Without me noticing, 2-3 months had already slipped through my fingers like sand. I know, crazy, right? But there was nothing particularly special about those days; each one blended seamlessly into the next, like an unending loop of routine.

I had hoped that with the passing of time, we would naturally become closer. I envisioned shared laughter, stolen glances, and whispered secrets. But alas, reality proved to be a stark contrast. We barely talked, our lives consumed by the relentless demands of work and university.

He was always busy with his job, and even when I wasn't bogged down by the demands of my studies, the distance between us seemed insurmountable. Yet, deep down, a persistent ember of hope flickered within me. I wasn't ready to let go just yet.

In a bold attempt to bridge the gap, I decided to take matters into my own hands. One evening, after a day filled with lectures and assignments, I took on a challenge that was as unfamiliar to me as our distant relationship - I decided to cook his favorite dish for dinner.

Now, let me be honest; I am not a culinary wizard. In fact, my previous kitchen adventures had often resulted in smoke alarms blaring and scorched pans. But love has a funny way of urging us beyond our comfort zones.

Armed with determination and a cookbook that seemed to speak a language unknown to me, I embarked on a culinary odyssey. Chopping, sautéing, and stirring, I navigated the kitchen like an intrepid explorer. It was difficult, the recipe more intricate than anything I had attempted before, but I pressed on, fueled by the desire to make this special for him.

As the aroma of the dish filled the air, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The table was set, the ambiance was perfect, and my heart raced in anticipation.

After he and Haneul oppa came, we sat for dinner. Beomgyu, Haneul's friend, exclaimed, "Oh, wow."

Saerom chimed in proudly, "Today, Yuri made dinner."

Dad, intrigued, asked, "Oh, really?"

I nodded, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. Saerom added playfully, "She made it especially for her husband."

I was taken aback and playfully hit her, causing her to laugh. "Yuri: I-I made it just like this. There was no intention behind it."

The room erupted in laughter, everyone catching on to my feeble denial.

Mom intervened, "Anyways. Let's start."

As everyone began to eat, I couldn't help but steal glances at him, Beomgyu, waiting anxiously to see if he'd react to my cooking.

Beomgyu, taking a bite, exclaimed, "Wahh. It's really good."

A smile involuntarily spread across my face. Saerom teased, "Oh ho. Look at Yuri's smile."

I quickly stopped smiling, my face turning red as everyone laughed a little.

Later, as I washed the dishes, a whisper sent shivers down my spine, "You should cook more often."

I turned to find him, Beomgyu, looking at me with a charming smile. My cheeks grew warmer as I averted my gaze, feeling shy under his intense stare.

He chuckled softly, patting my head before leaving. I stood there, basking in the warmth of that fleeting moment, feeling an inexplicable happiness that lingered long after he was gone.

After he and Haneul oppa came, we sat for dinner. Beomgyu, exclaimed, "Oh, wow."

Saerom unnie chimed in proudly, "Today, Yuri made dinner."

Dad, intrigued, asked, "Oh, really?"

I nodded, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. Saerom unnie added playfully, "She made it especially for her husband."

I was taken aback and playfully hit her, causing her to laugh. 

Yuri: "I-I made it just like this. There was no intention behind it."

While the room erupted in laughter, I glanced at Beomgyu who was smiling to himself.

Mom intervened, "Anyways. Let's start."

As everyone began to eat, I couldn't help but steal glances at him, Beomgyu, waiting anxiously to see if he'd react to my cooking.

Beomgyu, taking a bite, exclaimed, "Wahh. It's really good."

A smile involuntarily spread across my face. Saerom unnie teased, "Oh ho. Look at Yuri's smile."

I quickly stopped smiling, my face turning red as everyone laughed a little.

Later, as I washed the dishes, a whisper sent shivers down my spine, "You should cook more often."

I turned to find him, Beomgyu, looking at me with a charming smile. My cheeks grew warmer as I averted my gaze, feeling shy under his intense stare.

He chuckled softly.

Beomgyu: "Do you need help with the dishes?"

I shook my head with the smile still on my face.

Beomgyu: "Alright. Come soon." he said while patting my head before leaving. I stood there, basking in the warmth of that fleeting moment, feeling an inexplicable happiness that lingered long after he was gone.

The success of my trick gave me some hope for a better future.

It was one of those ordinary evenings, the kind where the world slows down as you step into the comfort of home. Beomgyu, tired from a day's work, walked through the door, his exhaustion evident in the way he carried himself. I couldn't help but notice the weight on his shoulders, the burden of the day etched across his face.

He soon disappeared into the bathroom to change.

When he emerged, his movements were slow, a silent plea for rest. Without hesitation, he laid down on the bed, surrendering to the fatigue that clung to him.

"My head hurts so bad," he confessed, a lament that tugged at my heart.

"I can fix it," I offered, determination lighting up my eyes.

"Hmm?" Beomgyu questioned, a mix of curiosity and skepticism in his tired gaze.

