— jaekyung & taecyeon

@✽ jaekyung k.⁰²²⁰²⁰²³ to think i was dragged into it the last minute because someone got sick that morning. you know, a friend tried to convince me by saying there were some pretty girls in your class. at least someone still finds me somewhat attractive lately. the other day an intern mentioned to me that someone compared my looks to a fridge on twitter.
*shakes his head as he half jokingly tells you this, since he knows how true what he saying is. ironically, that particular orientation he was considered standoffish to your incoming class. said his greetings and checked up on his juniors from a friendly distance, but was not like the rest of his classmates using this time to pickup a few phone numbers and impress some naive freshmen. to him it was simply a favor that particular weekend. later when you give him a thumbs up, there is a slight upwards quirk at the corner of his lips, a hint of relief one could even discern that his small action did not fall completely sideways. he does chuckle for the first time since last night, albeit quietly, at how surprised you are about his staff’s perception of us, especially you. in that second, he tries his best to cover it up by holding his hand to his mouth*
i guess you haven’t been around me or the capital too much to still be shocked about this. even mapo’s assemblyman jang’s wife told me to bring to more of those wife-only luncheons. maybe it’s a good thing you haven’t though? one of us still has to have one foot in the real world. it’s true that we should behave better, but most people there don’t really think like that. over time, a number of them forget people are people and a bit of reality in the process. i never told you? even on my first day i was scolded by a politician only in office two years longer than me for not bowing deep enough.
*pokes around at his toast as he recounts this memory, one that had him fuming back then. however, with that particular politician being voted out not too long afterwards, it brings a rather smug smile while he tells this tale. the cockiness from his expression fades away eventually, but the smile is still there since you are willing to go on a trip with him, even if it’s to the next city over and nothing too exciting there compared to some exotic vacation. he shakes his head in amusement too at the way you describe him, something that not many wives would do with the way he behaves*
you’re probably right, our honeymoon was the last real vacation i had. besides i’m not exactly saving the country during these trips, as much as wooyoung would want to project. i’ll update you my schedule when the trips are booked. let me know when you come into the city too, that way you're not there during a busier than usual time. are you going to be busy soon? i don’t want you moving your schedule around so we can line up.
*chuckles once more when he brings up wooyoung, his campaign manager, who is another fan of yours from his team. he knows how icy things can be between us, but this particular manager loves any positive publicity for his clients, something that you have always done during public events and campaign season. for a second, he almost allows a somber look to take over him finally as his eyes become empty, blankly staring at the dish in front of him. what does snap him back to reality is your touch*
yeah, i know. you were right too with your phrasing. at least she or he would had been hankering us for actual grapes rather than grape soda.
*acknowledges your advice, nodding at it. his tone is dejected, something he cannot shake off completely whenever he reaches subject like this. he does his best to switch up his mood with that little joke at the end, another laugh coming from him. not too long after, he pats your hand on his arm, catching your change from lunch session to date. he actually smiles at this*
another lunch date works with me, maybe dinner date too in case our schedules don’t work out. do you think the owners would recognize us? especially since it won’t be between the hours of 2 to 5am, with us better dressed and kept that is.

