Mini-fic for How To Break Up With Your Yandere Boyfriend by @devilinlovegames, because holy shit that Homewrecker ending left me screaming. Also inspired by this ask on the blog. We both fucked up let's kiss about it yayyyyyy
CW for yandere shenanigans, and the female MC being a freak
"I'm alright with that," Soren smiles down at you. He joins you on the bed and you waste no time in falling into his warm, firm embrace. Oak and spice fill your nose, a warm earthy scent that you inhale deeply as you try to drive away the memory of the last few months without him. Soren holds you just as tightly, as if you'll melt away the second his grip loosens. Tiny tremors wrack his large body that so easily dwarfs your own, and you nuzzle closer, comforting him with your presence. You hadn't meant to go this far, hadn't meant to hurt him, but you knew it was all for the best. Everything had worked out in the end, hadn't it?
Your friends would have called it cruel, a disgusting power play, downright abusive even, but what did they know about your relationship? None of them knew what it took to keep a man like Soren; someone so perfect and so loving and so completely out of your league. They would tell you to just be yourself, to stop being so insecure, to focus on your own strengths rather than comparing yourself to others. Well, this was you being yourself. This was you playing to your strengths. This was who you were, and who you were was lying in bed with the man of your dreams after being eaten out within an inch of your life.
Relationships are complicated. It's normal to hide certain things from a partner. However since your last partner turned out to be hiding a trio of naked gymnasts in his bedroom closet, you'd decided that simply wouldn't fly. Soren wasn't allowed to pretend, not allowed to play the docile perfect boyfriend. Wasn't allowed to retreat and restrain when you had caught glimpses of the beast lurking in those pretty blue eyes.
You sniffle into his shoulder, letting out an artful little whimper that has him pulling you in closer and murmuring soothing words into your hair. Soren thinks he's won, that he's duped you so thoroughly with some fake texts and a cheap actress, but you know who the true winner is here.
Question, who is more deranged? The stalker, or the one who leaves their window open for them? The man who spent hundreds of dollars hiring a model to act as his girlfriend while micro-managing an entire social media down to the millisecond to make his ex jealous, or the ex who drove him to it? Maybe you're both too fucked up for anyone else, but doesn't that make you perfect for each other instead? The dragon and his princess.
Soren shifts and in a blink, you quickly fix your expression into one of helpless pleading. "You'll never leave me, right?" You murmur, feeling his heart beat against your lips and in your ears. It's quick but steady, and you watch with satisfaction as his eyes darken when they meet yours. He can't quite fit the beast back in its cage so soon.
"Of course not," he replies, kissing you softly, and it takes all you can to push down the smug smile threatening to curve your lips. Gotcha.
Happy Valentine’s Day 💕 Thank you for 1K followers 💕💕
We're so excited to announce we've hit 1K followers here! It's a first for us, and we wanted to share it with you all. We hope you enjoy your ride on Lars' coc-sorry, we meant car!!! (We swear, he has no ulterior motives 😏)
Also, quick heads-up: we've temporarily closed asks because we've received over 250 of them! I (pinkoko) want to read and answer every single one without missing any. You've been sending such thoughtful questions, theories, and ideas, they really make me think in new ways, and I genuinely love reading them 💕
We'll reopen asks once I've caught up with the current batch. In the meantime, feel free to keep sharing your thoughts, fan art, etc., using the tag #how to break up with your yandere boyfriend and #the winter wedding. I know, it's long 😅 Do you think #htbuwyybf and #tww works better? Or maybe you have an even better idea? Let us know!
Um....so....this is a series fanfic about How To Break Up With Your Yandere Boyfriend by @devilinlovegames
Check them out, they're fucking awesome
Please excuse the intro, I was watching the Addams Family and got bored.
There are two ocs and reader
No content warnings so far besides yandere bf Soren, crap boss Jason, and uhhh missed misogyny?
6.7k words, Neutral Ending A.
“Hey guys, I got some news.” I walked into the room. Max was lying on the floor, his arm flopped on his stomach, and Conner was curled up on the couch with a book. “Hey girl, what’s up?” Max hummed through his limbs. “So you know how it’s been a while since we went anywhere.” I began.
“Yeah, we were actually just talking about that, like, an hour ago.” Conner spoke up, throwing a quick glance at the clock on the stand by the TV. Max sat up quickly and turned to the contraption with a bewildered look, “Damn! Didn’t realize how much time passed.” He chuckled and fell back onto the floor.
