It hasn't been the first time they have sex to fulfill something beyond the purpose of their marriage, that's why Jiyeon doesn't notice the content in her heart when she goes to sleep that night of the charity event; lingering, gentle content.
But something has shifted that night, settled, Jiyeon just doesn't realize it immediately.
The next morning, Jiyeon sees Hyunjung in their kitchen, sitting on a stool; staring at nothing in particular.
She's radiant with a serenity that renders Jiyeon surprised.
"I thought you stayed with Sojung," is the first thing Jiyeon says, a furrow of confusion on her brows.
Last night, Jiyeon had excused herself once they entered the house, wanting to shower and rest and give the two friends privacy.
When she'd gotten out of the shower, she'd found a text from Hyunjung, informing her that she'd go out with Sojung for a drink, and spend the night at her place.
"I did," Hyunjung replies, "I just got here a few minutes ago."
She looks tired, and nervous if the way she perks up suggests anything.
But a smile full of ease appears on her face, and it somehow explains why she is here and not with Sojung.
"Are you feeling well now?" Jiyeon asks, heat rising as sweet sensations from last night's memory tickle her.
Hyunjung nods, then awkwardly say, "I brought coffee and Cinnamon bread."
Upon hearing that, though, the looming cloud of giddiness dissolves, cleared by worry.
This isn't something they do. Morning isn't something they've ever shared, at least not when they don't have to put on the mask of a happy couple.
Jiyeon doesn't know how to feel about that.
Do they need to talk about last night?
She doesn't know, and it makes her nervous that she doesn't.
"Oh, that's nice," Jiyeon finally replies, checking her cup of coffee.
Hyunjung clears her throat.
"I wanted to thank you," she says, blushing. "For helping me last night."
She's serious and tensed, but then panic breaks through her calm expression. "Not with coffee and bread!" She adds, and Jiyeon's speechless, her heart starts pounding.
"I... it just didn't feel right not getting something for you, too." The pink on Hyunjung's cheeks turns brighter, but confidence returns to her eyes; calmness to her voice.
Jiyeon blinks.
Between her and Hyunjung, there's always been this sense of formality. The one keeping their relationship defined clearly; it's always been lodged in the space between their hearts whenever they were outside the bedroom; out of their required intimacy.
But it has never felt glaringly misplaced like now; that it presses heavily on Jiyeon's focus, making her confused about how to approach the matter.