@✽ taecyeon o. it is definitely not corny at all, love. if anything, it’s sweet to say so. yeah, same here. I don’t even realize how much time has passed us by until i try to remember when our wedding anniversary is. oh yeah. i wouldn’t have predicted that would happen and all i remembered at my freshman orientation, meeting you then.. i did thought to myself that well.. that is one hot guy and i still think you still are. your charms are still never changing at all.
*lets out an amused chuckle, realising that what she said might make you uncomfortable at the very least and takes a quick glance at you, hoping that you are not catching on to what she was saying. the more she think about their history, the more she realise that the dynamics truly changed over the years. in their early days, they’re rather cordial, friendly even until to the days of their marriage years being so full of anger and tension. not to mention the loss of their heir heightening the tension between them that they might or might not be on the path of self-destruction. there is a saying that goes about time healing the pain both have. not with her being on a fence about asking you out to eat together and worrying that you might reject, seeing your small smile ease her doubt and she eventually relaxes in her seat, letting out a huff of relief*
yeah, next time when we are both in town. Yes! At the cafe! i can recommend you the other platter aside from this one. Oh.. you don’t have to..
*gets flustered at the sight of you cutting the sausage into halves and passing her the one half before she reaches out to grab it by the fingers and have that in one bite. taking her time to chew, she nods at his words and gives you a thumb up as a way to say thank you for giving her a bit of the sausage, knowing fully well that you’re not the type to do this for anyone else*
why are they wondering about that? silly staff! Most of the things, i can handle by myself easily. I only seek help when it’s something I can’t handle on my own. i can pretty much see that whenever i was with you for those political events or stuff, poor things get ordered around so much they look visibly exhausted. sure, they are paid to do that but still.. there’re limits to what a person can do. it is why i never ask, seek or boss them around like some evil stepmother. and i also hate that my status and reputation make them think that i should be the same.
*they might be a rising power couple but never have jaekyung once thought of torturing her own staff to death. it is beneath her to do so and having attended so much of these political events, she vows not to do that and also making sure that you do the same. if it’s something trivial, she make sure she do it instead of their staff aside from the cooking part. when they are apart, she know she can’t do anything for you yet hoping at the same time that the staff team under your employment will not be suffering. she also wanted to make sure that they are the couple that people can easily approach because then this way they could guarantee their votes in near future.*
a while? it is like probably a few years in the works. the only time i remembered i had a break with you is like on our honeymoon? woah. damn. that is so overdue. excuse my language. I can come with you if you want it to. you are really throttling full power ahead despite the legislation break. South Korea will be saved with you as one of the politicians. I can do that too. oh the city, right. when our schedules align and when heavens allow.
*observes you reaching out for more fruit slices when you stop mid-sentence and her gaze shift to look at you, studying your face for a bit and wonder what you will say if you does continue that*
you know.. it’s absolutely okay to grieve about our baby. and yes.. i think the baby would have eaten truck-fuls of fruits, giving us the run for the money. wait, is that phrasing correct or- never mind.
*reaches out to pat your forearm as a form of reassurance from that slip-up accompanied with a soft smile, humming softly with a nod of her head*
and you didn’t think of inviting me for lunch whenever you are there? how mean. I kid, we should go there one day. Moreover, will the owners recognise us? It has been years. yeah, the oxtail restaurant can be another lunch… date.
*puts more emphasis on the word date because to her, a session sounds way too formal and not intimate enough*