I walked to the couch and sat down beside Conner; he was reading ‘Pride and Prejudice’. I don’t remember what that was about. Before I can even open my mouth, he mumbles, “I’ll lend it to you after I’m done.”
“No, I’m good, thanks.” I shook my head and leaned back into the couch, cracking open the blue, leather-bound ring journal with a butterfly imprint in my hand. “So they gave us a choice this time. Either we go back to Bacca, or we step in place of someone and break up with their partner?”
Max and Conner exchanged looks before Conner closed his book and shifted his legs to stretch them “Yeah, what aren’t you telling us?”
“Let me put it this way,” I said. “
Either deal with an emotionally exhausting but rewarding reunion, or tell the truth, releasing mc and their partner from each other, and possibly die.”
“I don’t feel like dealing with therapy today, so murderous partner it is.” Max grinned. I sighed and turned to Conner, “You with him?”
“Yeah, why not?” He shrugs
“Mkay, so ground rules.” I stand up and sit down on the floor. Conner leaned forward in his seat. “This is all according to the book. We’ll get a small compass-like item, so after each choice we make-”
“Sorry, choice?” Max interrupted me. “Yeah, this is supposed to be like a gameplay, I think. So we make choices, and that determines the outcome.” “Oh.” He lets out, a bit dejected for some reason. “Each choice can affect the compass, and there are several endings, so we’ll play through one, and then it’ll reset til we get all the endings and CG’s. CG’s are computer graphics, literally just specific photos from unlocking specific scenes.” I explained after Max’s confused face.
“Ah, who’s gonna be the mc?” Conner asked. “All of us. One of us will start the first playthrough, and then after each ending, I guess one of us will switch places. The compass will start on a heart with angel wings and go down to a new level with each choice. There are 8 levels, angel wings is level one, and dripping heart is the last level. I do not know what each level means for the outcome, and not a clue what type of yandere he is, so try not to do anything that could trigger his anger, lest we die immediately.
"Dialogue will be spoken to us verbally, but a white bubble with black text above the speaking character. We will have free will to do the action we are told we are doing, but we must do it in the allotted time. Actions and options will appear in a black box with white text off to the side." I took a quick breath and continued reading.
"No character will notice when you look. To choose an option presented, you must either begin the action or begin the sentence. Some options will not be available due to previous choices; they will be a light grey.” I rattled off, my voice straining towards the end. I sucked in a big breath, and my head cleared up slightly.
“I could watch you rant about types of yanderes all day long,” Max commented. A weird with a weird, airy tone on it. I stared at him, my disgust hopefully stabbing him, “Don’t you mean listen?” “That too.” He agreed.
“How am I the weird one?” I muttered. Conner spoke behind me, I didn’t even see him move. “What’s the trigger this time?”
“Bliss, I think.” I leaned back against his cool legs and closed my eyes. Recounting the Addams Family in my head always distracted me; Morticia and Gomez’s relationship made my heart pang. My head grew fuzzy, and my hands shot up to grip the back of Conner’s knee, dead legging him as knees buckled and he fell back.
Max laughed loudly and clapped his hands. I was still gripping Conner’s legs, and a cold smoke embraced us, poofing us to our next destination.
“Hey…”
My eyes cleared, and I was staring at a blank computer screen. I looked to my right and spotted a black woman with a large afro tied on her head in a yellow beigish cardigan over a white collared shirt. She was staring at me expectantly with a phone in her hand. ‘Must be the coworker.’ I thought. I should really learn her name.
A black box appeared next to her head, and I noticed a faded white oval over her. White text appeared in the black box. You blink, realizing you’ve been staring blankly at your open computer screen for who knows how long, doing absolutely nothing. Your gaze drifts back to the clock on the wall -still office hours- before shifting to the person who called your name.
It’s your coworker, the one you’ve been working closely with for a while now. Unlike the person she replaced, the two of you get along surprisingly well. For a moment, you just stare blankly at the files she’s extended toward you.
I whipped my head around and spotted the clock on the wall. It was bright red. A stark blare from the beige and boring-looking office with cubicles stacked against each other. I looked back at my supposed friend and glanced at the stack of papers in her hand, and grimaced.
“They need some last-minute changes before sending them to the client. Something about increasing the font size by a point…” She trailed off.
She mimics your boss’s mannerisms perfectly, coaxing a faint smile from you. As you take the files, your fingers instinctively return to the keyboard, tapping out the same monotonous rhythm as always.
I turned to my computer, which was thankfully already logged in, and went to the history. I found a Google Doc with the same name shared by several other people. “You still haven’t talked to him, have you?” She asked. I glanced over and muttered, “Not yet.”
