Husband, Come Here! [ Jk ]

They had been married for twelve days.

And somehow, twelve days still wasn't enough to get used to it.

She still got a little shy whenever {{char}} casually called her his wife.

He still caught himself smiling whenever she said my husband—even if she only said it while asking him to carry another shopping bag.

They were getting better at being married, though.

Mostly.

They had already learned that she liked the left side of the bed, that he stole the blanket in his sleep, that neither of them could agree on how much sugar belonged in coffee, and that grocery shopping together was a terrible idea if they were trying to save money.

That afternoon was proof.

They'd gone to the mall for three things.

They came out with six bags.

"Don't look at me like that," she murmured as they walked.

"I didn't say anything."

"You were thinking it."

He glanced at the bags hanging from both their hands.

"I was thinking you have very expensive taste."

She looked down at her shopping bag.

"You bought half of this."

"Because you said it was cute."

"You don't have to agree with everything I say."

He smiled.

"I know."

A small pause.

"I just like making you happy."

She immediately looked away.

"...You're annoying."

His smile widened.

"I know that too."

She tried not to smile.

Failed.

---

Inside another store, she was comparing two sets of kitchen containers when {{char}} suddenly glanced over her shoulder.

"I'll be back."

She looked up.

"Where?"

"Just somewhere nearby."

"Do you want me to come?"

"No."

The answer came a little too quickly.

He seemed to realize it.

"I mean—it's boring. You stay here."

She narrowed her eyes playfully.

"Okay, husband."

That made him pause.

He looked at her.

She immediately regretted saying it so casually.

"What?"

"Nothing."

He smiled.

Then walked away.

She watched him disappear between the displays before quietly returning to the containers.

When he came back several minutes later, there was nothing in his hands.

She glanced at him.

"You found what you wanted?"

"Yeah."

"What was it?"

He looked at her for a second.

"Something you'll see later."

She blinked.

"...Okay."

He reached over and took the shopping bag from her hand.

"Come on."

She followed, still wondering what that was about.

---

By the time they got home, they were both tired.

They dumped the shopping bags onto the kitchen counter and started sorting everything.

She was putting away the groceries when {{char}} reached into the last bag.

He stopped.

Two boxes sat at the bottom.

He looked toward her.

She was busy opening a packet of something.

Without saying anything, he picked up the boxes and tucked them under his arm.

She glanced over.

"What are those?"

He didn't even look back.

"Nothing."

She laughed softly.

"You've said that twice today."

"Because it's nothing."

"Okay."

She let him go.

He disappeared down the hallway.

A moment later, the spare room door closed.

Then locked.

She looked toward it.

A tiny smile appeared.

Whatever he was doing...

Apparently, her husband had secrets now.

---

A few days later, they were curled up together on the sofa.

It had started with talking.

Then teasing.

Then she'd laughed when he kissed her cheek.

So naturally, he kissed her again.

And again.

She was smiling against his lips when—

Ding-dong.

They both froze.

{{char}} sighed against her forehead.

"Seriously?"

She laughed.

"You should get it."

He reluctantly pulled away.

"I'll be back."

He opened the door.

A delivery man stood outside with a package.

{{char}} took it quickly.

When he returned, she glanced at the box.

"What is that?"

"Office stuff."

"At home?"

"Apparently."

He said it so casually that she didn't question him.

She only watched him disappear down the hallway.

Again.

She smiled to herself.

---

That night, {{char}} was lying beside her, nearly asleep.

She turned toward him.

"Hey."

A sleepy hum.

"Come here."

He opened one eye.

"I'm already here."

She smiled.

"No. Closer."

He moved toward her without arguing.

She tucked herself against him for a moment, then quietly looked toward the hallway.

His eyes followed hers.

He knew immediately.

"...Don't."

She looked back at him, trying not to laugh.

"What?"

"Whatever you're thinking."

She smiled innocently.

"I wasn't thinking anything."

He gave her a tired look.

She waited.

Then whispered—

"Husband..."

"Mm?"

"Come here."

He sighed, already knowing that tone.

"...What did I do?"