YN and Terry had been bickering over trivial things like the toilet seat, unwashed dishes, and never having time for each other. But today's argument was different.
"I'm tired, YN! Tired of coming home to arguments! Every day, it's the same thing—constant bickering and nagging! I'm tired of you always being on my case about everything! Tired of you never being in the mood for sex! I'm a man, YN, I have needs too! And you always think about yourself! You never consider what I need or how I feel! I'm tired of this relationship that's just us yelling back and forth, with no peace, no happiness, just endless fighting! I'm tired," Terry shouted, his voice echoing with frustration and weariness.
YN sat there, her heart pounding and tears streaming down her face, feeling the weight of his words. The pain of his accusations cut deep, but she knew she had to speak up, to defend herself and express her own hurt. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her trembling voice, before finally speaking up.
"You're tired? I'm the one cooking, cleaning, doing the laundry. I handle all the chores while you're off doing who knows what. I'm never in the mood because you're never around. We argue because you think you can take out your bad days on me, as if I'm some kind of emotional punching bag. I'm always on your back because if I wasn't, who knows where you'd end up.
And I always think about myself? How, when all I do is think about you? I make sure there's food on the table, not just any food but your favorites, the meals you love. I ask how your day was, genuinely wanting to know, even when I'm exhausted. I stay up until 3 AM comforting you when you need to vent about your hard day at work, or when you're sick, or when you have nightmares.
I sacrifice my sleep, my peace of mind, and my own needs to make sure you're okay. I keep this household running, making sure you have a home to come back to. So don't you dare say that unless you can find someone who treats you better, who will put up with all of this and still be here, standing strong. You think this is easy for me? It's not. It's draining and it's breaking me, but I keep doing it because I care about you, because I thought we were in this together," she retorted, her voice breaking as she sat down on the couch, tears of frustration and exhaustion streaming down her face.
"So? What now?" YN asked him.
"What do you mean?" he replied, sitting next to her.
"We're constantly fighting. Why keep doing this if there's nothing left to fight for?" she said, tears in her eyes.
"Yes, there is, YN. Don't say that," he said, grabbing her hands.
"No, there's not. We keep fighting. Is there even love in this relationship anymore?" she asked. He stayed silent.
"I think we should break up," she said, looking at the ground. He looked at her, hurt.
"Baby—" he started, but she cut him off.
"Terry, it's for the best. I love you, but we don't need to be in a relationship right now. We need time to sort out our lives. Maybe we can try again later," she said, getting up and walking out the door and out of their relationship.
-
YN was finally starting to get over Terry. Not that it took seven whole months or anything. But today, she decided to get out of the house and do something with her life. She went up to her room in the apartment she rented a few weeks after the breakup and put on something comfortable to work out in.
She finished getting ready, grabbed a gray sweater from her closet, tied it around her waist, and went downstairs. She put on a pair of gray Roshes, grabbed her keys and a water bottle, and headed to the gym.
When she got there, she went straight to the treadmills and began running. After about 10 minutes, she glanced at the door and thought she saw Terry. She looked away and looked back, but he was nowhere in sight, so she shook it off. After 15 more minutes of running, she decided to go into the sauna.
She walked in and found it empty, so she sat down and relaxed. A few minutes passed, and she heard someone walk in but didn't pay it any attention. Then she heard a voice. Not just any voice. His voice.
"YN?" he said.
"Terry," she replied.
"How are you?" he asked, giving her a hug.
"I could be better. And you?" she replied, hugging back quickly before pulling away because they were both sweaty.
"I can say the same," he said, chuckling.
"So, what brings you here?" she asked, immediately regretting it because what other reason would someone come to a gym?
"Oh, I just came here to get my mind off some things, but I see that my mind won't leave those certain things," he said, looking down.
"Me too," she replied, looking around.
"Look, YN, I'm not going to stand here and pretend that I don't miss you because I do. I miss your laugh, your smile, your beautiful eyes. I miss waking up to your face every morning and going to sleep with my arms wrapped around you because I'm afraid you'll slip away. I miss our late-night talks about our future, dreaming about the house we'd buy, the kids we'd have, and the adventures we'd go on. I miss our drives around the city, blasting music and yelling the lyrics at the top of our lungs, feeling like we were invincible together.
I miss our movie nights when we could just sit around, cuddle, and enjoy each other's company, not caring about anything else in the world. I miss cooking dinner together, dancing around the kitchen, and laughing at our own silly jokes. I miss being able to call you mine and show you off to everyone, letting them know that you're the love of my life.
I miss you, YN. I miss the way you make me feel complete, the way you understand me like no one else ever has. I miss us—the team we were, the bond we shared. Please, my life has been in shambles without you. Every day feels incomplete, every moment dull without you by my side. Can we please try again? I need you in my life more than anything. Please take me back," he said, holding onto her hands and looking into her teary eyes.
"Terry. Of course I will," she said. He smiled widely and pulled her into a tight hug.
"Oh my God, baby, I love you so much. Thank you," he said, and she felt his tears hit her shoulder.
"I love you too," she said, hugging him tighter.
