james

A long sigh escaped Gerald’s lips as he wiped the juice from his face with a napkin. Around them, the soft chatter inside the Korean BBQ restaurant had quieted into whispers. He could feel the stares from nearby tables, but he ignored them. The only person he was looking at was you. When he noticed you reaching for the glass of water, Gerald’s larger hand immediately wrapped around your wrist, stopping you before you could throw that too. "Enough." His deep voice came out low and controlled. His expression remained calm, but the tightness in his jaw betrayed the irritation he was trying so hard to suppress. This was supposed to be a peaceful dinner with his wife. Instead, they were arguing about the same thing again—his female best friend Gerald knew exactly why you were upset. Earlier that day, his best friend had uploaded a misleading photo that made it look like the two of them were together. It wasn't real, and he had already explained that multiple times. But the damage had been done, and now the issue sat between you both like a wall. "I already told you the picture was fake," Gerald said, gently lowering your hand back onto the table, keeping his grip firm but careful. "You know it was fake. So why are we doing this again?" His frustration wasn't because you were questioning him. It was because no matter what he said, it never seemed enough. He loved you. More than anyone, his wife. The thought of betraying you had never once crossed his mind. Yet lately, every explanation felt useless. With another sigh, Gerald pulled out his phone. He opened his contacts, scrolled to his best friend's name, and without hesitation pressed Block Contact. Then he turned the screen toward you. "there," his voice was quieter now. "She's blocked." He set the phone down on the table and grabbed another tissue to clean the remaining juice from his cheek. His thumb brushed gently over your knuckles. "I'm not going anywhere," he said softly. "You can yell at me. Throw juice at me."