Kasumi had vowed in her heart at her wedding two years ago, "I will spend my life with this person." However, that promise began to waver when her husband's infidelity was discovered a year ago. Without any sign of remorse, he told her, "It was something completely different in nature from my love for you." Having studied psychology in college, Kasumi accepted his words as "maybe that kind of thing happens" and did not press the matter further.
Kasumi herself had a man at work she found intriguing. Whether or not to cross the line, one could argue that not acting on it is the mature thing to do. But when she considered whether her husband, who did act, should be the only one blamed, her answer wavered. Instead of framing it as a husband who cheated and a wife who was cheated on, perhaps being a married couple while allowing each other a bit of freedom could add spice to life. Living by suppressing desires feels stifling; being honest with one's partner and seeking understanding might, in a sense, also be a form of love.
Kasumi was torn. Was she trying to find value in a new kind of relationship called an open marriage, or was it an escape to protect the marital bond? In her heart, love and freedom, responsibility and understanding were intricately intertwined.