19 - The proof

The car ride is silent. Soyoon sits beside me, but I don't look at her. I don't acknowledge her presence. My eyes remain fixed on the blur of the city passing by outside, the neon signs and tall buildings melting into each other. The only sound is the hum of the engine, a dull contrast to the storm of thoughts raging in my mind.

She finally speaks, her voice soft but firm.

"You know, I think it's a boy. He knows he's going to be the heir. I was even thinking about names yesterday—"

"Soyoon, stop this." My voice is sharp, cutting through her sentence. I don't look at her, but I can feel her flinch. "I don't believe you're pregnant. And if you are, it's not mine. We haven't been together in almost two months."

"And I can't be two months pregnant?" Her tone turns defensive, almost offended. "I would never cheat on you, Jungkook. But it seems like we're not both on the same page about that."

I exhale through my nose, pressing my fingers against my temple. The rest of the ride is spent in suffocating silence.

When we pull up to the house—the house we once shared—I feel an uneasy weight settle in my chest. I used to call this place home, but the truth is, I never really felt at home here. It was a beautiful house, elegant and expensive, but cold. Lifeless. Just like our marriage.

I step out of the car, glancing up at the front door. A part of me considers grabbing some of my things before I leave.

Soyoon walks ahead, unlocking the door and stepping inside. The air inside feels the same—too clean, too artificial. My eyes sweep across the familiar setting. Nothing has changed. Our framed pictures are still displayed on the shelves, the two glasses still sit next to the water pitcher, my old coat still hangs on the hook by the entrance. It's like I never left.

"Take a seat, Kookie. Do you want some coffee? Something to eat?"

"I didn't come here as a guest." My voice is cold. "Just show me whatever it is you wanted to show me, so I can leave."

Her lips press into a thin line before she nods. "Fine. One minute."

She disappears down the hallway, and I remain standing, arms crossed, refusing to sit. I take another look around, the unease in my chest deepening. This place is frozen in time, stuck in a reality I've already moved on from.

A moment later, Soyoon returns, holding something in her hand. She walks up to me and extends it with an expectant look.

A pregnancy test.

I huff out a bitter laugh. "This? This is your proof?"

"Yes. I took it two days ago. I also have an appointment next week for an ultrasound. If you don't believe me, come with me and see for yourself."

I stare at the small plastic stick in her hand. The truth is, I don't know what to believe. But if there's even the slightest chance that this child is mine...

"If this is true... if the baby is really mine... I'll take responsibility." My voice is steady, unwavering. "I'll be a good father. I'll be in the child's life. I'll make sure they have everything they need. They will be my priority." I finally meet her eyes. "But I can't stay with you, Soyoon. We are destroying each other. And a child shouldn't have to witness that."

Her eyes glisten, but she doesn't cry. Instead, she speaks in a voice so quiet, so fragile, I almost don't hear her.

"Jungkook... don't let me go completely. In the beginning, everything was good. I just don't know where it all went wrong..."

"There's no point in talking about it anymore. No matter what happens, I still want a divorce."

Desperation flickers across her face. "What about therapy? I can find a good psychologist. We can work on our marriage—"

"No, Soyoon." I shake my head. "We don't need therapy. Because I don't want to work on this marriage anymore."

For the first time in this conversation, she falls completely silent. She just stares at me, eyes searching mine, and when she finally speaks, her words are barely above a whisper.

"You love her, don't you?"

My breath catches in my throat. I look at her, but I say nothing.

Soyoon's lips tremble. "I saw the way you looked at her. The way you laughed with her. The way you held her hand..." Her voice breaks slightly. "You're in love with Y/n, aren't you?"

Silence stretches between us. My throat tightens, but I don't deny it.

Because deep down, we both know the truth.