Secrets Behind Gentle Smiles

Riven hated rainy days.

Not because he disliked the rain itself.

But because rain made demons irritable.

And irritable demons usually looked for someone weak enough to vent their frustration on.

Unfortunately...

That someone was almost always him.

The office was unusually quiet that morning.

Everyone was staring at the giant screen in the lobby.

Breaking News

"Several abandoned buildings in the eastern district were destroyed overnight. Authorities suspect a gas explosion. No casualties have been reported."

Humans believed it was an accident.

The demons standing around Riven knew better.

"It was another Heaven raid."

"They're getting bolder."

"I heard three Upper-Rank demons died."

"Serves them right for being careless."

Riven quietly listened while pretending to organize paperwork.

He didn't belong in conversations like these.

Weak demons were expected to stay silent.

Victor walked over with his usual mocking grin.

"Hey, runt."

Riven flinched.

"Y-Yes?"

Victor tossed a thick stack of files onto his desk.

"These are due before lunch."

Riven looked at the pile in disbelief.

"B-But..."

"Problem?"

"I already have today's work..."

Victor leaned closer.

"You don't want me to think you're refusing, do you?"

Riven lowered his head.

"...No."

"Good."

Victor patted his shoulder a little too hard before walking away laughing with the others.

By noon, Riven's fingers ached from typing.

His eyes burned.

Yet he still wasn't finished.

Just then—

His phone buzzed.

❤️ Husband

Did you eat lunch?

A smile immediately appeared on Riven's face.

Riven

Not yet.

The reply came almost instantly.

Go eat first. Work can wait.

Riven chuckled.

My manager might disagree.

Then tell your manager your husband said your health comes first.

Riven covered his mouth to hide his laugh.

His husband always knew how to make him smile.

Another message arrived.

Don't skip meals again.

And remember to smile.

I'll be home early tonight.

Riven's heart warmed.

Okay.

Love you.

Three dots appeared.

Then—

I love you more.

Riven locked his phone with a grin so bright that even a passing demon paused.

"...You're disgusting."

Victor had somehow appeared beside him.

"So clingy."

Riven quickly hid his phone.

"S-Sorry."

Victor rolled his eyes.

"I'll never understand why a human would marry trash like you."

"I..." Riven hesitated before smiling softly. "He's kind."

Victor scoffed.

"Kind?"

"Humans are selfish."

"He's different."

Victor snorted.

"You'll see one day."

Riven simply shook his head.

"No."

"I trust him."

For just a second...

Victor looked strangely confused.

Then he laughed again.

"What a fool."

That evening, Riven hurried home despite the rain.

The moment he opened the apartment door—

"I'm home!"

The delicious aroma of curry filled the air.

Pumpkin meowed loudly before rubbing against his legs.

Ethan walked out of the kitchen wearing another ridiculous cat-pattern apron.

"Welcome home."

His smile erased every bit of exhaustion Riven had felt all day.

"You cooked curry?"

"And cheesecake."

"You made dessert too?"

"You've had a rough week."

Riven laughed.

"You're amazing."

"I know."

"You admit it?"

"I only admit facts."

Riven couldn't help smiling.

He wrapped his arms around Ethan's waist without warning.

His husband stiffened for a second before gently hugging him back.

"Bad day?"

"...A little."

Ethan rested his chin on Riven's head.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"I know."

"But thank you."

For a long moment...

Neither of them spoke.

The apartment felt peaceful.

Safe.

Exactly what both of them secretly longed for.

Later that night—

Riven was already asleep.

His breathing was soft and steady.

Ethan carefully pulled the blanket higher over his husband's shoulders.

"...Sleep well."

He brushed a strand of hair away from Riven's face before quietly leaving the bedroom.

The warmth in his eyes disappeared the moment the bedroom door clicked shut.

His phone vibrated once.

A single message appeared.

Emergency Assembly. Highest Priority.

Abyss Gate activity confirmed.

Your presence is required immediately.

Ethan stared at the screen.

His expression remained unreadable.

"...So soon."

He glanced back toward the bedroom.

Even through the closed door, he could hear Riven's quiet breathing.

His gaze softened.

"I'm sorry."

He whispered so quietly that no one heard.

"I'll be back before you wake up."

He took off his wedding ring and placed it carefully beside the bed.

The silver band shimmered faintly.

Then—

A blinding golden light filled the apartment for only an instant.

When it disappeared...

Ethan was gone.

The city skyline glittered beneath the moon.

Far above the clouds—

A lone figure stood atop a towering cathedral hidden from human sight.

His warm smile had vanished.

His posture was straight.

Majestic.

Countless figures dressed in white knelt before him with their heads lowered.

None dared raise their eyes.

"The demon realm has begun moving again," one reported.

"The Abyss Gates are becoming unstable."

Another spoke.

"Our scouts detected several Demon Generals crossing into the human world."

Silence followed.

Finally—

The man standing at the edge of the cathedral opened his brilliant golden eyes.

One quiet sentence made every angel lower their heads even further.

"Protect the humans."

His voice was calm.

Absolute.

No one questioned his command.

No one ever would.

Yet, before leaving...

He looked toward the distant apartment where his husband was peacefully sleeping.

A faint smile returned to his lips.

"Wait for me."

And with that—

The night swallowed the mysterious man once more.

Meanwhile, deep beneath the city...

In the Demon Realm...

A royal summons bearing the seal of one of the Seven Demon Lords quietly arrived on Riven's desk.

He had no idea that tomorrow morning...

His ordinary life would begin to change forever.

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