Love You Goodbye (ryeji)

13

The atmosphere in the office was as busy as ever.

Employees shuffled papers, phones buzzed incessantly, and meetings filled up every available room.

Chaeryeong was seated at her desk, typing furiously when the sound of heels clicking on the polished floor caught her attention.

She looked up, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Yeji?"

Yeji stood at the doorway of their shared workspace, clutching her bag tightly.

She looked pale, her usual glow replaced with a strained expression.

Her lips curved into a faint smile, but it didn't reach her eyes.

"You're back?" Chaeryeong asked, pushing her chair back and standing. "You're supposed to be on leave. Are you feeling better?"

"I'm fine," Yeji replied quickly, brushing off the concern. "I just... I needed to be here. I need distractions."

Chaeryeong crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes. "Distractions? From what? Yeji, you've barely had time to rest. Are you sure you should be back so soon?"

Yeji waved her off, moving to her desk. "I'm fine, Chaer. I promise."

But Chaeryeong wasn't convinced. She followed Yeji, leaning against her desk with a determined look.

"You're not fine. I know you, Yeji. What's going on?"

Yeji hesitated, her fingers tightening around the edge of the desk.

Her throat felt dry, and her chest tightened as the words she had been suppressing fought to break free.

"Yeji," Chaeryeong pressed gently, her voice softer now. "You can tell me. Whatever it is, you don't have to carry it alone."

There was a long silence before Yeji finally exhaled shakily.

She looked up at Chaeryeong, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

"I think Ryujin has someone else," she said quietly, her voice breaking.

Chaeryeong's jaw dropped, and for a moment, she was at a loss for words. "Wait, what?"

Yeji swallowed hard, her fingers trembling as she clasped them together.

"She's been different, Chaer. Distant. Cold. She lies—she's not even good at hiding it anymore. I... I don't have proof, but I feel it."

Chaeryeong stared at her friend, her heart aching for her. She reached out, placing a comforting hand on Yeji's shoulder.

"Yeji, I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how hard this must be for you. But if you think Ryujin is cheating... we'll find out."

Yeji blinked at her, confused. "What do you mean?"

Chaeryeong smirked, her expression suddenly fierce.

"You deserve the truth, Yeji. And if Ryujin isn't going to give it to you, then we'll get it ourselves."

Yeji frowned. "How? What are you suggesting?"

Chaeryeong straightened, her mind already racing with ideas.

"It's simple. If she's hiding something, we catch her in the act. Start paying attention to her habits—where she goes, who she talks to. Check her phone when she's not looking."

"Chaer..." Yeji hesitated, her voice laced with doubt.

"Listen," Chaeryeong interrupted, her tone firm. "You need to know the truth. If Ryujin is being faithful, great. But if she's not..." She paused, her eyes darkening.

"You deserve better, Yeji. You need to protect yourself."

Yeji looked down, conflicted. "I don't know if I can do that. What if I find something I don't want to see?"

Chaeryeong leaned closer, "Then you'll know. And you can decide what to do with that truth. But living like this—doubting her every move—it's going to eat you alive."

Yeji nodded slowly, her resolve strengthening. "Okay. You're right. I need to know."

"That's my girl," Chaeryeong said with a reassuring smile. "And don't worry. I've got your back."

Yeji smiled faintly, grateful for her friend's unwavering support. But deep down, the thought of what she might uncover made her heart ache.

For now, all she could do was take it one step at a time—and hope that the truth wouldn't shatter her completely.

Yeji sat down at her desk, her mind spinning from her conversation with Chaeryeong.

The bright screen of her computer glowed in front of her, but the words on it blurred together.

She couldn't focus, no matter how hard she tried.

Instead, her thoughts drifted back to a time when everything felt simpler—when Ryujin wasn't just her partner but her sanctuary.

She leaned back in her chair, her fingers brushing against the edge of her desk. A bitter smile formed on her lips as the memories flooded her mind, uninvited but relentless.

"Yeji," Ryujin called softly, her voice laced with warmth.

Yeji turned, smiling as Ryujin pulled her close. They were seated on the couch in Ryujin's apartment, their legs tangled together as the glow of the city lights seeped through the large windows.

"I love you," Ryujin murmured, tucking a strand of Yeji's hair behind her ear. "You know that, right?"

Yeji nodded, her heart swelling. "I know. I love you too."

Ryujin's fingers traced gentle patterns on Yeji's hand, her gaze steady and serious. "I want to be with you forever, Yeji. Just you and me, building a life together."

Yeji's breath hitched as Ryujin reached into her pocket and pulled out a small charm—a silver star on a delicate chain.

"This isn't much, but it's a promise," Ryujin said, clasping the charm around Yeji's wrist. "A promise that I'll never hurt you, that I'll always put you first. No matter what."

Tears welled in Yeji's eyes as she looked down at the charm, the weight of Ryujin's words settling in her chest. "You mean it?" she whispered.

Ryujin cupped her face, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Always. You're my home, Yeji. You're my everything."

The memory hit her like a tidal wave, drowning her in emotions she had fought so hard to bury.

Her fingers instinctively reached for her wrist, but the charm was no longer there.

She had tucked it away months ago, unable to bear the sight of it.

Her throat tightened as the weight of Ryujin's broken promises pressed down on her.

The woman who had promised to never hurt her was now the same person tearing her apart piece by piece.

Yeji blinked back tears, gripping the edge of her desk to ground herself.

A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. Chaeryeong peeked inside, concern etched on her face.

"Yeji, you okay?"

Yeji cleared her throat, forcing a tight smile. "Yeah. Just... remembering something."

Chaeryeong frowned but didn't push. "Well, if you need anything, I'm here."

Yeji nodded, watching as Chaeryeong left the room.

Once she was alone again, she exhaled shakily. The ache in her chest refused to fade, but she pushed it aside.

If Ryujin had forgotten her promises, then maybe it was time for Yeji to start making her own.

Promises to herself.

Promises to find the truth, no matter how much it hurt.