Sieun was always your type. To her, you were only a phase.
You walk into the restaurant Sieun had chosen. A good choice, but why hadn't she asked where you wanted to eat? Either way, it's been too long since you've gone out for fancy food with each other, so it's a welcome surprise.
The bell above the door signals your arrival. Sieun looks up from her booth in the corner. She dons a straight face, with an almost hesitant smile. Apart from that, she doesn't acknowledge your entrance. She's tucked away in the corner of the stall, her petite figure framed by cushions on either side. You sit down on the opposite side, back exposed to the rest of the crowded restaurant.
"Hey babe."
She simply replies. "Hi."
"What's the occasion? We haven't eaten at a place this fancy in ages?"
"You could call it our 'final meal.'"
"Final?"
"Trust me, I don't want to leave you in the dark. But I've already made my decision."
"Sorry, I don't understand. Why?" You sense a moment of contemplation in her eyes.
"When we first met, I truly fell in love with you."
"Me too, I-"
"Just listen." A pause. "You were everything I needed. You came for me whenever I asked. Even when I didn't ask, you were there. You're the most considerate and kind person I know."
A waitress comes, Sieun gestures towards the menu, signaling you to order something. Not that you have much of an appetite now, you still both get a dish and a drink.
"Why now?" You inquire after making sure the waitress is out of earshot. "After I've spent so much time with your family. I thought we were closer than ever."
You spend a moment looking at her while she thinks. Her big eyes flitter around as she thinks of what to say.
"I feel like I don't know you anymore," she says with the most hesitance you've ever heard leave her mouth. You feel a tear on your cheek. "I hate, hate, hate to admit it, but you aren't... the same person I fell in love with."
"What changed? You said we were perfect."
"Were. You made everything alright. That's why we're here. But now I think we belong in different places."
"So you just want closure. You want me to say it's all my fault? I just want you-"
"That's the problem. You just want me. Nothing else. How long can you live like that? When are you going to stop running in circles?"
"I'm following you..."
"So stop."
You take your first bite of the food. The entire meal is eaten in silence. It was great, if you can ignore the context. Sieun gives the waitress her credit card, then leaves without another word. At least she paid for you.
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