Finding Daylight

Two years ago, Han Ara gave Park Jae everything, her heart, her trust, her firsts. In return, she was hidden in the shadows of his guarded world.
Walking away to reclaim her dignity broke her heart...
And shattered him.
Watching her thrive without him forced Jae to dismantle his walls and fight for a second chance. Now, between lingering hurt and longing, they have to decide: can they leave the dark behind and step into the daylight together?
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Ara lay beside him, the silk sheet pulled up to her chest. She turned her head, studying his sharp silhouette in the dim light. Her heart swelled with a familiar, aching tenderness.
"Jae?" she whispered softly, reaching out. Her fingertips gently brushed a stray lock of black hair away from his forehead. "How was Tokyo? How is everything going?"
Jae swat her hand away, his movement sharp and irritated. He opened his eyes, glaring up at the ceiling.
"Stop asking, Ara," he snapped. "I told you. Don't ask about work. Don't ask how I am."
Ara froze, her hand hovering in the empty air. The coldness in his tone felt like a physical slap.
"I'm tired," Jae muttered into his pillow, his voice already fading. "Just lock the door when you leave."
Ara sat up slowly, sliding out of the bed and quietly getting dressed in the dark. As she pulled her sweater over her head, she looked at the shadowed figure on the bed. She knew she should be angry, but the anger melted into that persistent, stubborn ache of love.
Because despite the rules, and despite his current cruelty, Ara was completely, irrevocably in love with him.
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This is a work of fiction that I wrote and own exclusively. The characters are a figment of my imagination, and any similarities to real individuals is pure coincidence.
Trigger Warning: This story contains mature themes including mild sexual content, and emotional and verbal abuse. Reader discretion is advised.