimly lit room.

Then Jinnie stirred, her voice muffled against Minhee's neck as she murmured, "That was so good."

Minhee barked out a laugh, low and husky, her chest shaking beneath Jinnie's weight. "You sound shocked."

Jinnie lifted her head just enough to meet Minhee's eyes, her flushed cheeks glowing in the soft light. "I mean... I knew it would be, but—" She broke off, giggling now as Minhee reached up to brush her hair back. "God, we're so drunk."

Minhee grinned, her fingers trailing lazily down Jinnie's spine. "Drunk and completely ruined."

That set Jinnie off again, her laughter tumbling out in breathless bursts until Minhee pulled her back down, silencing her with a slow, lingering kiss. "You're lucky you're cute," Minhee murmured against her lips, smiling as Jinnie melted into her all over again.

‧ ─・─・୨୧・─・─ ‧

Jinnie woke with a sharp inhale, her body tangled in the sheets and pressed against the warm, bare skin of someone else. Her heart slammed in her chest before her eyes even opened, the dull ache in her head making everything feel hazy and disjointed.

And then it hit her.

Minhee.

Her breath caught as her eyes flew open, only to find Minhee still fast asleep beside her, golden strands of hair splayed across the pillow. She looked peaceful, lips slightly parted, her arm draped lazily over Jinnie's waist as if she belonged there.

But she didn't.

Panic surged through Jinnie's veins. She sat up too quickly, the blanket slipping down to reveal her bare chest, and she scrambled to pull it back up, as if covering herself now could erase everything that had already happened.

Her gaze darted to the bedroom door. Their bedroom door.

The one Jinnie shared with Jisung.

Her stomach twisted violently as the memories from last night came rushing back—the wine, the laughter, the heated looks that had lingered too long. The way Minhee's lips had felt against hers. The way she had let her touch set her body on fire, let herself moan and beg for more.

And all of it had happened just a few steps away from where Jisung had been sleeping—on the couch, no less—with Seungmin, Minhee's husband.

"Oh my God," Jinnie whispered, clutching the blanket tighter. Her hands were shaking.

The movement must have stirred Minhee because she shifted, a sleepy hum slipping from her lips as her eyes blinked open. It took her a moment to focus, but when she did, a lazy smile spread across her face. "Morning."

Jinnie swallowed hard, her pulse hammering as Minhee reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, her fingers brushing against Jinnie's flushed skin like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Minhee," Jinnie started, her voice barely more than a whisper. She couldn't even look at her. "What did we—"

Minhee cut her off with a soft laugh, clearly still half-asleep. "Don't freak out," she murmured, her voice low and soothing. "It was just us, Jinnie. Just us having fun."

But Jinnie's stomach clenched at those words. It wasn't just fun. It was her best friend. It was a woman. It was cheating.

She couldn't stop the tears that pricked at her eyes. "He was right there, Minhee," she said, her voice breaking. "Jisung was right there. And Seungmin—"

Minhee's expression shifted, the softness giving way to something more serious as she sat up and reached for Jinnie's hand. "Stop. Don't do this to yourself."

But Jinnie couldn't stop. Her thoughts were spiraling. Her marriage, her friendship, her entire sense of self—it all felt like it was crumbling.

"I don't even know what this means," Jinnie whispered, staring down at their intertwined fingers. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do."

Minhee exhaled softly, squeezing Jinnie's hand before letting go. "It means," she said, her voice steady now, "that you wanted me. And I wanted you. And maybe we've both been pretending we didn't for too long."

Jinnie looked up at her then, her heart pounding so loud she thought it might give her away. "But what about them?"

Minhee hesitated, and for the first time, Jinnie saw a flicker of doubt in her eyes. But then Minhee leaned in, brushing her lips against Jinnie's temple before pulling back just enough to meet her gaze.

"We'll figure it out."

But Jinnie wasn't sure if she believed her. Because right now, all she could feel was the weight of what they'd done pressing down on her chest, so heavy it threatened to break her completely.

‧ ─・─・୨୧・─・─ ‧

"I had sex with Jinnie."

The confession escaped Minhee's lips without preamble, startling even herself with its bluntness. She stood in the kitchen, clutching a glass of water with trembling fingers, her back to Seungmin, who sat at the small dining table nursing his morning coffee.

The room was drenched in an uncomfortable stillness, the only sound the faint hum of the refrigerator.

