Affection's Facade

" Eomma."

Elera's pov

A glow pierced by the brilliance of headlights shining through the sheer curtains. As quickly as they'd flashed, the headlights went off, signaling his arrival.

While my fingers worked methodically, washing the dishes, I felt a hint of warmth creep onto my face. It was that involuntary, almost shy smile that always gave me away. Min-ji, leaning against the counter, recognized that warmth and chuckled gently, her voice carrying a mixture of teasing and fondness.

"Every time, Elera. Every single time," she murmured, moving gracefully across the room to rummage through the fridge. Her hair swayed softly, catching a glint of the room's ambient light.

" You two are unbelievable." She said as she walked by to open the fridge. " Oh let them be." Mrs.Lee said as she said in the living room watching Tv.

" Yea, Min-ji. Maybe when you and Brandon start living together you'd understand." I said playfully as I dried my hands and took off my apron.

The soft clink of the glass against the counter echoed as Min-ji set down her empty cup. With a smirk, she reached for a container of Barley tea, the ice cubes inside jingling gently. She poured it deliberately, the amber liquid shimmering under the dim kitchen light. I watched, momentarily distracted, as a few droplets escaped, meandering down the side of her glass.

The distant hum of an engine interrupted my focus. By the time I turned towards the door, Hae-mi and Mi-jung had already sprung to life, the giddy excitement evident in their hasty steps and fluttering skirts. They darted out, eager and vibrant, like moths drawn to a flame.

Drifting to the entrance, I lingered in the doorway. "Long day?" I inquired, raising an eyebrow. Tae-hyung's response was a gentle smile, lips slightly upturned but not reaching his eyes. There was a fleeting moment where our gazes met; his held a hint of something unspoken, a weighty secret. He briefly ruffled Hae-mi's hair and playfully tickled Mi-jung's side, their giggles filling the air.

The cool evening breeze ushered us indoors. The familiar sound of fabric shuffling caught my attention as Tae-hyung traded his outdoor shoes for worn-in slippers, their soles whispering stories of countless nights like these.

Leaning in, his voice was soft, almost hesitant. "Can we talk, just for a moment?" The close proximity allowed me to catch a whiff of his cologne, a mix of wood and something ineffably him. I responded with a gentle smile, fingers brushing lightly against his collar, straightening the fabric. "Of course," I murmured, the room's ambient noises fading into insignificance.

The two of us walked down the hallway. As I pushed open the door to our bedroom, the subtle scent of lavender greeted us, an aroma that always had a calming effect on me. Tae-hyung seemed to feel it too, his shoulders dropping a fraction as he entered after me.

He took a moment to gather himself, perching on the edge of our bed and motioning for me to join him. As I settled beside him, the cool sheets contrasting against the warmth of his body, he inhaled deeply. Then, with a sudden fluid movement, he leaned back onto the bed, pulling me along with him. The world around us seemed to blur and tilt as I found myself laying on top of him, our bodies perfectly aligned.

His fingers found their way into the thick curls of my Afro, gently caressing and untangling the strands. There was a softness in his touch, but I could sense the anxiety that belied his calm exterior.

"I saw Mrs. Kim today," he murmured, his gaze fixed on the ceiling, lost in thought. The weight of his next words made my heart skip a beat. "She knows about Mi-jung. She has pictures of her."

I began slightly still at his words. The implications of someone else having photos of her was both unsettling and intrusive.

Seeing the concern etched on my face, he hurriedly added, "I'm not telling you this to make you nervous, Elera. I want you to be informed, to know what's happening."