SEPARATION [CHAENNIE]

Part - 20

A few days had passed, and Chaeyoung and Jennie had not spoken. Chaeyoung seemed absent-minded like he had lost his zest for life. He talked less, and also his and Jisoo's relationship wasn't progressing. He didn't know what he wanted.

"President, the people of the northern area are striking again. They claim that their environment is not good, and they are demanding to speak with you. They've threatened to burn down the factory if you don't meet with them."

"Get me a plane ticket."

"But sir, the environment there is not safe."

"They are our people. We can't leave them to suffer because of nature's curse." His phone rang. "Tell them that I will leave tonight and meet with them."

"Chaeyoung," Jisoo called out to him.

"Huh!"

"What are you thinking about?"

"The pressure of work, nothing else."

"Chaeyoung, I want to tell you something." Finally, he looked at her.

"Go ahead, tell me."

Jisoo took a deep breath. "Let's stop this."

"What should we stop?" Suddenly, he gave all his attention to her.

"We're not making any progress. We're not even in a proper relationship."

He held her hand. "Jisoo, I'm sorry if I always make you feel like that. But you mean something to me, and I'm trying."

"But your love for Kim Jennie is so big that you can't give that kind of love to anyone else, right?" Jisoo finished her sentence.

He looked down.

"I knew what I was doing when I agreed to be used by you as an outlet to help you cope with your grief and love me," Jisoo said.

"Chaeyoung, this is not your fault," Jisoo reassured him.

"I never saw you as an outlet."

"I know you're gentle and I can't stop falling for you."

"But then why do you want to break up?" Chaeyoung asked and moved closer to her.

"You know I'm attached to you, right?" he said before kissing her. Jisoo responded, and tears flowed down her cheeks as they kissed.

After the kiss, Jisoo rested his forehead against Chaeyoung's. "Breaking up with you is not easy for me, but I'm doing it for your sake. I want you to be happy, even if that means being with her."

"Why can't 'her' be you?" Chaeyoung asked.

"Running away is not a way of living," Jisoo replied. "You're afraid of your feelings for her and of her past behavior. But I've seen changes in her, and I think you have too. Can't you forget the past and accept the present Jennie Kim? At least try to see how she's left everything and is chasing after you."

Chaeyoung didn't say anything.

"I am happy to love you from afar," Jisoo declared.

"Jisoo,"

"I am weak. Don't stop me. I'm afraid I will not be able to fight with my passion anymore if you keep calling me like that," she responded turning her back to him. "I don't want to lose a friend like you. Call me when you feel ok," and she left.

Chaeyoung sat on the chair. "Who will get you in the future will be lucky," he sighed.

"President pardon. Due to the severe storm, the government restricted flights in the northern area."

"Order some wine for me," he leaned back in his chair.

Chaeyoung Pov
I'm feeling hurt because Jisoo broke up with me. Moreover, I'm hurt because Jennie is ignoring me at home. Ever since that night, she hasn't spoken with me. I'm wondering if she found out something about me and Jisoo. However, that's not possible as we didn't do anything unconventional.

On the other hand, Jisoo left me because I couldn't love her the way I loved Jennie. I indeed had some feelings for her.  Yet I hurt her.

I am also guilty of my behavior with Jennie. I should have not left after sleeping with her. I hurt her too. I don't know how miserable she felt back then. I am feeling ashamed of myself. But that night I said harsh words to her when she was ill.

I hurt the woman I love and the woman who loves me. I didn't consider the consequences before asking Jisoo out, I just wanted to move on.

I am feeling heartless. 

I entered my room and found Jennie sleeping on my bed. She appeared thinner than before. I lay next to her and held her close.

I felt a sense of relief as soon as I touched her. I held her hand tightly and couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of love for her. Even if I wanted to, I could never remove her from my heart. I kissed her neck and remembered what Jisoo said - my love for her is immense. She is both my source of comfort and my biggest critic. Despite it all, I still love her. I wonder how long she'll stay in this caring state. Should I give our marriage another chance?