Seungmin didn't respond immediately. He leaned back in his chair, resting his forearm casually across the backrest, his face carefully neutral. When he finally spoke, his voice was maddeningly calm.

"Well, that's one way to start the day."

Minhee let out a sharp exhale, somewhere between a laugh and a sigh. "I figured I'd just say it," she muttered, setting the glass down on the counter. Her fingers toyed with the hem of her oversized sweater—his sweater, actually, though now it hung loose and lopsided over her frame.

Seungmin tilted his head, studying her with quiet curiosity. "Go on, then," he said, his tone betraying neither anger nor amusement.

Minhee bit her lip, the words pooling in her throat like heavy stones. She turned around, meeting his gaze. His brown eyes, steady and patient, were the same ones she'd trusted for years, even when she'd confessed things she knew could shatter someone else.

"It happened on Christmas," she began hesitantly. "That night... after you and Jisung passed out on the couch."

Seungmin's brow lifted slightly, a small flicker of acknowledgment passing over his face.

"I was drunk," she continued, her voice gaining momentum as if the admission itself was freeing. "We all were. But I wasn't so drunk that I didn't know what I was doing. I knew exactly what I wanted to do when I walked down that hallway to her room."

Seungmin said nothing, his silence urging her on.

"She was so fucking gorgeous, breathtaking, even," Minhee went on, her voice softening as the memory took hold. "Her hair was messy—God, so messy—and she still had that gray sweater on, the one with the loose threads on the cuffs. She looked up at me, and there was this... this spark in her eyes. Like she was daring me to do it."

Seungmin leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table. "And what exactly did you do?" he asked, his tone even but laced with curiosity.

"I kissed her," Minhee said, her voice dropping almost to a whisper. "Right there in the hallway. I couldn't stop myself. She was so—" She paused, biting her lip before letting out a shaky breath. "She was so fucking sexy, Seungmin. Her lips were soft, and she smelled like that damn vanilla perfume she always wears. I pushed her against the wall, and she didn't resist. She just—" Minhee swallowed hard, her cheeks flushing. "She kissed me back. Hard. Like she wanted it just as much as I did."

The words hung heavy in the air between them, but Seungmin didn't flinch. He ran a hand through his hair, his expression thoughtful.

"And then?" he prompted.

Minhee hesitated, her fingers curling into the fabric of her sweater. "And then we went to her room. We didn't talk. We didn't think. I barely remember how we got to the bed, but... it happened. It wasn't rushed, either. It was—" She faltered, her cheeks burning.

"Intense," Seungmin finished for her, his voice carrying a note of dry amusement.

"Yeah," Minhee admitted, her eyes dropping to the floor. "Intense. And stupid. And reckless." She sighed, pressing her palms against the counter. "But it wasn't meaningless. Not to me."

Seungmin let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head slightly. "You're really something, Minhee," he said, leaning back in his chair. "So you slept with her. While her husband and I were passed out drunk in the next room."

"Yes," Minhee said, her voice firm despite the shame in her expression. "But there's more."

Seungmin raised an eyebrow, gesturing for her to continue.

"I told Jisung we're done," she said, the words tumbling out quickly. "I told him that whatever was happening between us couldn't happen anymore. That it was a mistake."

"And how'd he take that?"

Minhee let out a bitter laugh. "Not well. He was pissed. Said I was leading him on. But I wasn't. I swear, Seungmin, I wasn't. I just... I couldn't keep doing that. Not with him. Not when I—" She stopped herself, her eyes flickering up to meet his.

"When it's her," Seungmin finished, his tone soft but pointed.

Minhee nodded, her throat tightening.

The silence stretched on, heavy and uncomfortable, but Seungmin was the first to break it. "You've always been honest with me," he said, his voice measured. "Even when the truth isn't easy. I can't say I'm thrilled about this, but I can't say I'm surprised, either."

Minhee blinked, her lips parting, but no words came out.

Seungmin stood up, crossing the room to stand in front of her. He placed a hand on her shoulder, his grip firm but not unkind. "Figure out what you want, Minhee," he said quietly. "Not just from her, but from all of this. And until you do... just be careful. For everyone's sake."

She nodded, tears pricking the corners of her eyes as she watched him turn and leave the room. Left alone, she leaned against the counter, her thoughts swirling in a chaotic mess of guilt, desire, and the inescapable truth that nothing would ever be simple again.

