In Another Life

Flashback + Present Day

At the stroke of midnight, Jungsu finally returned to their shared apartment. Jooyeon, weary from studying and waiting, wearily remarked on the lateness of their arrival. The couple had been engaged in a series of disputes in recent days, often centered around Jungsu's tardiness.

"You're just getting home now; it's so late." The couple had been arguing for days about Jungsu's late arrivals, and he was fed up with Jooyeon constantly nagging him about it.

"Are we really going to argue about this again? I'm tired of hearing the same complaints every time I come home late." Jungsu was frustrated with Jooyeon's constant demands and felt his annoyance growing. Frustrated by the repetition of these arguments, Jungsu was seething with anger upon hearing Jooyeon's reproach.

"I am feeling concerned about your well-being because you no longer keep me informed about your whereabouts. Despite my exhaustion from studying, you consistently arrive home late without explanation, even when you don't have a gig. Dinner is prepared," Jooyeon stated wearily before being startled by his boyfriend's unexpected outburst.

"Noodles for dinner once again?!?!" In a fit of rage, Jungsu threw their belongings, startling Jooyeon. Guilt-stricken, Jooyeon apologized for the lack of variety in the evening meal, citing their busy schedule due to their internship and thesis work. Despite the apology, the argument persisted, with both parties venting their frustrations by hurling objects.

Upon entering their room, Jooyeon was greeted with a message from their friend Jiseok, who messaged that "it seems like you had a rough night, huh?" Then Jooyeon replied, "I just argued with my boyfriend last night." Jiseok replied, "Again?! Why?" and Jooyeon agreed with Jiseok's replies. Jooyeon said, "he's been coming home late, and it seems like he's having fun with his friend, and I'm just getting jealous every day. I may sound demanding every day, but it's just that I don't trust his friend, who seems to like him romantically. I'm really tired mentally and emotionally from academics, my internship, and my boyfriend as well." Jiseok sighed while reading his conversation with Jooyeon.

Jiseok, shocked by the ongoing conflict, advised Jooyeon to take a break from the relationship to focus on their studies and impending graduation. Mentally and emotionally exhausted from academic and personal pressures, Jooyeon welcomed the idea of some time apart from their boyfriend.

The following day, Jungsu neglected to eat and instead spent his time in the living room, where he received a message from Minhwan. "You look like shit, Jungsu," Minhwan remarked. Jungsu sarcastically replied to him for the observation and continued their conversation.

Minhwan expressed concern and inquired about the previous night's events. Jungsu, feeling defensive, explained that he and his partner had argued once again. Minhwan, frustrated by the constant fighting, asked, "How many times should I tell you that you guys need some time off or break up with him? He doesn't know your struggles at all."

Despite the frequent conflicts, Jungsu admitted to still loving his partner, attributing the previous night's argument to exhaustion from studying. Jungsu couldn't help but feel remorse for the harsh words he had spoken to his boyfriend, attributing his behavior to the stress and fatigue his partner was experiencing from late-night studying. Minhwan teasingly accused Jungsu of being overly devoted to his partner, to which Jungsu defensively denied being foolish.

Due to his feelings of guilt after losing his temper with his boyfriend the previous night, Jungsu decided to make amends by planning a special dinner date for the two of them and even bringing along a beautiful bouquet as a gesture of apology and love. Despite their frequent arguments, neither of them had ever seriously considered ending their relationship. They had been together since Jooyeon was studying medical technology and Jungsu was in his second year of music composition.

Wanting to make the evening extra special, Jungsu sent a message to Jooyeon asking him to meet at their usual spot on campus after his classes ended at 6:30 p.m. In the message, he expressed his love and excitement to see him. When Jooyeon received the message, it brought a smile to his face and brightened up his otherwise tough day.

He responded with a message of love and anticipation, assuring Jungsu that he would be there and stay safe on his way. Jooyeon entered their favorite restaurant near the university and was warmly welcomed by the lady at the counter, who then escorted them to their table. To their surprise, Jooyeon's partner was already there with two bouquets in hand. Jooyeon couldn't help but blush at the sight of their partner's thoughtful gesture.

"I'm sorry for causing you stress, and I know how hard you've been studying. You deserve this dinner date," Jungsu apologized as he embraced Jooyeon. "You're such a romantic, Jungsu. Thank you for this, and I apologize for being demanding lately." Jooyeon reciprocated the hug before they sat down to enjoy their meal. Jungsu felt fortunate to have Jooyeon as their partner, while Jooyeon was touched by Jungsu's efforts to reconcile and make things right between them.

As Jungsu became lost in his memories, he could feel the weight of his emotions overpowering him, causing a solitary tear to trickle down his cheek. Despite his attempt to brush it away with a chuckle, the raw anguish that consumed him remained hidden beneath his facade of laughter.

"Stop crying, you fool; it's your fault he left."

Then he retrieved his phone from his pocket, unlocking it to find a picture of the person who had left him five months ago still as his wallpaper. Despite the passing time, Jungsu had not changed it. Jooyeon's smile stretched from one ear to the other as Jungsu embraced him from behind. The sight of their happiness a few months earlier caused tears to fill Jungsu's eyes once more, causing a pang in his chest.

Despite his efforts to stop the tears, they continued to flow uncontrollably from his broken heart, like a dam that had burst. Unable to hold back any longer, Jungsu allowed himself to finally succumb to his emotions, burying his face in his hands as he sobbed. The sound of his cries filled the empty space around him, a stark reminder of the unexpected loss of the person who held his heart.