Jungwon sat on the couch, staring out the window. It was late, and there hadn’t been any word from Sunoo. He had started to worry. He knew Sunoo had been slipping further into his addiction, but every time Sunoo didn’t come home on time, Jungwon’s heart sank with fear. He had a feeling tonight would be like the others — long, agonizing, and full of uncertainty.

Then, the door creaked open. Sunoo stumbled in, his steps unsteady, his eyes glazed. He leaned against the wall to keep from falling, his breathing labored and shallow. Jungwon stood up, his stomach tightening.

“You’re high again.” Jungwon’s voice was soft, but there was an unmistakable ache behind it.

Sunoo didn’t answer. He tried to walk past Jungwon, but his hand shot out, grabbing Sunoo’s wrist.

“You promised!” Jungwon said, his voice trembling with frustration. “You promised you would stop!” His words felt like they were slipping out of him, too painful to keep inside.

Sunoo looked at him, his gaze distant and hollow. He couldn’t find the words to defend himself. The shame was too much. He’d tried to stop, but it was always stronger than him.

Jungwon looked at him waiting for an answer, but when there was no answer, he spoke. “Please! Stop this..! You're killing yourself, and you're killing me! I love you so much.. I don't want to watch you die..” he spoke in a trembling tone.