𝟔 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 | 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐧

EPISODE 3

Lately, I had been consumed by a gnawing worry, one that kept me awake at night and burdened my days. It was Sunghoon. I'd noticed him coughing more frequently and his headaches seemed to grow worse with each passing day. The sight of him laboring so tirelessly and seemingly neglecting his health was breaking my heart.

Determined to confront him, I decided I would talk to him once he came home. He always returned late, and this night was no different. After a long day, I sat on the bed, lost in a book, waiting for him. When the clock struck 1:00 a.m., the sound of the front door opening signaled his arrival.

He entered, his figure weary and worn. He placed his bag down and collapsed onto the bed beside me. The sight of him, exhausted and clearly in discomfort, made my chest tighten.

"You're finally back. You know it's 1:00 a.m., right?" I said, trying to mask my concern with a hint of annoyance.

"I know," he replied, his voice strained. "I was busy."

"Yes, so busy that you most probably forgot to have dinner as well," I said, my tone softer but no less worried.

"Listen, please. I am very tired. My head hurts so badly right now," he said, barely masking the pain in his voice.

I reached out, placing my hand on his forehead. It was burning with fever. The heat radiating from him was undeniable.

"Yah, you are having a high fever," I said, my voice trembling slightly with concern.

"How do you know? Are you a doctor?" he asked, his tone tinged with irritation.

"It's obvious enough. You are burning hot right now. Sunghoon, you need to understand that you are over-working yourself. You need to calm down and rest," I implored, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Listen, I understand what you mean, but I can't rest now. This client is super important," he replied, frustration edging his voice.

"Is it more important than your health?" I challenged gently.

"What do you want me to do then, huh?" he snapped, standing up abruptly. "Leave my work? Stay at home?"

"Yes," I said firmly, rising to my feet as well and wrapping my arms around myself.

"What?" His confusion was palpable.

"You need to take a rest. It's not good for your health," I insisted, though my heart ached at his refusal.

"You don't understand how important this work is. My head is already hurting, and I don't want to argue with you. Can't you just bring me dinner? I am hungry," he said, his exhaustion and frustration mingling.

"You are right. I don't understand how important work is for you. Because for me, only you are important," I said, my voice quivering with emotion.

He looked at me, his surprise evident.

"Your health and well-being are important to me. I am your wife. But if that doesn't matter to you, fine. Suffer to your own good," I said, my voice cold with hurt.

"Hayoon, I—" he started, but I cut him off.

"I'll get dinner for you," I said, turning away before he could say more. My heart was heavy with genuine upset. I cared for him deeply, and it pained me to see him dismiss my concerns so easily.

As I prepared his dinner, my anger and sadness fueled my movements. I was almost done when he approached me, trying once more to get my attention.

"Hayoon. Listen to me—"

"Here is your dinner," I interrupted, placing the plate in his hands. "Get changed and put your clothes in the laundry basket."

"Okay but—"