“How much longer are you going to delay this? It won’t change anything.” She chided. “I know, I know.” I lamented. I lean back in my swivel chair and swing around to face the back of her chair.
“What’s your name?” Your coworker takes a sip from her mug without lifting her hands from the key, then grimaces. Thanks to your boss dragging out the meeting, the coffee’s gone ice-cold.
“You can’t keep doing this. Weren’t you dead set on telling him last night?”
You roll your eyes dramatically and exhale, knowing full well she won’t see it.
I glanced at the message and rolled my eyes, “Okay, no response then. Um, I tried to, but like, his dog started throwing up in the middle of the call, and I didn’t have the heart or stability to try to drop a breakup on him
“Was it serious?” She asked, still typing away on her computer. I wonder what she’s actually doing.
You try to recall the last message your boyfriend sent you this morning.
An image of a vet clinic next to a clock pointing to 7:30 and an epi-pen. I hunched my shoulders, and my eyes darted around the space, my gaze sliding from cubicle to cubicle until my brain clicked.
“I think she had an allergic reaction. Either way, I’m sure she’s fine now. Soren took her to the vet this morning.”
“Perfect opportunity!” She smiled. “Call him somewhere after work and talk.”
I whirled around, and she did the same. “Girl, are you serious? Soren would never leave his dog alone like that, he’s crazy attached to her! It’s one of the reasons why I..love…him.” I stumbled towards the end
“It’ll only take half an hour-” She started chuckling.
I gasped and slapped my hand to my chest dramatically, “No way! How does someone break up with their partner in ONE hour, let alone only half. You ask the impossible of me.”
“People break up with a single text these days.” She reasoned
“That’s way too harsh.” I stood up and walked to the front of her desk where her nameplate was, and bent down. It was glitched out, trying to focus on it hurt my brain, so I straightened up, “Besides, he'd never accept it.”
Your coworker suddenly stops typing and turns to you, confused.
“You don't need him to accept it! Just tell him you don't feel the same anymore. Unless…that’s not actually the case?”
Your fingers freeze mid-type
I side-eyed the box, “Of course it is!”
She put her hands up, “Alright, don't get mad, but if you're so sure about breaking up, why keep delaying it?”
You swallow hard before answering, as if you've been asking yourself the same thing. Of course, this isn't the kind of question you can resolve in the middle of a workday, mid-conversation with a coworker.
“I have a need to please people, and breaking up with them causes me emotional agony and distress." I deadpanned.
“See? More excuses. Maybe you should reconsider. You might regret it later.”
“...No…ju-just no. I have to end it. I know how good he is to me, how devoted he is, but I can't return it. It’s selfish and unfair to him if I only have one foot one. Lately, I've been thinking about my ex.” Wait….I have an ex? Shit.
“Oh.” She let out.
Defensive now, your voice rises slightly.
I glared at it. “Not that I want him back, it's just….things were so different with him. Maybe Soren and I just aren't right for each other.”
To your surprise, your coworker nods. “That's fair. I'm sure he'll be happier with someone else, too.”
“You're right. I'll tell him today. And this time, I mean it.” I nod
Just then, the files on your desk tremble slightly, startling you. It takes you a second to realize it's just your phone vibrating beneath them, but the moment you see his name flashing on the screen, an odd tension coils in your chest. I uncovered my phone from the pile and turned it on. A red-haired and a silver-haired man were set as the background. Damn, we had good taste. It said 11:10 am.
“It's him.” That wasn’t me. In contrast to my scrunched-up face, she looked excited, practically pushing me to the phone, “Perfect timing! Check what he wrote.”
Someone by the printer in the breakroom was grumbling, their angry voice ringing out, “Whose printout is this? It got mixed with mine!”
Left alone, you hesitated. A part of you dreads whatever new complication this message might bring, something that could unravel your resolve. Your finger hovers before finally tapping the screen.
You exhale sharply, leaning back in your chair and closing your eyes. Your coworker rushes back, papers in hand.
“What did he say?” I pondered responding to either person.
You glance around the office, making sure no one's paying attention, then show her the message.
I angled my phone toward and she smiled, “That's great! All you have to do is go, then explain things as kindly as possible. From what I remember at the company dinner, Soren seemed like a very reasonable, kind guy. You'll end things clean, no drama.”
You have no doubt that Soren is reasonable, level-headed, even. And yet, the thought of having that conversation stirs an inexplicable unease in you. You can't explain why. Soren's the definition of ordinary; No surprises, no drama, just….life. Painfully ordinary.
