Arin took one last glance at Rosa's sleeping face —
Then quietly slipped out of the room.
---
Mary woke up feeling thirsty.
Her chest felt tight for some reason, so she got up, put on a hoodie, and walked toward the kitchen for a glass of water.
But as she stepped into the hallway—
She froze.
Arin was stepping out of her mother's room.
The door closed softly behind him.
Mary's breath hitched.
"Arin…?"
Her voice was barely a whisper.
Arin's eyes widened slightly and surprised, caught, unsure what to say.
"…Mary."
They stared at each other in the quiet, dim hallway.
Mary lowered her head, her hands trembling slightly around the water cup.
She wasn't stupid
She understood instantly what it meant.
She felt something sharp dig into her chest—
jealousy, hurt, confusion, sadness—
All tangled together.
She forced a small, pained smile.
"I… didn't know you were there," she whispered.
Arin opened his mouth—
"Mary—"
But Mary shook her head quickly.
"No. It's okay. You don't have to explain… ."
She wiped her eyes subtly before he could see the tears forming.
"It's okay Mom also deserves happiness too. I know that."
Her voice cracked slightly.
"And you… you make her happy."
Arin felt his chest tighten at the pain in her tone.
Mary stepped back slowly, avoiding his eyes.
"…I should go," she whispered, voice strained.
"I'll see you later."
She hurried ran away before he could answer.
Arin stood still in the hallway, feeling the weight of her emotions even without her saying anything.
He knew Mary liked him.
He had seen the signs.
He just didn't know the feelings ran this deep.
And now—
He had hurt her without meaning to.
---
Inside living room
Mary come to living room quietly pressed her back against the wall.
Her heart ached.
She slid down slowly until she was sitting on the floor.
"…Mom… and Arin…"
She swallowed hard.
A part of her understood.
Her mother deserved love.
Deserved a partner.
Deserved to be happy again.
She knew that.
But another part of her—
the young woman inside her—
hurt deeply.
Because she liked Arin.
Really liked him.
And now her mother had him first.
Tears slipped down her cheeks silently.
But she wiped them away firmly.
"No," she whispered to herself.
"I'm not giving up."
She took a deep breath, steadying her trembling heart.
"I'll tell him tomorrow," Mary said softly.
"Even if the answer hurts… I need him to know how I feel."
She curled into corner.
...
Arin stood frozen in the hallway for a moment, watching Mary run away with trembling shoulders.
The pain that hit his chest was sharp.
If I let her walk away now…
If I stay silent…
I'll regret it for the rest of my life.
He didn't hesitate.
He followed after her.
The living room was dim, only the soft glow of a night lamp illuminating the couch. Mary sat curled up at the edge, hugging her knees, wiping tears she didn't want anyone to see.
"Mary…"
She flinched at his voice and turned away quickly.
"I—I'm fine. Please… just go."
Arin stepped closer.
"No."
Mary's breath caught.
Arin sat beside her—not too close, not too far—just enough that his presence could be felt.
He looked at her gently.
"Mary… I need to tell you something."
She swallowed hard, refusing to look at him.
"…Why did you come after me?"
Arin's voice lowered, sincere and steady.
"Because you're important to me."
Mary's head jerked slightly.
Arin continued, heart pounding but voice calm.
"And because… I like you, Mary.
Not as a friend.
But as a live patner and lover
I like you."
Mary turned slowly, eyes wide, shimmering with shock.
"…You're… confessing to me?"
Arin nodded.
"I knew I was being selfish… maybe even a scumbag in some people's eyes. But I can't lie. I have feelings for you. Strong ones."
Mary's lips trembled.
"But… Mother …?"
Arin closed his eyes.
"I won't lie to you. I like Rosa . And I like you. Both."
Mary's breath hitched—
But Arin reached out, gently taking her hand.
"I will be responsible. I'll protect everyone I love.
And I swear… I won't let any of you feel second or less important.
I won't let jealousy or confusion hurt you."
Mary's eyes filled again—but this time not from pain.
It was relief and Joy.
And the weight she carried in her chest melted as she whispered:
"Arin… I… I tried to hold it in but I can't anymore."
She launched herself forward full of emotion.
Her arms wrapped around him tightly, face pressed against his chest.
"I like you too…
I really, really do…"
Arin's heart softened.
He held her carefully, stroking her back, grounding her fears.
"Mary," he whispered into her hair, "I promise I'll make you happy.
I won't let anyone hurt you.
And my feelings for you won't fade—no matter how many women end up in my life."
Mary lifted her head slightly, cheeks red, eyes emotional.
"You better keep that promise," she whispered, half-teasing, half-serious.
Arin smiled—a calm, confident smile.
"I will. You have my word."
Mary leaned forward, and Arin met her halfway.
Their lips touched—
Soft.
Warm.
A kiss filled with reassurance, trust, and emotions that had been building silently since the moment they met.
When they separated, Mary rested her forehead on his.
"…Arin," she whispered, slightly breathless, "thank you… for choosing me too."
He smiled softly.
"I chose you the moment I saw you smile."
Mary blushed fiercely and hugged him again.
And for the first time that night,
everyone's heart found a place to breathe.
After spending time some they both went to their rooms to sleep.