The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the canvas where Jiyong worked. He paused, wiping a stray streak of paint from his cheek with the back of his hand. It was a good day for painting, a day that stretched before him like a blank canvas waiting to be filled with vibrant colors.

"Need anything else?"

Seunghyun asked, his voice warm and familiar.

Jiyong glanced up, smiling.

"Nope. I got everything I needed. Thank you, Babe."

Seunghyun chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Alright. I'll be inside if you need me."

"But I always need you."

Jiyong teased, making a cute pout. Seunghyun leaned in, his fingers tracing a playful pat across Jiyong's cheek before pinching both sides playfully.

"Sap."

Seunghyun retorted. Jiyong yelped, rubbing his cheeks with a mock pout but his husband was quick enough to lean in and plant a soft kiss on his lips.

"Have fun."

Jiyong watched him go, a contented sigh escaping his lips.

Thirty minutes melted away as he poured himself onto the canvas, capturing the last rays of sunlight dancing on the leaves. Then, as he bent down to retrieve a brush that had fallen, a sharp crack echoed in the silence.

Panic flared in his chest. He tried to stand, but a jolt of pain shot down his back, bringing him to his knees. He was frozen, trapped in a web of his own making.

"Babe?"

He called out, his voice strained.

Silence.

He tried again, louder this time.

"Seunghyun!"

The only response was the excited barking of their dogs, Gaho and Jolie, who bounded towards him, oblivious to