The weekend came and went, filled with lazy mornings and stolen moments with Changbin that made my heart soar. Each day, I felt more comfortable in his presence, and the barriers I had once erected began to crumble. I savored the feeling of being so connected to someone, a sense of belonging that I hadn't anticipated.
However, as Monday rolled around, the reality of our lives outside this burgeoning relationship loomed large. My phone buzzed with notifications from work, reminding me of deadlines and meetings I couldn't ignore. I sighed, a wave of stress washing over me.
"Hey, is everything okay?" Changbin asked, concern etched across his face as he noticed my sudden shift in mood.
"Yeah, it's just work," I replied, forcing a smile. "I have a project due at the end of the week, and it's taking up all my brainpower."
He tilted his head, studying me for a moment. "You know you can take a break, right? We could do something fun to distract you."
I shook my head. "I wish I could. I just need to focus right now."
"I get it," he said, but I could see the disappointment in his eyes. "But don't forget to take care of yourself too. You don't want to burn out."
I nodded, grateful for his concern. "I promise I'll make time for us this week."
With that, we parted ways, and I dove into work, the hours blurring together as I lost myself in deadlines and tasks. It was easy to forget the world around me when I was focused, but the moment I glanced at my phone, my thoughts drifted back to Changbin. I missed him already.
Later that evening, I texted him, wanting to check in and let him know I was thinking about him.
Me: Hey, sorry I got caught up with work today. How was your day?
Almost immediately, my phone buzzed back.
Changbin: Busy, but good! Just finished some new music. Can't wait to share it with you!
I felt a flutter of excitement at the thought of hearing more of his work.
Me: That's awesome! Let me know when you want to share!
After a few more exchanges, we settled into a comfortable rhythm of texting throughout the week. However, the longer I worked, the more stressed I became. I found myself pushing aside thoughts of Changbin and our time together, focusing solely on the endless tasks ahead.
By the time Thursday evening rolled around, I was feeling the pressure. I hadn't seen Changbin in days, and I could feel the distance between us growing. I needed a break, but every time I tried to step away from my laptop, the weight of my to-do list pulled me back.
Finally, after hours of staring at a screen, I made a decision. I texted Changbin, my heart racing with anticipation.
Me: Hey, can we talk?
His reply was quick.
Changbin: Of course! Is everything okay?
Me: Yeah, I just need to see you.
A few minutes later, I heard a knock at my door. I opened it to find Changbin standing there, concern written all over his face.
"Hey, you okay?" he asked, stepping inside and closing the door behind him.
"I don't know," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I've just been so overwhelmed with work. I feel like I haven't had a moment to breathe."
He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. "I'm here. Let it all out."
I took a deep breath, resting my head against his chest. The warmth of his body calmed my racing thoughts, and for a moment, I felt safe. "I'm sorry I've been distant," I confessed. "I didn't mean to push you away."
"You didn't push me away," he said softly, pulling back to look into my eyes. "But it's okay to ask for help, you know?"
"I just didn't want to burden you with my stress," I said, guilt creeping in. "You have your own things going on."
"Y/N," he said, his tone firm yet gentle, "We're in this together. I want to be here for you. You're not a burden."
His words hit home, and I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "Thank you," I whispered, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. "I really appreciate that."
"Let's take a break together," he suggested, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I promise we'll have fun. You need to unwind."
I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "What do you have in mind?"
"How about we make some dinner together? Then, we can watch a movie or listen to some of my new tracks," he said, a playful grin on his lips.
"That sounds perfect," I replied, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.
We made our way to the kitchen, and as we prepared dinner, the laughter and playful banter returned. It felt good to reconnect, and I realized just how much I had missed this side of us.
After dinner, we settled on the couch, and Changbin began playing his new music. The melodies filled the room, creating a cozy atmosphere that soothed my racing thoughts. I closed my eyes, letting the sound wash over me as I leaned against him.
"This one is my favorite," he said, looking down at me as the next song began to play. "It's inspired by... well, you."
I opened my eyes, surprised. "Me?"
He nodded, a shy smile creeping across his face. "Yeah. The lyrics are about finding someone who makes you feel at home."
My heart swelled at his words, and I felt a warmth spreading through me. "I can't wait to hear them."
As the song played on, I could feel the weight of the week lifting, replaced by a sense of joy. We spent the rest of the night sharing music, laughter, and quiet moments that felt like home.
But just as I was starting to feel completely at ease, my phone buzzed with a notification. I glanced at it, my heart sinking as I saw my boss's name on the screen.
Boss: "Y/N, can you come in early tomorrow? We need to finalize the project."
I sighed, feeling the stress creep back in. "I'm sorry, I have to take this."
Changbin watched me intently as I answered the call, the easygoing atmosphere of the evening shifting slightly. I could sense the tension in the air as I tried to navigate my work obligations while also wanting to enjoy the moment with him.
After I hung up, I looked at Changbin, guilt flooding my chest. "I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to let work intrude on our time."
He reached for my hand, squeezing it gently. "Hey, it's okay. Your job is important. But don't forget to prioritize yourself too. You can't pour from an empty cup."
I nodded, appreciating his understanding. "I know. I just wish I could find a balance."
He smiled, a soft expression in his eyes. "You will. Just take it one day at a time. And remember, I'm here whenever you need a break."
I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. "Thank you for being so supportive."
"Always," he replied, leaning in to kiss my forehead.
As I settled back against him, I knew that while the pressures of work were real, so was the connection I had with him. It was a delicate balance, but I was determined to navigate it. With Changbin by my side, I felt ready to face whatever challenges came our way.
