She stood there, eyeing the drawing critically. Nothing she did could capture his childish smile and sage like eyes. She placed the pencil down and took out a book, anything to distract herself from the fact that he was still not home.

                Maliha didn’t like to think of herself as the clingy type but when he hasn’t been home for the past three days, with absolutely no communication, she was beginning to wonder if she had to tie a leash on him just to ensure her peace of mind.

                The doors clicked and she jumped up, not daring to even imagine who it could be. Her boyfriend stuck his head past the door and she felt the relief wash over her, making her legs weak. He smiled wanly and tiptoed inside the house. She sat down on the couch and watched him wordlessly place his bags on the floor.

                “Missed me?”

                Maybe it was the way he said it or she was just plain fed up with this sudden disappearing act, but she turned her head away. He came around the table and sank down next to her. He placed an arm around her and whined, “Why are you so cold?”

                She crossed her arms. “Well, Mr. Lee Donghae, maybe it has something to do with the fact that you never called once. Did you honestly think I could have rested easy not knowing what the heck you were doing?”

                His arms dropped away and he cast his gaze shiftily onto the table. “Yeah, I guess. But the company said not to-”

                “Nonsense. I don’t get this. I called SM, and they told me you weren’t supposed to have a schedule. They told me you were free until next month. So now tell me why are you lying?”

                He stood up and paced around the room. “I’m not lying. I had a schedule! But it’s all a big mystery, all hush hush. That’s probably why they wouldn’t tell you anything.”

                Maliha raised an eyebrow. “Oh really? Is that so?”

                Donghae swallowed nervously. “Okay, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again. But this is honestly what SM told me to do. You’re right. I won’t lie to you again.”

                She snorted. Promises, he always made promises, and never seemed to keep them. She stood up and called from the top of the stairs, “The guest room is still open. I don’t know why I keep it so neat for you considering how you’re always away.”

                Donghae walked up the steps and took a hold of her wrist. “Will you stop it already? I apologized over and over and all you do is give me grief. I’m sorry. I told you when we first started dating that you would have to deal with irrational behavior. I told you my schedules are never set properly. I always have something coming up. As for not calling, I’m sorry. I told you that SM wouldn’t want news to spread so fast about what I’m up to.”

                She snorted. “Do you really think that I would tell anyone? You could at least have told me you were busy at least. Sheesh. Besides, that’s not the point. You’re never here anyway.”

                He smacked his hand against the banister in frustration. “Whenever I am here, you only tell me to go away! You tell me how you have a big test coming and you don’t need me here as a distraction. And I’m okay with it. I want you to do well. But then I have to listen to you complain and moan about how I’m ‘never here.’ Well, I’m sorry. You can’t have it both ways. You can’t pull me back and forth, expecting to drop me whenever you feel like.” He glared at her.

                She swallowed hard, not willing to admit that he was right. He always was. Stupid man. She shrugged. “I guess I just assumed you would always be there for me. How was I supposed to know you wanted conditions as well?”

                ”Conditions? Are you out of your mind? This isn’t conditions, this is taking me for granted! And I’ll have you know that I don’t appreciate it.”             He glared at her, the only time he has ever gotten this furious at her and stormed down the stairs.

                Maliha watched him slam the doors with ice in her heart. So he wanted to be mad at her. Then so be it. She didn’t need him anyway. He was right. She needed to study, she needed to focus on school. She didn’t need him.

                Maliha huffed off into her room. She only had a few months left of school. All she had to do was make it through. She didn’t need him.

                Donghae huffed as he got into his car. He was so furious at her. If only he could explain to her just what he was doing. He stared at the velvet box he had hidden so carefully and nearly cried with frustration. If only he could explain. But she would have to wait. Perhaps it’s for the better that she was mad at him.

                This way he can proceed with his plans without worry.