EXO was finally on a break and Jihae was in between projects. This meant Kris and Jihae were on her couch watching TV, as was their date of choice. Kris was getting sleepy, but Jihae was thinking about their time together.

She had gotten a call from her father that morning. The first time she’s heard from him since the divorce. He told her about his new family, his twin son and daughter. He talked about going to soccer games and dance recitals. Jihae really wanted to hang up on him, but she couldn’t. He talked about how much he loved his wife, and how proud he got when he watched his two kids do really well. Jihae had to force back her bitter tears, ‘mmhm’ing through the entire bit.

Then her father said something he’s never said to her. Something she’s never heard him utter. “I am so sorry to you Jihae.”

“For what?” She asked quietly.

“Your mother and I… we were no good, and we took out our frustrations on you. I ignored you when you worked so hard. You were so talented, and if I just tried, I would have been proud of you if I went to a game. Instead I was annoyed that your trophies were taking up space. I wanted to be away from you and your mother, and I was just horrible to you. I don’t think I ever told you I loved you.”

“You didn’t…”

“That’s the worst thing a person can do, not tell their child that they love them.”

“If you told me, it would have been a lie. So it’s better that you didn’t.”

“I never wanted to love you. Because of your mother, I turned my hatred onto you as well. If I just looked at you with fresh eyes –”

“But you didn’t. I’m twenty five, and you never told me you loved me. You never tried to see me. It took two people to make a baby, and it took two people to break it they way you guys did.”

“I know this is too late –”

“Oh really? What gave that away? I’m a grown woman who can’t even tell her boyfriend of two years how she feels about him. I could barely handle it when he told me he loved me. You know why? Because even my parents didn’t love me. I should be a good person and accept your apology, but maybe I’m just too emotionally stunted to do so. You’re too many years too late. I really hope you do a lot better with your new offspring, because I’m stuck here trying to fix what you two did to me. Maybe I’ll call you when I’m done.”

“I’m so sorry…”

“So am I.” She hung up on him.

She had cried angrily by herself until she got a text from Kris telling her that he’d be over some time before dinner. She cleaned herself up and pretended she was okay, though it was clear to the both of them that she was going through something. Kris read that it was something that wasn’t ready to be pushed just yet.

Jihae stared at Kris’s sleepy gaze on the TV.

“I love you.” She breathed out before she could over think it.

His droopy lids shot up and he whipped his head to look at her. “Did you just…?”

Her breathing was increasing rapidly and she stopped blinking, her eyes were open too wide to even think about closing just then. She was shaking, and it was very clear that she was starting to have something of a panic attack. She nodded and started rocking back and forth with her arms around herself. He tried to hug her, but she stopped him franticly. She stood up and started pacing, still shaking severely. She was starting to cry.

Kris was staring at her, unsure of how to respond or take care of her. Every time he got close, she stopped him and continued hugging herself and pacing.

“It’s okay, we already knew you loved me. I love you too.” Kris tried to soothe her from a distance.

“I said it.” Jihae gasped out. “I ing said it.” She dropped to her knees. “I told you… Oh my god…”

“Yes. And I love you too.” He knelt in front of her.

“I love you.” She said through gritted teeth. “Oh. My. God. I said it again. I feel like I’m going to die…”

“You’re not going to die. I won’t let you.” Kris grinned. He really liked hearing her say those three words, even if it was causing her to hyperventilate and panic…

“I, Lee Jihae, l-love you, Kris multiple names.” She said more firmly, though she was still shaking like a Chihuahua. “I’m saying it. The words, they’re coming out of my mouth. It’s ing terrifying!”

“It is.” Kris nodded. “But it’s going to be okay.”

“I love you.” She whispered, jumping into his arms.

“I love you too.”

“If you leave me, I might pull a Fatal Attraction and not let you go.”

“If you try to leave me, I might do the same.” Kris chuckled.

“I said it, but I’m still scared.”

“I know. Thank you.”

“I just didn’t want it to be too late…”

“Ever heard of better late than never?” Kris joked.

So the man who never told her he loved her and the man who tells her he loves her with everything he has in one chapter together. I hope this made sense. 3:16 AM...