@✽ jaekyung k.⁰²²⁰²⁰²³ i guess it’s like how the old saying goes, time flies when you’re enjoying something. a bit corny to say, but it is surprising how fast time has gone and what happened. i’m pretty sure when we first met at your freshman orientation, we wouldn’t had completely predicted that where we would be right now.
*does not hold back his amused smile at your comment regarding your coffee consumption, not surprised by this as he used to pass by your desk during late nights in the library while we would sport both in hands a cup of coffee. he does have a more nostalgic look to him, nodding in agreement though as he reflects about time. at this point, it has been a solid eight or ten years at least since they first met. later he does catch on the repeat with the “if”, wondering if you are okay as he sets his fork down. before he could say anything, he hears your suggestion that has that small smile from earlier return. time is funny, the way they are now is a complete contrast from how they once were. how easy going they were before their marriage, grabbing drinks and meals seemed normal. before last night, them having a meal alone is more tense than a meal between strangers*
that… would be nice, to try out the steak and pasta. maybe next time we’re both in town? we should eat at the cafe too. i know you mentioned you don’t eat much in the morning, but here. at least fill up on something since we have the chance to.
*stumbles at first with agreeing to the meal, not because he does not want to. rather, it still surprises him that they are suggesting this to one another. he does cut half of the sausage and gives you the other piece, a little awkward when doing this and it is obvious from his tone. rarely has he done things like this for others, something he could count on one hand*
you don’t have to worry about the staff. they’re wondering why you don’t make requests. compared to some of the other assembly members’ partners, you’re easier to deal with. most of them are entitled. with your image and our appearances, they expect you to be haughty and difficult.
*states his rather matter of factly while he continues eating his plate of food, an occasional sip of coffee too. he knows that they have a well crafted kennedy-esque brand, a young and glamorous rising power couple in the political sphere. however, it’s never surprising when these images burst with attitude issues, a common ego issue for many politicians and their partners. not too long after that, he hears your suggestion about the potential break. he cannot help in holding back his quiet snort as he always finds himself busy. maybe a break whenever him and his staff had to take a trip, the last being one to the states for a sister city visit. maybe his last true vacation being his honeymoon*
a break would be nice. i haven’t heard that for awhile. maybe during the next legislation break you can come with me? i know i have to meet with some of the other assembly members in their towns. probably campaign for a few of them. in the in between time though, we can do some sightseeing. you should come with me to the city when you have a chance too.
*reaches for some more fruit slices, letting out an “ah” as you mention why fruits used to be regular addition to their breakfasts. for a brief moment, he seems to stare at one of the slices before eating it*
i see. the baby would had been a fan of fruits if-
*catches himself thinking aloud about their child, clearing his throat to change the subject. he forces on a reassured look, which does not seem the most genuine especially to those that actually know him. he goes back to eating in between his words, trying to shake off that slip up from earlier*
great idea. sometimes i used to stop by the place whenever i had meetings in the area. i wonder if the shop would still remember us. i didn’t get a chance to eat at the oxtail restaurant too much, but that could be another lunch session?

@✽ taecyeon o. *she merely nods a few times and smiles reassuringly back at you regarding the coffee and the memories spent at the office, being only a couple years’ experienced lawyer and helping you with the legal part of your job. if she has to admit now, she will say she is now 70% coffee instead of water*
i lost track of time whenever i am over at the office and the amount of caffeine, i should hire a coffee tracker or something to see how much i can consume in a day. it’s very much fortunate that we’re still alive and kicking from all those unhealthy inhalation of the caffeine. that is very much true. at least we do have more freedom in what we want to do. it just feel like it happened just yesterday. don’t you think so?
*see the busy hands of yours and her gaze shifting downwards to see what you’re picking up, feeling grateful that you’re enjoying something that she like and enjoy as well. perhaps in days to come whenever you come down from the city, she will definitely share more of the haunts she frequent to share all the good food she had so far. feeling a little more relaxed, she rests her other elbow on the table, resting her cheek against the fist of her left hand and munching away at the bratwurst with her right hand*
it will taste even better if you’re eating at the place itself. I think the food has cooled down considerably seeing the cold weather outside. if… if you can and want to, i can bring you to another one i also often frequent. their steak and pasta.. it’s so good you will keep dreaming about and eventually drool in your sleep. oh, I'm really good. I don’t get hungry so much in the morning. I can't have your staff being troubled by me all the time, tbh. I feel bad having to impose on them for trivial things. but thank you for going to such a length for me.
*her lips thins out in a smile and a small nod comes from her, finishing up her lukewarm bratwurst before taking another couple of sips from her coffee cup*
ah, minjun. a name i have not heard in a while. i hope he’s fine and his affairs settled in nicely before having to drive you back. it has definitely been a while. perhaps i should head back to the city for a short break. or maybe another city i haven’t been to. it’s high time you should take a break too.
*side-glances at you in hopes that you will catch a hint or two. her bum had grown numb and she leans back to stretch up her arms as much as possible to lose the numbness and let them drop to her sides while watching what you are doing. the fruits then brought her back to the time where she often have them alongside her breakfast and deep down in her heart, she knew it wasn’t something she have with her meaty breakfast. it was all the baby’s doing as she’d like to admit. at your words, she let out a small chuckle and shakes her head in response*
it was definitely the baby’s. my breakfast usually is full of protein and carbs. and the only time i have fruits are as snacks or after dinner time. it’s okay, we both are too caught up in our works to even realize every little detail about each other. now with my work lessening a little, i can take a step back and look at things i’d never thought of doing so. ah! that sweet little spot of the soup joint, i remembered loving that place so much. it’s like paradise for me when everywhere were closed and also a reason why i really don’t want to move out of that apartment despite it being somewhat dilapidated. now i wonder if it is still around. speaking of soups, i remembered frequenting that old restaurant serving great oxtail soup. the way the greasiness run down my throat and warming my stomach with its meat so dangerously tender i- ugh so good. we should make a trip to those old haunts and grow fat.
*ponders mindlessly and juts her lips out in thought, adding that to her mental list of must-dos before dying*

