I cry when I have no reason to.
I cry when a man sits beside me—
a man most women wouldn't even dare to dream about.
And still… what exactly makes me cry?
Maybe it's the way he was so close, yet felt impossibly far.
Maybe it's the way I wanted his touch just as desperately as he wanted mine.
Or maybe it's knowing I couldn't hold him,hugged him today—couldn't take care of him the way I could see he needed.
Maybe I wasn't ready to talk to him,
and suddenly I was in the very moment I had longed for the most—the moment I also wanted to run away from.
And maybe… maybe I was angry at my own desires, too.
In search of my sister, I stepped back into the party.There weren't many people—only the closest ones, the ones who wouldn't reveal the wedding yet.
In this Asian setting, I felt out of place, uncomfortable… and honestly, on the verge of running away.
Maybe I should've gone back to the terrace. Maybe he wouldn't have been there anymore.
Right now, the only thing I cared about was what he'd been told about me—and by whom.
But who else, if not my personal Cupid… my sister's husband, Jae.
A genuinely good man, a beautiful personality,
It comforted me knowing my sister married him.
Next moment I spotted him, so I hurried toward him.
-Exactly what did you tell him about me? I know it was you—don't deny it.
-Rena, listen to me. Calm down. Did he treat you badly? He actually seemed… happy. As if he also…
-Happy? Really? He needs something I can't give him right now, and…
-And what?
-And he has unfinished loves. Several of them… doesn't he?
Jae lowered his head, eyes darting as if he was searching for the right answers.
-He just… he needs to forget. And that won't happen by itself, you know?
-So it has to happen through me? He was planning a future with someone else, and now he'll look at me?
-Is he not already looking? He liked you at first glance, and I just… told him a little more.
-Maybe you shouldn't have told him anything, Jae,He's heard things like that before-
And now…about me? Who do you think he'll believe? Someone he's known for years… or me, a girl he just met tonight?
I knew something Jae didn't—or maybe something he'd forgotten.
Even though they grew up together, not just friends but brothers…
Tewon and Jae were still completely different from one another.
-This isn't the first time he's seen you-Jae added quietly-Did he not tell you that?And who else has said what? Who should he believe?
At that moment, my sister joined us.
-Why do you look like you're about to tear my husband in half?
She switched to our native language.
-He woke up with matchmaking fever.
-You wanted him to know, didn't you?
-Not now. Not when-
-Not when what?
-Not when I can't stay here. When I have to go back to my… to our country.You're staying in here and I'm going back, and I won't see him.This is insane.I don't want to think about him 24/7.Wondering who he's looking at here, who stands next to him, who he might like once I'm gone.I don't want him taking a step toward me if it only leads to us being torn apart later.
Somehow, I managed to force the words out-not all of them, but enough.Enough to reveal at least half of what was tearing me apart inside.
Jae suddenly stepped into the conversation, looking a little hesitant but determined.
-I'm not totally sure what you two are talking about- he said -but… maybe this will help you, Rena
He reached into his blazer pocket and pulled out a small envelope.
-I swear, if that's money— I was already ready to fight . I shut my eyes, took a breath, and forced a polite smile. -Jae, I don't need your money.
-No! No, of course not- he raised his hands, almost offended. -It's not money. I'd never do that. I just thought… since you don't really know people here yet, it might be hard to arrange things. So I wanted to help.
I took the envelope.Inside was a three-month apartment contract.
-You can stay as long as you need- he said gently. - Well…as long as your visa allows. We'll figure the rest out later.
He smiled at my sister, whose eyes were full of pride and relief.
-If I had offered for her to stay with us, she'd refuse… right?- he asked my sister.
-Of course-I muttered. -I'm not about to move in with a newlywed couple. I have zero interest in hearing your… enjoyment at night while I'm alone in the next room.
I rolled my eyes.
-And about the apartment… did you pay for it already? Because if you did, I can't accept it. And trust me, I'm already getting annoyed— I'm just holding it together out of manners.
-My gorgeous wife already warned me you'd refuse anything that feels like financial help,-Jae laughed. - That's why it's just the apartment arrangements. Nothing more.
A new worry hit me.
What was I even going to do here?
-Thank you, Jae… really,- I forced a smile-but I don't know yet. I'll think about it.
My whole life suddenly felt like a rollercoaster with no brakes.
-Think about it,-he said softly.-The apartment is close to Melin's place…well, our place …so you can come and go easily. Please stay, at least for a while. Melin will adjust better too if you're here. You helped me so much with the wedding. I just… wanted to repay you somehow. And, trust me, your sister made it very clear I can't repay you with anything material.
He smiled with that pure, sincere expression only Jae could pull off.
And for a moment, despite the chaos inside me, I felt genuinely happy— because he cared, and my sister had someone who truly deserved her.