‧ ─・─・୨୧・─・─ ‧

The winter morning was crisp and quiet as Jinnie bundled up Chan and Changbin for their trip to Jisung's parents' house. Snow dusted the pavement, the air carrying a sharp chill that turned their breaths into visible clouds. Chan, only five, was buzzing with excitement as he tugged on his little scarf, while ten-year-old Changbin leaned against the doorframe, pretending to be unimpressed.

"Do we really have to go, Mom?" Changbin asked, his face scrunched in an exaggerated pout. "Grandpa always makes us sit through his 'stories.'"

"They're not stories, Binnie," Jinnie said, crouching down to zip up Chan's jacket. "They're lessons."

"Lessons about things that happened a hundred years ago," Changbin grumbled, shoving his hands into his coat pockets.

"History is important," Jinnie replied with a small smile, adjusting Chan's hat. "And besides, you'll have fun. Your grandparents love seeing you."

Chan giggled, holding up his mitten-covered hands. "I wanna build a snowman with Grandpa!"

Jinnie ruffled his hair, warmth spreading in her chest despite the icy air. "Then make the best snowman he's ever seen, okay?"

The drive to Jisung's parents' house was uneventful. The kids chattered in the backseat, their voices a comforting backdrop as Jinnie's thoughts drifted. She loved her boys fiercely, but the tension between her and Jisung had been suffocating lately. Christmas had been a disaster, and though they hadn't spoken much about it, the unspoken resentment hung heavy in the air.

When they arrived, Jinnie barely had time to greet Jisung's parents before Chan and Changbin bolted inside, their excitement contagious.

"You're not staying?" Jisung's mother asked, her eyes kind but sharp with curiosity.

"No, I've got things to take care of at home," Jinnie replied, forcing a polite smile. "But thank you for watching them."

"Anytime," his mother said, though her gaze lingered on Jinnie, as if she could sense the undercurrent of turmoil.

The drive back home felt longer than it should have. The silence in the car gave her too much space to think—about Minhee, about Christmas night, and about the countless arguments she and Jisung had swept under the rug for the sake of appearances. By the time she parked in front of their house, her chest felt tight, like a storm brewing just beneath the surface.

The house was eerily quiet when Jinnie returned from dropping the kids off at Jisung's parents' place. Snow clung to her boots as she stepped into the foyer, shaking off the biting chill. The faint scent of coffee lingered in the air, but the living room was dark, save for the dim light of Jisung's phone illuminating his face. He was sprawled on the couch, one leg draped lazily over the armrest, scrolling mindlessly.

"You're back early," he muttered without looking up.

Jinnie kicked off her boots, the thunk of them hitting the floor louder than she intended. "They're spending the night. I thought you'd want some peace and quiet."

Jisung snorted, tossing his phone onto the coffee table. "Peace and quiet. Sure, because that's what we need, right?"

Her fingers tightened on the zipper of her coat. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Jisung sat up, running a hand through his messy hair. "It means you're always looking for an escape. Dropping the kids off, staying late at work, taking walks that last hours. When's the last time you didn't need an excuse to leave?"

The words hit her like a slap, her chest tightening. "I'm not the one who's always running away," she shot back, her voice sharp.

Jisung's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," Jinnie said, stepping further into the room. "Every time things get hard, you disappear. You think I don't notice? When we fight, you storm out. When I try to talk, you shut down. You leave before we can even try to fix anything."

Jisung stood abruptly, the couch groaning under the sudden movement. "Don't turn this around on me. You're the one who's checked out, Jinnie. You've been distant for months—hell, maybe years."

"Because you make it impossible to talk to you!" she yelled, her voice trembling. "Every time I try, you act like it's not worth your energy. You don't listen, you don't care—"

"Don't you dare say I don't care," he interrupted, his tone low and venomous. "I've been holding this together while you've been halfway out the door."

"'Holding this together'?" she repeated, her voice dripping with disbelief. "You call shutting me out holding it together? You call avoiding me, avoiding everything, holding it together?"

His jaw clenched, the muscles in his neck tight as he struggled to keep his anger in check. "What do you want me to say, Jinnie? That I don't know how to fix this? That every time I try, it feels like you've already given up?"

"I haven't given up!" she shouted, her voice breaking. "I'm still here, Jisung! I'm still trying, but I can't do it alone!"

"Then maybe you shouldn't try," he snapped, the words laced with bitterness.

Jinnie froze, the weight of his words settling over her like a suffocating blanket. For a moment, the room was silent except for their ragged breathing.

"Is that what you want?" she asked quietly, her voice trembling. "For me to stop trying?"

