Convincing Lehan's grandparents was not an easy task. I managed to convince them somehow.
I moved into an office mate's room; it was the only good thing for me. Finally, I left Lehan's grandparents' house.
I knew facing Lehan would not be easy from now on, but I had to face him.
I went to the office, and Lehan was waiting for me at the entrance. He looked as though he had been desperately waiting for me.
As soon as I entered, he came over and grabbed my hand, trying to take me aside to talk.
"Leave my hand," I said, my voice firm.
He stared at me, his expression unreadable. "What's going on? Why are you moving out?"
"I thought we were getting close, but now everything seems different. Why are you acting like this?" he asked, his voice filled with confusion.
I didn't know what to say to him. I silently stared at him, unsure of how to respond.
He kept asking me, his words like a heavy weight on my chest. My heart was literally burning. I didn't want to push him away, but at the same time, I didn't have the confidence to accept him.
My mind raced with thoughts of what others would say—people would laugh at him if he chose me.
He touched my shoulder. "What are you thinking? Just answer my questions," he urged.
Before I could open my mouth to say anything, Lehan's fiance appeared and asked, "What are you two doing?"
I quickly pulled Lehan's hand away. "Nothing," I muttered.
He was angry at me for not finishing my work properly.
"I have to go," I said, turning away to leave the place.
Every time I saw them together, my heart felt like it was being wrenched.
I went to the office and started my work, trying to push the thoughts aside.
He stayed completely silent that day. He watched me from his cabin, but I didn't have the courage to look at him for even two minutes.
He tried to pick me up in the evening after work, but I refused. I knew I had hurt him deeply, but I had no other choice.
A few days passed like this. Then, one day, as usual, I went to the cafeteria during my break. After a long gap, Alex showed up.
We exchanged smiles, but neither of us said anything.
After a while, Alex spoke up. "I heard you moved to your team member's place. Is everything okay? Is it comfortable for you?"
We chatted about that for a bit.
Just then, Lehan entered the cafeteria. He saw me talking to Alex and smiling at him. Without saying a word, he threw his coffee into the trash bin and walked away without looking back.
Alex noticed the tension and asked, "What's going on between you and Lehan? Is there a problem?"
I sighed. "It's nothing. I was staying at his grandparents' house, but I suddenly moved out. His grandparents were a little upset, and that's why he's angry with me," I explained to Alex.
The next day at the office, I arrived a bit late. Alex saw me and, for some reason, he was harsher than usual.
He scolded me as much as he could. "If you're not interested in doing the work, don't come here," he said, his anger clear.
He scolded me with all his heart.
I knew he was angry because I had kept my distance without explaining anything, but still, it hurt a lot.
That evening, I went to the park after a long time. Even though I hadn't been there in a while, it still felt like the park was welcoming me with open arms.
I sat down, as usual, drew, and looked at the sky. It really made me feel comfortable.
Then Saturday came. I missed my family so much, so I planned to take the day off and visit my hometown.
Before catching the train, I went to the office to inform them. I arrived earlier than usual. There, I overheard Lehan's parents talking about something, but I couldn't hear them clearly. As I moved closer to take the elevator, I realized they were discussing Lehan's engagement.
They joined me in the same elevator, and I greeted them politely. They responded and continued their conversation.
They were debating whether to hold the engagement here or in the USA. That's when I realized that choosing to stay away from him had been the best decision I had made.
I arrived at the office, but most people hadn't come yet. I went to Alex's cabin, informed him about my leave, and then left the office.
I went home. After several months, I finally reunited with my family.
All my worries and insecurities faded the moment I saw them. I couldn't control my tears—I cried out loud as I hugged my mom.
She asked, "Why are you crying?"
"Because I missed you so much," I replied.
She then prepared all my favorite meals. I threw my phone aside and spent the whole day with my family.
For the first time in a long while, I felt safe.
That night, I went to sleep, but before I drifted off, I checked my phone. Lehan had called me several times, but my phone was on silent, so I hadn't noticed.
I didn't want to talk to him at that moment, so I chose not to call him back. I wanted to enjoy my time with my family over the weekend, without any distractions.
The next day, I went out to buy groceries and vegetables. It had been a long time since I was in my hometown, and as I walked into the shop, I noticed so many familiar things—stationery items and chocolates I used to eat as a child.
Seeing them brought a wave of happiness, so I bought a few things and sat outside the shop, enjoying the simple pleasure of eating them.
My phone vibrated, and I thought my mom was calling me to ask me to buy something. I picked up the phone again, but it was Lehan calling.
I put the phone back in my bag without answering.
I continued eating the chocolate and started walking home.
As I was walking near my street, I looked down, lost in thought. Suddenly, a car passed by and stopped right in front of me.
I looked up, and there was Lehan, stepping out of the car.
I was in shock. Why is he here?
He looked at me, and I looked at him. I didn't know what to say, so I tried to act normal.
"Hi. Why are you here? Is there any work for you around here?" I asked, my voice steady.
He crossed his arms and just stared at me, saying nothing.