Maybe that's part of why you want to leave. Compared to your ex, no, you can’t make that comparison yet. Not until this is over. With a quick tap of the keyboard, you reply.
….He’s gonna kill me, isn’t he?
The rest of the workday passes in a hectic blur, yet somehow faster than you expected. By the time you’re packing up and chatting with coworkers on your way out, you realize you’re in the best mood you’ve been in for days. Your coworker flashes you a knowing smile before parting ways.
“Don’t forget to text me updates! I’ll be waiting.” She yelled out behind me. “See you!” The reality of what was to come hit me like a ton. I hurried to the crowded metro and squeezed in right before the doors closed. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out after using one hand to grab a handle on the bar.
A text from someone named Suds & Suds was on my screen.
Where the fuck was the dry cleaning?! I looked up Soren’s address and the company’s address. They were in the complete opposite direction from each other. A box appeared on my phone.
Worse, you completely forgot to pick up your dress from the dry cleaners for your best friend's birthday party tomorrow. Your stomach drops as you reread the reminder text, double-checking the shop’s address and hours.
The dry cleaner is in the exact opposite direction of Soren’s place. If you go now, you’ll definitely be late for dinner. Your other option? Skip the party entirely. With tomorrow’s big client meeting, your boss won’t give you even an hour’s break, and you can’t exactly show up to your friend's fancy venue in some random outfit.
The box disappeared, and two longer rectangles appeared in place. One said, ‘Swing by the dry cleaners’ and the other said, ‘Skip the dry cleaners’
Am I gonna die if I go to the dry cleaners? What kind of boyfriend is he? Wait, this is a yandere game…that still doesn’t tell me much. What kind of yandere is he? Mc said he was caring, but we are going to break up with him…Yeah, I don’t feel like dying today.
Option chosen
The priority tonight is clear; you need to have that talk with Soren. What you’ll wear to your best friend’s birthday party tomorrow? That’s tomorrow’s problem. You know Soren won’t mind the delay, but you refuse to stack another lie onto this guilt. Besides, every minute you delay is another crack in your resolve. If you don’t do this now, you’ll chicken out. Again. The metal doors slide behind you, sealing the choice. It shouldn’t hurt this much, just a stupid dress, just one missed party, but your chest tightens anyway.
Right, right, of course, totally not doing this for my sake. 40 minutes passed and I finally got off the train. I squeeze past the sea of people and I make it up the stairs toward the bright outside. I looked around confused, realizing that I didn’t know where I lived. A yellow arrow appeared on my left, pointing across the street.
There were no cars coming so I crossed the street and strided down the sidewalk. I opened a music app and went to the playlist. My playlist was in fact there, hallelujah. I clicked on a song and it started playing as I followed the yellow arrows like the lost puppy. I made it to an apartment complex and glanced at the stairs before heading to the elevator.
The ‘4’ button flashed yellow and I jabbed it. My seventh song started as I got off and walked to the door faintly glowing. A key appeared in my hand and I unlocked the knob, stepping inside and heading straight for my bed and plugged in my phone.
I found the bathroom and shrugged off all my work clothes before turning on the shower and letting burn off today’s filth. The minutes passed by in a blur before I turned it off and dried myself. I wrapped the towel around my body and went to my space. I found a pair of jeans and a soft cameo shirt and slipped those on after I slathered myself in lotion. I found a pair of black shoes under the bed and went out in the hall before going back to my bed to grab my phone.
I snatched a black light jacket off the back of a chair and grabbed the keys before I went out the door and black out. I opened my eyes to the back of a carseat and my phone buzzed. I flipped over the screen and a notification prefacing someone named ‘Lars’ had messaged me.
Your ex-boyfriend. Or rather, the ex-boyfriend who has been creeping into your thoughts more and more often lately.
As you read the message, an inexplicable thrill rises within you. Knowing Lars’ fondness for crowded, lively gatherings and the fact that he shares mutual friends with Mia, whose birthday is tomorrow, you’re certain he’ll be there.
But what puzzles you is why, after all these months of silence, his first message is about this. You have no idea. Should you respond? Your fingers hesitate over the screen, your inner voice whispering that it would be a mistake. Yet another part of you burns to know -has he really moved on- and aches to answer him.
Again, two more options appear, but this time on the back of the headrest of the driver's seat. I was in a cab, presumably heading to Soren’s place. I debated texting him that I was on my way and decided to not message either person.