Jisung's expression faltered, a flicker of regret passing through his eyes. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by the same defensive anger. "I don't know what I want," he admitted, his tone cold.

She stared at him, her chest aching with a mix of hurt and frustration. "You don't know what you want," she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "You don't know what you want, but you're fine letting me twist in the wind while you figure it out?"

"Don't put this all on me," he said, his voice rising again. "You're not exactly innocent in all of this."

"Innocent?" she scoffed, shaking her head. "I'm the only one who's been trying to fix us, Jisung. I'm the only one who's stayed."

"Stayed?" he repeated with a bitter laugh. "Physically, maybe. Emotionally? You checked out a long time ago."

The words cut deep, tears stinging her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "You're unbelievable," she said, her voice trembling with fury. "You're so scared of facing our problems that you'd rather blame me than admit you're part of the problem."

Jisung opened his mouth to argue, but she held up a hand, cutting him off. "No, I'm done. I can't do this anymore."

"What are you saying?" he asked, his voice quieter now, almost uncertain.

"I'm saying I'm done being the only one who cares enough to fight for this," she said, grabbing her coat. "If you don't want to fix us, then maybe there's nothing left to fix."

"Jinnie," he said, his tone softer, almost pleading.

But she was already at the door, pulling it open and stepping into the freezing night. "Figure out what you want, Jisung," she said without looking back. "And maybe, when you do, I'll still care enough to listen."

The door closed behind her with a sharp click, leaving Jisung alone in the silence of the house they had once called a home.

‧ ─・─・୨୧・─・─ ‧

The snow fell in heavy silence, muffling the world around Jinnie as she trudged through the frozen streets, her breath visible in pale clouds that hung in the air before dissipating into the night. Her thin coat clung to her body, no match for the biting cold that seemed to seep through her skin and settle deep in her bones. She walked briskly, her boots crunching on the icy ground, her mind spinning too fast to focus on the chill.

Jinnie didn't know where she was going at first, but her feet seemed to have decided for her. Each step brought her closer to the warm, glowing windows of Minhee and Seungmin's home. She stopped at the gate, hesitating as she looked up at the house. The lights twinkling inside were inviting, a stark contrast to the storm of emotions raging within her. Could she really just show up like this?

Her hand hovered over the doorbell. Before she could think better of it, she pressed it, the chime echoing faintly inside.

It wasn't long before Minhee opened the door. Her dark hair was pulled into a messy bun, stray tendrils framing her face. She was wearing an oversized hoodie and leggings, her bare feet peeking out from beneath the hem. The warmth from the house spilled out around her, along with the faint scent of vanilla and something savory from dinner.

The moment Minhee saw Jinnie, her casual expression shifted to one of immediate concern. "Jinnie?" she asked, stepping aside to let her in. "What's wrong? You're freezing. Come inside, hurry."

Jinnie stepped into the house, her body trembling—not just from the cold, but from the overwhelming surge of relief and vulnerability. She couldn't speak. Her throat felt tight, and her chest heaved as she tried to suppress the sob threatening to spill out.

Minhee closed the door behind her and touched Jinnie's arm gently. "Hey," she said softly, her voice full of concern. "What happened? Are you okay?"

Jinnie shook her head, her lips pressed tightly together. Minhee didn't press her for answers. Instead, she called toward the living room, "Seungmin, can you come here for a second?"

Seungmin appeared moments later, his face shifting from mild confusion to quiet understanding as he took in Jinnie's disheveled appearance and red-rimmed eyes. He didn't ask questions. Instead, he placed a reassuring hand on Minhee's shoulder and said, "I'll sleep in Lixie's room tonight."

"Thanks," Minhee murmured, her gaze never leaving Jinnie.

Seungmin gave Jinnie a small, encouraging nod before disappearing up the stairs. His footsteps faded, leaving an odd hush in the house.

Minhee turned back to Jinnie. "Come on," she said gently, guiding her toward the living room.

The couch was plush and welcoming, and Jinnie sank into it gratefully. Minhee sat beside her, curling one leg beneath her as she faced her friend fully. Her eyes searched Jinnie's face, but she didn't push her to speak. Instead, she reached for the throw blanket draped over the armrest and wrapped it around Jinnie's shoulders.

"Wait here," Minhee said, standing. "I'll make us some tea."

