25

                                    

                                          
Yeeun's POV
                          
4 days and 86 ignored calls and texts from Mingi later, I found myself on my front porch, bag in hand and still unsure whether I was ready to be back or not.
                          
But I knew there was no turning back now. My front door was only steps away.
                          
Mingi's car was parked in the driveway, meaning he was inside. I was so afraid to face him again. The last time I did, he strangled me.
                          
Taking a deep breath, I slowly stepped forward and turned the door knob. The familiar warmth of my house greeted my chilled body, providing some comfort.
                          
The house was silent except for me shutting the front door behind myself. It was silent for a few more moments until I heard footsteps coming my way. I waited nervously to see who was about to round the corner.
                          
I took a step back almost instinctively when Mingi appeared in front of me.
                          
I watched as the creases of his worried facial expression faded and a mix of shock and relief replaced it.
                          
"Baby," he whispered, tackling me into a tight hug before I could even begin to object. "I'm so sorry," he mumbled into my ear. "I'm so, so sorry."
                          
He pulled away, but kept his arms around me. Sorrow and guilt pooled in his eyes. Underneath them, bags and purple marks were visible, telling me that he hadn't been sleeping much. A part of me felt bad. He was probably worried sick about me.
                          
"Yeeun," another voice breathed out in shock. I looked over Mingi's shoulder, finding my mom with tears in her eyes. Mingi let go of me and my mom wasted no time to take his place. "Don't you ever do that again." She ordered, sounding relieved and angry at the same tie.
                          
My heart broke. I'd probably scared both of them to death. 
                          
After a long, emotional reunion, I was tired and decided to go take a nap. I couldn't wait to sleep in my own bed instead of the driver's seat of my car.
                          
"I'll come tuck you in." Mingi offered as if I was a little kid. I didn't want to be alone with him, not after what happened the last time I was. But when he started following me up the stairs, I knew he wasn't giving me much of a choice.
                          
"We should talk," he said as we stepped into my bedroom. He shut the door behind him, making me gulp. "Mingi, I'm really tired. Can't we talk later?" I asked nervously as I set down my bag on the floor.
                          
Mingi sighed. "Yeeun, I just want you to know that I'm sorry for what happened. And I promise, I won't ever let it happen again."
                          
I took in his words, not believing a single one of them. Turning away from him, I shook my head and crawled under the covers of my bed. It felt so good and provided some comfort, despite Mingi standing only feet away.
                          
"Please, forgive me," he pleaded, approaching my bed and sitting down, a little too close for comfort. Dropping my head onto my pillow, I looked up at my boyfriend. His eyes were still so full or sorrow and guilt.
                          
But I refused to fall into that trap. Not again. In the past, he's been forgiven too easily and too quickly. This time, I want him to know that an apology and his big, brown dough eyes can't make everything okay again.
                          
"We can talk about this tomorrow, Mingi." I told him firmly before turning on my side and closing my eyes. A small part of me feared that I would regret my actions, but I reminded myself that Mingi felt terrible for strangling me. I could see it in his eyes and body language. Hurting me again would hurt him as well. At least emotionally.
                          
Mingi eventually sighed in defeat. "Okay. I'll see you tomorrow," he gave in. Before leaving, he leaned down and tenderly kissed my cheek. "I love you." He whispered in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.
                          
He then backed away and I listened to his footsteps as he made his way out of the room. Once I heard my door close, I allowed my body to relax.
                          
I closed my eyes, a small smile tugging at my lips. I was so happy to be home.