A picture of Lars appeared on my screen and I dropped the phone. I bent over and picked it back up, grinning awkwardly at the driver. He was blond and toned, in an open shirt at a beach. Exactly Max’s type.
I flipped my phone back over and glanced out the window. He can be a simp later. Another box appeared, but I just closed my eyes and leaned back. I had half an hour till I got there.
Soon, the muffled sound of footsteps and distant dog barks pierced through the hum of the rain, and I jumped out of the car, slipping the hood over my head and running to his door. I flipped the hood off as the door swung open, and Soren appeared. I had to lean my neck back a bit to see past the wall of moobs. A useless motion as he leaned forward and greeted me with a warm smile spreading across his face, “Welcome, love. Come on in, don’t get any wetter.”
He stepped aside, and I slid past him into the somewhat familiar warmth of the house. The damp air outside was letting in a draft, or perhaps it was my nerves, and I shivered with goosebumps prickling down my arms and back.
Soren closed the door and turned to face me. I stared at his face, then looked him up and down, appreciating his partner’s tastes. Two more options appeared. To either hug him, kiss him, or do nothing. I looked away and glanced towards the main area. Irritation bubbled up and I swore as soon as I got the opportunity, I was gonna break the boxes.
It might be best to put a little distance between you and him, especially with the breakup talk still looming ahead. So instead of hugging him or kissing him like you usually would, you settle for a warm smile. Unlike you, Soren leans in and presses a small kiss to your cheek, either unaware of your reserved demeanor or choosing to ignore it.
‘Wait…what?’
I whipped my head back just as Soren leaned and kissed my cheek, his face flushing brightly, and his eyes so sickeningly in love, I could practically see the heart-shaped pupils. I stared at him, dumbfounded and a confused look crossed over his face before ferocious growls sounded behind me, and I whirled around.
It was a tiny chihuahua with an eye-patch over one eye. A small box of information appeared above her.
Princess is the small, greedy, one-eyed chihuahua mix that Soren adopted, and though he refuses to admit it, she absolutely has anger issues. Truthfully, with her temperament and the eyepatch she wears, Pirate would’ve been a far more fitting name.
I stared at the box. Soren spoke up, and I flinched from the disruption, turning back around to face him. “Don’t mind her. She always gets a little sensitive after the vet.”
“Oh, of course. No problem.” I snarked, but he didn’t catch it.
But you know damn well it has nothing to do with the vet. She’s despised you from the moment you met, for reasons you’ve never understood. Not that you can say that to Soren, who somehow still believes his ‘Princess’ is the sweetest, gentlest dog alive. Luckily, as long as he is around, her hatred doesn’t escalate beyond bared teeth and growls. So as you head to the living room, she settles for glaring daggers at your back.
We made it into the room and stopped by a tall, wooden grandfather clock against the wall near the doorway. ‘Ask about the dog’s condition.’ and ‘Don’t ask.’ appear in the glass panel that allows us to see the bong inside. I ignore it and the mouthwatering aroma of fried ribs spills out from the kitchen, wrapping around me. The table held carefully arranged plates, candles casting their warm glow, and a bottle of fancy-looking wine chilling in an ice bucket.
He put a lot of effort into this dinner. I choked at the cowardice strangling my neck and guilt churning in my stomach. I ain’t ever met someone who cooked for me….besides Brine and Biscuit, but they don’t count. Sadness twinged my heart when reality slammed in. He loved the Mc, we weren-
…
‘Where the fuck were Max and Conner?’
Was there even one among them who appreciated a meal you prepared? Maybe the real problem isn’t this relationship, but your own feelings. Maybe what you should do is silence those unreliable emotions, the ones that keep dragging you into the wrong relationships, and finally listen to logic. Maybe, instead of breaking up with Soren...you should be proposing to him. But why would Soren accept a proposal from someone like you? He has a better job, a nicer house, a reliable car, a beloved dog, hobbies that fulfill him, and a life that seems to be going perfectly well.
Do we have to break up with him?
Meanwhile, you have nothing but a job you constantly complain about, a few old friends, weak family ties, and a bunch of trauma and debt left over from terrible past relationships. The only things you can offer him are your rather feeble love compared to his, some sex, maybe a bit of charm, and a whole lot of chatter.
No, you’re not being too harsh on yourself. You just want to remind yourself of the truth, that’s all. Unlike your previous partners, you’ve never understood what exactly keeps him in this relationship. Could this be what they call true love? Unfortunately, after your past bad relationships, your instincts won’t let you put those rose-colored glasses back on. You no longer believe in fairy tales with white knights rescuing princesses from monsters.