I beckoned him to the edge of the table, and as he sat down, legs crossed, I instructed, "Sit on the floor."

"Why?" he inquired, a hint of confusion in his voice.

"Just do as I say," I replied with a playful glint in my eyes.

Complying, he took his place on the floor, and I positioned myself next to him. "Now, close your eyes and relax," I gently instructed.

With a sigh, he closed his eyes, placing his trust in my hands. As my fingers began to work their magic on his temples, I could feel the tension gradually releasing from his body. The weariness seemed to fade, replaced by a serene calm.

Without realizing it, he succumbed to the tranquility, his breathing slowing down until he drifted into a peaceful slumber on my lap. I was taken aback, a mix of surprise and warmth washing over me.

Carefully, I lifted his head, placing it on the bed, and sat beside him. He looked adorable in his vulnerability, and I couldn't resist poking his cheek gently.

To my amazement, he responded by snuggling closer, resting his head on my shoulder. A spontaneous smile danced on my lips, and in that moment, as the evening bathed us in a gentle glow.

These were only small instances when I felt happy. Most of the times were once again the same. Both of us were busy with our own stuff. I slowly just gave up on trying to put efforts into knowing each other. Like this, the whole year passed by.

The evening sun cast a warm glow through the curtains as I sat there, lost in the world of words, the pages of my book turning softly beneath my fingers. Beside me, Beomgyu lay sound asleep, his steady breaths filling the room with a sense of peace.

And then, as if on cue, the tranquility was shattered by the arrival of Haneul oppa and Saerom unnie. Their voices pulled me back from the realms of fiction to the present moment.

Haneul oppa's words cut through the quiet like a knife, his tone a blend of disbelief and amusement. "Bruh. What are you guys doing?"

I glanced up from my book, confusion knitting my brows together. "What do you mean?"

"Do you even know what today is?" he pressed, his expression incredulous.

I checked my phone, feeling a flicker of uncertainty. "28th October. Why?"

Haneul oppa's eyes widened in disbelief, and I could sense Saerom unnie's incredulity from where she stood beside him. "And what's special on 28th October?" Haneul oppa prodded further.

I shrugged, feeling a knot of confusion tightening in my stomach. "I'm really confused."

"If she doesn't remember, how is he going to remember?" Haneul oppa mused, his gaze drifting towards Beomgyu, who was still lost in slumber.

"Yah!! Choi Beomgyu!!!" Haneul oppa's voice boomed, shaking Beomgyu from his sleep.

Beomgyu blinked, disoriented. "What?"

"What's today?" Haneul oppa demanded.

Beomgyu rubbed his eyes, his expression blank. "I don't know."

"I can't believe this," Saerom unnie interjected, her disappointment palpable. "Guys, it's your 1st anniversary."

Beomgyu and I exchanged stunned glances, the weight of realization settling in our chests. "What?!" we exclaimed in unison.

"It's been a year?" Beomgyu echoed, his voice laced with disbelief.

"Yes! Where are you both lost?" Saerom unnie chided gently. "You guys should be enjoying together. Going out. Celebrating. But instead, you guys are acting as if it's a normal day."

Beomgyu glanced at me, a hint of uncertainty clouding his features. "What to do now?"

"Well, you can't really do anything now," Haneul oppa remarked matter-of-factly. "At least go have dinner."

"Do we really have to go?" I mumbled, feeling a sense of reluctance creeping over me.

"Yes. Right now. Go get dressed," Saerom unnie insisted, her tone firm.

I sighed.

Saerom: "Show some enthusiasm. You should be celebrating."

Yuri: "What's there to even celebrate? It's not like something special happens between us."

As I rummaged through my closet, I could feel their eyes on me, their unspoken judgment hanging heavy in the air. "What happened?" I asked, turning to face them.

Haneul oppa's gaze bore into mine, his words cutting through the silence. "She's right though. It's been a year already, and you guys barely act like a couple."

Beomgyu: "Hyung. Could you not?" Saerom unnie intervened, her voice soft but firm. "Haneul. I think we should leave. You both get ready and enjoy your night."

With that, they departed, leaving behind a lingering silence that seemed to echo the weight of their words. Beomgyu and I exchanged a solemn glance, the truth of the observations hanging heavy between us.

I felt a pang of sadness and disappointment wash over me, the realization sinking in like an anchor dragging me down. It had been a year, and yet we had never truly embraced the essence of our relationship.

Beomgyu reached out, his voice gentle as he sought to bridge the growing distance between us. "Yuri, listen—"

But before he could finish, I turned away, my heart heavy with the weight of unspoken truths. "I'm gonna go get changed," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

And with that, I retreated into the solitude of my thoughts, the echoes of our unspoken feelings lingering in the quiet of the room.

After we got ready, we set out. The anticipation buzzed in the air as we embarked on our evening together. The car ride was filled with a quiet tension, and I found myself staring out of the window, lost in my own thoughts.

As he stopped the car at the red light, he turned to look at me. His eyes, filled with concern, met mine.

"Yuri," he said softly, breaking the silence.

