The days turned into a whirlwind of activity as the deadline for my project approached. My focus was consumed by late nights at the office, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was drifting away from Changbin. Our interactions became brief texts and quick phone calls, and I longed for the connection we had built over those intimate evenings.
It was Friday evening, and as I stepped into my apartment after yet another exhausting day, the weight of my responsibilities pressed heavily on my shoulders. I threw my bag on the couch and let out a sigh, running my hands through my hair. I had been avoiding Changbin, not wanting to burden him with my stress, but in reality, I missed him terribly.
Picking up my phone, I hesitated. I wanted to reach out, but what could I say? I hadn't given him the attention he deserved lately. Finally, I sent a quick message.
Me: Hey, are you free tonight?
My heart raced as I waited for a response, the anxiety of my neglect creeping in. Moments later, my phone buzzed.
Changbin: Of course! I've been waiting to hear from you. I'll be over soon!
Relief washed over me as I quickly tidied up my apartment, trying to make it feel welcoming. I realized how much I had taken for granted the joy he brought into my life.
When the doorbell rang, I opened the door to find Changbin standing there, a hopeful smile lighting up his face. He stepped inside, instantly filling the space with his energy.
"Hey!" he said, pulling me into a warm embrace. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too," I admitted, guilt gnawing at me. "I'm so sorry I haven't been around much."
"It's okay," he said, his tone reassuring. "I understand that you're busy. But I'm just glad to see you now."
I smiled, grateful for his patience. "I really needed this."
He pulled away, holding up a small paper bag. "I brought snacks! Thought we could have a little movie night to relax."
"Sounds perfect!" I said, my heart warming at the thought of spending quality time with him. We settled on the couch, and I felt the familiar comfort of his presence as we shared popcorn and talked about everything and nothing.
As the evening wore on, I could feel the stress of the week melting away. We watched a couple of comedies, laughing together, and I found myself leaning into him, feeling safe and content. But as the credits rolled on the last movie, the weight of my neglect began to settle back in.
"Y/N," Changbin said, turning serious. "Can we talk about what's been going on?"
I took a deep breath, knowing this conversation was necessary. "Yes, I've been avoiding it, but I think we need to."
He looked at me with concern. "I get that work is overwhelming, but I want to be a part of your life, not just a distraction from it."
"I know," I said, feeling the guilt resurface. "I'm so sorry for shutting you out. I didn't mean to make you feel like you weren't important."
"You are important to me," he said, his voice firm yet gentle. "But you can't forget to take care of yourself. You don't have to go through this alone."
I nodded, feeling tears prick at my eyes. "I didn't realize how much I needed you until I started pulling away. You bring so much light into my life, and I've let work cloud my judgment."
"Y/N," he said softly, cupping my face in his hands. "You're allowed to lean on me. That's what partners do."
His words struck a chord within me. I had been so focused on proving myself at work that I had neglected the most important part of my life: him.
"I don't want to lose you," I confessed, feeling the weight of my emotions spilling out. "I care about you so much, and I hate that I've made you feel unimportant."
He wiped away a tear that had escaped down my cheek. "You're not losing me. I'm here for you, but I need you to be honest with me about what you're feeling. Don't shut me out again."
"I promise," I said, my voice breaking slightly. "I'll do better. I just need to find a way to balance everything."
"Let's tackle it together," he suggested, his eyes filled with warmth. "We can make a plan, and I'll help however I can. But you have to prioritize yourself too."
I nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "Okay, let's do it."
Changbin smiled, relief evident on his face. "Good. Now, let's get back to enjoying the night."
We spent the next hour discussing our favorite ways to unwind and how we could support each other in our respective goals. I felt the weight of my worries lift as we shared our dreams and aspirations, reminding me that I wasn't alone in this journey.
As the clock ticked closer to midnight, I could feel the exhaustion creeping back in. But this time, it was different. I felt empowered by the support we had promised one another.
"Thank you for being so understanding," I said, leaning into him. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You'll never have to find out," he said, kissing the top of my head. "We're in this together, remember?"
His words settled around me like a warm blanket, comforting and reassuring. I knew that while the road ahead might be challenging, I was ready to face it—hand in hand with Changbin.
As I drifted off to sleep that night, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. I was ready to embrace this journey together, ready to turn the page on a new chapter of our lives.
