Downfall of a Nice Guy
naturally sociable manner. "You're here to see James? He's not off work yet.
r, as if I were a distant guest rather than the la
the entrance, only to find my slippers placed at the very bot
to retrieve my slippers. I calmly began to take off
ely heard her sending a voice message, "Bro, you should come back right n
, with a hint of playfulness-
The journey from James's company to home, with a subway transfer, would take at least fifty minutes. The
show. Kim sat nervously on a chair beside me, looking uneasy. I knew it was impol
n the sofa, with Kim sitting awkwardly to the side. I didn't know what he
signs of weariness; in fact, he looked quite re
er stay. Don't overthink it," James said, his eyes fi
our personal matters. If you think you'
but his gaze didn't linger for more than t
about it. It's not a good time for you to go in now. Y
part from his place. His eyes were anxious and res
n old rug, spun on his heel with an exasperated huff and disappeared into the house's interior. There I stood, abandoned on the doorstep, clad only in a flimsy sweater and a p
lost in disappointment. I knew Jame
reak up with him
for a long, long time befo
lready nine in the evening. The night wind carried
eir leaves turned a brilliant golden yellow under
texture of the ginkgo tree, and posted
Of course it's cold. You'r
of college. Seeing his comment, I turned
Sorry, I didn't notice you were wearing a
's okay, I've
I turned off my phone and
a dozen messages from James, all filled with apologies an
ght in a moment of self-reflection, I wasn't quite certain whether the target of my der
very arrived. It was ordered by James. My colleagues ar
t by James to apologize for neglecting me the previous day. I held the
wanted to make him feel guilty, to make him suffer from his conscience
s a message, "It's okay,
fore. I knew there was only one per
he saw it. However, I didn't expect that th