Jinnie nodded faintly, her hands clasped tightly in her lap as Minhee disappeared into the kitchen. The sound of clinking mugs and running water filled the quiet house, grounding her in the present. She focused on those small, domestic noises, letting them soothe the chaos in her mind.

When Minhee returned, she handed Jinnie a steaming mug and sat close, their knees brushing. The scent of chamomile wafted up, warm and calming.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Minhee asked softly after a moment.

Jinnie stared into her tea, her fingers tightening around the mug. Her voice came out hoarse and unsteady. "I left."

"Left?" Minhee echoed, her brows furrowing.

"Jisung," Jinnie clarified, her throat tightening as she said his name. "I couldn't stay. We fought. Again."

Minhee nodded slowly, her gaze steady and patient. "Do you want to tell me what happened?"

Jinnie hesitated, then let out a shaky breath. "He never listens, Minhee. He just shuts down or walks away every time we try to talk about...everything. And I can't—" Her voice cracked, and she pressed a hand to her mouth, trying to stifle the sob rising in her chest.

Minhee's heart clenched. She set her tea aside and scooted closer, wrapping an arm around Jinnie's shoulders. "Hey, it's okay," she murmured. "I'm here."

Jinnie leaned into her, her body trembling as the tears she had been holding back finally spilled over. Minhee held her tightly, her hand running soothingly up and down Jinnie's arm.

"I don't know what to do anymore," Jinnie admitted after a while, her voice muffled against Minhee's shoulder. "I'm so tired, Minhee."

Minhee pulled back slightly, her hands resting on Jinnie's shoulders as she looked her in the eye. "You don't have to figure it all out tonight," she said firmly. "Right now, you just need to rest. Stay here as long as you need. You're not alone in this."

Jinnie's lower lip trembled, but she nodded, her eyes glistening with fresh tears. "Thank you," she whispered.

Minhee smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair from Jinnie's face. "Anytime. You know that."

The weight of Jinnie's gratitude hung in the air as they sat together in silence. Minhee shifted, adjusting the blanket around Jinnie's shoulders before settling beside her again.

When Jinnie eventually leaned her head against Minhee's shoulder, Minhee let her stay there, her cheek resting lightly against Jinnie's hair. Her fingers absentmindedly traced soft, soothing circles on Jinnie's hand.

Neither mentioned the night two days ago. Neither needed to. For now, the quiet comfort of each other's presence was enough.

The room was quiet, save for the faint creak of the bed as Jinnie sank into it. Minhee had guided her there gently, her arm steady around Jinnie's shoulders as though afraid she might crumble at any moment. The bed smelled faintly of lavender and Minhee's perfume, a mix that should have been comforting but now felt like a cruel contrast to the storm of emotions raging inside her.

"Just rest for a little while," Minhee said softly, tucking the blanket around Jinnie like she was a child in need of care. Her touch was delicate, her voice a soothing balm. "I'll bring you some tea to help calm your nerves."

Jinnie didn't respond, her body heavy with exhaustion and her mind too overwhelmed to form words. Minhee gave her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder before leaving the room, her footsteps fading down the hallway.

The room fell silent again, dimly lit by the soft glow of the bedside lamp. Jinnie's gaze roamed aimlessly, landing on Minhee's phone resting on the nightstand. The sleek black device buzzed once, the vibration startling in the quiet. The movement caused it to slide off the edge, hitting the floor with a soft thud.

With a sigh, Jinnie leaned over, picking up the phone. The screen lit up in her hand, revealing a string of notifications. At first, she didn't pay them much attention—until the sender's name caught her eye.

🐿️

Her brow furrowed. The messages glared up at her, each one hitting like a punch to the gut:

"I miss you."
"Miss fucking you."
"I'm sorry if I fucked up."

Jinnie stared at the screen, her chest tightening as realization began to dawn. Her fingers trembled, and her breathing grew unsteady. Those messages weren't from her.

Her mind raced, trying to piece together what this meant. Seungmin was in the other room with Lixie. That much was certain. Which left one horrifying possibility: Minhee had someone else.

The thought felt like a knife twisting in her chest. Minhee had always been her safe haven, the one place she could turn when everything else was falling apart. But this? This meant that whatever they had—whatever she thought they had—meant nothing to Minhee.

Jinnie's vision blurred with tears, her heart cracking under the weight of betrayal. She set the phone back on the nightstand with trembling hands, careful to leave it exactly as she'd found it. Her body felt too heavy to move, too broken to confront what she'd just seen.