I replied without turning to face him, "What?"

"Are you upset?" His voice held a gentle inquiry.

"No. Why would I be?" I responded, my gaze fixed on the passing scenery.

"It's because of what Haneul hyung said, right?" Beomgyu's words lingered in the air.

I shrugged, dismissing the impact of Haneul oppa's words. "What's there to be sad about that? All he did was say the truth."

He sighed, a subtle expression of worry etched on his face.

"You didn't even say if I looked good or not," I muttered to myself.

"You look pretty," he said, catching me by surprise. I turned to look at him, and he repeated, "What? You look pretty," while fixing my hair.

Unsettled, I removed his hand, assuming he heard my whispered words. He chuckled softly.

"Don't be upset. I'm sorry," he apologized, reaching for my hand.

I didn't look at him, my emotions still wrapped in the cocoon of my thoughts.

"Yuri," he said, his voice a gentle plea.

"Red light is over. Start driving," I instructed, avoiding eye contact.

He started driving but continued to hold my hand, a silent reassurance of his presence. I couldn't help but smile a little, appreciating the effort he was making to mend the unspoken tension between us.

The dinner night unfolded with unexpected warmth and joy. It exceeded my expectations, the laughter and shared moments bringing a sense of comfort.

For the next few days, things went back to normal. But once again, it happened again. He again got busy with his work. I was really upset. But I didn't say anything. I let it be. However, the day came when I had enough.

It was my birthday. I was genuinely excited for it, anticipating the love and warmth that birthdays usually bring. Everyone around me showered me with wishes and celebrations—my friends at university, mom, dad, and Saerom unnie. It felt like a day filled with joy, until the one person I longed to hear from remained silent.

That day, he left early without a word, not bothering to call. As night fell, he was still absent. I sat alone on the couch, tears streaming down my cheeks, wondering where he was and why he hadn't acknowledged my special day.

The door finally creaked open, and he walked in, nonchalantly placing his bag aside and lying down. He took a deep breath and sat up, his eyes meeting mine.

"Yuri," he said.

"Hmm?" I replied, wiping away my tears.

"What's for dinner?" he asked, oblivious to the storm raging inside me.

"We ordered food from outside. We left some for you since you didn't come early," I said, my voice strained with hidden emotions.

He nodded, and as we both stood up, I approached him. "Blazer," I muttered, trying to avoid his gaze. He took it off, and as I turned to leave, he caught my hand.

"Are you fine?" he asked, concern in his eyes.

"Yes. Of course. What'll happen to me?" I forced a fake smile, concealing the hurt within.

"Did you have dinner?" he inquired.

I shook my head.

"Why? I thought you guys ordered food," he said, puzzled.

"We did, but I didn't feel like eating," I replied.

"Let's have dinner together then," he suggested, intertwining our hands.

For some reason, tears welled up again, and I shook my head. "Why? What happened?" he asked, noticing my distress.

"N-nothing," I stammered, a tear escaping my eye.

"Yah, Yuri. Why are you crying?" he said, cupping my face.

I looked at him. "Why are you caring about me, huh?"

"What?" he asked, bewildered.

"Don't act confused. If you don't care, then just say it," I retorted.

"Yuri, what are you saying? What happened?" he pleaded.

I wiped my tears. "You don't remember what today is, right?"

"6 January?" he guessed.

"It's my birthday," I said, and his expression changed.

"Your birthday?" he echoed.

I nodded, tears welling up again. "Everyone wished me. My friends, mom, Saerom unnie—everyone did so much for me. All I wanted from you was to be with me today. But you didn't even wish me."

"Yuri, I'm really sorry. It totally slipped my mind. I am so sorry. Please forgive me," he apologized desperately.

"No. Leave it," I said, attempting to walk away, but he held my hand.

"Yuri, I swear. I'm really sorry," he pleaded.

"You are not," I said, looking into his eyes. "You always do this. It's been a year since we got married, and we never spend a good amount of time together. You're always away for work, and when a special occasion occurs, you forget about them. In the beginning, I was worried if you'd like me or not, but Saerom unnie assured me that you do. Now, I'm rethinking that. If you liked me, you'd care about me. You'd care about us."

Silence hung in the air. "Make one thing clear to me so that it's easier for me to move on. Do you love me or not?" I demanded.

He looked at me, hesitating. I sighed. "What are you saying?" he asked.

"No. Tell me," I insisted.

He was silent, and I felt my heart breaking. "Answer me!! Do you love me?" I demanded, tears streaming down my face.

He took a deep breath. "Look, Yuri, you are my wife, but—"

I interrupted, "No. Done. I understood. No need to say anything further."

I fought to control my tears, telling myself not to break down. "You don't love me. You don't," I stated, my voice trembling.

"Yuri, listen to me," he pleaded.

"There is nothing left to listen," I said, wiping my tears. "At least you told me the truth. Thanks for that. I'll get your dinner."

I walked away, leaving behind a shattered heart, pretending to be strong but crumbling inside.