Page 4 of Stay With Me

Giving him a grateful look, I take my bag from him and head upstairs to the room. My room.

The bedroom is spacious, even with a queen-sized bed. It’s beautifully made with emerald-colored bedding. The walls are a deep forest green, the dark color calming. I admire the tasteful bedside lamps and set my bag down on the window seat. Opening the closet, I can’t help but sigh dreamily at the size. It’s a deep walk-in with custom built shelving. It’s been ages since I came upstairs, not since Young Jae moved in four years ago, and I forgot how amazing the closets are.

Not bothering to unpack, I grab some clean clothes and my toiletries. The bathroom is also large, with an oversized shower and plenty of counter space. Pulling at the damp shirt, I close my eyes for a moment and sigh. Eager to wash the day away, I strip down and go to turn on the water.

Gaping as I finally take in the luxury that is the shower, I stare at the spa wall. The multitude of buttons are intimidating, but it doesn’t take long until I’m standing under the warmth of water from four different directions.

The heat eases the remaining tension from my shoulders. Reality sinking in as I process what happened. I can’t believe I did it. I’ve been through break-ups before, but none of my previous relationships were ever going to go anywhere. Jake and I discussed marriage at one point, and he said he wanted to start a family. Kids has always been something I’m on the fence about. I was okay having them, but I was also perfectly content to have a childfree life. He was always the one to bring it up, but then never seemed serious about the things that actually led to that.

When did that all change? I can’t really pinpoint the time, but it’s been a long time.

Despite my relief, my heart grieves the time I sacrificed for a relationship that had no future. If I’m being honest with myself, I ignored a lot of red flags from early on because he promised me the things I wanted.

Tilting my head back, letting the water stream over me, I wash the day away. No part of me really feels sad at the loss of Jake, the shame and guilt at admitting that quick to surface. He’s not a bad guy, but he has a lot of growing to do to be a good partner.

Finishing my shower, I pull on my shorts, sports bra, and an oversized T-shirt. Staring at the big bed, I relish the idea of spreading out in it. Maybe I can convince Young Jae to let Kimchi sleep with me.

My stomach growls loudly, reminding me that my dinner plans fell through. I towel dry my hair, brushing it quickly before heading downstairs.

The only sound in the house is the TV. Following it, I pause at the sight before me. There is a smorgasbord of food on the coffee table, and Young Jae is sprawled out on his couch, some action movie playing, but he is scrolling the channels.

“This is a ton of food,” I finally say, stepping into the room.

He glances at me, his gaze dropping to my legs before jolting back to my eyes, a smirk on his lips. “I figured you would be hungry but I didn’t know what you’d want, so I ordered your favorites.”

Plopping onto the other side of his sectional, I peruse the food. The red curry wins first pick, so I snag it. “You’re the best. Thank you for making this easy.”

“You know I’d do anything for you.” He clears his throat, gesturing to the TV. “What do you want to watch?”

He continues to scroll through as I eat.

“Oh!Rogue One!” My mouth is full, but I don’t want him to miss it.

Young Jae selects it but laughs. “Haven’t you watched this half a dozen times?”

“At least, but I love it.”

He sits up, helping himself to some food. Offering him the red curry, he scoops some out onto his plate.

We don’t say much as we eat and watch. The silence is easy and comfortable.

“Do you think I could steal Kimchi to snuggle tonight?” I finally ask after setting down the empty takeout container.

“Of course. Any time. She’s a bed hog though, and loves to crawl under the covers to snuggle. We were just having a nap, and I didn’t know a little dog could take up so much room.” His voice is affectionate as he warns me, petting the dog that’s sound asleep next to him.

Chuckling, I stretch out, my stomach protesting at how full it is. The coffee table looks like we had a group of frat boys visiting—everything is gone. Groaning as I stand, I start to tidy the table.

“What’re you doing? Relax. I’ve got this.” Young Jae motions for me to sit, his expression brooking no room for argument.

Pulling a blanket over me, I smile. “You’re the best.”

He cleans up as I watch the movie, rejoining me as we get to the end. I don’t bother hiding my tears as the main leads hold each other, waiting for their end.

Young Jae hands me a tissue. “It’s cute that you still cry for this scene.”

“They went through so much to get there, only to lose it all.” Sniffling, I wipe my nose. Glancing at the time, I begrudgingly get up and fold the blanket. “I guess I better head to bed. I need to pack up the rest of my stuff tomorrow while Jake is at work. Thank you again, I appreciate you.”

He stands as I do, pulling me into a hug. His arms are solid around me as I lay my head on his chest. The steady thump of his heart beating against my ear. “I’m here for you. All I want is your happiness.”

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