Shared Spaces & Hidden Desires • Seungcheol

53 - Broken

Seungcheol

The flowers weren't even planned.

I was halfway to the building when I passed a corner shop and saw them—tulips and peonies, her favorites. I didn't hesitate. The way she lit up over the smallest things... I just wanted to give her something to come out to. Something soft. A reminder that no matter how the day went, someone was waiting for her with open arms.

I got there earlier than I said I would.

Fifteen minutes early, actually.

But when she called, I lied. "Very close. I'll hurry."

I wanted to surprise her. I wanted to see her face light up when she saw me already waiting. God, I was even smiling at the thought.

Then the elevator doors opened.

And the smile dropped.

She stepped out first, fast—too fast—and she was looking behind her when she said, "See you tomorrow."

Then he walked out.

Jisoo.

He was here. And he was with her. And she looked like she didn't want me to see that.

Like she didn't want me to see him.

My hands clenched around the bouquet. My jaw locked so tight I thought my teeth might crack.

She spotted me, and I watched her freeze mid-step.

Guilt.

Clear as day in her eyes.

And I didn't say a word.

I couldn't.

Because if I opened my mouth, I wasn't sure what would come out.

Anger? Accusation? Hurt?

All I knew was that my blood was boiling. That my heart was screaming why didn't you tell me?

Instead, I turned, walked to the car, and opened the passenger door for her without looking at her face.

The ride was quiet. Heavy.

I didn't play music. I didn't ask her how her day went. I didn't even look her way.

I just stared out at the road ahead, every mile fueling a fire in my chest. My knuckles were white against the steering wheel. My thoughts loud and violent.

Did she hide it because there was something there? Because she didn't want me to overreact? Or because she didn't want me to know at all?

And that look on her face when she saw me.

She knew. She knew this would hurt me. That it would look bad.

That him being the first thing I saw after her first day would feel like a punch to the gut.

And still—she didn't tell me.

When we pulled up to the building, I didn't wait.

I parked. Got out. Slammed the door harder than I meant to. Left the flowers on the passenger seat.

She didn't deserve them right now.

I didn't say a word as I walked into the elevator.

Didn't look back.

Not until the doors closed, and she was still sitting there in the car.

And even then—I still couldn't shake the storm inside me.