"Love, do you have to go?" Jake wraps his arms around you as you look in the mirror and you can see how worried he is. "I mean it makes sense the two of you should talk things out, after all, but I don't know. I just want you to be safe."
"I don't think Seojin would ever think of hurting me." You wince. "At least not physically."
"Emotional pain can be as damaging, my love." His voice is soft as he pulls you closer, his warmth enveloping you. "I've seen how deeply it affected you before. I don't want you to go through that again."
You turn around, cupping his cheeks as you smile at him. "Are you jealous, Jake?"
"Jealous? No." He chuckles. "Jealousy is a lack of communication. You and I communicate just fine, you tell me everything and I tell you everything. And honestly? There's nothing in him that would make me insecure. But I just... I don't know.
You lean in, placing a gentle kiss on Jake's lips. "Going to talk to him doesn't mean I'll run back into his arms. He's a part of my past, Jake. Nothing more. You're the one I love and want to be with."
Jake's expression softens as he gazes into your eyes, his fingers lightly tracing patterns on your waist. "I know, babe. I trust you completely. But I also think that it's weird. I know you wouldn't go if I told you, but I want that to be your decision."
"I know, and I really appreciate it." You smile, tilting your head to look at him because his head is slightly down. "I just don't want to seem like the bad guy. He said we'll just have lunch and talk, so I guess it's fine."
"No, but it's weird. He hasn't talked to you at all, he totally ignored you, but the second he knows you have a boyfriend he starts spamming you." He shakes his head, tightening his hold on you ever so gently. "I don't think he's only inviting you to lunch."
You and Seojin broke up about ten months ago, and you're happy with Jake. But you never got to talk things out with him. It would be a chance to ensure that there are no lingering questions or unresolved feelings.
"I don't know," You sigh, resting your head on his shoulder. "I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable."
His embrace grows tighter as he holds you close and kisses your forehead. "I'm very secure in our relationship, and I'm fully committed to you. If talking to Seojin is what you need, then I won't mind driving you there. Would that be okay?"
You look up at him, pouting as you nod. "Thank you, Jake. I would appreciate it if you come with me."
Jake lights up at your words and he cups your face, his touch so gentle and warm. "It'll be awkward if he sees me but whatever. I'll always be there for you, my love. No matter what."
And then he drives you to the restaurant Seojin told you about, parking across the street. "You'll wait for me here?"
"Yes. If he ever tries anything or makes you feel uncomfortable, just send me a message and I'll be there in a heartbeat." He says and you nod, squeezing his hand before you step out of the car.
As you make your way into the restaurant, you feel your heart race inside your chest. Ten months have passed since your breakup with Seojin, but you can never forget how painful it was.
Seojin is already seated at a table, and as you approach, you notice how his eyes widen while he takes your appearance in. Yes boy, that's what you're dealing with now.
He stands up when you approach him, his hands fidgeting slightly. "Hello... Y/N". He stammers, his voice filled with nervousness.
"Hi." You simply say, holding out the chair for yourself because he'll never be a gentleman and you no longer expect him to be. This was one of the things that you hated about him, and now, after ten months, he still lacks the basic manners and respect you deserve.
"You look... good." He compliments, his words trailing off uncertainly. You can't help but notice a hint of longing in his eyes.
But all you give him is a polite smile, your guard up. "Thank you. It's been a while."
"I missed you." He reaches for your hand but you pull it away, scoffing a little. "I really missed you, Y/N, I was a fool to let you go."
"Seojin, I'm sorry this might disappoint you, but I didn't miss you." You say honestly because you're here to end things and not lead him on. "I couldn't miss the person who made me question my worth and left me shattered."
His shoulders slump. "But I thought we could give it another try-"
"After ten months?" You smile bitterly, shaking your head. "You had so much time to make things right, but instead, you chose to stay silent, leaving someone else to pick up the pieces of my broken heart."
His face falls and guilt flickers across his face. "I heard you have a boyfriend." You nod and show him the ring that sits perfectly on your finger. "You're engaged...?"
"Yes. He came into my life when I least expected it, and he helped me heal the wounds you left behind." Your word hit him like a ton of bricks to the face. "He was there for me when you weren't, but I don't blame you anymore. I don't hate you, Seojin. I just wish things had been different between us."
"I wish I could turn back time and be the person you needed," His eyes well up with tears and he gulps. "I'm sorry, Y/N."
Seojin, once the love of your life, sits before you, his eyes filled with longing. But all you can see now is the reflection of what could have been, of the love that slipped through your fingers like sand.
"I appreciate your apology, Seojin, and I really wish that you move on and find your own happiness." You smile. "I know you'll find someone who will love you and be the person you need."
His gaze drops to the floor, his silence speaking volumes. "Do you think we could ever be friends again?"
"Honestly, I don't think we'll be good friends. It's best for both of us to move on separately." You take a deep breath and stand up, reaching out your hand for him to take. "Thank you for everything, Seojin."
He slowly reaches out and takes your hand, his touch familiar yet distant. He searches your eyes for a moment before he nods, the tears glistening in his eyes.
And before you know it, you're back to Jake, who's sitting inside the car with his head in his hands. You know on the window and he raises his head, his eyes lightening up at your presence.
"Love," He calls and as soon as you get inside, you wrap your arms around him. "What's wrong? Did something happen-"
"No," You smile and close your eyes. "I'm just very, very grateful to have you in my life. Meeting him again made me realize how he can never compare to the love and happiness you bring me."
You nuzzle your head into his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart against your cheek as his fingers gently stroke your back.
"I'm glad to hear that because you mean the world to me. I would choose you a million times over, in every lifetime."
