Affection's Facade

All is well in between

Tae-hyung's pov

Elera's silhouette against the night sky had a certain kind of allure, and there I was, unable to ignore the way my heart raced when I was near her. I could hear the soft chirping of the crickets and the distant hum of the city, but her presence made everything else seem unimportant. It had been a few weeks since she visited it but it seemed she needed a moment after the busy day.

She came in earlier that day with a smile on her face, ready to greet our daughters, at least that's what it felt like, and that itself was a sight worth seeing.

"Are you feeling okay?" I asked, allowing a trace of genuine concern to seep into my voice. Her eyes met mine briefly before she nodded, the glow from the streetlights illuminating the subtle depths of her expression.

She laughed softly, a hint of mischief in her eyes, "I've had better days."

I walked closer to her and massaged her shoulders.

" It's been taking everything inside me to not kiss you, I let her know.

" Is it?" She asked as if she was teasing my emotions.

To distract myself, I began to massage her Afro, "Being in that house with him... It must be hard," I murmured, my fingers losing themselves in the softness of her curls.

She tilted her head, allowing me more access, her eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment. " Not like it used to be." She sighed. " I can't wait though to put it all to a rest."

" I'm glad you don't feel too strained," I told her.

"Are you nervous?" she teased, her fingers absentmindedly playing with the car keys. Her question was direct, and she leaned onto the car, giving me a slightly teasing look.

Raising an eyebrow, I felt the corner of my mouth lift into a smirk. "Now, why would I be?" There was a playful challenge in my eyes. "Do you want me to be nervous, Ms. Osei?" Taking a bold step closer, the space between us dwindled.

She raised an eyebrow, challenging. "What if I fall for him? Doesn't that thought make you nervous?"

"Should I be worried?" My fingers gently cradled her chin, directing her gaze up to meet mine.

She smirked back, her lips mere inches from mine. "Maybe you should be."

" Ms.Osei you're tempting me and I'm trying to be on my best behavior," I said honestly.

Suddenly, she looked down, her eyes darting away, a soft warming of her face. The Elera I was familiar with seemed momentarily replaced by a more reserved version.

Seeing her like this was always endearing. I chuckled softly, gently lifting her chin with my finger. "You seem flustered." I smiled.

She huffed, her eyes darting away, but there was a playful glint in them. "Don't flatter yourself, Mr.Choi."

"Never thought I'd see the day," I teased, the corner of my lips quirking up in amusement. "But I have to admit, it's kind of cute."

Elera playfully swatted my arm, her cheeks deepening in hue. "Okay, okay, you've had your fun. Now let me go before I truly make you nervous."

I leaned in close, my voice a sultry whisper, "Promise?"

" As I said I should get going."

"Of course," I replied, taking a step back but with a teasing glint in my eyes, "Drive safely, love."

She shook her head with a small smile, her shyness still evident, and said, "Goodnight, Mr.Choi."

After watching Elera's car retreat into the distance, I headed back into the house. The stillness inside was broken by the soft sobs coming from the living room. Hae-mi sat curled up on the couch, her face buried in her hands.