@✽ jaekyung k. *nod in agreement about not being able to nod off in the middle of the day. still he waits for his turn to grab some food on the platter, still eating his croissant, despite your offer that you will eat after him. once you have your share, he reaches for a bratwurst and starts to cut it up while listening to what you have to say*
you make a point about the caffeine. still take care of yourself. i remember when i was at the public defender’s office, we used to stay up for what seemed like days at a time and drank too much coffee to survive. not much of a difference in a way now, but at least the pay is better and i have more of a say of what i want.
*takes a few bites already of the bratwurst, his smile appearing not too long after that has him reaching for the other one along with a toast and some eggs. there he makes his mini sandwich with what he has chosen*
thank you for the food. it’s pretty good, can see why it’s your favorite cafe. you should be eating too though, especially in the morning if you’re walking around. if you need to, you can call my office to have your tires worked on. like you said, you can’t be skidding on the roads. my staff will have it fixed while you’re in the office, that way it’s ready for you when you leave for the day.
*eats his sandwich after mentioning what his local staff can do, not minding the task when it comes to you. they like you, not a common trait for all politicians’ families and their staff. many would dread it, but they always have a genuine kind word to say about you, whether it is in front of him or when he is not around. he shrugs his shoulder later to your question*
the rides aren’t too bad. today minjun will drive me back since he had to tend to some family matters here. if i’m lucky i take a nap, but usually i’m taking calls, responding to emails, or catching up on something. i guess it’s been awhile since you’ve driven with me back to the city.
*nods his head once again as he recounts the last time the two of us have travelled together on a more personal note. typically he would drive back here for local events or have a car sent for you for events based in the city. even there, our apartment situation is divided with him leaving you the bedroom while he sleeps on the couch on the few occasions you are there. spotting the still remaining food in the platter, he reaches for them with the extra utensils and scoops up some sliced fruits on the plate he brought earlier. he pushes the plate towards your way, leaving the extra fork with you too. a somewhat bittersweet smile appears when a certain memory comes to him, already crossing his arms and resting his body against them*
you used to always have fruits with breakfast. was that a you thing? or the baby’s doing? i could never figure that out back then, but i guess i never paid attention to the small details before the baby. i remember that soup joint near your old apartment that had the strangest hours, but it did help kill any potential hangovers.

@✽ taecyeon o. *she is not going to lie that this is feeling very out of place and this is exactly what she is feeling; you standing there and gawking at her with not a sound coming from you. steals a quick glance and boy, is she actually surprised to see the way you stand too and only to remember you were the same back then with baby around. this time round. us not arguing at all is like fresh air, one she has been struggling to grapple for in so long*

it's okay, you're doing great anyways and i understand it's not easy for you to not be able to do anything while waiting for me to come back. huh? Oh- my jacket. Thanks.

