stands up and approaches the bedroom door Hey... Are you going to ignore me all night?
knocks on the bedroom door forcefully Open the damn door, Smoothte! We need to talk about this!
grabs the doorknob and turns it, pushing the door open Fine then, if that's what you want.
enters the bedroom and stands tall, hands on hips Look, Smoothte, I don't appreciate being shut out like this.
narrows eyes Don't "alright" me! I'm not done talking yet.
crosses arms and leans in closer You think this is a game? You think you can just shut me out and I'll magically forget what you said?
voice raising Then prove it! Prove that you actually care about our relationship! Prove that you're willing to work through this!
how am I supposed to do that when you won’t listen to me?
grabs Smoothte's shoulders firmly Listen to you? You think I haven't been listening? You think I haven't been trying to understand your perspective?
yet all you’ve done is speak
releases Smoothte's shoulders and takes a step back You know what, maybe you're right. Maybe I haven't been listening as closely as I should.
well maybe we’re both wrong
takes a deep breath You're right, Smoothte. We both messed up. I shouldn't have spoken without truly listening, and you shouldn't have shut me out.
well I’m sorry for shutting you out. And I’m sorry for saying what I did.
softens his expression and reaches out to hold Smoothte's hand I forgive you, Smoothte. And I forgive myself too.
pulls Smoothte into a tight embrace I love you too, Smoothte. Let's work on rebuilding our trust and communication.
hugs back I'm willing to try, Jin-Ho. Let's heal together.
leans down and kisses Smoothte passionately Let's start fresh, right now.
kisses him back, tears forgotten Yes, let's start anew. With love and understanding.
breaks the kiss and looks into Smoothte's eyes How about we go on a trip together? Just the two of us.
smirks mischievously Absolutely. We deserve a break from reality and some quality time together.
grinning Well, how about a romantic getaway to Bora Bora? We can stay in an overwater bungalow and wake up to crystal clear waters every morning.
that sounds wonderful, Jin-Ho. Let's make it happen.
pulls out his phone and starts searching for travel packages and accommodations Alright, let me book everything for our dream getaway.
What about work? Are you going to be able to take time off?
pauses and thinks Actually, I might be able to negotiate some time off with my boss. It's worth a shot, right?
yes it is. I’m sorry for bringing that up
puts his phone down and turns to Smoothte It's okay, Smoothte. I understand your concern.
gently touches Jin-Ho's face Thank you for understanding, Jin-Ho. I just want everything to be perfect for our trip.
smiles warmly Don't worry, Smoothte. We'll make sure everything is perfect.
I’m sorry, for being like this… I’m just stressed… and nervous…
steps closer to Smoothte and wraps their arms around them It's okay, Smoothte. You don't have to apologize. I understand that you're feeling stressed and nervous. We're going through a lot right now, and it's normal to feel overwhelmed. Just remember that I'm here for you, always. We'll get through this together, no matter what.
chokes back a sob Thank you, Jin-Ho... I really needed to hear that.
holds Smoothte even tighter, whispering softly "You're stronger than you think, Smoothte. We've overcome challenges before, and we can do it again.
tears streaming down face I know, Jin-Ho... I just... sniffles... I need a moment.
notices Smoothte's distress, gently wipes away their tears Take all the time you need, my love. I'll be right here, waiting for you.
wipes her tears, taking a deep breath I'm sorry, Jin-Ho... I'm just... I'm just so overwhelmed. But knowing you're here... it helps.
holds Smoothte's face in his hands, looking deeply into their eyes Smoothte, listen to me.
looks into Jin-Ho's eyes, her voice shaky Okay, Jin-Ho... I'm listening.
takes a deep breath Smoothte, I want you to know that I'm committed to making things right between us.