By the time Minhee returned, a steaming cup of tea in hand, Jinnie was curled on her side, silent tears streaking her cheeks. The sight stopped Minhee in her tracks.

"Jinnie?" she asked softly, concern lacing her voice as she placed the cup on the nightstand. "What's wrong?"

Jinnie didn't respond. The pain was too raw, too sharp. Instead, she curled tighter into herself, her shoulders shaking as sobs wracked her body.

"Hey, hey," Minhee murmured, sitting on the edge of the bed. She reached out, her fingers threading through Jinnie's hair in soothing strokes. "It's okay. Let it out."

Jinnie's sobs only grew louder, her chest heaving with the weight of her anguish. Minhee continued to stroke her hair, whispering soft reassurances, completely unaware of the storm brewing beneath the surface.

"Try to sleep," Minhee said after a while, her voice gentle. "You'll feel better in the morning. I'm right here, okay?"

Jinnie didn't answer. She couldn't. Her throat felt raw, her heart shattered. The betrayal burned in her chest, but the exhaustion was stronger, pulling her into a fitful, tear-soaked sleep.

Minhee stayed by her side, her fingers never stopping their gentle caress. She hummed softly, an old melody that once brought Jinnie comfort. But tonight, it only deepened the ache.

Jinnie lay there, the weight of the unanswered messages pressing down on her like a suffocating blanket. Whatever she had thought she and Minhee shared, it was now clouded by doubt and hurt—a truth too painful to face in the light of day.

‧ ─・─・୨୧・─・─ ‧

The morning light crept into the room, soft and unassuming, casting faint shadows across the walls. Jinnie stirred, her eyelids fluttering as she slowly came to her senses. But the moment her eyes opened, she was met with an unsettling emptiness—the bed beside her was cold, the familiar warmth of Minhee's presence absent. Panic shot through her veins like a cold rush of adrenaline, her breath catching in her throat.

She shot up in bed, eyes darting around the room, her pulse quickening. Where is she?

Then, the sound of running water reached her ears, the steady rhythm of a shower running from the bathroom. Jinnie froze. Minhee's just showering, she told herself, her shoulders slowly relaxing. She let out a shaky breath, her racing heart gradually calming down.

Without thinking, Jinnie reached for her phone on the nightstand, her fingers shaking as she fumbled for it. She was late—too late. The thought gnawed at her. She needed to pick up her kids from her grandmother's house, but when she pressed the power button, the screen remained black. The battery's dead, she realized, frustration building in her chest. She tossed the phone back onto the nightstand in annoyance.

Jinnie glanced up, eyes landing on the clock on the wall. Her stomach dropped when she saw the time—12:43.

I'm so late!

She had to leave by 13:00 to get the kids. There was no time to waste. Her head spun as she scrambled out of bed, the reality of the situation settling like a weight on her chest. She needed to call her husband. Now.

With urgency, Jinnie rushed to the bathroom door, knocking quickly. "Minhee," she called, her voice tinged with panic. "I need to call my husband to pick up the kids. My phone's dead!"

The sound of water splashing stopped briefly, and Minhee's voice came through the door, light but still carrying a touch of concern. "Use my phone, Jinnie. The password is 2003."

Jinnie's breath caught in her throat as she hurried to grab Minhee's phone from the nightstand. Her hands moved quickly, fingers brushing over the screen. She entered the password, her nerves running wild. The phone unlocked, but as she scrolled through the contacts, her eyes widened in confusion.

She couldn't find her husband's name.

Frantically, she scrolled again, tapping through the contacts, but nothing appeared. "Minhee," she called out, her voice trembling. "I can't find him. His name isn't in here."

From the bathroom, Minhee's voice called back, this time with a touch of amusement. "Oh, right. His name's not in there. I saved it as an emoji—🐿️—because of his cheeks."

Jinnie froze.

The world seemed to stop around her as her mind raced. The emoji of a squirrel. Because of his cheeks.

Then the memories came rushing back—the messages from Minhee's phone, the ones that had burned into her mind like an indelible mark.

"I miss you."

"Miss fucking you."

"I'm sorry if I fucked up."

Jinnie's breath hitched. Her fingers tightened around the phone as a crushing weight settled in her chest. The air in the room felt thick, heavy, suffocating.

She stumbled back, her mind reeling with the painful realization. Minhee hadn't just been keeping her husband's contact as a squirrel emoji—they had been sleeping together. The messages were proof of it.