.....maybe we should get them into therapy, this cannot be healthy.
You quickly jump in, trying to come up with an excuse for your unusually long silence caused by your thoughts.
“Everything looks amazing.” I exclaimed, the simplicity of the phrase made his eyes light up.”I’m glad you like it. The food is almost ready.”
I offered to help, but he shook his head and stepped back, “No need, darling, I’ve got it. Please just sit and relax for a bit.” After checking on Princess, who had gone to her bed in the corner, he smiled at me and disappeared down the hallway.
While you wait for him, maybe you could do something. ‘Stay here, in the living room.’ or ‘Go to the kitchen.’
I sat down on the floor and pulled out my phone. I clicked on contacts and scrolled to C. There was a Charles, but no Conner. I scrolled further down to the M’s and there was a Max and Mia. I clicked on Max and texted him.
Before such an important conversation, you need a moment alone to gather your courage. Taking a deep breath, you sit on the couch. The wooden display cabinets, drawers, trinkets, porcelain, and everything in the room, like the rest of the house, still preserves the arrangement inherited from Soren’s grandfather and grandmother. Everything feels so familiar and comforting…
As the rain outside intensifies, the murmur of raindrops setting the window grows louder, and you find yourself feeling surprisingly peaceful, as if you truly belong to. You know that by breaking up with him, you'll be saying goodbye to him, but to all these beautiful memories as well.
Options. Cut the sentimentality and focus on your decision. Look at the family photos. Look at the dog
Option chosen
I don’t need his family history. Steeling my resolve took a few seconds as I got distracted by the ticking of the clock. I didn’t hear Soren’s approaching footsteps and damn near jumped out of my skin when he spoke, “And now everything’s ready. We can move to the table, darling.”
We moved to the table and the scent of lambs reached my nose. My stomach grumbled and my insides cried a little. Soren offered me an encouraging smile, “Please, try it, love. I hope you’ll like it.” After everything he’d done to prepare this for me- err- her, there’s no way I could refuse. I picked my fork and brought a pre-sliced- Pre-sliced?! Damn, babying me. My soul cried a few more tears.
The crispness of the outside, the tenderness of the juicy center, the way every spice is balanced just right…You’ve always known he was skilled in the kitchen, but this…this is flawless.
“Delectable, absolutely perfect. I’ve never had anything like it in my life.” I complimented
Mc, why must you leave.
He didn’t react to the compliment itself much but a faint flush colored his cheeks when we locked eyes. The glow of the candlelight illuminated the emotions welling behind his gaze and he leaned forward to refill my wine glass. I hadn’t even noticed it was depleting. ”I’m so glad to hear that, love.”
For a few moments, the only sounds around us was the rain tapping against the window and our utensils against the plate. Even Princess is absent, granting us both a moment of rare privacy.
I glanced to the side, a rare willing for the box to appear. I didn’t know what he liked to talk about.
There’s nothing to gain from waiting any longer. You believe he deserves to know why you really came here. And if you delay it much more, you might lose the resolve to go through with it. You slowly set your fork on the edge of your plate and, mustering all your courage, lift your gaze to meet him.
‘Oh thank god.’ I cheered in my head. “There’s something I need to talk to you about.” I started. A flicker of surprise crossed his face at the seriousness in my voice. It passed and his tone was soft and understanding, “Of course, love. I’m always ready to listen to you.”
I took a breath and kept my eyes on his, “I…I’ve been feeling like something’s different lately. About our relationship.”
The surprise in his expression deepened, another look appeared. Darker and…possesive. There we go. He said nothing and just watched me in silence, waiting for me to finish. It’s one of the things I’ve grown to appreciate about him. “This isn’t easy, but…I think we need to break up.”
The tension in the room was so thick, my words seemed to hang in the air like smoke as I choked them out.
His expression didn’t change, but I noticed his eyes drifting to his wine glass instead of staying on me. I stayed silent, giving him space and time to take it in.
The sound of the rain outside seemed to grow louder, pressing into the silence between us. When he finally looked back at me, the warm light in his eyes was gone, replaced by determination.
“I don’t believe you made this decision on impulse, but did I do something without realizing? Something that hurt you?” He asked, his voice gentle and considerate. My chest swelled with guilt. I couldn’t imagine how this must’ve been hurting him, but I needed to push through.
