Chapter 2: Is it over, Yuki?
In Shuichi's study, he sits at his desk, staring at the laptop screen. The audio recording of Yuki's phone call is still playing, but he's not really listening anymore. His mind is racing, trying to process what he's heard.
To himself, his voice barely a whisper,"So this is what it was... Yuki...,"He closes his eyes, trying to control his emotions. He feels betrayed, hurt, and confused. But he also knows that he can't let his anger consume him. He has to trust Yuki, even if it's hard.
Shuichi takes a deep breath and whispers, "I have to give him a chance to explain."
He gets up and walks to the living room, where he hears the sound of the front door closing. He turns to see Yuki entering, looking tired and a bit preoccupied.
While Smiling brightly, trying to mask his unease, "Welcome home, my love."
He walks towards Yuki and throws his arms around him, but Yuki responds with a soft headpat and says, "Shuichi, I'm tired. We'll talk later." Shuichi looks up at Yuki's indifferent expression, noticing a change in his demeanor.
He tries not to show his concern, but his voice trembles slightly as he asks, "Is it because... of work?"
There's a pause before Yuki replies, "Yes. That's why I need to sleep. We'll have dinner later." He slowly ushers Shuichi to the side and heads towards the bedroom.
Shuichi watches Yuki until the bedroom door closes, feeling a growing sense of unease. He murmurs to himself, "Liar..."
Shuichi returns to his study study. He sits back down at his desk, his heart pounding. He knows he can't ignore what he's heard, but he also knows that confronting Yuki right now would only make things worse. He decides to wait, to give Yuki a chance to explain himself.
He closes his eyes, trying to find some peace. But the image of Yuki's family dinner, the mention of a fiance, keeps replaying in his mind. He knows that he can't ignore this feeling of unease. He has to find a way to talk to Yuki, to understand what's going on.
It's evening, and Shuichi and Yuki are having dinner. The atmosphere is heavy with unspoken tension. Shuichi twirls his fingers between the edge of the table and his plate, unable to eat.
Shuichi takes a deep breath to try break the awkward atmosphere, "So... is there something you wish to tell me, Yuki?"
Yuki's hands halt for a moment, then he continues eating with his eyes closed and responded,"It's nothing."
Shuichi tries to maintain his composure, but his voice trembles as he asks, "You sure? Yuki, please talk to me." He begs, looking straight into Yuki's eyes with a worried expression.
Yuki shows a disturbing expression, takes the cloth towel, wipes his mouth, and says, "I'm done eating. Thanks for dinner." He then retires to his room, leaving Shuichi alone at the table.
Shuichi watches Yuki with teary eyes and murmurs, "Is it over for us?"