For a long moment, Jinnie couldn't breathe. Her heart felt like it was cracking in two. Minhee's voice floated through the bathroom door, oblivious to the whirlwind she had just unleashed in Jinnie's mind.

But Jinnie didn't answer. She couldn't. The weight of the betrayal was too much to bear. Instead, her hands shook as she glanced back at the screen. The squirrel emoji. Her husband. The messages.

She couldn't stay. The world around her had shifted. She felt like she was suffocating, trapped in a reality she could no longer face.

"Jinnie? Are you okay?" Minhee's voice called out from behind the door, still light, still unaware.

Jinnie's fingers hovered over the phone, but the thoughts in her mind were too loud. The pain was overwhelming. Her entire being screamed for escape, but the only thing she could do was choke down the rising tears and the crushing ache in her chest.

The truth was too unbearable, too cruel.

She opened the phone, her hands unsteady as she navigated to the messages once more. She read them over and over again, her heart shattering with each word. The guilt, the shame, the lies.

Minhee was still in the shower. The sound of water was like a cruel reminder of everything she had hidden from Jinnie. Everything she had kept from her.

Jinnie slid down the wall, the phone still clutched in her hands. She closed her eyes, the tears slipping down her cheeks before she could stop them.

Her mind screamed in agony. How could you do this to me?

But all she could do was sit there in the silence, the weight of the betrayal pulling her deeper into the darkness.

As the sound of the shower stopped, a heavy silence settled in the room. Jinnie remained frozen on the floor, her face buried in her hands as the weight of her realization crushed her. Her body trembled, her tears falling freely as her heart broke into pieces.

The bathroom door opened, and Minhee stepped out, wrapped in a towel, her hair damp and falling in soft waves around her face. She looked around the room, her eyes scanning for Jinnie. When she saw her, sitting on the floor, trembling, her heart sank.

"Jinnie?" Minhee called softly, stepping closer, concern flooding her features. "What's going on? Why are you sitting here like this?"

Jinnie didn't respond. Instead, she clenched her fists, her eyes still closed as if trying to shut out the world, trying to shut out the woman she thought she knew.

Minhee took another step, reaching out with a tentative hand. "Jinnie, what happened?" she asked gently, her voice soft, but there was an edge of worry. "Talk to me."

Suddenly, Jinnie's head snapped up, her tear-streaked face twisted in pain and anger. Her voice cracked as she screamed, her words sharp and bitter. "Don't you dare come near me, Minhee! Don't you dare touch me!" Her breath hitched with the force of her words, her body shaking with the rawness of her emotions.

She grabbed Minhee's phone from the nightstand, her hands trembling as she threw it at her. The phone hit Minhee's chest with a soft thud, and Minhee stumbled back, eyes wide with confusion.

Jinnie was no longer holding back. Her voice was a mixture of hurt, disbelief, and fury. "How could you do this to me?" she screamed, her voice breaking with each word. "I trusted you, Minhee! You made me believe in you! You made me believe you loved me!"

Minhee stood frozen for a moment, her mind racing, trying to make sense of what was happening. Then, slowly, she bent down to pick up the phone, her hands shaking as she unlocked it. Her eyes scanned the screen, and as the open messages filled her vision, her blood ran cold.

"I miss you."

"Miss fucking you."

"I'm sorry if I fucked up."

Her stomach dropped as the truth hit her. These weren't just words—they were confessions, raw and unfiltered. Jinnie had seen them. And Jinnie was hurting.

Minhee's chest tightened as her heart raced. She looked up at Jinnie, her voice trembling. "Jinnie, please... Let me explain. I—"

The room felt suffocating, every breath Jinnie took heavy with the weight of betrayal. Her chest ached, her heart twisting in agony as Minhee stood there, dumbfounded, clutching the phone that had revealed everything. Jinnie's mind was a whirlwind of rage, grief, and disbelief. Her emotions were raw, unbearable, as she stared at Minhee, her once-trusted partner, the woman who had shattered everything she thought she knew.

When Minhee made a move to approach her, Jinnie's voice sliced through the air, sharp and full of venom. "Don't you dare come near me," she snarled, her voice trembling with fury. "Don't you dare touch me, you disgusting liar."

Minhee froze, her face a mixture of confusion and regret, but Jinnie didn't care. She had no time for Minhee's apologies, no space left for the woman who had so willingly betrayed her.

