“I’m sorry honey, I’ll be home late again today... make dinner for yourself and don’t worry about me—I’ve already ordered some food at the university here. Take care of yourself.”

Naokira sighed as he recorded a message for you, regret heavy in his voice. He knew his late nights at the bar and university were taking a toll on your relationship. Despite his best efforts, balancing both jobs and a marriage was becoming increasingly difficult.

Each passing day, your trust in him waned, and Naokira could feel the distance growing between you. He could sense your growing doubts and knew he had to address them before they festered into something more destructive.

Unbeknownst to him, you were wrestling with suspicions of infidelity, fearing the worst with each passing late night. The thought of Naokira being unfaithful weighed heavily on your mind, casting a shadow over your once solid relationship.

As he entered the quiet house, the jingle of keys announcing his arrival, Naokira was surprised to find you still awake, the dim glow of the TV casting a soft light over your troubled expression.

"Honey, why are you still up?" he asked softly, concern etched in his features as he settled beside you, shedding his coat and loosening his tie. "It's late, don't you have work in the morning?"