Joshua and Wonwoo's life together was anything but typical. Their days were filled with silent moments of reflection, tentative conversations, and the slow building of trust. Wonwoo's cold exterior remained, but cracks began to show, revealing glimpses of the man beneath.
It was a particularly rainy evening when Joshua came home soaked from a sudden downpour. He was shivering, his clothes clinging to his skin. Wonwoo, who had just returned from a long day at the office, took one look at him and frowned.
"You're going to catch a cold," Wonwoo said, his tone more concerned than critical.
Before Joshua could respond, Wonwoo had fetched a towel and handed it to him. "Dry off and change. I'll make you some tea."
Surprised by the unexpected kindness, Joshua nodded and headed to his room to change. When he returned, he found Wonwoo in the kitchen, boiling water and setting out a cup. The simplicity of the gesture warmed Joshua more than the tea ever could.
"Thank you," Joshua said softly, taking the cup from Wonwoo's hands.
Wonwoo shrugged, but there was a softness in his eyes. "It's nothing. You need to take better care of yourself."
As Joshua sipped the tea, they sat together in silence, the rain tapping gently against the windows. For the first time, the silence felt comfortable, not awkward or strained.
The small acts of kindness continued. Wonwoo began to notice Joshua's habits, the way he hummed softly while cooking, or how he loved to read late in the night. He found himself drawn to these small details, appreciating the gentle presence Joshua brought into their home.
One weekend, Joshua suggested they go out to a nearby park. "It might be nice to get some fresh air," he said, hoping to bridge the gap between them further.
Wonwoo hesitated but eventually agreed. The park was bustling with families and couples, laughter and chatter filling the air. They walked in silence at first, but gradually, they started talking about their childhoods, their favorite books, and their dreams.
Wonwoo was surprised to find himself enjoying the conversation. Joshua's passion for literature and his gentle humor slowly chipped away at Wonwoo's defenses. He found himself smiling more, feeling lighter in Joshua's presence.
One evening, as they were having dinner, Joshua nervously fidgeted with his fork. "Wonwoo, can I ask you something?"
"Of course," Wonwoo replied, looking up from his plate.
"Why do you keep yourself so guarded? I mean, you're kind and thoughtful, but you hide it so well," Joshua asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.
Wonwoo sighed, putting down his fork. "I suppose it's a habit. In the business world, showing emotion is often seen as a weakness. I've spent so long building up these walls that I forgot how to let them down."
Joshua reached out, placing his hand over Wonwoo's. "You don't have to be that way with me. I want to know the real you, not just the CEO everyone else sees."
The sincerity in Joshua's eyes was disarming. Wonwoo felt a lump in his throat and nodded. "I'll try," he promised, squeezing Joshua's hand.
Days turned into weeks, and the bond between them grew stronger. Wonwoo found himself looking forward to their time together, cherishing the quiet moments they shared. Joshua's warmth and patience began to melt the ice around Wonwoo's heart, allowing genuine affection to take root.
One night, as they were watching a movie together, Joshua fell asleep, his head resting on Wonwoo's shoulder. Wonwoo glanced down at him, a soft smile playing on his lips. He gently brushed a strand of hair from Joshua's face, feeling an unfamiliar but welcome warmth in his chest.
The realization hit him slowly but surely: he was falling in love with Joshua.
Their first anniversary approached, and with it, the impending deadline of their initial agreement. Wonwoo found himself dreading the thought of letting Joshua go. He had grown accustomed to Joshua's presence, to the way he made every day a little brighter.
On the evening of their anniversary, Wonwoo prepared a special dinner, hoping to convey his feelings. As they sat down to eat, Joshua couldn't help but notice the nervous energy in the air.
"Wonwoo, is everything okay?" Joshua asked, concerned.
Wonwoo took a deep breath, looking into Joshua's eyes. "Joshua, I need to tell you something. When we first got married, I didn't believe in love. I saw this marriage as a duty, an obligation. But you... you've changed that. You've changed me."
Joshua's heart pounded in his chest. "What are you saying, Wonwoo?"
"I'm saying that I love you, Joshua. I don't want this year to end and for us to part ways. I want to build a future together, if you'll have me," Wonwoo confessed, his voice filled with vulnerability.
Tears welled up in Joshua's eyes as he reached across the table, taking Wonwoo's hands in his. "I love you too, Wonwoo. I've been waiting for this moment, hoping you'd feel the same."
They stood and embraced, the barriers between them finally shattered. The love that had grown slowly, tenderly, now bloomed fully, wrapping them in its warmth.
Joshua and Wonwoo's life together blossomed into a partnership built on love, trust, and mutual respect. They faced challenges together, supporting each other through the highs and lows. Wonwoo learned to show his emotions more freely, while Joshua found strength and confidence in their love.
Their marriage, once a reluctant arrangement, had transformed into a beautiful, genuine bond. As they stood together, looking out over the city that had once seemed so cold and distant, they knew they had found something rare and precious.
In each other, they had found their happiness
-----------The end-----------
