Different

The ride home was enveloped in an almost palpable silence, the car gliding smoothly through the dark streets. The faint hum of the engine was the only sound punctuating the stillness, a soothing backdrop to the tranquil scene inside. Han Wei slept peacefully in Yang Liu's lap, his small body rising and falling with each breath, while Han Chen kept his eyes fixed on the road, lost in thought.

Yang Liu stole a glance at Han Chen from the corner of her eye, trying to discern what was different about him. He had seemed preoccupied since they left the office, almost distant, as if a shadow had settled over him. What a strange man, she mused, frowning slightly and scratching her head. She tried to shake off the uneasiness but couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that something was off.

As they drove, the city lights flickered past the window, creating a blur of colors that only deepened the silence. Yang Liu closed her eyes, hoping to rest, but her mind was restless, circling back to Han Chen's unusual demeanor.

Before long, the car smoothly parked in front of their house. Han Chen turned off the engine but remained seated for a moment, staring into the rearview mirror. The sight of his wife and son sleeping so peacefully brought him an unexpected sense of calm, a fleeting moment of warmth that he hadn't anticipated. He sighed softly, but his mind quickly spiraled back to the unsettling thoughts from earlier at the office. Why had it affected him so much? he wondered. We both know our marriage is temporary. Divorce is the logical next step. So why does it bother me now? He whispered to himself, grappling with the confusing emotions swirling within him.

Lost in thought, he shook his head and quietly opened the car door.

Approaching the back seat, he gently opened the door, taking care not to wake either of them. Both were still deeply asleep, and he hesitated, momentarily captivated by the serene scene. The sight of Yang Liu so relaxed, her features softened by sleep, evoked a sense of intimacy he hadn't expected. It felt oddly comforting, like a glimpse into a world he had never allowed himself to explore.

Deciding not to linger too long in this unexpected moment, he leaned down to pick up Han Wei. Just as he lifted their son, Yang Liu shifted in her sleep, inadvertently tilting her head. Her lips brushed against Han Chen's in a fleeting touch, catching him completely off guard. A sweet, floral scent filled his senses, causing his body to tense and his heart to race. He froze, unsure of how to react, a mixture of surprise and something more stirring within him.

For what felt like an eternity, Han Chen remained still, holding Han Wei in his arms and staring at Yang Liu. His thoughts were in disarray, swirling with confusion and intrigue. This woman, whom he thought he knew well, suddenly felt different, almost unfamiliar. That brief contact had stirred something inside him that he couldn't quite explain. Why was he reacting this way? He looked at her, searching for answers in her sleeping face, an uncharacteristic vulnerability creeping into his heart.

Two minutes passed, feeling like an eternity in the charged silence. Finally, sensing the intensity of his gaze, Yang Liu shifted slightly, her eyes fluttering open as she adjusted to the dim light filtering through the windows. When her focus sharpened, she realized just how close Han Chen's face was to hers. Her heart nearly leapt out of her chest at the unexpected proximity. What's happening? I just took a nap... Why is he so close? she thought, a blush creeping onto her cheeks as she tried to process the situation.

The silence between them was now thick with tension. What had started as a quiet ride home had transformed into a moment filled with unspoken questions, unexpected sensations, and emotions neither of them was ready to confront.