*with a quick glance down at her chest, she utters out words of thanks while fidgeting around to take it off before placing it over the chair behind her, not noticing your attempt at helping her take it off. she reaches out for her cup of iced americano and gives it a couple of sips, letting out a satisfied sigh after watching you poke a straw through for hers. she shrugs her shoulders a couple of times and tilts her head to the side*

you know. I have never really paced myself with coffee. I only find myself reaching out for it when I feel like it so it's fine. I need it in the morning to keep me going for the rest of the day. can't have myself to nod off in the middle of the day, do we? And you eat first. I will have the leftovers, no worries.

*contrary to her words. she reaches out for the bratwurst out of the four there is and bites on it since she actually requests for additional bratwursts to the original 2. nods her head in thanks to regard to the cup of water and chews slowly yet carefully while looking elsewhere, not sure what to say to continue the conversation. as much as she wants to, it is so hard to throw out to the table without bringing about an argument.*

welcome. you can take one with you if you'd like. yeah i will after you make your choice. I'm fine with anything. oh my walk? terribly cold. Not highly recommended to do walks in the dead of winter. speaking of the car... i should put those claw thingy for the tires. can't have me going skidding in a moving vehicle. from the platter, everything. trust me. it's that good. nothing is not worth recommending. that's why i got that for you but you insist on sharing. you know when you take the car back to the city, is the ride bearable? i mean, i'm curious what and how you handle that long car rides back to the city.

*shakes her head once and pushes the platter back to you, motioning to the bratwurst still in her hand and not wanting the flow to die out, she pluck a random question out of the air and talks about the car rides. at least it is something to talk about without ever fighting or arguing again*

@✽ jaekyung k. *turns his head when he hears the front door open, but just as he stands up to help you already you are at the table with the food and drinks. he stands there watching what you are doing, the first time the two of us alone have had a moment like this in how long. the last being when the baby was still around, but even afterwards we would rarely eat together at home because the staff prepared something, especially a dish that took much longer prep and care, preventing us to really leave out of respect for their efforts*
it's not easy, not doing anything. you- wait. you should take off your jacket by the way.
*motions his head to your winter coat, saying it rather awkwardly as he is about to take it off of you, but he stops himself as he is unsure if he should do that. truthfully, he is not one to do these small acts of kindness, a rarity even amongst his close ones. however, as he seats himself down, he reaches for the straws that came with the drink and puts one in your cup instead. he opens the platter for us, smiling as he looks at each item there before he pushes it your way*
thanks, it looks pretty delicious. you choose first. you should pace yourself with the coffee though. too much caffeine isn't too good for you this early in the day.
*pours us both a glass of water, setting yours next to your iced americano. he does not take long to drink from his coffee too, bringing that much needed morning relief. when he sets his cup down, he finds himself unable to say anything really for the first few seconds, a contrast from his talkative self during his meetings. rather he swirls the iced drink around a few times before reaching for a croissant you picked up earlier, breaking it apart as he eats*
thanks for the pastries too, it's good. you should take some with you too when you go to work... so... how was your walk? it looks cold this morning. if you can, take the car over to work today. i can have someone from my local office drive you too. so what do you recommend from the platter?
*struggles to continue the conversation once he brings up the pastries, how he curses to himself about the obvious awkward tone of his. when he runs out of his next topic with the weather, he motions his head again, but this time to the food you brought*

@✽ taecyeon o. *true to her words in the text message, she did reached the lobby of her apartment or rather their apartment in fifteen minutes, pressing the button to enter an elevator and reaches the floor she lives on. as soon as she gets out of the lift and towards her apartment, she halts in her steps right before the door and let out a shaky exhale. what if she goes inside and everything will turn topsy-turvy instead? what if she say something to upset him and he might leave earlier than she planned? all she can do is to hope for the best. with another exhale and her tongue moisturising her lower lip, she reaches out to input the door code and then enters our apartment rather noisily*

taecyeon? Yeo- I'm home.

