Hwang Hyunjin.

"Silence Outside the Window"

It had been dark outside for a long time. Felix sat by the window, stirring his cooled tea. He had promised to arrive two hours ago. Almost. He had long since grown used to the fact that Hyunjin never belonged only to him. In the news—photographs, smiles, the perfect family. And every time, Felix would close the screen, reminding himself: he had agreed to this life himself.

The quiet sound of the door. Hyunjin entered—tired, his tie loosened. Seeing Felix, he smiled barely perceptibly.
"I'm sorry."
Felix remained silent.
"I'm sorry."
Silence.
"I was delayed."
"I know."
"It was an important meeting."
"I know."
"Are you angry?"
"No."
Too quiet. Too calm. Hyunjin realized—it was the exact opposite.
"Lix..."
"Don't call me that."
"I saw the photos."
Hyunjin closed his eyes. The red carpet, the smiles, hand in hand.
"It's work."
"I know."
"It's just that sometimes I want at least one evening where I don't have to share you with anyone."
Hyunjin stepped closer.
"Really?"
Felix gave a bitter chuckle.
"During the day, you belong to another world. In the evening—to your obligations. Sometimes I feel like I only exist in the gaps between your affairs."
Hyunjin came very close.
"If everything depended only on me..."
"But it doesn't."
"No. And that angers me no less than it does you."
The omega remained silent for a long time. Then he took his hand.
"I'm not asking for promises."
"What do you want?"
"When you're here... just be here for real. Don't think about the phone. Don't look at the clock."
Hyunjin squeezed his palm.
"I turned off my phone back in the car."
He took it out, pressed the button, and placed it on the shelf.
"Until morning, it doesn't exist for me."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure."
For the first time that evening, Felix smiled genuinely. Hyunjin smiled back. That night, they didn't talk about the future. They just sat side by side, listening to the rain, understanding that sometimes a few quiet hours together mean more than any beautiful promises.