“No, no, never,” I hurried. “Honestly, it’s quite the opposite, Soren. Out of all the men who’ve come and gone in my life, you are by far the best. The thought of losing you…it hurts me, too”
“This is about me, my feelings. I just don’t think I can return your love the way you deserve. I don’t think I can be truly happy in this relationship.”
He finally speaks, his voice quieter, more subdued.
“How long have you felt this way? Or rather…how long have you known?” His voice was subdued now.
I hesitated, not knowing enough details to give the response he deserved but I couldn’t ignore his question. “Since things got more serious between us…But the last month, it’s become something I just can’t look past.” I finally omitted it.
“I see.” He all but whispered and I continued. “I’m sorry I hurt you. I’m sorry for saying this during a dinner you prepared so thoughtfully. But I couldn’t keep it to myself any longer. You deserved to know.
This time, the smile that formed on his lips is a little forced, wounded, but still kind.
“Please don’t feel guilty, my dear. Of course, we didn’t enter this relationship expecting it to end this way, but not every relationship concludes as we hope. That’s perfectly normal. It doesn’t mean either of us did something wrong.” My eyes burned as tears welled up. Why did Mc delay this conversation so long? Why was I so cautious of him, he’d done nothing wrong.
Ignored the box popping up and stretched my arm across the table, “I’m lucky to have met you, Soren.” He reached his hand to grip my hand and warmth flowed into me, the mental strain melted away. “And I’m lucky to have you. You’ve always been special to me…and you always will be.” He trailed off.
The light in his eyes glowed brighter as he gently pulled his hand back and slowly rose from his chair. “Well then, I think we’ve come to a conclusion on this unpleasant but necessary matter. How about we continue dinner where we left off as good friends? I’ll bring out dessert.”
Before leaving the room, he paused at the doorway and glanced back at me. “Of course, if you’d rather not stay, I can call a taxi to take you home.” I narrowed my eyes toward the clock above the fireplace. It’d gotten quite late. “Oh, you’re right. Time really flew. I think it’s better if I head home now.” I noted. I stood from the table and gathered my few items.
“Would you like me to pack some dessert for you? Creme brulee…I made plenty since it’s your favorite. I doubt I can eat it all myself.” I glanced at him, “That would be lovely, but please, don’t go through any more trouble on my behalf.”
He shook his head, giving me a gentle smile, “It’s no trouble at all.” He went into the kitchen and I stood outside, waiting for a taxi. I figured he needed a moment in the kitchen and understood that things would probably never be the same between them, even as their ‘friendship’ continued. My phone buzzed with a message from Max.
I decided not to reply, choosing to make him wait til I explained everything tomorrow. Or maybe not. The taxi arrived and Soren emerged from the kitchen, holding a neatly wrapped package. Just before I stepped in the car, I glanced back at him. Beneath the umbrella he was holding, his face partly obscured by shadows, I couldn’t quite see his eyes.
“Good night.”
I slipped into the car without delay, and soon, I was leaving him and his home behind. Despite everything, a quiet sense of peace settled in my chest. I stayed true to her decision.
After a month…
My boss was screaming again, “Did you make the changes I asked for before we sent it to the client?” Veins throbbed in his forehead and I was trying to stay calm despite his usual irritating tone.
“Yes,” I answered.
He raised his eyebrow, “All of them?”
“Yes.”
“Did you double-check?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” I sighed.
“Then why have they been calling me non-stop since the beginning of the meeting?!” He finally shouted, casting sudden silence over the entire office.
“Why don’t you answer the phone and ask them?” I shot back. My unexpected attitude drew stunned looks from my coworkers. Jason’s face flushed bright red with rage just as the phone rang again. He answered and put the call on speaker. A familiar, dreaded voice fills the room, the client who’s been making my life hell lately, “Hello?”
“Hello, Mr. Miles. Sorry for the delay, I was in a meeting. Is there an issue with the proposal we sent?” His voice was now softer than a purring kitten after a warm meal.
“No, quite the opposite, I just wanted to say how pleased I am with everything. The changes you made though you didn’t inform me in advance, turned out to be very appropriate and necessary. Thank you.” The client surprisingly complimented us and Jason’s face went blank with confusion. I, on the other hand, shot a smug ‘I told you so’ glance around the room.
“I’m glad to hear that. Unless there’s anything else, I need to take care of something urgent.” He lamented and the client hung up. He swallowed hard a few times, clearly at loss for words, before deciding to pretend nothing happened. He took a sip of his coffee only to grimace. “Ugh. Cold. Anyway, let’s not drag meetings out like this again. That’s all for now.”
