The blow was hard enough that he was unable to stifle a gasp, despite having been prepared for what was coming. He wanted to cry but he knew that would only make Narim more angry so he held back and stayed still and silent until he left. He stayed frozen there a moment, then very slowly brought a trembling hand to his struck face.

He sat on the edge of the bed and took some deep breaths to cope and calm himself down, also to give Narim some time to cool off. He left it for half an hour, long enough for his husband to hopefully be in a slightly better mood, but not long enough that he would be getting too impatient.
Aria went to his office and knocked gently twice on the door.