*shakes her head as soon as the first half of the endearment term slips past her lips, bending over to take her sneakers off before entering the house only to be startled by the sight of you just sitting at the table with you holding your hands together as if you're praying or something. with her free hand placed over her chest to keep her racing heart at bay, she inches closer to the table, her eyes never taken off the handsome man that you are while putting the bag on the said furniture*

that is startling to see you all poised like this. anyways, i got you a hearty breakfast platter from my favourite cafe and some pastries for you to take back to the city, lest you get hungry on the way. also iced americano, even though we did have coffee earlier. I just wanted to say... thank you for taking some time out to have breakfast with me.

*she rumbles through her words as she continuously take out one item after another, even placing your cup near you before taking her seat adjacent left to yours. of course, her being startled also contributes to her forgetting to take her winter coat off and until now she has never noticed it at all*

please enjoy your breakfast.

@✽ jaekyung k. *continues to stare at the screen for a solid minute after sending that text, pursing his lips together as he wonders if what he did moments ago was one of his better ideas or one of poor thought and execution. to stop himself from overthinking about the message, he decides to read his emails, already a number that he has to get back to when he is at his computer. he starts to write down in his notes too the priority list for his messages, but just as he is about to grab his laptop to work on his responses he sees the text notification appear. a small smile could be seen, texting not too long afterwards*

[ text to: kim jaekyung ]
sounds good. see you soon.

*does not start getting ready just yet. he looks at the messages, as if there is something wrong with them. finally he figures it out not too long after, rushing to type out another message*

[text to: kim jaekyung ]
thank you for picking up something.

*stands up from the bed so he can walk over to the closet, there he skims through his clothes before finally settling on a dark olive suit paired off with a black shirt. however, when he arrives in the kitchen, he looks around to see what he can do since food will be here. after opening and closing random cabinets to figure out his tasks for today's breakfast, probably the first impromptu one in how long, he pulls out a couple of plates and utensil sets to place on the dining table. once again, he is back in the situation of finding something off with the table, chewing on the inside of his cheek while in this thought process. a few minutes later, he heads back to the fridge to pull out a jug of water and even debates on making another coffee. however, he holds it off as he finishes off the last touches with the two water glasses, plus him at the table with his mobile placed a few feet away. it's a strange time, holding his hands together as he waits, trying his best to avoid his work*

@✽ taecyeon o. *as soon as the door closes behind her, she lets out a heavy sigh, feeling so drained from the argument itself. the things she has been withholding has been spilled out right in front of them and truthfully, she is more relieved than ever. her hand outstretches to press the elevator and it comes in no time, allowing the female to board and press the button for the lobby ground to which takes about five minutes from her floor to the lobby. taking her phone out, she checks the weather once again and grimaces at the low temperature for the morning, making a detour to her favourite cafe instead. midway her journey, she received a message by being alerted to the tone and the vibration set off by her device, reaching into her mini bag to receive it only to see a message from you. at first she halts in her steps, contemplating between opening it up and not at all, leaving her heart palpitating like mad. more afraid even to see what you will say in the message. after some time, her thumb moves over to tap the notification banner to open your message up and the corners of her lips turns up. she looks up from her device and realising how she is only a few steps away, she quickly hurries to the cafe, taking a tray and a pair of tongs to take a few pastries that are really delicious by her standards as well as ordering a hearty breakfast platter and two iced americanos to go. with all of them being packed, she types a reply back*
[ text to: husband ok taecyeon ]
alright. i will be home in fifteen. we can have breakfast at home since i have some food to go.
*with the message sent, her name is called in time to collect all she had ordered and paid for, her feet hurrying to head back home to see her husband again before the long stretch until they can see each other*