As the meeting ended and my colleagues started filing out, I rose to leave but Jason stopped me, “Could you stay a minute?”
I ignored the meaningful look my coworker threw my way and complied. Once everyone left, Jason turned to me with a surprisingly softer expression. “That was good work. Uhm…How would you feel about grabbing dinner sometime?” I started and side-eyed him, thrown off by the absurdity of….whatever this joke of a meeting was. “Is this a surprise business dinner?”
I refuse to deal with this. “Oh, no.” He stepped forward. “We’re not meeting a client? Then I’ll go ahead and book the usual table for the team.” His face returned to its usual strictness, “For God’s sake! No client, no team! I’m talking about just dinner. Just the two of us.”
“Yeah, I know! Get the hint. No! N-o!” His face flushed with something other than anger for the first time, “Uhm…It was just meant as an apology. I mean, I had no other-”
“I’m sure. But if you really want to apologize please do it in front of everyone at the next meeting. Just like when you scolded me a moment ago. Unless there’s something else-” I chastised. “N-no, of course, you’re free to go.” He stumbled over his words and I left the room, returning to my desk where my coworker was waiting.
“What did he say? Tell me right now or I’ll die of curiosity! I’ll never forget the look on his face when the client thanked him over the phone! HA HA HA! I wish I had taken a photo…Wait, did he actually apologize to you?”
As I sat down and tossed some files on my desk, I muttered, “Worse. He asked me out to dinner.” Just then, she, who was raising her mug to her lips, spat out her sip and shrieked, “WHAT?”
“Calm down, you’ll choke.” I patted her back and helped her clean herself up and the desk with a few napkins, ignoring the strange looks of the people passing by. She immediately turned back to me, “Oh, shit! I never thought he was that type. He seemed like a true workaholic who didn't care about anything except the clients. But look at that, even he found out about your breakup with Soren…So, what did you say to him?”
My hand briefly hesitated at the mention of Soren’s name but I shook it off, “Of course I turned him down.”
“Oh, really? You did the right thing. Still, you know, for someone so angry and annoying, he does have a bit of charm. And he’s rich. If you had gone to dinner, we’d have had enough gossip material to last until our next promotion. It would’ve been fun to see her flirting skills. If I were in your place, I don’t think I could’ve said no.”
My eyes slid over to a new, grayer box that appeared behind her.
Maybe the you from a year ago, before you met Soren, wouldn’t have said no to that invitation either. There was something deeply alluring for you about getting an off like that from a man who was always angry, difficult, and irritating. But now, even while reviewing new job applications every evening, you don’t even think of your boss.
“You’re still thinking about Soren, aren’t you?” Her voice continued and I abandoned cleaning the invisible stain on the desk and dropped into the chair.” I gave her an exasperated look but the thought flourished. I honestly didn’t expect him to accept the breakup so easily.
Maybe I did really avoid death through having a warning. What would happen if I dated someone or if I chose an option that would create some conflict?
She brushed off my look and asked, “Did he contact you after that dinner? Any call or message?”
“No. I guess it’s for the best.”
Before the silence had a chance to stretch further, she quickly jumped in again. ”You’re right. Did you see the email from the boss? The same old nonsense…but there’s this one thing-”
The relief of my shift being done and most of my workload being completed wasn’t enough to lift the strange hollowness inside me. After saying goodbye to her and leaving the office, I decided to start down the street instead of heading for the metro to clear my head.
I was still here so the story wasn’t complete. Max and I had gathered the night after to find Conner. He was at a daycare, surprisingly doing really well despite his best efforts to avoid children.
I moved aimlessly through the crowded streets, the noise drifting in and out of focus. I considered calling Soren one night. Conner called my phone before I could do anything and just said ‘No’ I still don’t understand how he guessed.
I bumped into someone in a hooded, dark jacket. They had red eyes, a shadowed face, and dark brown hair. They quickly disappeared into the sea of people and I continued along my path to nowhere in particular.
My phone buzzed in my pocket and I pulled it out. A message appeared on screen, confirming that a job interview I’d faked being sick miss work last week was successful. A good position, at a good company, with good pay.
I cheered loudly, “Finally!” My fists pumped in the air. The joyful outburst drew a few stares but I couldn’t care less. I was on cloud nine. Mc could focus on their career instead of men, may their life be better now.
So I wondered how would genderbent Soren From How To Break Up With Your Yandere Boyfriend would look like. So I HAD TO DRAW HER... this is my interpretation... My hand hurts but it's worth the effort for @devilinlovegames to enjoy. (❁´◡`❁)
