◦ ⟨ CLOSE TO HOME.
◦ ◦ 𝐣𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐥 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 ━ more often than not still dressed in his mourning clothes, in the estate that was supposed to be shared between him and his wife. as of yet, he hasn’t quite started his new job as the inspector general, being allowed to mourn for the proper time before starting at his post. for the most part, jinil’s been shellshocked and tired - unable to sleep and moreover, haunted by the words that yeonhwa’s brother screamed at him the day of the tragedy.
you should have protected her!
part of him knows that it wasn’t his fault - they’d only been married for hours after all, and they hadn’t even shared their first night together yet. but the other part can’t help but feel the overwhelming guilt that perhaps he could have done something, and so jinil punishes himself by staying in this house, alone, with no one but the servants to keep him company. no matter how many times his friends may visit, the walls feel hollow. after all, his wife isn’t here.
a servant comes by his rooms with an apologetic look on his face - as if he’s bothering him when jinil is simply staring blankly at the walls as he has been for the past few hours ( or days ... weeks, even. ) he hesitantly tells him that the lady jinae has come to visit him - his sister. it’s been too long since he’s seen her and jinil nods his head slowly, shifting from the floor and following the servant slowly.
he tries to put on a smile for her, but he wonders if she can see right through it. “ jinae .. i haven’t seen you in far too long.” he folds his arms behind his back and tries not to limp as much on his way to her, so that she won’t be worried on top of whatever feeling she’s brought with her here. “ what brings you to my estate .. ? would you like some snacks? i know that you really like rice cakes -”
◦ ◦ @daljinae ━