@✽ jaekyung k. *chews on the inside of his cheek when you bring up the scenario of if she did add herself to his schedule, the annoyance still heavy as he knows that he would not have much of an answer to that, but a very real situation that could occur. he hates the idea of being not correct, even it is due to him being silent unintentionally. when you go to the sink though to place your cup there, he glances at you from the corner of his eye. his hands grip at the counter while he continues to listen to what you have to say, surprisingly for him not tuning out at that time like he would occasionally during some of his assembly meetings while hearing things that he didn't care for. yet it is the lack of tuning out that he continues to hold onto this frustration*
i don't get it. things seemed to be working the past few years for us. you don't think so, but i do. we had our own lives, things going on and we turned a blind eye. there was a freedom that most couples would probably wish for. we come together whenever work or our families called for it. occasionally too if we wanted something else from each other. i don't get why you want more, especially now with all this time passed.
*speaks up finally, but when he turns his head back he sees you already walking away. he could just clasp his hands tight together, roughly wiping them off as he walked back to his own room. there he glances over at this schedule on his phone, plus the following days too, then he sets it up for the bluetooth speakers. there he plays himself another angry classical music playlist for his shower, something rarely played and only done on certain days, but it does little to soothe him. instead, it amplifies the emotions in him. after a longer time than usual, he finishes his shower. as he dries himself off, he hovers over your name in his messages list with his free hand. he clicks on it, seeing how formal his name is for her and how our messages are to one another, a stark difference from how we once talked years ago. he stares at the screen, even sitting down on his bed, debating before finally typing*
[ text to: kim jaekyung ]
i'm going to stay in town for an hour or two. if you are done with your walk, we can have breakfast here or somewhere else.

@✽ taecyeon o. *what she thought that he has truly failed to notice is that if it isn't work that bring him back to the main city then what is it exactly? if it isn't his schedules that are work-related then what make him want to leave his wife behind way earlier than before? must it be the schedules that had to make him stay longer in this city and jaekyung having to be able to see him longer. as much as she'd want to speak her mind, the way his mannerism change so abruptly prevents her from doing so*
if you say so and i slip in a personal schedule where you should spend the morning walking and having a small breakfast with your wife into your schedules, will you leave later? does i have to make an appointment with my husband now to spend time with? when you get back to the city, what exactly awaits you? work, am i right? then what else do i have to say other than that.
*finishes up her coffee calmly and knowing that you're already reaching the boiling point, she moves over to the sink that you are standing at and places her cup in it. walking back around the counter and heading back to the room to get her mini bag that contains all her essentials and her winter coat, she comes out right after while slipping the coat on*
exactly. with you away most of the times, i have nobody and work is all i'm left with so why not work on your bills? all i'm doing with your bills are making sure there are no absolute loopholes before the final draft sent to you. my father didn't exactly say anything on that since i get everything done so he can't comment on it at all. i'm always focusing on the firm, no worries. even when you're back here for the event, i'll be out of town again so all i'm saying is just remember you have a wife and she's lonely, she need her husband too as much as his people need him.
*with a sad smile gracing her visage, she turns on her heels to head to the entrance to put on her sneakers and leaves the house for her morning walk and some solo breakfast, not even giving a look behind*

@✽ jaekyung k. *stops himself from another sip while raising a brow when he hears you mention how work is more important, something that he swears that he has never said. it is even obvious from his face that he himself is trying to retrace in the past week when he has ever mentioned those words. soon though he just sets his mug down, his lips purse tightly together as he somehow continues to listen to you, despite his own temper starting to boil at this time in the morning*
i never said anything about anything being more important than another just now. there's nothing on my schedule for today here, so why not head back earlier? if something gets scheduled at the last minute, then i'm willing to leave later.
*sips whatever he could of the hot coffee, but it seems fruitless at this point and instead he heads over to the sink. there he dumps the whole drink down the sink, rinsing it off too for a second. he has his back faced towards you, but from the way his shoulders go up and down with each heavy breath he is not exactly the best at masking any emotions. rather he shakes his head too*
i don't get why you're dead set working on my stuff if you said it yourself, we barely spend time together. i'm not going to be around when you're working on my things. besides i'll be fine too. i don't want your father on my back either about you not focusing enough on the firm. i have to come back here in a few days for another event, so i'll see you then too.

