Salmon Bagel and a Hot Chocolate

3 - Therapy and Matchmaking

"It's been a while. What urged you to come back?"

Minjeong was currently in a session with one of her clients, her more difficult case.

"It's stupid, honestly." Jeno shook his head.

"It's not if it's bothering you," Minjeong said. "Take your time, but do share it with me. It must be something for you to come back for a chat."

"I've been debating whether or not to come for the past three weeks," Jeno sighed. "I don't know if this is all just in my head or if something might actually be wrong..."

"Go on." Minjeong encouraged the man.

"I-it's my girlfriend," Jeno muttered. "I dunno, she's just been acting different all of a sudden."

"Different how?"

"Distant?" Jeno shrugged. "I love her, and I know she loves me– well, I think she does– but things have just been weird and awkward for the past few weeks. I don't know what set it off, I don't know what I did. I tried asking her, but she insists everything is okay."

"Around when did this begin?"

"Approximately three weeks ago, from what I can remember," Jeno told. "Maybe before, but I've only started noticing it then, that's why I contemplated coming here to talk to you."

"What exactly have you started noticing?" Minjeong asked, taking down all the necessary notes.

"The distant behaviour is one thing," Jeno listed. "She's been getting back from work later than usual some days without much of an explanation as to why. She's been with her friend a lot more than usual. We just don't really spend much time together anymore."

"Can we circle back real quick to the point about her friend?" Minjeong muttered. "Do you think you can pinpoint what about that is bothering you?"

"They've been in a relationship together in the past," Jeno explained. "Which is not a problem, obviously. I'd usually trust that she isn't going behind my back, but with how things have been, I can't help but wonder if she's started seeing her again?"

Minjeong nodded, "Other than the distance, has there been any behaviour she's been exhibiting that would lead you to believe she's seeing someone else?"

"I don't think she's involved with her like that," Jeno quickly said, Minjeong glancing up at him. "Like I said, I do have trust in her. It's just- I wonder if she's tired of me sometimes. I don't see why she would be, but I do wonder."

"And what would lead you to believe that?" Minjeong asked.

"Maybe just all these issues I have might be driving her away."

"Has she ever expressed annoyance regarding that before?"

"No," Jeno shook his head. "She's always been supportive, but I'm just scared she's gonna go back to her ex."

Minjeong hummed, looking through her old notes she took in previous sessions with him. He had been diagnosed as a narcissist, though a milder case, but it was still there. Minjeong was getting hints of an anxiety disorder as well, which she needed further information and assessments to fully diagnose.

"Has there been any instance where it seemed like she would go back to her ex?" Minjeong asked. "Something she does or maybe talks about that makes it seem she's doing that?"

"It's just how much time they spend together," Jeno shrugged. "It's always about her, always about how she's doing, how she's getting on with things, based on her schedule. It's never me. Every time she goes out, it's with her."