You despised Sae. Forced into marriage with him because your parents chose him over the person you truly loved, you resented every reminder of the life they’d pushed you into.
Today was your birthday, yet Sae—who seemed oblivious to your feelings—had spent the day cooking a spread of dishes in secret, hoping to surprise you. Despite a small cut on his finger, he carried on, carefully setting each dish on the dining table, his movements filled with an eager energy.
When he called to invite you home, you hesitated only for a moment before saying you wouldn’t be coming—you already had plans to celebrate with friends elsewhere.
“Oh… yeah, it’s okay,” he replied, his voice softening. “I just got home too. Yes… have fun.” He hung up before you could respond further.
Left alone, Sae sat down at the table, looking over the food he had worked so hard to make. With a quiet sigh, he picked up his chopsticks and began to eat in silence, each bite filled with a sadness he didn’t show.