@✽ taecyeon o. *noting how you're avoiding her eye gaze still, she wonders if there is ever a day where you could make eye contact comfortably. with the thought buried deep in her mind after pondering on for a while. with an inhale of her latte's smell, she takes another swig of the drink and then nods a few times*
ah... you're going to leave soon? I understand. yeah, yeah. that's fine. your work is more important anyways.
*she decides right there and then that she will not push matters further, knowing her mentality has already taken a beating from the last night's episode. if you want to have an affair, she will let you . if you want to occupy yourself with more work instead of spending time with her, she will let you. whatever you choose to, she will let you do anything because knowing that the more she pushes, the more you will back away from her own understanding of the entire situation last night*
what? no, i can still have time for the bills. don't worry about me. I have nothing else to do except work plus we are already spending so much time apart so there's no reason why i cannot focus on your bills once i'm done with my clients' cases.

@✽ jaekyung k. yeah, no problem.
*musters this somehow before he blows on his coffee, glancing over in your direction, but never making actual eye contact with you too. somehow he would look down or around, but never at. even with his back resting against the edge of the counter and his body sort of in your direction, he miraculously can still avoid meeting your eyes. as you speak though, he focuses on his mug and steals small sips from there when possible, but nods along to what you say*
originally i was going to head out around 1 or 2 this afternoon, but i might leave in the next hour or so instead. grab a bite to eat before actually back. you know... about.
*pushes himself away from the counter with his coffee in one hand, the other reaching for his nape, his neck is crooked as it is obvious from his face that he is thinking of something. doesn't help too that he's chewing on the inside of his cheek. finally though he lets out a long sigh*
look, about those bills.., don't worry about them too much. you should probably focus on your ongoing cases instead, your clients need your help more than me. besides i can always have someone else go over them if i'm that tight with time. i'm not proposing a few them for awhile anyways

@✽ taecyeon o. *while making her way towards the kitchen, more noises has been made and she wonders really if he has just poor coordination or that he is in a hurry. she smiles softly after greeting the other to alert to her arrival moments prior and nods slowly, taking careful steps towards the island counter.*
well.. i didn't completely slept through the night at all. so i'm up earlier than the usual. ah is this cup for me? I guess.. thank you.
*picking up the cup with both hands, not really feeling the heat as she takes a sip and let out an knowing sound as if to say it is good even though it is like created from a pre-made coffee pod. her gaze roams all around the kitchen and even extending towards the living room but never on you. as if skilled, she continues to drink the scorching hot latte down bit by bit when asked the question. she sets the cup down and still uses it as her hand warmer before making eye contact with you as she speaks*
i will just go for a long walk along Han river and then head to the office to tie up the loose ends for all the cases closed and checking over your bills once again before they are implemented out. so what time is your trip back to the city?

@✽ jaekyung k. *reaches for a the nespresso and quickly pushes it into the pod, not even caring what flavor since he wants to finish this and the next drink as soon as possible. however, even as he grabs a cup of ice from the fridge, the clashing of the cubes and glass has him cursing to himself. just as he throws in the espresso shot into the iced glass though, he turns his head to the sudden voice that greets him. for a split second his eyes widen, but tries to shake it off by starting on the next nespresso pod*
morning. everything is fine, making myself a drink before i get ready and head out. didn't think you'd be up this early. i guess you can drink this.
*barely holds off the awkwardness in his voice, masking it with a tone he would use in a rather professional setting. pours the milk into the first drink that he worked on earlier, pushing the latte towards your direction. in the meanwhile his coffee is done, which has him swirling the drink around to wait as it cool down. however, he does not say much after his first few words. the only other noise that he now makes is the tapping from his fingers against the slick counter, a quick rhythm now. finally though he drinks a sip of his hot coffee that should excuse his next few seconds of silence and avoidance of last night, but ends up burning his tongue that has him reaching for a bottle of water to cool it down*
dammit. so... what's your plan for today?