To Have and To Betray~ HopeKook/ S Taekook/ Taegi/ S Vhope

Hoseok walked into the church, his footsteps echoing in the stillness. The scent of aged wood and melting wax filled the air, and the flickering glow of candles cast long, wavering shadows on the walls. He clutched the edges of his coat tightly, as though holding himself together against the weight of his guilt. His chest ached, each step down the empty corridor a reminder of the choices that had brought him here.

He stopped in front of a small, secluded room. The wooden sign marked Confessional swung slightly, creaking on its hinges. For a moment, Hoseok hesitated, staring at the door as if it might save him from the storm raging inside. Finally, swallowing hard, he stepped inside, the dim light enveloping him.

On the other side of the barrier sat a priest, his figure outlined by the faint glow from a stained-glass window. The silence between them was thick, pressing against Hoseok's chest like a vice. He took a shaky breath, feeling his hands tremble as he gripped the bench.

"Bless me, Father, for I have sinned," Hoseok began, his voice barely above a whisper.

The priest's calm, measured tone responded, "The Lord is always ready to forgive, my son. What burdens your heart today?"

Hoseok's throat tightened, the words refusing to come out. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, his mind a chaotic mess of guilt, shame, and fear. He fidgeted, his nails digging into his palm.

"I... I don't know how to say it," he stammered, his voice cracking. The silence that followed felt unbearable, and the priest waited patiently, offering no judgment, only quiet encouragement.

Finally, Hoseok's resolve shattered, and the confession tumbled out, each word raw and jagged. "I'm... I'm having an affair... with my husband."

The stillness that followed was deafening. For a moment, it seemed as though the entire church was holding its breath. Then the priest, startled out of his calm demeanor, broke the silence with a single, incredulous word:

"What?"