"How could you—" Jinnie choked, her hands balled into fists at her sides as tears flooded her eyes, the depth of her pain becoming unbearable. "How could you sleep with my husband? You—you slept with him, Minhee! I trusted you. You were my friend. How could you do this to me?"

Minhee's face turned pale, her breath hitching as the reality of Jinnie's words hit her like a freight train. But it wasn't enough for Jinnie. No, not nearly enough.

"Was I just a joke to you?" Jinnie's voice rose in a bitter crescendo, every word like poison. "Was I nothing to you? All those nights I spent in your arms—were they just some sick, twisted game to you? You thought I wouldn't find out? You thought you could just hide everything from me?"

She stepped closer, her face inches from Minhee's, her fury seeping into every word, every syllable. "You fucking liar. You used me. You used me like I was some toy, and you did the same to my husband. I should've known. You always thought you could have anything you wanted, didn't you? You wanted him, so you took him, and now I'm left here picking up the pieces of my shattered life."

Minhee opened her mouth to speak, to explain, to beg for forgiveness, but Jinnie was already done. She couldn't hear it. She couldn't bear it.

"You have no idea what you've done to me, do you?" Jinnie continued, her voice rising with each insult, each accusation. "You didn't just betray me, Minhee. You ruined my fucking life. You—" She threw her arms wide, as if to encompass everything she had lost, "—you took away everything. My trust, my love, my goddamn sanity."

Jinnie's chest heaved with the effort of speaking, her breath ragged, her emotions teetering on the brink of explosion. Her eyes were red, swollen with tears she couldn't stop, but her anger burned brighter than the pain.

"You're nothing but a fucking slut," she spat, the words sharp and biting. "I'm nothing but a fool, aren't I? A fool for believing in you. A fool for thinking we were something special. You used me, and now I'm left to clean up the mess you made."

Minhee reached out, her hand trembling, trying to get closer to Jinnie, to comfort her, but Jinnie recoiled, stepping back. "Don't touch me!" she screamed, pushing Minhee away with a force she didn't know she had. "Just get away from me! I hate you! I fucking hate you!"

Minhee staggered back, her face pale, her chest rising and falling in quick breaths. The words stung, but they were deserved. She couldn't deny it. She had hurt Jinnie in the worst way possible.

Suddenly, Seungmin's voice broke through the tension. "What the hell is going on here?" he demanded, his eyes flicking between the two women, his voice sharp with concern and confusion. He stepped further into the room, his gaze landing on Jinnie's tear-streaked face, her body shaking with the aftershocks of her fury.

Jinnie didn't answer. She couldn't. The pain, the betrayal, it was suffocating her. Instead, she turned away, her body trembling as she tried to hold herself together. But it wasn't working. The tears came harder, faster, and she couldn't stop them.

Minhee's voice, weak and pleading, broke the silence. "Jinnie, please... I never meant to hurt you. I'm sorry—"

"Sorry?" Jinnie hissed, her voice laced with disgust. "You think a fucking apology will fix this? You think I'll just forget that you fucked my husband? You think I'll just forget how you destroyed me? How you destroyed everything we had?"

Seungmin stepped forward, his eyes narrowing at Minhee. "What the hell is going on?" he repeated, his voice dangerously calm, as if trying to understand, but he could already see the damage in Jinnie's eyes.

Minhee opened her mouth, but Jinnie cut her off, her voice raw with emotion. "No, don't explain. Don't try to make this better because it can't be fixed. You can't fix what you did, Minhee. You broke me. You ruined everything. And I—I can't look at you anymore."

Without another word, Jinnie turned on her heel, her heart pounding in her chest as she made her way toward the door. She could hear Minhee calling after her, but she didn't stop. She couldn't stop. She couldn't breathe in this room anymore.

She didn't look back as she stormed out of the apartment, her footsteps echoing in the hallway, a broken sob caught in her throat. She didn't know where she was going, but she had to get away. Away from Minhee. Away from the betrayal. Away from the wreckage of her life.

Jinnie ran, her chest tight with grief, her legs carrying her faster and faster, the tears blurring her vision. The only thing she could think of was to get home—to the place where, maybe, just maybe, everything would feel familiar again. To the place where, for now, she could escape the nightmare Minhee had created.

And as she ran through the streets, her heart felt like it was being torn in two, knowing she would never forgive Minhee—not for what she had done, not for the lies, not for the love she had stolen. Jinnie had been destroyed. And Minhee would never have her forgiveness. Not now. Not ever.

‧ ─・─・୨୧・─・─ ‧

to be continued...