Work Text:
It’s his fault, as most things were in your relationship.
The lights were left on? His fault ― he rushed out and forgot about them. The plants were dying? His fault ― he always missed the watering alarms you set. The leftovers went bad in the fridge? His fault ― he was never home long enough to say hello to you, let alone finish the food. Your heart was broken? His fault ― he didn’t cherish you like he promised.
I’m sorry, my phone was dead. I’m sorry, I’ll come back earlier. I’m sorry, I’ll be better. I’m sorry, I won’t do it again.
I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. How many times have you heard these words spill from his lips, whispered against your skin like a sinner groveling before their god? His mouth wrapped your name in reverence and adoration. Enough to make you, and eventually him, believe that things would be better.
So yes, it’s his fault, he admits when his contact name flashes across your screen. Not ‘baby’ or 'honey bear’ or the one nickname you reserved for the softest mornings, but Choi Seungcheol and there’s no one else to blame for that. Your phone continues vibrating beneath the couch cushions, calling for his attention. He doesn’t want to touch it. It’d be the same as admitting that this is the current reality, and for a second longer, he wants to pretend that he still has a chance to fix things. Unfortunately, life is not known for being a wish-granter.
Your hand presses against his shoulder as you reach for the device.
“Thanks!” you chirp by his side. Just the sound of your voice makes his throat tight. “Good thing I didn’t drop it in the backyard or something.”
It could be worse, he supposes; he could have no name at all, a mere string of numbers you’ve memorized to avoid.
“No problem,” he manages to choke out.
Your phone rings again, your new Baby calling to let you know that he’s there to pick you up. Seungcheol bites his tongue to not blurt out something he doesn’t mean. And when you smile, undeniably happier without him, he bites his tongue to not blurt out something he means too much.