"Either one of you can start when you're ready." Nikita, our relationship counselor informs, with a smile on her face. It's very open and encouraging, especial because the task she just requested of us is not an easy one.

In all our sessions so far, all we've done is share qualities we admire about each other. The characteristics that make us who we are. The different and similar values that we both have, that attracts us to each other. All things we can easily speak about because no one minds complimenting the other, but when it comes to the negative side, it's a bit harder to let it out.

We're seated on the floor, facing each other with our palms interlocked. A sort of reassurance that even though we might not like what we tell each other, we won't let go. It's a very beautiful symbol for keeping our relationship together because there are qualities I don't like about Jeongguk and vice versa. We just choose to focus on the positive, most of the time.

"I dislike the way you're so easy to rile up. I know you love standing up for yourself and others, but I wish you'd realise that some battles don't need to be fought." He starts off, giving me a sorry look. "And I find it very disrespectful when you use that anger as a way to insult and hurt me, your family and anyone else who seems to be against you. It's like you don't think when you're angry. You become irrational and I wish you'd just try and think a bit more or channel that anger into something positive. I hate that, but I still love you."

He finishes with the ending requested by Nikita. Something about stating our dislikes in a healthy way. This way it'll be easier to manage and talk out to find the root of our negative qualities.

I'm aware that I can be riled up easily and ever since our argument, I've been working on keeping my thoughts and feelings to myself. Occasionally I'd vent to Taehyung, but for the most part, I'm well aware that it's not a quality that's admirable. Though I don't yell or fight, my words still hurt.

"I hate how closed off you are. Choosing to remain poised and calm when I just wish you'd yell and let your anger out." I start, watching as Jeongguk nods because it's not the first time I've told him about it. "I know it's because you're introverted and always feel the need to keep the peace, but sometimes you communicate in such an ambiguous way that creates problems for our relationship. I want to know what's on your mind, Jeongguk. It's the only way we can make this relationship work. I hate your lack of communication, but I love how you always remain rational in every situation."

It's honest and from my heart.

Nikita explains how both our issues are polar opposite extremes. Where I express myself too much, Jeongguk expresses himself too little. It's a perfect combination, but when used in the relationship, it can cause for a lot of confusion and tension such as the break situation.

I agree with her, still focused solely on Jeongguk.

"Now, I want you both to use those same qualities and state how your partner has used that quality in a positive way in your relationship." She smiles, motioning for Jeongguk to start.

He nods, avoiding my eyes, "The time in university when we were still sorting out our feelings and Stephanie showed up at your door bashing me. I felt really insecure and embarrassed at the time, but when you defended me, I was really impressed and grateful. And you still do it today, not as explicitly, but in a way that makes me proud, so I can agree that you make up what I lack."
He shyly smiles, meeting my eyes again. A look of fondness in his eyes because that day was the day we started dating.

It's been a while since that day, but the memories are still fresh. It's the first time I'd ever witnessed Jeongguk so emotional.

"Soa?"

"For me, I'd have to say during our break. It's not the best moment of this relationship, but I definitely had a lot of time to reflect and think about my words and their effect. It was the first time I'd ever seen my anger pushing away someone that I love for such a long period of time. That lesson will stick by me forever. I'll be more careful with the way I approach disagreements." I nod.

Nikita claps her hands. By now I'm used to her enthusiasm. For every session she becomes excited at us communicating and working through our issues. Her energy reminds me of Hosoek.

"That's awesome guys and did you notice how you talked about it without upsetting the other? This is the type of aura you need to strive for everytime you want to discuss something. Because Jeongguk is an introvert, he's always going to resort to blowing it off and coming off as uninterested. That's only because he hates confrontation." She explains to me, "And because Soa, is more in tune with her feelings and expressing them, if you just pick at something, her immediate answer might come off as defensive and irrational when in reality she's only replying to something you said." She smiles at Jeongguk.

It's only been three sessions so far, but we've worked through a lot. Now, the future doesn't seem that scary and intimidating anymore.

-

"You seem pleased." Jeongguk utters once we're in his car, driving home. The hum of the radio being the only sound filling the moving vehicle. A sweet love song that perfectly describes the light feeling I feel right now.

"Today was good," I reply, reaching for his free hand, "I thought we'd end up arguing again, but I'm happy we could talk it out like normal human beings."

He hums, squeezing my hand, "Did I ever tell you that Stephanie and I had the same communication issue?" He asks, a little unsure because I don't want to talk about his ex girlfriend ever.

I shake my head no, "Is that why you thought we'd break up?"

"Yes, but her and I used to argue a lot. To the point where we'd be yelling at each other everyday. Because of that I decided I wasn't going to bring that toxicity into our relationship." He explains, while I attentively listen.

Jeongguk goes on to explain how their lack of communication led to Stephanie cheating, thus having them break up. Listening to him, I see why he sees Jimin as a hazard, even though he's not.

"So that's why you don't like me being around Jimin?" I prod, hoping he'll be open.

We pull into the Jeon Estate, greeting all the staff that pass us. Coming to a stop in front of the lake. Our usual spot we have conversations at. There's no way we can openly talk in his home.

"It's not that I don't like it. I love how close you to are because I also know he's your only friend outside of myself and your family." I scoff, knowing he's trying to tease me for still being a loner to this day. "But, I do have moments where I get jealous at the amount of time the two of you spend together and Jimin always helps you do nonsen-"

"Not always. It was only a couple of times."
I interject.

He teases me about it being a couple of times too many. Which is not true because Jimin has the ability to say no. He just chooses not to.

-

Now, in Jeongguk's bedroom, both heavy with sleep, Mrs Jeon enters the room. A smile on her face at the sight of the two of us. Staring at her in curiosity, I don't miss the content smile on her face while she walks toward the two of us. Quiet steps taken while her body finds a place to sit.

"Soa, are you staying for dinner?" She whispers, a soft, but warm smile on her face.

"Yes, Mr Je-"

"Are grandpa and grandma here yet?" Jeongguk asks, cutting me off. While his head nuzzles further into my neck. With his back facing his mother.

His mom passes him a stern look then goes on to explain how rude he'd just been. I just brush him off, not caring much for his interjection while she starts pulling at his limbs talking about personal space and arousal. The usual warning of pregnancy leaving her mouth, while I turn a bright pink.

"Your grandma wanted to come up here. Imagine if she walked in on you touching the poor girl like that." She pipes up, swatting at his hand that goes to rest on my hip. "I'm telling you, Jeongguk, if you do impure things in my house, I'm sending you to Busan with your grandparents."

He sits up, sighing while she smacks his arm. The both of them communicate with their eyes. Judging from the frown on his face, I know he's annoyed.

"She's not staying for dinner." He answers, "We're going out."

She stands, giving him one last warning before her body is out the room and the two of us are back to being half asleep.

"If only she knew how impure you were being the other day." He mumbles while I gasp in shock. "Yeah, I haven't forgotten."

-

So we're seeing sone growth from my favourite couple. Lol.

I hope you enjoyed and thank you for reading. ❤️

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