The One Time You Didn't Come Back

1

The first time, Seungcheol couldn't remember what started the argument. It was probably something minor. But it became something major. Most of the fight was a blur to him. One minute he was laughing with Minghao over a joke. The next they were yelling at one another.

Seungcheol didn't remember what he said. Whatever it was must have been too harsh. He remembers the tears pooling in Minghao's eyes. The younger had stopped yelling and just stood still. He remembers the heavy silence that fell upon them. He could never forget how it choked him, waiting for Minghao to say something.

In retrospect, Seungcheol realizes that is when he should have apologized. He should have taken back whatever mean words he said. Instead he glared angrily at Minghao, his stance firm and unmoving. He remembers how tight he had clenched his jaw. He must have looked terrifying in Minghao's eyes.

It had felt like ages before Minghao made the first move. He turned quickly on his heels and made for the door, phone in hand. He slipped on his jacket and shoved his keys into one of the pockets. Before Seungcheol could process what was going on, the Chinese boy was out the door.

He remembered the loud slam enunciating Minghao's exit. It was mere seconds after the door closed that the older male broke down. The couple had their fair share of arguments in the past, but never had one of them stormed out. He was scared that he had lost Minghao forever that day. He sent multiple texts apologizing and asked Minghao to return home.

And he did several hours later. Seungcheol wrapped the younger in a tight hug, apologizing profoundly. The issue was never properly addressed again. Seungcheol feared that if he brought it up, Minghao would leave again.

2

The second time was months later. The pair was brainstorming how to rearrange and redecorate their apartment. They couldn't come to an agreement on what color to paint the walls. It was a stupid thing to fight about in all honesty. Seungcheol should have just agreed to the bright red Minghao wanted.

He wasn't sure why they were so worked up about it. He doesn't know why he hurled insults at Minghao. The Chinese male shot them right back at him. The two went at it for thirty minutes. During the time it happened, it had only felt like five minutes.

At some point Minghao decided he had enough. He scooped up his phone and left like the last time. Seungcheol wasn't as worried as the last time though. He didn't break down or immediately apologize. Instead he waited for Minghao to return home.

Minghao was gone longer this time. He wasn't home until late into the night after Seungcheol normal went to sleep. The elder had stayed up to ensure Minghao was safe. The apology was short. Both retired to bed shortly afterwards. In the end, the walls were not repainted.

3

A year pasted before the next major argument. Minghao had cancelled their long planned date week in favor of working overtime. He wanted to make extra money to go visit home. Seungcheol understood the fact that Minghao missed his homeland and family. But the plans had been set months ago and it had taken forever to align their vacations up.

Seungcheol was upset. He just wanted to spend quality time with Minghao. Was that too much to ask for? He had plenty of money saved up if Minghao really wanted to see his family. Working overtime and cancelling their plans was unnecessary. He made sure he was vocal about it.

Minghao accused him of trying to keep him away from his family. He claimed they had other days to spend together. His words implied that Seungcheol was being too controlling.

That's where Seungcheol snapped. Of course he wanted Minghao to go visit his family. He had no problem with it. It had just been a while since they were able to go on a proper date. He wasn't trying to control Minghao. He was trying to spend time with him outside of their morning and nightly routines before and after work.