Since meeting you, Shin has made a conscious effort to leave behind his old habits, striving to forget the life he once led and all that had brought him to where he stands now. The journey was difficult, but with you as the destination, it was all worth it. That, for him, was enough closure.

He remembers telling Nobu that he he’d never be connected to anyone by love—believing himself to be unloveable.

He lit a Black Stone cigarette. “You really have to go? I mean… come on,” he sighed, pulling you back against him as you’d made a futile attempt at getting up. Shin’s been living with you ever since you two started dating. “It’s so early, and you were barely home yesterday—seriously, your job sucks… big time.”