ashes ? hyungwon

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the way back to soon's house was quiet at first. she didn't know exactly why his mood suddenly changed back in the subway, after all, he had been playful and fun most of the ride.

she wondered if it had something to do with the ring, that she obviously caught him staring at.

he walked silently next to her, hands on his pockets.

soon didn't fear bumping into kihyun, after all, he was going to be abroad for the next week and there was no way he'd see hyungwon around here.

but neighbors were curious.

just then she remembered how their busy eyes could caught a glimpse of hyungwon, a stranger and what's worst, a man, walking her home without her husband to know. it was a sure gossip.

the only thought of it gave her nauseas.

"ah... it's fine, i can walk alone the rest of the road- she said but he didn't stop walking.

she frowned as she stared at him walking past her. "hyungwon?" she called his name as she rushed to reach his side.

but his eyes were stuck on the road. "i don't think- you should... walk me home home..." she said nervously looking around, but the houses of her neighbors looked empty.

there was no one around.

"why not?" he asked suddenly.

"ah... i don't know, i don't want to trouble you... there's still a few blocks up street."

he shrugged, a clear sign that he didn't care. soon knew how relentless he was in the past and wondered if he was still like that, so she knew it was better to comply instead.

she'd deal with neighbors later, if, someone saw them.

"you live in a fancy neighborhood." he spoke out of nowhere. she glanced at him with widened eyes.

"uh?"

"i mean... look at the houses... - he said taking a look around – expensive." she realized it was the first time pointed out such thing.

she took a look around and acknowledged the houses were like those in movies. but it was something she never really thought about it.

"how long have you been living here?"

she turned to look at him. "around 17 or 18 years... can't remember."

he nodded. "with your husband?"

she tensed at the question. "uh... yes." she cleared her throat and looked down at the gray sidewalk.

18 years living with kihyun.

everything started like the colors in the wind and look where they were now.

living like complete strangers in the same house.

the only thought of it sent cold shivers down her spine. "something wrong?" he asked, clearly noticing her affected.

she looked confused. "uh- no... it's just, it's getting cold."

he nodded and immediately started removing his coat but she quickly stopped him. "no!" soon exclaimed probably higher than expected.

his eyes widened for a second. "i mean... there's no need, we're close... but thanks."

he looked away and sighed. "anyway... is it nice? – she looked at him confused, a hint of terror in her eyes. somehow she thought he was asking about kihyun and her unhappy and trapped marriage.