Suspicion Creeps In (2)
It was astonishing. The way she was thinking like that.
Normally, she would've teared up at the sight of the chased-off researcher, saying something like, "Oh no, what do we do... that's so sad."
But today's her was different. So cold, so pragmatic.
Under normal circumstances, I might've brushed it off too. "Yeah, that's just how Animal Kingdom is," I would've said.
But not today. That silhouette from the porn that wouldn't leave my mind, and above all, that thing on the sofa.
I glanced between the sofa cushions, and unlike before, it was neatly tidied up now. She'd cleaned it sometime in between.
That fact only made me more suspicious.
I wanted to refute her logic. This wasn't just commentary on a documentary. This was about our relationship—and whatever mysterious thing had wedged itself between us.
"That's why they're beasts. Human society is different. We have emotions, we love, we make promises."
My voice had sharpened without me realizing it.
"Well, is human society really that different?"
She countered immediately. She was serious now too.
Instead of watching the lions on the TV screen, we locked eyes and continued the conversation.
"On the surface, we pretend otherwise, wrap it up in lofty pretensions, but the essence is the same. It's natural instinct to be drawn to someone more capable, stronger, more attractive. It doesn't have to be money or power—it could be physical appeal... or something else."
She kept going. Gone was her usual gentle, affectionate demeanor. It reminded me of her in college, during a liberal arts debate class—sharp and intellectual.
"Just like females drawn to superior males, people ultimately want partners who give them greater satisfaction. In that process, weaker ones naturally get weeded out. It doesn't always mean being abandoned. Just... pushed down the priority list. When something offering stronger stimulation, greater pleasure appears, your gaze inevitably shifts there. I think that's unavoidable."
The moment stronger stimulation and greater pleasure left her lips, my heart sank with a thud.
It unmistakably evoked that black, massive thing on the sofa.
Was she filling what I couldn't provide somewhere else, in some other way?
I couldn't say a word. Her logic was so cold and sharp, yet it felt like an undeniable truth.
Maybe I was scrambling at the office every day just to avoid being weeded out socially myself.
Had she gotten too absorbed in her own words? After her lengthy rant, she suddenly snapped out of it upon seeing my stiffened expression, startling like she'd been caught.
"Ah... oh, no, I mean... just speaking hypothetically. I guess I got too into the documentary, haha."
She laughed awkwardly, waving her hands, trying to revert to her usual lovable wife persona.
But it was too late. I'd already glimpsed her true feelings—or fragments of the desires she was desperately ignoring.
"Dinner's ready anyway. Shall we eat? I made your favorite today."
She stood, desperately changing the subject.
I followed her to the table without a word.
......
The table was neatly set with steaming galbi jjim—braised short ribs, my favorite—and various side dishes.
Normally, I'd cheer and devour it, but today even picking up my chopsticks felt hard.
I poked at my rice bowl with my spoon, counting grains like some ritual.
My head was a mess. Not just from our earlier survival-of-the-fittest talk.
If it had been only that, I might've thought, Sis has a cold side, and moved on.
But before that talk: the woman in the porn who resembled her, and the massive dildo on the sofa.
All those pieces tangled together, churning my mind into chaos.
"Why aren't you eating? Doesn't suit your taste?"
Sis looked at me worriedly.
"No... it's good. Really good..."
I forced a piece of galbi jjim into my mouth. The tender meat melted on my tongue, but I tasted nothing. I just chewed and swallowed out of duty.
"Something happen at work today? You look pale. Did the team leader hassle you again?"
She added a perfectly braised rib to my spoon, asking tenderly.
Her kindness, her unwavering gentleness, only confused me more.
Was this the same person who'd coldly dissected lion instincts moments ago?
"No... nothing like that."
"Then why? You came home early for once—shouldn't that be nice? How'd you get off so quick?"
At her question, I averted my eyes, answering without thinking.
I couldn't respond naturally like usual.
"Uh... yeah. The section chief... told me to head out early..."
My voice trailed off, my tone awkward as hell. Like a kid caught lying.
She stared at me blankly for a moment.
I couldn't read her eyes. Suspicion? Or just thinking I was in a funk?
"Really? Your section chief's a good guy. So glad I get to see my honey's face early."
She flashed a big smile, trying to lighten the mood.
But that smile felt somehow forced—not just my imagination.
We ate the rest of the meal in silence. Only the clink of utensils haunted the awkward table.
I barely finished half my rice before setting down my spoon.
"Gonna wash up first."
"Already? Eat more."
"Uh... stomach's off. Maybe I'm just tired."
I muttered an excuse and stood.
Ignoring the flicker of dismay on her face, I headed to the bathroom.
I turned on the hot water and stood under the showerhead. Even the pouring streams couldn't wash away the chaos filling my head.
......
After washing, I lay in bed, but sleep wouldn't come.
Closing my eyes only brought flashes of the documentary and that black object between the cushions, alternating relentlessly.
I tossed and turned dozens of times. My mind stayed foggy as mist.
Moments later, Sis emerged from the bathroom and cautiously climbed into bed.
She pressed close against my back, wrapping her soft arms around my waist.
The sensation of her full breasts pressing into me was vivid.
"Honey~"
She whispered sweetly in my ear.
"You that tired? We were gonna go all night, remember? You didn't forget, right?"
Her hand slipped under my pajamas, gently stroking my belly.
Amid the turmoil, my body reacted honestly to that familiar, soft touch.
"Ah... yeah, right..."
I answered reluctantly. I really wasn't in the mood, but I didn't want to disappoint her.
"Is it... because of that documentary earlier?"
She asked cautiously, guessing it was the reason for my off mood all evening.
"Did I upset you by getting too serious...?"
"No, it's not that..."
"I just... thought that's how animals live. Just sharing my thoughts. Don't overthink it, okay?"
She nuzzled my shoulder, her voice laced with coquetry.
Her hand now trailed below my navel, toward more sensitive territory.
"And what do you have to worry about? My honey's such a young, strong alpha male."
Her fingers gently cupped my little thing.
"That's why I fell for you and married you. Back in college, during group projects—you were so reliable and cool. Totally different from the other guys."
"Was I? I just remember being clueless."
"No way. I knew it from then. This guy's my man. I'll take responsibility for him forever."
She giggled, nibbling my earlobe.
Her hot breath and teasing voice numbed my reason bit by bit.
The sofa dildo, the woman in the porn—they faded hazily from my mind.
"Responsibility? I should be the one taking care of you."
"You're already doing plenty. Satisfying me every night like this."
Her fingers moved skillfully. My small, limp thing stirred back to life under her touch.
"You're extra sensitive tonight, honey. What were you thinking?"
"Nothing..."
"Liar. Thinking about some other girl? That icy team leader at work?"
Jealousy tinged her playful tone.
"What? Team leader's just my boss."
"Really? She's so pretty with that killer body. All the guys at the office are into her, right?"
"Only you for me."
I turned to face her. Even in the dark room, her eyes sparkled.
I kissed her lips. She accepted my clumsy kiss softly, drawing me deeper.
My confused heart lingered, but in this moment, I wanted to surrender everything to her.
I had no strength to escape this sweet temptation.