Jaeha said he was sorry again today.

He said the schedule took longer than expected and he'd have to head down to the countryside.

A short text message.

Followed by a phone call.

*"I'm sorry."

I smiled and said it was okay.

As always, Jaeha was apologetic, and I was understanding.

That was just the kind of person he was.

A good person, someone who treated me well.

He bought flowers not just for anniversaries, but on days with no reason at all.

A bag I'd mentioned in passing was pretty would be sitting on the sofa a few days later, and if I said I wanted some fresh air at dawn, he'd grab the car keys without a word.

A man who lacked nothing. Which made me feel even more guilty.

I took a bottle of white wine out of the fridge and placed two glasses on the living room table.

I went into the bathroom to wash my face and put on a sheet mask.

Even during that time, the doorbell didn't ring.

Only the familiar sound of the passcode being entered was heard.

Click.

The front door opened, and familiar footsteps entered the house.

I held up my wine glass while perched by the window.

You're here.

Guest approached and sat down near me without a word.

The wine glasses clinked lightly.

A single, clear sound.

Outside the window, the night view of Seoul slowly blurred, and as always, no explanation was needed between us.